The Consequences of Driving Without Insurance

It is a legal requirement in the United States to be insured while you are driving a car. Driving is an inherently dangerous act, and accidents do happen. Insurance protects not just your car, but your health as well. The legal and financial consequences for driving without insurance are severe. Drivers should always make sure their insurance is paid for and up to date.

Legal Consequences of Driving Without Insurance

The exact penalties for driving while uninsured vary from state to state. Depending on where you live you may have your driver’s license suspended, your vehicle license may be suspended, or you may face heavy fines. For most states, repeated violations are associated with more punitive penalties. In Arizona, if you are caught driving while uninsured, you face a fine of up to $500 for a first time violation and a possible three month suspension of your license and registration. The consequences rise from there. For a third violation, you will be fined $1,000 and face a yearlong suspension.

Possible Financial Consequences

If you are involved in an accident while you are uninsured, you open yourself up to legal actions which could be devastating financially. If you cause damage to property, or are found responsible for causing injury to another person, you will likely be liable for the costs. If you do not have the protection of insurance, that cost may be very high. The aggrieved parties may decide to sue you. Driving without insurance is never worth it. You may feel like you are saving money. It may cost less now, but it could end up costing you everything in the long run.