What would happen if I get into a car accident without insurance?
If you cause a car accident without insurance, you will be personally liable to pay out-of-pocket for any injuries or property damage that you caused, on top of the fine and penalties that apply to first-time and repeat offenders.
Even if you are unable to pay all of the money right away, the other driver can sue you, allowing the courts to order your wages to be garnished until they are paid in full for the damages that you owe them.
Can my driver’s license be suspended for driving without car insurance in California?
Additionally, by driving without car insurance, you risk your driver’s license being suspended as well. For a first-time accident without car insurance, your license will be suspended for a year. After one year, you can buy car insurance and your insurance company can file an SR-22 insurance certificate on your behalf to reinstate your license, though you must maintain that SR-22 and proof of financial responsibility for three years.
Insurance rates for high-risk drivers, like those under SR-22 requirements, are usually much higher than the rates for standard drivers.
For uninsured drivers who repeatedly get in car accidents their driver’s license will be suspended for up to four years. Though, after the first year of suspension, you may similarly reinstate your license by providing an SR-22 and maintaining it for three years.
Can my car be towed / impounded for driving without car insurance in California?
For both first-time and repeat offenders who got into a car accident without car insurance, the court may order your vehicle to be impounded as well.
Even if you were not at fault for your car accident, driving without insurance will limit your ability to recover after the accident. California can be thought of as a “no pay, no play” state, meaning that you cannot try to get compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. As such, the other driver’s liability insurance can pay for your medical bills or car repairs only up to the policy limit, and you will not be eligible for any further compensation.
