Driving without car insurance is an offense that carries penalties in every state. These penalties include fines, surcharges, and even jail time. Also, the penalties for driving uninsured vary from state to state.

“The rule of law requires that all automobile drivers must maintain an active insurance policy. This rule is in recognition of the risks and dangers that are inherent to the activity of driving. If everybody drove on the public roads without maintaining their insurance policy, then the bonds of trust that make our society function would break down,” says David Reischer, attorney at LegalAdvice.com.

This guide will help you determine what penalties you could face if you get caught driving without car insurance in your state.

Key Highlights
  • In many states, if you’re caught driving without car insurance, your registration and license will be revoked.
  • You will be considered a high-risk driver after a violation for driving without insurance.
  • Rather than driving without insurance, try to fulfill your state’s minimum liability insurance requirement to drive legally.
  • You can save money on your car insurance as a high-risk driver by comparing insurance quotes from different companies.
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Written by:
Mark Vallet
Contributing Researcher
Mark is a freelance journalist and analyst with over 15 years of experience covering the insurance industry. He has extensive experience creating and editing content on a variety of subjects with deep expertise in insurance and automotive writing. He has written for autos.com, carsdirect.com, DARCARS and Madtown Designs to name just a few. He is also a professional blogger and a skilled web content creator who consistently turns out engaging, error-free writing while juggling multiple projects.
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Reviewed by:
Nupur Gambhir
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Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.

What happens if you drive without car insurance?

You’re putting yourself at risk in more ways than one if you drive without insurance. The lapse in your coverage after driving without insurance will cost you, on average, 10% more when you finally get a new policy in place.

But the no insurance penalty is much higher in some states. For instance, in California, the average driver faces a 36% hike, and in Massachusetts and North Carolina, you’ll see increases of about 30%, CarInsurance.com rate data show.

What happens if you’re uninsured and you get in an accident?

Additionally, the penalties for no insurance vary by state. More importantly, if you get in an accident, you’re on the hook to pay for the damages.

For example, if you drive uninsured and get in an accident in California, you could lose your license for up to four years, whether or not the accident was your fault. After a year, you may be able to get your license back if you get insurance, provide proof to the motor vehicle department and pay a reinstatement fee.

Remember that you must also file an SR-22 form to show proof of financial responsibility. You are additionally responsible for all the costs associated with the accident. Even if the other driver has uninsured motorist coverage and his insurer compensates him, his insurance company will likely sue you to recover its costs. This means you could lose your assets and home if the cost of the damage exceeds the amount of money you can pay.

What is the penalty for driving without insurance?

Even if you avoid an accident while driving without car insurance, your registration and license will be revoked in many states if you’re cited. You have to pay a fine, and your car may be impounded. Rather than driving without insurance, consider buying your state’s minimum liability car insurance.

David Reischer, attorney at LegalAdvice.com, says penalties against uninsured drivers are often too lenient. Uninsured drivers who injure people in accidents leave the injured party with no recourse except to sue the uninsured driver.

“This is simply unfair to all the other drivers that play by the rules and maintain their automobile insurance policy to compensate an injured party. Any person that cannot afford automobile insurance should simply not be driving on the public roads,” Reischer says.

People injured in accidents involving uninsured drivers could face significant costs from injuries and vehicle replacement costs.

“The rule of law requires that all automobile drivers must maintain an active insurance policy. This rule is in recognition of the risks and dangers that are inherent to the activity of driving. If everybody drove on the public roads without maintaining their insurance policy, then the bonds of trust that make our society function would break down,” Reischer says.

Here are state car insurance laws about uninsured motorists’ penalties and fines:

State Fine Amount Jail Time Registration Suspension License Suspension
Confiscate Plates
Impound Car Points SR-22
Alabama$500 to $1,000 _YesYes  _  _  _ _
Alaska$500 to $1,00090 days to 1 year  _Yes  _  _  _Yes, if in accident
Arizona$500 for first violation  _YesYes  _  _  _ _
Arkansas$50 to $250 for first offense  Up to a year on third offenseYes  _Yes  _  _ _
California$100 to $200   _YesYes  _Yes  _ _
Colorado$500 minimumCommunity Service _Yes _ _Four points _
Connecticut$100 to $1,00090 daysYesYesYesYes _ _
Delaware$1,500 to $3,000  _YesYesYes _ _ _
D.C.Up to $500 fine90 daysYesYesYes _ _ _
Florida$500 reinstatement fees _YesYesYes _ _Yes
Georgia$200 to $1,0001 yearYesYes _ _ _Yes
Hawaii$500Yes (not more than 30 days)YesYes (after multiple offense)YesYes _Yes
Idaho$75 to $1,000Yes (not more than 6 months)YesYes _ _ _Yes
IllinoisMinimum $500 _YesYes _ _Yes
IndianaUp to $1,000 _ _Yes _ _ _Yes
Iowa
$250 mandatory fine or community service
 _Yes _YesYes _ _
Kansas$300 to $1,0006 monthsYesYes _ _ _ _
Kentucky$500 to $1,00090 daysYesYes _ _ _ _
Louisiana$500 to $1,000YesYes (if you cause an accident)YesYes _ _
Maine$100 to $500 _YesYes _ _ _Yes
Maryland$150 to $2,500Yes _Yes _ _
Massachusetts$5001 yearYesYes _ _ _ 
Michigan$5001 year _Yes _ _ _ _
Minnesota$200 to $1,00090 daysYesYesYes _ _
Mississippi$1,000 _ _Yes _ _ _ _
Missouri$50015 daysYesYes _ _ _
Montana$250 to $50010 days _Yes _ _5 Points _
Nebraska$50 reinstatement feesYesYes _ _
Nevada$250 to $1,000YesYesYesYes _Yes
New HampshireInsurance not normally required _ _ _ _Yes 
New Jersey$300 to $1,000Community Service _Yes _ _ _
New MexicoUp to $300 _Yes _Yes _ _ _
New YorkUp to $1,500 plus a $750 reinstatement feeYesYes YesYes _ _
North Carolina$50 to $150 _YesYesYes _ _
North Dakota$150 minimum _YesYesYes _ _Yes
Ohio$100 to $600 _YesYesYes _ _Yes
OklahomaUp to $25030 days in some casesYesYesYes _ _
Oregon$130 to $1,000 _YesYes _Yes _Yes
Pennsylvania$300 _YesYes _ _ _
Rhode Island$100 to $500 _YesYesYes _
South Carolina$600 uninsured motorist fee _YesYesYes _ _Yes
South Dakota$10030 daysYesYesYes _ _Yes
Tennessee$300 _YesYes _ _ _ _
Texas$260 to $470 _YesYes _ _ _Yes
Utah$400 _YesYes _ _ _ _
VermontUp to $500 _ _Yes _ _Two points _
Virginia$200 _YesYesYes (if you haven’t paid the uninsured motor vehicle fee) _ _Yes (if you haven’t paid the uninsured motor vehicle fee)
Washington$550 _ _Yes _ _ _ _
West Virginia$200  YesYes _ _ _ _
WisconsinUp to $500 _Yes Yes  _ _ _Yes
Wyoming$250 to $750YesYes ___Yes

How much do insurance rates increase after driving without insurance?

Once you decide to shop for car insurance, you’ll be considered a high-risk driver. You’ll pay more for coverage. Here’s how much rates rise, on average, after a conviction for driving without insurance. Remember that even though you’ll pay more overall, you can still save money as a high-risk driver by comparing car insurance quotes.

State Rate With Insurance Rate After Driving without Insurance Violation $ Increase % Increase
Alaska$1,288 $1,460 $172 13%
Alabama$1,517 $1,826 $309 20%
Arkansas$1,483 $1,808 $325 22%
Arizona$1,661 $2,010 $348 21%
California$2,206 $3,028 $823 37%
Colorado$1,977 $2,159 $181 9%
Connecticut$1,455 $1,625 $170 12%
Washington, D.C.$1,904 $2,142 $238 13%
Delaware$1,751 $1,925 $174 10%
Florida$3,008 $3,608 $599 20%
Georgia$1,618 $1,932 $313 19%
Hawaii$1,309 $1,407 $98 8%
Iowa$1,241 $1,548 $307 25%
Idaho$1,011 $1,154 $143 14%
Illinois$1,364 $1,692 $328 24%
Indiana$1,282 $1,643 $361 28%
Kansas$1,493 $1,756 $263 18%
Kentucky$1,865 $2,134 $269 14%
Louisiana$3,197 $3,639 $442 14%
Massachusetts$1,760 $2,172 $412 23%
Maryland$1,966 $2,292 $326 17%
Maine$1,049 $1,182 $132 13%
Michigan$4,013 $4,986 $973 24%
Minnesota$1,686 $1,916 $229 14%
Missouri$2,372 $2,762 $390 16%
Mississippi$1,405 $1,574 $169 12%
Montana$1,766 $1,984 $218 12%
North Carolina$1,396 $1,783 $386 28%
North Dakota$1,232 $1,317 $85 7%
Nebraska$1,847 $1,991 $144 8%
New Hampshire$952 $1,119 $167 18%
New Jersey$2,262 $2,658 $396 17%
New Mexico$1,695 $1,905 $210 12%
Nevada$2,389 $2,877 $488 20%
New York$1,867 $1,897 $30 2%
Ohio$1,114 $1,287 $173 16%
Oklahoma$1,852 $2,191 $339 18%
Oregon$1,502 $1,887 $385 26%
Pennsylvania$1,297 $1,477 $180 14%
Rhode Island$1,792 $2,053 $260 15%
South Carolina$1,811 $2,160 $349 19%
South Dakota$1,558 $1,780 $222 14%
Tennessee$1,311 $1,505 $193 15%
Texas$1,981 $2,275 $294 15%
Utah$1,601 $1,731 $130 8%
Virginia$1,228 $1,358 $131 11%
Vermont$1,057 $1,156 $99 9%
Washington$1,351 $1,786 $435 32%
Wisconsin$1,573 $2,005 $432 27%
West Virginia$1,424 $1,622 $198 14%
Wyoming$1,763 $1,850 $88 5%

How to find the best auto insurance if you’re uninsured

Driving without auto insurance can be risky. And if you have been driving without car insurance, you should purchase a policy that will cover your car in case of an accident.

However, some people may not qualify for low rates because they are considered higher-risk drivers by insurers due to their lack of coverage. However, you can get affordable rates if you shop around and compare car insurance quotes.

Another option is to explore regional insurers in your state. They might offer reasonable car insurance rates by states overlooking things you were responsible for in the past.

What should I do if I can’t afford car insurance?

If you have multiple violatoins, car insurance can be expensive. However, if your insurance bill is doesn’t fit into your budget, there are a few things you can do to lower your premium: 

  • Contact your insurer: Let your insurance company know that you can’t afford your premium. Your agent may be able to set up a payment plan, delay a payment or combine it with a future payment. 
  • Change your coverages: To save on your premium, you can drop your coverage down to the state required minimums. However, be aware this puts you at risk of having to cover any damages that exceed your coverage levels out of pocket. 
  • Raise your deductible: If you can afford to double your deductible, your premium should drop a bit. Always choose a deductible you can easily afford.
  • Shop around: Shop your coverage with a wide variety of insurers to find the cheapest policy for your needs. Make sure any insurer you choose is financially sound. 

If you can’t afford your coverage and your car insurance policy lapses, you should not continue to drive without coverage. You will have to pay hefty penalties. Driving without coverage also guarantees you will pay more for coverage in the future.

Final thoughts: Driving without insurance

Driving without insurance is a major moving violation and will result in a variety of fines, fees, possible jail time and more expensive insurance premiums. Additionally, if you cause an accident while driving without coverage you will be on the hook for all repair and medical bills.

Insurers charge more for car insurance if you have a lapse in coverage — especially if the lapse has been over a month. If you are involved in an accident or ticketed for driving without insurance, the rate increase will be much higher. For example, data shows that premium increases in California can be up to 37%.

While dropping your insurance coverage is never a good idea, if you cannot afford your premium, consider upping your deducible, shopping your coverage or even lowering your coverage to your state required minimums.

Frequently asked questions

Is driving without insurance a moving violation?

While each state has different laws, driving without insurance is considered a serious moving violation and will result in points on your license. It’s also very likely that your driver’s license and license plate will be suspended. In many states you will have to file a SR-22 to prove you are carrying the proper insurance levels before your license will be reinstated. 

Can you lose your license for driving without insurance?

Yes, in most cases your license will be suspended until you provide proof of insurance. In many states your license plates will also be suspended until you provide proof of insurance coverage. 

If it is a second offense there is a good chance your license will be suspended for longer. For example, in Colorado, your license can be suspended for up to four months if it is a second offense and up to eight months for a third offense.  

Can you go to jail for driving without insurance?

While it is unlikely you will go to jail for a first offense, in some states, it is a possibility. For example, in Alaska, first time offenders can be sentenced to 90 days in jail if they are involved in an accident while driving uninsured. In Georgia, drivers can be sentenced to a year in the clink for a first offense. Jail time may increase for second or third offenses depending on where you live. 

Laura Longero

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Laura Longero

Executive Editor

Laura is an award-winning editor with experience in content and communications covering auto insurance and personal finance. She has written for several media outlets, including the USA Today Network. She most recently worked in the public sector for the Nevada Department of Transportation.

John McCormick

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John McCormick

Editorial Director

John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.

Leslie Kasperowicz

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Leslie Kasperowicz

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Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.

Nupur Gambhir

Ask the Insurance Expert

Nupur Gambhir

Managing Editor

Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.

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author image
Contributing Researcher

Mark is a freelance journalist and analyst with over 15 years of experience covering the insurance industry. He has extensive experience creating and editing content on a variety of subjects with deep expertise in insurance and automotive writing. He has written for autos.com, carsdirect.com, DARCARS and Madtown Designs to name just a few. He is also a professional blogger and a skilled web content creator who consistently turns out engaging, error-free writing while juggling multiple projects.