Driving without insurance in most states is illegal, with fines and penalties or possible jail time awaiting those caught breaking this rule. Get the Best information about driving without insurance.
Most police departments can verify your coverage by running your license plate number through their system; some states even require a bond or cash deposit if you drive without insurance.
Instead, contact an experienced New York traffic crimes lawyer immediately – it may help your chances of defending against these accusations.
Punishments
Becoming caught driving without insurance depends on a number of factors, including your prior record and circumstances of when and where you were stopped. Upon being found guilty, fines typically range from hundreds to thousands; your vehicle could even be impounded while surrendering license plates may even be necessary; repeat offenders could even face misdemeanor charges that could land them behind bars.
If your coverage lapses, many states provide grace periods that enable you to avoid tickets by providing evidence within specific timeframes. If this concerns you, make sure you carry proof with you at all times and renew before it happens again.
In New York, when charged with driving without insurance, you will face the presumption that you knew your vehicle wasn’t insured at the time of the traffic violation. This presumption can be overcome using evidence such as an insurance card in your possession at the time of the ticket or a letter from your insurer proving you had a valid policy on that day when pulled over.
Also, if you get involved in an accident while driving without proper insurance coverage, any injuries and property damage that result can become your responsibility, leading to massive expenses that you may be unable to cover. Furthermore, most states will suspend both your license and registration until proof of insurance or an SR-22 has been submitted with them.
Injuries
Even when not at fault, getting into an accident as a driver without insurance can cost a substantial sum of money. Your vehicle could be impounded for towing, and fines or civil penalties (for instance, in New York, first-time offenders are required to pay $8 for each day their coverage lapsed plus an administrative reinstatement fee of $750) may be levied against them (for instance).
However, the most significant financial strain comes from compensating other drivers’ injuries and damages. If your accident results in medical expenses and car repairs that exceed those covered by auto insurance policies, their medical bills and car repair bills could add up quickly without them having adequate protection from lawsuits against them. They could sue for noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering compensation, even going after savings or future earnings to cover their losses.
Most states practice no-fault insurance, and drivers file claims directly against their insurer for minor injuries. However, if you were at fault in an accident and another driver sustained damages as a result of you, they can file suit for their losses against you (if they’re willing). It may not take legal action at all depending on the severity and expenses involved, as some states have laws called “no pay, no play” that prevent people from filing noneconomic damage claims against at-fault drivers and insurance companies in cases like these.
Damages
Driving without insurance has serious repercussions. One is liability for damages and injuries you cause in an accident you cause; vehicle repairs alone can cost tens of thousands, while hospital bills, physician expenses, and other medical costs add up fast. While those you hit might have uninsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection insurance that covers some costs, they can sue and garnish wages against you to recoup more funds from you directly.
Depending on state laws, being caught driving without insurance could incur severe fines and jail time. Many states also revoke your license and registration when you are found guilty, forcing you to pay reinstatement fees and make fee payments to reinstate both. You may be exempt from fines if you can demonstrate proof that insurance existed prior to being caught driving without it or if someone else was using your car.
If you’ve been charged with driving without insurance, you must seek legal advice immediately. Simon Kabzan, a New York traffic crimes attorney, can help explain your options and defend against such allegations based on the specifics of your case – such as arguing that you weren’t driving the vehicle in question or having reasonable grounds for believing another policy existed.
Legal Action
If you are caught driving without insurance in New York, steep fines will follow based on court discretion and your past driving history. Furthermore, surcharges and civil penalties will likely also be assessed against you by the state. It may be possible to defend against these penalties by showing that your insurer did not cancel your policy, but this defense can be complex to establish since most providers take steps to inform their drivers when their policy has been canceled.
If you are caught driving without insurance, your driver’s license will most likely be suspended until you present proof to the DMV regarding an SR-22 form proving such coverage is present. Repeat offenses could even incur jail time.
Remember, if you crash into someone, they will hold you responsible for their property damage and medical bills. Without sufficient car insurance coverage, these costs could reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars; they may pursue legal action to recover these damages against you, potentially including seeking future earnings or savings to cover these expenses.
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