To drive legally in the U.S., you must carry a minimum amount of auto insurance. These requirements vary state by state as do the repercussions you could face for being caught driving without coverage. It is important to know the minimum coverage requirements in your area.
Iowa, for example, requires all drivers to carry at least:
- $20,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $40,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $15,000 in property damage liability
Minimum requirements don’t necessarily reflect how much coverage you should carry, however. Full coverage is typically recommended, although you will not see legal repercussions for not carrying it.
Basic repercussions for driving without car insurance in most states include:
- Fines
- Jail time
- Points on your license
- License suspension
- Vehicle impoundment
- Court fees
- Reinstatement fees
If you are caught driving without car insurance, you will likely first face a fine and possibly have your vehicle impounded. Uninsured vehicles are illegal to drive, so it is unlikely for an officer to allow you to keep operating the vehicle even after you’ve received a fine for the incident.
This does not mean that you will face all of these repercussions at once, however. Repercussions for driving without insurance can vary depending on the frequency of the violation and severity of the circumstances.
For example, say you are caught driving without insurance for the first time with no accident involved, meaning you were just pulled over for a regular traffic stop or other minor violation. For your first violation, you nay face a fine on the lower end of the spectrum and won’t necessarily be arrested or jailed. However, if this is your fourth or fifth time being caught driving without insurance, you will likely face a higher fine and possible arrest, especially if you have not followed the required steps produced from your last violation.
Another example is if an accident is involved. If you cause an accident while driving without insurance, you may be more likely to face jail time, large fines and more.
Be sure to compare quotes and speak with an insurance agent about protecting your vehicle with affordable auto insurance. Driving without insurance can make it harder for you to find affordable auto insurance in the future, so find a car insurance policy designed to cover you and your vehicle at an affordable price.
