What will happen if I get pulled over without car insurance?

Nearly every state has laws requiring drivers to carry car insurance or some other proof of liability coverage when they get behind the wheel. In addition, most states require minimum amounts of coverage. If you do not have sufficient coverage, you can be fined. The penalties for not carrying such insurance vary by state, but if you are pulled over for driving without insurance or driving with invalid insurance, you will face penalties that may include:

• Fines of $100 to $500

• Immediate driver’s license suspensions, often 90 days up to 1 year

• Reinstatement fees of several hundred dollars

• Proof of insurance in order to reinstate your driver’s license, often requiring insurance covering from a more expensive carrier

• Community service

In some cases, if you have purchased car insurance but are not carrying proof that you have, you may receive a warning and be required to show proof within a specified period of time.

If you have been stopped by police and charged with driving without insurance or driving with insufficient insurance, you should contact an attorney to learn your options. You may be able to prove that your insurance company failed to notify you that a bill was due, or that they were cancelling your policy. Some courts will accept that it was an oversight and reduce the charges, as long as you provide proof that you have remedied the situation promptly.