The Consequences Of Driving Without Insurance

Driving without insurance can lead to serious short- and long-term consequences:

  • Fines, license suspension, and SR-22 or FR-44 requirements
  • Vehicle impoundment and much higher insurance premiums
  • Denied claims, civil lawsuits, or even jail time after an accident

Eliminate the stress of driving uninsured—start comparing quotes today!

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Beth Swanson

Insurance Analyst

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • Associate in Insurance
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Susan Meyer

Senior Editorial Manager

Susan is a licensed insurance agent and has worked as a writer and editor for over 10 years across a number of industries. She has worked at The Zebr…

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Risks of driving uninsured

Driving without car insurance is illegal in almost every state, and getting caught can result in serious financial and legal consequences. Annual car insurance rates can go up as little as 2% to as much as 58%, depending on the state, if you're caught driving without insurance.[1]

Even if you're not at fault in a crash, being uninsured could leave you without coverage when you need it most.

Let’s take a closer look at what could happen if you're pulled over or involved in an accident with no insurance.

car insurance policy

Is it illegal to drive without car insurance?

Yes. In most states, it’s illegal to drive without proof of insurance—and the penalties can be steep. Here's what you may face:

  • Fines and penalties, even for a first offense
  • License suspension or revocation
  • SR-22 or FR-44 filing requirements (state-dependent)
  • Vehicle impoundment and storage fees
  • Denied coverage if you’re in an accident
  • Higher rates when you try to get insured again
  • Jail time in some states for repeat offenses
  • Civil lawsuits if you cause injury or property damage
  • Fewer insurer options and added paperwork to get legal again

Only New Hampshire and some parts of Alaska don’t require insurance by default—but even there, a DUI or crash can trigger coverage requirements. Wherever you are, you’re still financially responsible if you cause damage.[2]


Thinking about dropping coverage?

If your car isn’t being driven, you might be tempted to cancel your insurance to save money. But before you do, here’s what to consider:

  • A lapse in coverage can raise your rates when you try to get insured again

  • A parked car can still pose a liability risk, depending on where it’s stored

  • Some insurers offer storage-only coverage to keep your policy active while protecting your car

⚠️ Heads up: Storage coverage has strict eligibility rules—check with your insurer first. But if you're looking to cut costs without giving up protection, it's worth exploring.

Self-insurance implications

Self-insuring might sound appealing, but it's not as simple as skipping your premium and saving money on your own.

Some states allow self-insurance, but only if you deposit tens of thousands of dollars with the state. That’s not a realistic option for most drivers, especially if you’re already trying to manage costs.

How Much Car Insurance Rates Go Up After an Accident

While it depends on the specific violation, insurance company and location, you can expect to pay a penalty for up to five years after a car accident.


How much is the fine for driving without insurance?

Excluding New Hampshire, every state will ticket you for driving without insurance. The monetary penalty can vary drastically between states. In many places, it's cheaper to buy minimum liability insurance than to get a ticket.

State Penalty for Driving without Insurance Average Monthly Premium After Failure to Show Documents Violation Average % Insurance Goes Up
Alabama $200 - $400 $198 20.73%
Alaska $500 $192 9.09%
Arizona Suspension of license $234 18.78%
Arkansas $1,000 $245 22.50%
California $100-$200 $241 31.69%
Colorado $500 $251 12.56%
Connecticut $500 $244 19.61%
Delaware $1,500-$3,000 $244 14.02%
Florida $150-$500 $348 13.36%
Georgia $200 - $1,000 $261 21.96%
Hawaii $500-$5,000 $142 5.22%
Idaho $75-$1,000 $143 17.21%
Illinois $500-$1,000 $198 20.00%
Indiana $250 and suspension of license $156 13.04%
Iowa Suspension of license and registration $158 12.06%
Kansas $300-$2,500 $217 10.71%
Kentucky $500-$1,000 $279 14.34%
Louisiana $500-$500 $329 19.20%
Maine $100-$500 $149 16.41%
Maryland $500 and up to one year of incarceration $235 16.34%
Massachusetts $500-$5,000 $210 57.89%
Michigan $200-$500 $265 28.64%
Minnesota $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail $199 15.70%
Mississippi $100 $212 19.10%
Missouri $400 $306 13.75%
Montana $250-$500 $202 9.78%
Nebraska Suspension of license $190 11.11%
Nevada $250-$1,000 $268 18.06%
New Hampshire $125 (Note: New Hampshire doesn't require everyone to have insurance) $132 10.92%
New Jersey $300-$1,000 $228 16.92%
New Mexico $300 and up to 90 days in jail $186 10.06%
New York $1,500, 15 days in jail and suspension of license $219 4.29%
North Carolina $100 - $150 $131 2.34%
North Dakota $5,000 and up to 30 days in jail $190 9.20%
Ohio $500 and suspension of license $138 12.20%
Oklahoma $250 and/or up to 30 days in jail $221 10.50%
Oregon $135 - $1,000 $184 17.20%
Pennsylvania $500 $221 16.93%
Rhode Island $100-$1,000 $260 18.18%
South Carolina $100-$200 $238 17.82%
South Dakota $500 and up to 30 days in jail $184 10.18%
Tennessee $300 and suspension of license $195 16.77%
Texas $500 $240 16.77%
Utah $400 $208 13.59%
Vermont $500 $120 10.09%
Virginia $600 and suspension of license $180 13.92%
Washington $250 $215 19.44%
Washington, D.C. Suspension of registration and escalating fines $252 12.00%
West Virginia $250-$1,500 $196 13.29%
Wisconsin $500 $156 9.09%
Wyoming $750 $150 11.94%
Erick Sosa, agent
Agent Insight: Will a suspended license hurt me later?

"If your license ends up suspended, some carriers won’t cover you at all or will charge significantly higher premiums. Your license status plays a big role; a suspended or expired license can make it much harder to get insured."

-Erick Sosa, Licensed Insurance Agent and Sales Manager at The Zebra

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Can your license be suspended for driving without insurance?

Yes. In many states, driving without insurance can result in having your license suspended. But rules vary:

  • Some states suspend your license until you show proof of insurance and pay any related fees
  • Others impose a fixed suspension period, like 30 or 90 days, regardless of when you get insured

In some cases, reinstatement depends on how you were caught—whether at a traffic stop, after an accident, or through an automated system.[3]

Car Insurance with No Insurance History

On average, drivers who are previously uninsured pay $153 more per year than drivers with a stable history of insurance coverage.


Can your vehicle be towed if you don't have insurance?

You don't need to drive your vehicle to face the consequences of lapsed auto insurance. Currently, 22 states electronically monitor whether registered vehicles are insured. If you’re caught with a registered, but uninsured, vehicle, you will be fined.

If you’re caught driving without insurance, it will be up to the officer's discretion whether or not to tow your vehicle. Because car insurance is legally required, a police officer would be within their rights to tow your vehicle. In this case, you would face impound fees in addition to other penalties.

Unless you are involved in an accident without insurance, fines, license suspension, and auto impoundment will be the extent of your penalties. You are unlikely to receive jail time after a first-time offense of driving without insurance. Things get more costly if you're involved in an accident while uninsured.

driver
Can I drive someone else's car without insurance?

Maybe—but it depends on their policy. If a friend has a permissive use clause, their insurance may cover you occasionally. But that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. Driving uninsured is never a great idea. Even one accident can leave you on the hook for property damage or medical bills if you’re not covered.

Buying a new car? You’ll need proof of insurance before the dealership lets you drive it off the lot.


What happens if you're in an accident and you don't have insurance? 

 

Below, we'll look at what could happen in various situations if you're involved in an accident when you don't have active car insurance coverage.

wrecked car

When you are at fault

Being involved in an at-fault crash as an uninsured motorist is a very serious situation that would likely result in you being designated as a high-risk driver in the eyes of an insurance company, even if it's your first offense. Suppose you get into an at-fault accident and you do not have insurance. In that case, you will most likely be sued by the other driver's insurance company for bodily injury or property damage (sometimes both), ranging from a few hundred bucks to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the incident. Not only that, but legal penalties in many states increase dramatically for drivers who cause bodily injury to others while uninsured. This infraction can stay on your driving record for years to come and affect your ability to get insurance.

When you are not at fault

This varies by state and situation. Some states have what’s called a “no pay, no play” law, limiting the compensation you can receive after a not-at-fault accident if you’re uninsured. In Louisiana, on the other hand, you will receive no compensation after an accident if you’re uninsured, regardless of fault.

If the fault is difficult to determine, having an insurance company on your side is beneficial. A claims adjuster or representative will speak to the other insurance company on your behalf and pursue funds to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. Without insurance, you are on your own after an accident and all the financial responsibility will fall on you.

When you live in a no-fault state

Some states have no-fault laws, which means that regardless of who is at-fault in an accident, each driver must file insurance claims for their own bodily injury and/or property damage with their own insurance company. However, if you're uninsured in a no-fault state and get in a collision, you won't have an insurance provider to turn to, nor can you file a claim with the other party's insurance even if you're not at-fault. You would need to cover your own vehicle repairs or replacement, medical bills and more out-of-pocket.


How much does the minimum level of insurance cost?

At the end of the day, the consequences of driving without proof of insurance and not meeting insurance requirements will be more costly than purchasing state minimum liability coverage. Some companies offer monthly coverage to meet lower budgets. You can also reach out to our licensed agents, who can help compare even more companies to find the best fit for you. 

The table below highlights the average rates for minimum coverage. Your rates will vary based on individual rating factors, but this gives you a general idea of how little you might pay for the basic required amount of car insurance from top names in the industry.

State minimum liability rates from top carriers

Updating data...

Company Avg. Monthly Premium Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $43 $257
Travelers $46 $274
GEICO $49 $297
American Family $56 $333
Progressive $57 $344
State Farm $66 $399
Auto Club $70 $418
Farmers $70 $420
Nationwide $73 $438
Allstate $88 $530

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.

While these insurance premiums are just estimates and may considerably change based on where you live, use this data as a starting point. The best way to find cheap car insurance if you’re uninsured is to assess as many companies as possible.

If you’re an uninsured driver, enter your ZIP code below to see how cheap car insurance can be in your state.

insurance policies

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How states know if you're uninsured

Most states use monitoring systems to track whether drivers are actively insured, even if they haven’t been in an accident or pulled over. These systems fall into two categories: active and passive monitoring.

  • Active monitoring means that a state uses technology to audit insurance status on registered vehicles automatically.
  • Passive monitoring means that insurance status is checked more randomly, such as at a traffic stop or when you renew your registration.

Regardless of the monitoring system, driving without insurance is a risky choice. States have mechanisms to detect uninsured drivers, and the consequences can be severe. Check with your state's Department of Insurance website to see which type of monitoring is used where you live.[4]

With active monitoring, your insurance status is electronically tracked on an ongoing basis. This has decreased the number of uninsured drivers on the road in states where it has been implemented, such as Illinois, where the percentage dropped by almost half.[6]

  • How it works: Your insurance company is required to report policy details (like start, end, or cancellation dates) to your state’s DMV or insurance database.
  • If your coverage lapses, the system flags it automatically, and the state may:
    • Send a notice asking for proof of insurance
    • Fine you or suspend your registration/license
    • Require an SR-22 filing

📍 Examples of active monitoring states: Texas, California, Georgia, and most states with online insurance verification systems

Passive systems only check your insurance status when something triggers it, like:

  • A traffic stop
  • A car accident
  • Vehicle registration renewal
  • Random or periodic insurance audits

If you're caught during one of these checkpoints without valid coverage, you'll likely face fines, license suspension, or worse.

📍 Examples of passive states: Some parts of Alaska, New Hampshire, and a few others with less automated infrastructure


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Author profile picture

Johnny Hawkins

Sales Manager

Johnny’s insurance experience began when he joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent, supporting the sales team by servicing policies …

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 5 years experience in property & casualty insurance
Author profile picture

Amber Vigil

Sales Manager

Amber Vigil has three years of experience in the insurance industry and joined The Zebra in 2024. As manager, she leads a group of sales agents, ensu…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
Author profile picture

Erica Alderete

Customer Service Manager

Erica began at The Zebra in 2020 as a Licensed Service Agent, bringing six years of insurance experience from her career at Progressive where she spe…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 10+ years in the insurance industry

Find the cheapest rates for insurance today.

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No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Driving without insurance: FAQs

Penalties are regulated at the state level, so the amount of a fine depends on where you live. Fines can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Other consequences could include losing your license, having your car impounded, and facing court proceedings. Check with your state insurance department to learn more.

Yes, in all states but New Hampshire, you are required to have insurance to drive. The required minimum amounts vary depending on state regulations, so be sure to find out what you're required to carry for coverage in your state.

Yes, getting car insurance after a cancellation can be harder and more expensive. If your policy was canceled, especially for missed payments or risky behavior, you may face higher rates and fewer options. Some drivers are limited to non-standard insurers with higher premiums. To avoid this, always pay on time, avoid lapses, and reach out to your insurer if you’re having issues.


Sources
  1. Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool

  2. Automobile Insurance Consumer Frequently Asked Questions. NHID

  3. Driving Without Insurance: Penalties by State. Thompson Law

  4. How Long Do They Suspend Your License for No Insurance? Legal Clarity

  5. Insurance Departments. NAIC

  6. Jesse White Highlights Successful Electronic Automobile Insurance Verification Program. Illinois.gov


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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.