Compare accounts

Get guidance

Compare accounts

Get guidance

Money market accounts

Money market accounts are similar to savings accounts, but offer some checking features as well.

Get guidance

Banking

Skip the searching and find your next bank in minutes with BankMatch℠.

Get guidance

Compare rates

Get guidance

Compare rates

Get guidance

Buying & selling

Find an expert who knows the market. Compare trusted real estate agents all in one place.

Get guidance

Compare investments

Get guidance

Compare plans

Get guidance

Finding an advisor

Get guidance

Compare cards

Find your fit

See your card matches

Answer a few quick questions and we’ll show you your top credit card options.

Compare cards

See what the experts say

Read in-depth credit card reviews to find out which cards have the best perks and more.

Get guidance

Get advice

Build credit

Compare lenders

Get guidance

Compare lenders

Get guidance

Compare lenders

Get guidance

Compare lenders

Get guidance

HELOC

A HELOC is a variable-rate line of credit that lets you borrow funds for a set period and repay them later.

Home equity basics

Home equity loans

Home equity loans let you borrow a lump sum at a fixed rate, based on how much of the home you own outright.

Get guidance

Compare rates

Get guidance

Compare rates

Get guidance

Compare companies

Get guidance

What happens if you get caught driving without insurance?

Advertiser Disclosure

We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare information for free - so that you can make financial decisions with confidence.

Our content is backed by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

How We Make Money

The offers that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within the listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. But this compensation does not influence the information we publish, or the reviews that you see on this site. We do not include the universe of companies or financial offers that may be available to you.

On This Page

On This Page

At Bankrate, we take the accuracy of our content seriously.

“Expert verified” means that our Financial Review Board thoroughly evaluated the article for accuracy and clarity. The Review Board comprises a panel of financial experts whose objective is to ensure that our content is always objective and balanced.

Their reviews hold us accountable for publishing high-quality and trustworthy content.

The Bankrate promise

At Bankrate, we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. To help readers understand how insurance affects their finances, we have licensed insurance professionals on staff who have spent a combined 47 years in the auto, home and life insurance industries. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation of how we make money . Our content is backed by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed entity (NPN: 19966249). For more information, please see our Insurance Disclosure .

The Bankrate promise

Founded in 1976, Bankrate has a long track record of helping people make smart financial choices. We’ve maintained this reputation for over four decades by demystifying the financial decision-making process and giving people confidence in which actions to take next.

Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. All of our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts, who ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy.

Our insurance team is composed of agents, data analysts, and customers like you. They focus on the points consumers care about most — price, customer service, policy features and savings opportunities — so you can feel confident about which provider is right for you.

All providers discussed on our site are vetted based on the value they provide. And we constantly review our criteria to ensure we’re putting accuracy first.

Editorial integrity

Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions.

We value your trust. Our mission is to provide readers with accurate and unbiased information, and we have editorial standards in place to ensure that happens. Our editors and reporters thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate. We maintain a firewall between our advertisers and our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers.

Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU – the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and dependable information.

How we make money

You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey.

Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.

We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.

Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and, services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.

Insurance Disclosure

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

Almost all states require that drivers maintain active car insurance coverage in order to drive legally. If you are driving without insurance, you run the risk of facing penalties that include fines, loss of your driver’s license and potentially jail time. If you are involved in an accident while driving uninsured, you may also be required to pay for vehicle damage and personal injuries others incur out of pocket. Plus, securing car insurance in the future may be even more expensive.

Can you drive without insurance?

Most states require you to purchase at least the minimum required car insurance coverage types and limits to drive legally. In many states, though, you can satisfy a similar “financial responsibility law” in another way, like posting a bond or showing proof of self-insurance. While these methods allow you to drive without car insurance, they are usually more expensive than purchasing a policy.

Although the mandatory minimum coverage levels differ by state, most states require at least the following types:

Some states also have other requirements, such as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage or personal injury protection (PIP). The latter two cover your medical costs and those of your passengers and are mandatory in some states, but optional in others.

Compare auto insurance rates

Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

Rates increased up to 12% this year.

Costs will continue to rise through 2022. Shop for a better rate before you renew your current policy.

Compare auto insurance rates

Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

Penalties for driving without insurance

If you drive without auto insurance, you’re likely to face consequences. The severity of these penalties depends on a number of factors, including the state you are in when it happens and whether this is your first or a repeat offense. There are many ways you could be identified as an uninsured motorist, and that matters, too.

Getting pulled over without insurance

In most states, if you are pulled over for the first time without auto insurance, there will be a fine. In California, for example, you could pay $100 to $200 plus penalty fees for a first offense. In addition, other states, such as Florida, will suspend your driver’s license and registration and require fees to have them reinstated.

In some states, including California, the law enforcement officer who pulls you over has the right to impound your vehicle if he or she deems it necessary. You would then be responsible for towing fees and other costs involved and might not be able to get your vehicle back until you have proof of auto insurance. You may also need to file an SR-22 certificate in most states stating that you are now carrying the required minimum coverage.

Once you have been cited for not having auto insurance, you may find that the cost of car insurance — which you’ll probably have to buy to get your license reinstated or your car out of the impound lot —  is higher than if you had had a policy all along. Insurance companies may view you as a higher-risk driver.

Getting into an accident without insurance

If you get into an accident without auto insurance, you may face some serious consequences. You will be subject to all the penalties described above and are more likely to have your license suspended and your vehicle impounded. If you are involved in a serious accident and not properly insured, you will likely be required to file an SR-22 or FR-44 with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Finding coverage in this situation may be more difficult but could also classify you as a high-risk driver where you can expect more expensive premiums. Stipulations for these certificates vary by state, but you may be required to hold an SR-22 or FR-44 for a few years.

If you caused injuries and property damage as a result of the accident, you could find yourself facing high out-of-pocket costs as well. If you had insurance, you could rely on your policy to help you pay for the damages. As an uninsured driver, they may fall completely to you.

If you are unable to pay for the cost of the accident, you could face financial distress. Because costs for medical care and vehicle damage can add up quickly, you may find yourself in a tough position.

How do you get car insurance when you are uninsured?

If you have been driving without auto insurance, you should consider purchasing a policy as soon as possible. This will not only ensure that you meet your state’s requirements for legal driving but can also help protect you from the financial fallout of causing an accident. You may not be eligible for the lowest premium because driving without insurance puts you in a higher-risk category, but you could find reasonably priced coverage if you shop carefully. Getting quotes from a variety of car insurance companies can be helpful in finding a competitive price.

Frequently asked questions

Can my license be suspended for driving without car insurance?

What can I do if I can’t afford insurance?

What happens if I don’t have car insurance and someone hits me?

How much is the fine for driving without insurance?

Related Articles

What happens if you drive without insurance in California?

Penalties for driving without insurance in Texas

What happens if you get in an accident without insurance?

Penalties for driving without insurance in Tennessee

Bankrate logo Bankrate

About

Help

Legal

How we make money

Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.

Bankrate, LLC NMLS ID# 1427381 | NMLS Consumer Access BR Tech Services, Inc. NMLS ID #1743443 | NMLS Consumer Access

© 2024 Bankrate, LLC. A Red Ventures company. All Rights Reserved.