Consequences of driving without car insurance
Drivers are required to purchase a proper car insurance policy to drive in the state. If you are caught by the police while driving without car insurance then you could face penalties. Penalties are different in several states of the USA. Following are the consequences of driving without car insurance:
Driving without car insurance is illegal
If you are found driving without a car insurance policy then it is against the law in most of the states of the USA. But few states of the USA give chance to the drivers to be self-insured. Drivers must deposit cash or sign a post bond with the state’s treasury to be self-insured. The amount paid to be self-insured is equal to the state’s liability limits.
If you failed to show the proof of insurance to police it means you are violating the law because of driving without car insurance. Police could charge penalties, suspend your license, or you have been ticketed for driving without car insurance.
How much is the fine for driving without car insurance?
Fine for driving without a car insurance policy is different in different states of the USA. Following are the average penalties charged according to the different states for driving without car insurance:
| States | Average penalties |
| Alabama | $500 or more |
| Alaska | $500 |
| Arizona | $500-1000 |
| Arkansas | $100-300 |
| California | $100-250 |
| Colorado | $500 |
| Connecticut | $100-200 |
| Delaware | $1000-3000 |
| Florida | $200-500 |
| Georgia | $50-200 |
| Hawaii | $500-5000 |
| Idaho | $100-1000 |
| Illinois | $500-1000 |
| Indiana | $300-1000 |
| Iowa | $300 |
| Kansas | $1000-3000 |
| Kentucky | $1000 |
| Louisiana | $150-800 |
| Maine | $50-500 |
| Maryland | $1000-2500 |
| Massachusetts | $1000-5000 |
| Michigan | $200-600 |
| Minnesota | $200-3000 |
| Mississippi | $500 |
| Missouri | $500 |
| Montana | $200-500 |
| Nebraska | $50-100 |
| Nevada | $200-1000 |
| New Jersey | $250-5000 |
| New Mexico | $200-1000 |
| New York | $200-1500 |
| North Carolina | $100-200 |
| North Dakota | $200-5000 |
| Ohio | $150-700 |
| Oklahoma | $200-300 |
| Oregon | $100-1000 |
| Pennsylvania | $100-300 |
| Rhode Island | $100-1000 |
| South Carolina | $100-600 |
| South Dakota | $100-550 |
| Tennessee | $20-300 |
| Texas | $150-4000 |
| Utah | $300-1000 |
| Vermont | $20-500 |
| Virginia | $500 |
| Washington | $500-1000 |
| West Virginia | $250-5000 |
| Wisconsin | $500 |
| Wyoming | $200-1500 |
Can the state suspend your driver’s license for driving without car insurance?
Rules for punishment regarding driving without car insurance are different according to the state. Some states of the USA cancel or suspend the driver’s license of those who caught driving without car insurance but some states charge fine who found driving without having proper car insurance policy according to the state requirements. States that cancel the driver’s license if anyone found driving car insurance policy are Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Can your vehicle be towed if you found driving without proof of insurance?
In some states of the USA, if you are caught without car insurance your vehicle can be towed. But it is up to the officer’s discretion whether to tow your vehicle or not. It is illegal to drive without car insurance. Police officers can impose a penalty on you for driving without car insurance. In some states, police have the right to tow your vehicle if you are caught driving without car insurance.
Consequences of driving without car insurance if you had an accident when you are at-fault
You can be sued in the court to recover the losses due to accidents caused by you if you do not have a car insurance policy. You will have to pay the cost of damages from your pocket if you caused an accident. It also affects your driving record. If you want to purchase a car insurance policy after an accident then car insurance companies charge higher premiums from you. You cannot claim to cover the cost of damages if you do not cover under the car insurance policy.
Consequences of driving without car insurance if you had an accident when you are not at fault
Rules for non-fault accidents are different according to different states for uninsured drivers. In some states, you will receive a compensation amount for covering the damages if you are not insured under the car insurance policy. In some states, no compensation is paid to the uninsured drivers no matter who is at fault. You are not able to file a claim if you are not insured under the car insurance policy. So it is beneficial and legally required to purchase car insurance policy according to the state minimum requirements.
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