In the US, it’s legally required to have an active auto insurance policy to drive your car. If you’re driving with an expired auto insurance policy, it can lead to expensive tickets and worse. The aftermaths of driving with an expired insurance policy are more serious for repeat offenders. While the consequences of driving with expired insurance vary by state, it may include:
Costly Tickets
The penalties for an expired insurance policy vary widely based on state, the number of offenses and the length of time insurance has expired. You may pay a few dollars depending on the events surrounding the crime.
Suspended License
Most states will suspend your driver’s license if you drive with expired insurance. For instance, the driver’s 1st suspension is for a few days, the 2nd suspension can lead to 90 days, while the 3rd and subsequent suspension are for one year. However, some states implement indefinite suspensions to offenders, which means that your driver’s license will stay suspended until you take action, like paying for a traffic ticket.
Lack of Financial Protection
If you drive with expired auto insurance and are involved in an accident, you may not be able to file a claim even if someone else is at fault. Victims of another driver’s negligence are blocked from receiving compensation for injury damages.
Denial of Insurance Coverage
You may be denied insurance coverage if you are involved in an at-fault crash with expired insurance. In this case, your premiums can go up if you’re reapplying for insurance coverage.