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Even if you’re a careful driver and don’t think you need auto insurance, you shouldn’t put off buying it.Auto liability insurance is required in nearly every state. Driving without it could put you at risk of fines, losing your license and possibly jail time, depending on where you live. Yet about one in eight drivers was uninsured in 2015, according to a 2017 study by the Insurance Research Council. While being on the road without insurance can be risky, it can also be complicated if you get into an accident. Let’s look at what happens if you don’t have auto insurance and cause an accident — or if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver.
Is an uninsured driver automatically at fault after a car accident?The short answer is no. But even if you’re not at fault, you could still be penalized with fines, license suspension or even jail time (depending on your state) if you’re caught driving without auto insurance. Plus, without auto insurance, you may have to pay out of pocket for any related car damage or medical costs. The cost and consequences of driving without insurance vary depending on what state you live in. In most states, you’d file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. So if another driver hit you, you’d file the claim with their insurer. But some states have no-fault laws, which means in the event of an accident, each driver can file a claim with their own insurance company to receive coverage for injury claims without having to determine who caused the accident. And even if the accident wasn’t your fault, you still wouldn’t be able to file an insurance claim with the other driver’s insurance company. Those states also have limits on when you can sue another driver, too. And if you live in a “no-pay, no-play” state, you generally can’t sue for any damages that can’t be quantified with a dollar amount — like pain and suffering or mental anguish — if you’re uninsured. About a dozen states have adopted no-pay, no-play laws, including California, Indiana, Louisiana, New Jersey and North Dakota. No-pay, no-play laws vary by state. For example, in Louisiana, you can’t sue for the first $15,000 of bodily injury or the first $25,000 of property damage. In other states, such as California and Missouri, you may be able to sue for nonquantifiable damages if the other driver was under the influence at the time of the accident. Depending on your state’s laws, you could face a hefty bill if you’re uninsured and get into a car accident. What happens if I cause the accident and have no car insurance?In most states, if you cause an accident, your liability insurance helps cover the other driver’s car damage costs and medical expenses — up to your coverage limit. But if you cause an accident and don’t have auto insurance, you may be at risk of being sued by the other driver for the cost of damages. In a no-fault state, the other driver’s insurance would typically kick in to cover their expenses. While no-fault laws put restrictions on when drivers can file lawsuits, you still aren’t completely risk-free. Depending on state laws, you could still be sued by the other driver. And remember, you’d need to cover your own expenses out of pocket. What happens if I get into an accident with an uninsured driver?If you’re insured and get into an accident with a driver who isn’t, you may be able to sue that driver to cover any related medical expenses or property damage. If you live in a no-fault state, your auto insurance may cover the expenses associated with your accident, up to your coverage limit. In this case, you might not be able to sue the other driver. Uninsured motorist coverage could help pay for your expenses if you’re in an accident caused by someone without car insurance. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is required by more than 20 states and the District of Columbia. Essentially, it takes the place of the liability insurance the other driver didn’t buy — or didn’t buy enough of. Types of auto insurance: What coverage do I need? What’s next?While most states require drivers to carry car insurance, some drivers risk getting on the road without that protection in place. Depending on where you live, the consequences of getting into a car accident with no insurance could be severe. And when you do decide to buy auto insurance, you might end up paying more. Your premium might go up if you have a lapse in your insurance coverage, or if you have an uninsured accident in your driving history. If you own a car but don’t have auto insurance, get coverage as soon as possible. You may also want to consider adding uninsured motorist coverage to help protect your finances if you were in an accident with an uninsured driver. Shop around and get quotes from multiple insurance companies to help find the best policy and rates for your budget. About the author: Sarah Sidlow is a freelance writer and editor based near Detroit. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Georgetown University. Sarah’s work has appeared in Luxembourg’s national newspaper, Washington City Paper… Read more. What happens if the person at fault in an accident has no insurance in Alabama?Your insurance company stands in the “shoes” of the at-fault driver. It compensates you for your damages and losses as if it insured the driver who caused the accident. You are not required to purchase uninsured motorist coverage in Alabama. However, all insurance companies must offer UM coverage.
What happens if you have a wreck without insurance in Tennessee?Driving without insurance is bad enough — but if you get into an accident that results in injuries or death while uninsured, you face a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted, you may pay fines up to $2,500 and face imprisonment up to 11 months and 29 days.
What happens if the person at fault in an accident has no insurance in NC?Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage in North Carolina
If you are involved in a car accident and the at-fault party does not have car insurance, you can file a claim with your own insurance company or file a lawsuit against the responsible party.
What happens if you get in an accident without insurance in Indiana?Following an accident in Indiana without car insurance, you not only will face penalties for being uninsured, but you'll be responsible for any damages caused. Additionally, the other driver (if they are insured) can sue you for all legal fees directly out of pocket.
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What happens if you wreck someone elses car without insurance
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