What Can Happen If I Get Into a Car Accident Without Car Insurance?
With the increasing costs of car insurance, it can become difficult for some people to afford the premiums. However, the costs involved if you get into a car accident without insurance can be staggering. You can face a wide variety of penalties from all areas of the legal system.
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Law on Insurance
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Every state in the country requires drivers to carry at least a minimum amount of liability insurance on their cars. The amount you are required to carry varies, but across the nation if you choose to drive, you must have car insurance.
Criminal Penalties
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Since state laws require car insurance, failure to carry it is a crime. Typically it is a Class B misdemeanor, which means you could face up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. In several states, the crime is enhanceable, meaning that the penalties get more severe if you commit the offense multiple times.
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Administrative Penalties
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Getting into a car accident without insurance will almost always lead to a suspension of your driver's license. Expect a suspension of anywhere from 90 days to one year. Also, most states will require you acquire high-risk SR-22 insurance before you are allowed to drive again.
Civil Penalties
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Civilly, if it is determined that you were at fault, you will be liable for any damage you caused to the other driver's car, as well as any injuries sustained. Without insurance, you will have to pay those expenses out of your own pocket.
Additional Problems
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Even after you are no longer required to carry SR-22 insurance, you will be considered a high-risk driver by insurance companies. You rates will skyrocket, if you can even find someone willing to insure you.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Chris Meller
