Even the most careful driver is at risk of getting into an auto accident. And if you’re driving without insurance, the consequences can be even more serious.
Insurance protects you and your finances in case of an accident. How does it work? Simple, you pay monthly premiums in exchange for financial protection if something goes wrong.
Car insurance is required according to California law, so the consequences can be serious if caught driving without insurance. Not only do you risk serious fines, but you could also face jail time and a license suspension.
Table of Contents
- Is It Illegal to Drive Without Car Insurance?
- California Car Insurance Laws
- What Happens If You Drive Without Insurance in California?
- Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in California
- Driving Without Car Insurance in an Accident
- Don’t Drive Without Coverage
Is It Illegal to Drive Without Car Insurance?
Are you thinking of driving a car without insurance? Don’t do it! You might think you can’t afford it, and you’ll worry about the fees if and when you’re in an accident. This line of reasoning is reckless, foolish, and against the law.
Driving without auto liability insurance is illegal in 49 of the 50 states and DC. If you choose not to get auto insurance, the costs of repairs, fines, and other expenses outweigh the monthly insurance payment by a large margin.
California Car Insurance Laws
Before getting on the road, to have auto insurance or another sign of financial responsibility, the minimum legal requirements for auto insurance in the state are $15,000 in liability protection for one other driver’s injuries, $30,000 in protection for one accident, and $5,000 in protection for property damage.
What Happens If You Drive Without Insurance in California?
While driving in California, you must have proof of liability insurance or an approved substitute. If you drive without valid insurance in California, you could face various penalties. The penalties vary depending on the circumstances.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in California
If the police stop you in California for a traffic infraction, they may want to see your driver’s license, California vehicle registration, and proof of your ability to pay. This financial obligation could take the following forms:
- Evidence of liability insurance with $5,000 property damage, $15,000 per person injured, and $30,000 per event injury limits.
- A deposit with the state treasurer is another type of financial accountability documentation.
If you are found guilty of operating a vehicle without insurance, you will have to pay fines, and if you are a repeat offender, you may also face further penalties.
- First offense: fines ranging from $100 to $200, as well as penalty assessment fees amounting to $26 for every $10 of the total fine.
- Second offense and each subsequent offense: you should expect to pay a fine of between $200 and $500, plus any applicable penalty assessment fees.
- Other possible sanctions include filing an SR-22 certificate, managing a suspended license or registration, and paying reinstatement fees.
Driving Without Car Insurance in an Accident
Car accidents must be reported, and both drivers must present evidence of financial responsibility. If the collision caused more than $750 in property damage, involved injuries, or ended in death, you must report it.
If you cannot provide proof of car insurance after an accident, the state will suspend your license for one year (in addition to charging you a fine). After one year, you can apply to have your driving privileges back if you prove that you now have financial responsibility.
If you get caught driving without insurance again after the first offense, your license will be suspended for up to four years.
If you need to drive to work or pick up and drop off your kids at school while your license is suspended, you can apply for a restricted license that will allow you to do so. This will enable you to continue driving when it is essential.
Don’t Drive Without Coverage
Going without car insurance isn’t just a bad idea, it is unnecessary! There are car insurance options out there that will accept you, no matter what your driving record is. If you have a valid driver’s license, you can get coverage. It does not need to be expensive!
For many, this affordable car insurance comes from Pronto Insurance. When you get your coverage through us, your car insurance coverage does not need to be unreasonably priced, even if you’ve gone a while being uninsured. If you can no longer afford your monthly premiums or do not have coverage, consider making the switch. You need to feel safe and covered while you are driving, and you need to stay within the law!
