What happens if someone drives your car without insurance

Driving without insurance is against the law in all 50 U.S. states except New Hampshire. The consequences of driving without insurance can vary dramatically, with penalties ranging from a slap on the wrist to large fines and even jail time. Penalties can be particularly serious for repeat offenders and severe situations.

Can you drive without insurance?

In 49 of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, you can't drive without insurance. Unless you live in New Hampshire, you're legally required to have auto insurance for any car registered in your name. And even if you don't own a car but you drive one, you're still required to have insurance or be added to the car owner's policy. In New Hampshire, you're required to demonstrate financial responsibility for any damage or injuries if you're liable in an accident. For this reason, a minimum of liability coverage still makes sense for New Hampshire drivers.

Every state also requires a minimum level of car insurance for insured drivers, and your insurer will make sure you have the minimum required. Unless you're in Florida, which doesn't require bodily injury liability coverage, you must have the following coverages (including if you have car insurance in New Hampshire):

  • Bodily injury liability: Covers medical costs of people in the other vehicle when you're at fault in an accident
  • Property damage liability: Covers damage to the other car or personal property (such as a fence or mailbox) when you're at fault

Before purchasing insurance, check the specific requirements for your state since medical payments coverage and personal injury protection coverage are also mandatory in some places. These cover your personal medical costs if you're in an accident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may also be required in some states. And remember, the legally required coverages reflect the lowest amount of car insurance required by your state; you might consider coverage above and beyond the minimum according to your vehicle, finances, and driving habits. Estimate the right starting point for you using the car insurance calculator.

Are there consequences of driving without insurance?

If you're legally required to have insurance based on where you live or your past driving history, there can be serious consequences for driving uninsured. Penalties vary by state and can include:

  • Fines
  • Suspension of your license
  • Having your car impounded
  • Requirement to file an SR-22
  • Jail time

The degree of the penalty also depends on the severity of the situation and whether you're a repeat offender of driving a car without insurance.

What happens if you get pulled over without insurance?

If you get pulled over without insurance, even if you're a first-time offender, you're likely to get a ticket that carries fines. Fines for driving without insurance can reach as high as $5,000 in some states, including Massachusetts, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Hawaii. Many states will also suspend an uninsured driver's license, even if you're a first-time offender. The suspension may end after a specific period, or once you've presented proof of insurance or filed an SR-22 with your state. There's also a chance your car could be towed, and you won't be able to get it back until you've paid a fine and provided proof of insurance.

Many states will suspend your license if you're caught driving uninsured.

Have you previously been caught driving uninsured? If so, there's a good chance getting caught again will lead to a larger fine. You could even risk serving jail time.

What happens if you get in an accident without insurance?

The penalties listed earlier also apply, but to a greater extent, if you're in an accident while driving without auto insurance. You're more likely to receive several penalties, including a fine, having your car impounded, and getting your license suspended until you can provide proof of insurance. That's not all, though. You'll also be liable or partially liable for property damage and injuries caused by the accident, which could cost you hundreds of thousands.

What to do if you're currently driving uninsured

  1. Purchase car insurance

    If you don't currently have car insurance or your previous insurance policy has lapsed, purchase at least the minimum coverages required by your state before you get behind the wheel again.

  2. Carry your proof of insurance

    Always keep proof of your insurance alongside your registration or with you on your mobile device. Even if you're insured, some states issue penalties to those driving without proof of insurance. If you don't have proof of insurance with you, many states allow a short grace period for providing proof of insurance to the local police department before they issue a ticket.

How to purchase car insurance

What happens if someone drives your car without insurance

Call us

Talk to a licensed representative who will guide you through every step of the process.

Call 1-866-749-7436

Please note: The above is meant as general information to help you understand the different aspects of insurance. This information is not an insurance policy, does not refer to any specific insurance policy, and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions expressly stated in any insurance policy. Descriptions of all coverages and other features on this page are necessarily brief; in order to fully understand the coverages and other features of a specific insurance policy, we encourage you to read the applicable policy and/or speak to an insurance representative. Coverages and other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and are not available in all states. Whether an accident or other loss is covered is subject to the terms and conditions of the actual insurance policy or policies involved in the claim. References to average or typical premiums, amounts of losses, deductibles, costs of coverages/repair, etc., are illustrative and may not apply to your situation. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites linked from this page.

What is the fine for driving without insurance in Georgia?

Driving without insurance in Georgia can incur serious penalties, depending on the circumstances. You could face up to $185 in fines and a year in jail and lose your driving privileges and vehicle registration.

What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Ohio?

Ohio requires all drivers to carry insurance — and if you're caught without it, the penalties are steep. The state may temporarily revoke your driver's license, license plates and vehicle registration, plus charge a reinstatement fee of up to $660.

Is it illegal to not have car insurance in Indiana?

Indiana law mandates that all drivers carry a minimum amount of car insurance to operate a motor vehicle on state roadways. If you get caught driving without insurance in Indiana, you can face severe penalties and financial losses.

Can someone borrow my car and be insured?

If you allow someone else to borrow your car, it's still covered by your insurance policy. Insurers call this "permissive use." This is true even when the driver carries their own insurance. However, both your insurance policy and the driver's insurance may apply in the event of an accident.