Consequences of Driving Uninsured

Driving without insurance is illegal and can result in serious penalties:

📄 Ticket and Fine

• Caught at a traffic stop or checkpoint without insurance?
  • You can be fined several hundred dollars.
  • Additional penalty assessments can increase the total cost.
  • It’s considered an infraction.

🚫 Registration Suspension

• DMV tracks insurance electronically.
• If your insurance is canceled and not replaced:
  • DMV can suspend your vehicle registration.
• Driving with suspended registration:
  • Risk of vehicle impound
  • More citations

🚗 Accident Without Insurance

If the accident is your fault:

• You are personally liable for all damages.
• The other party can sue you (or your parents if you’re a minor).
• DMV can suspend your license for up to 4 years.
  • You may reinstate after 1 year if:
    • You file an SR-22
    • Maintain insurance
    • Satisfy any court judgments

If the accident is not your fault:

• You are still penalized under California’s “No Pay, No Play” law:
  • You cannot recover non-economic damages (e.g., pain & suffering).
  • You can only claim:
    • Medical expenses
    • Property damage
• You may still face license suspension for not having insurance at the time — this is administrative, not fault-based.

📄 SR-22 Requirement

• After:
  • A DUI, or
  • An accident without insurance
• You may be required to file an SR-22:
  • A certificate from your insurer proving you’re covered
  • Required for up to 3 years
  • If coverage lapses, DMV is notified

💸 Higher Future Insurance Costs

• Being caught without insurance makes you a high-risk driver.
• Result: much higher premiums in the future.

🚙 Vehicle Impound

• In some cases:
  • Checkpoints
  • Accidents without insurance
• Police may impound your car until proof of insurance is shown.

💡 Bottom Line

It’s far cheaper and easier to carry at least the minimum legal insurance.

If cost is an issue, look into the:

🔗 California Low Cost Auto Insurance Program

• Designed for low-income drivers
• Provides affordable coverage (though limits are lower)

➡️ Visit the CA Department of Insurance website to see if you qualify.