Not everyone thinks having car insurance is a big deal. Driving without car insurance is illegal, and you may be charged for failure to have appropriate coverage, depending on your situation. So, what are the penalties or fines for not having auto insurance?
Why Having Car Insurance Is Legally Required?
In general, all registered car owners must have liability car insurance for a simple reason. It covers the damages caused by you or anyone driving the vehicle with your permission, and it covers the other party’s bills and saves you from potentially paying out of your pocket.
What Happens If You’re Caught Driving Without Insurance?
Driving without insurance is a serious case that could result in fines of up to $1,000 and 12 months in jail. If you choose to drive without car insurance, you should expect the following penalties.
Fines: The fines for driving without car insurance vary, but a typical fine is around $500 to $1,000.
Impoundment: The officer who arrests you for driving without insurance can have your vehicle towed away.
Suspensions: Most states in the US will suspend your driver’s license to stop you from driving while you’re uninsured.
Imprisonment: You can go to jail for driving without car insurance. Jail time ranges from days to years, depending on your state and how many times you’ve violated the law.
