Insurance posts I wrote. Or The Dangers of Driving Uninsured

The Dangers of Driving Uninsuired (These were posts that I wrote for an SEO content farm.)

What are the dangers of driving uninsured?

The danger of driving without auto insurance is real. You not only can lose your driver's license or your plates, but you can also lose your job if your occupation is tied to your ability to drive to work. You then risk even more fines and penalties for driving without a license.

Don't drive down the dark uninsured road and check your zip code to find the cheapest car insurance quotes now!

Can I lose my job if I drive uninsured?

The answer is that indirectly you can. It just depends on whether you need your vehicle to drive to work. The penalties also vary from state to state. There are some states where you would be more at risk for losing your vehicle and subsequently your job than in other states. For example, in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Alaska and Delaware you're looking at both fines and suspension of your license for anywhere from 30 to 90 days. Delaware is the soviet gulag for driving uninsured in that you're looking at mandatory fines of $1500 to $2000 and license suspension of six months. Those are the mandatory minimums. Don't drive uninsured in Delaware. You're fined less for driving drunk!

On the other hand, there are many states that don't have mandatory suspensions for first offenses and you're just hit with a fine. Tennessee, Idaho, and Texas will greet you with fines ranging from $75 to $350 and probably a soft passionate kiss on the cheek. This is a risky conclusion to jump to but if you're uninsured in those states and you're a relatively safe driver then it might be worth it to risk driving uninsured for small amounts of time, like between paychecks. Wouldn't take that chance in Delaware.

Can I lose my license if I drive uninsured?

The definite answer is yes. Each state has different penalties, however. You can check your state's auto insurance requirements and penalties here. But the penalties are very real.

Here are the penalties in Pennsylvania if you foolishly decide to drive without auto insurance coverage:

You will be fined a minimum of 300 dollars for driving uninsured.

Your vehicle registration will be suspended for three months as well. (Your vehicle also can't be driven by anyone else while your registration is suspended.)

Your driver's license will be suspended for three months.

You will also have to pay restoration fees to restore your vehicle registration.

You will have to restore your driver's license.

You may also face vehicle impoundment.

Scared yet? It actually gets worse in Pennsylvania. Here's a terrifying scenario, based on personal experience, your car is broken for two months and you can't move it. You let the car insurance lapse. You then repair the car and get a new insurance policy for it. Are you in violation of Pennsylvania auto insurance law? Yes, you lawless rogue you are guilty. Guilty. A police officer can check your plates and if your insurance lapses for more than 31 days you can also lose your car registration for three months. You're not even allowed to prove that you didn't drive the car.

Well, what if I drive uninsured in Ohio?

You might say well I'll avoid Pennsylvania, move to Ohio and just drive recklessly and uninsured in Ohio. Not a good idea. The penalties are even worse.

You could lose your driving privileges for a minimum of ninety days and up to two years.

Your license plate and vehicle registration could be suspended.

You could lose your vehicle for 30 to 60 days for violating financial responsibility suspension. A third violation or more could result in vehicle forfeiture and a five year suspension of vehicle registrations. If you are found guilty of a financial responsibility suspension, then you will have to continuously maintain proof of financial responsibility for a minimum of three to five years from the date of the suspension of operating privileges.

There is one key difference with Pennsylvania in that Ohio does allow you limited driving privileges with your first or second offense. This would mean that you might not lose your job and could at least drive to work and buy food for yourself. Thank goodness for small favors.

Bottom line: Generally, if you can afford auto insurance, then you should probably purchase it. In fact, there are just some states, most of the coastline or high population states where driving uninsured is just a terrible idea and the penalties are just way too severe (looking at you Delaware).

There are some states where it would make sense to take a chance but those states, usually low population southern or western states, usually have lower auto insurance rates as well. You're probably just better off being covered. After all, if you are in an accident and you're uninsured, you get nothing for your car if it's totaled. And you'll get a fine.

Avoid fines and license suspension by looking for the most affordable car insurance quotes by typing your zip code into the box!