In California the penalties for driving without insurance (failing to show proof of financial responsibility) can include fines up to $500 plus penalties such as impoundment of the vehicle and suspension of the driver's license. If the vehicle is impounded the owner will have to pay for all storage and tow charges as well.
Any fines and penalties for driving as an uninsured motorist are on top of the citation, penalties and points connected to any citation you may have received for causing the accident (such as running a stop sign, etc).
The consequences can be far more serious if you are involved in an accident and do not have insurance. You may have to comply with the financial responsibility laws (SR22, SR22s, SR16) including having to pay for any injuries or damages from the accident out of your own pocket. If the other driver's injuries or property damage is serious and you are held personally responsible it will put any assets you have (bank account, house, etc) at risk.
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[Let CarInsurance.com help you find affordable auto insurance now.] In California when your license is suspended under the CA Financial Responsibility Law because of an uninsured accident you can request a non-commercial restricted license but you will need to file a SR22. According to the CA DMV, one of the requirements to obtain this license is to file a CA Insurance Proof Certificate (SR-22) and keep it on file for a total of 4 years from the suspension effective date. | 
