What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in California?

Driving without insurance in California can lead to severe penalties.

California requires all drivers to prove they are financially responsible and able to pay for damages if they cause an accident. Most drivers prove their financial responsibility by purchasing car insurance. Driving without car insurance leads to severe penalties. In fact, even driving without proof of insurance can lead to penalties.

California Insurance Requirements

The minimum insurance requirements in California are $15,000 for injury/death to one person, $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person, and $5,000 for damage to property. As an alternative to buying this insurance, drivers can choose to deposit $35,000 with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), obtain a self-insurance certificate from the DMV, or obtain a surety bond for $35,000 from a company that is licensed to do business in California.

License Suspension

If you are in a car accident and do not have car insurance, your driver's license will be suspended for four years. You may be able to get your license back after one year if you provide proof of insurance to the DMV. You will have to pay a reissuance fee of $125. In addition, you will need to obtain an SR-22 Proof of Financial Responsibility.

Defining the SR-22

The SR-22 is also called a Certificate of Financial Responsibility. It is a form that your insurance company files with the DMV to prove that you have purchased the required amount of liability insurance. This allows the DMV to monitor that you have purchased and are maintaining liability insurance. SR-22 insurance is considered a high-risk policy and so costs more than regular auto insurance.

Vehicle Registrations

If you do not have car insurance, your vehicle registration may be suspended. Insurance companies must report to the DMV the insurance status of all vehicles registered for private use. They can suspend your vehicle registration if you cancel your auto insurance and do not obtain a new policy within 45 days, buy a new car and do not buy insurance within 30 days, or provide false proof of insurance.

Citations

If you are found driving without insurance or proof of insurance, your vehicle may be impounded. In addition, you may receive a citation. If you do have insurance, you can have the ticket nullified if you later show proof of insurance in court. However, you might have to pay administrative fees.

References

• Superior Court of California: General Information on Suspended Drivers License
• California Department of Motor Vehicles: Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
• CA Department of Insurance: Automobile Insurance