49 out of the 50 states require drivers to carry auto insurance. New Hampshire is the only exception, but even it requires a degree of car insurance for its residents. We’ll elaborate on that specifically in a moment, but let’s talk about car insurance and why it’s required. When you register a car in your name at your state’s DMV, then there is an insurance requirement you must at least meet. This specific type of car insurance every driver is required to carry is liability coverage -also referred to as basic car insurance.
What Auto Insurance is Required to Drive?
Car insurance requirements across the United States are consistent in terms of coverage. Every driver usually must carry the following liability coverages:
- Bodily injury liability per person – Covers the injuries and medical expenses of the other driver in an accident that the policyholder caused.
- Bodily injury liability per accident – Covers the total amount of injuries and medical expenses of everyone involved in an accident that the policyholder caused.
- Property damage liability – Covers any damage and repairs to another driver’s car or property that the policyholder causes damage to in an accident.
Some states may have additional or specific auto insurance requirements. Florida, for example, doesn’t require drivers to carry bodily injury liability coverage. In its place, they require personal injury protection and uninsured motorist coverage. Always consult your DMV before shopping for an auto policy, so you know what to look for. Coverage amounts for liability coverage can range from $30,000 to $150,000.
What Are The Penalties For Driving Without Auto Insurance?
Driving without at least your state’s required amount of auto insurance can result in some significant legal penalties along with new requirements in order to drive legally. These penalties include:
- Fines – These can range from $500 to $5,000 just for first-time offenders and will increase if more occur.
- License suspension – In order to get your DMV to reinstate your license, you will have to file an SR22 through your auto insurance provider.
- Car impounded – In order to get your car back, you will have to get the necessary auto insurance and pay any fines. An SR22 may also be required.
- Jail time – In some states where driving without insurance isn’t considered a petty offense; jail time can be a penalty. Jail can also be a penalty for repeat offenders.
What to do When You’re Pulled Over With no Auto Insurance
When you’re pulled over while driving with no auto insurance, you will immediately be ticketed. As previously mentioned, ticket fines tend to be lower for first-time offenders, but they can still reach amounts of up to $1,000—some states like Massachusetts and New Jersey fine first-time offenders $5,000. Your license may also be suspended following the ticket, even if it is your first offense. You can either wait out the suspension period or find SR-22 insurance coverage and provide proof of auto insurance for a reinstatement. This is also the solution if your car is towed and impounded.
Being in an accident without insurance makes matters worse with harsher penalties. In addition to the penalties just covered, you will also be on the line for any damage and injuries you caused in the accident. Without auto insurance, these can run thousands of dollars. It will cost more than any fine associated with driving uninsured.
What is SR22 Insurance?
SR22 insurance is often required for high-risk drivers after a series of traffic violations or a major one. Driving without insurance and driving under the influence are both grounds for an SR22. An SR22 isn’t insurance but documentation submitted to your DMV by your insurance provider that proves you carry at least the required auto insurance. There is typically a filing fee, and an SR22 is carried for around three years and renewed on an annual basis.
If You’re Driving Without Auto Insurance, Here’s What to do
It’s not a complex process finding auto insurance if you are driving with none. There are two things you should do in order to avoid driving uninsured:
- Shop smart for auto insurance – Auto insurance companies offer free quotes, so you should take advantage of that by plugging in your desired coverage into every quote calculator you come across while browsing insurance providers online. You should shop locally or nationally for your state’s required coverages.
- Be your proof of coverage on hand – When an officer asks for your license and registration, they are also asking for your auto insurance information. Always keep an auto insurance card with your policy information in your glove box or stored digitally on your device.
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