5 Serious Consequences Of Driving Without Insurance

It may seem like a hassle to pay for auto insurance each month, but going without it is an extremely dangerous risk. States are cracking down on violators and imposing harsher consequences. Uninsured motorists cause thousands of dollars in damage to other people, vehicles and property. There are five important issues to consider about driving without auto coverage.

1. Fines

The fines imposed for driving without insurance are the smallest issue. In most cases, they vary between $200 and $1,000. Each state has different rules, and repeat offenses warrant larger fines. Some states may also hand out short jail sentences for some individuals.

2. Suspended License

Most states require the licenses of cited drivers to be temporarily suspended. Individuals who are insured but caught without proof of coverage may be able to remedy their situation. However, drivers without insurance usually lose their licenses for a period of 30 to 90 days. There is also a fee to reinstate the license.

3. Carrying The SR22

Some states may have different names for these documents. However, they are very similar. Anyone who receives a DUI, DWI or a variety of other serious moving violations must obtain one. The SR22 is similar to traditional liability auto insurance, which must meet state minimums. Drivers who have this type of coverage must pay a significantly larger amount than cost of regular insurance. In most states, the SR22 is active for three years. If a driver stops paying the premiums for it, he or she will face much more serious consequences.

4. Higher Insurance

In addition to paying plenty of money to keep an SR22, individuals cited for driving without insurance must pay higher rates for regular insurance. After the SR22 obligation ends, it is crucial for a cited driver to keep a regular liability insurance policy. However, such drivers are viewed as insurance risks, so their rates will be higher for several years. As drivers continue keeping a clean record, insurance rates gradually drop.

5. Damaged Driving Record

If the hassles of a suspended license, higher insurance rates and fines seem stressful, the addition of a damaged driving record will surely top the cake. A damaged DMV record can hurt more than insurance rates. For example, if a person applies for a job involving driving, he or she may be turned down for a bad DMV record. Many people are surprised to find just how many employers today require a clean driving record. In a tough job market, few people can afford to limit their options further.

There may be even more consequences. For example, if the reason the driver was caught without insurance is an accident, he or she may have to pay the other party's medical bills. Property damage, vehicle damage and many other expenses may also be incurred. Court costs, fees and high insurance rates outweigh the amount of a regular monthly premium, so it is smart to simply stay insured.

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Christopher Jensen is a writer offering advice on how to get an auto insurance quote online while looking for cheap Kansas auto insurance rates.

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