⛓️ Can I go to jail for driving without insurance?

Yes, in some states, particularly for repeat offenses or if you cause an accident while uninsured. States with the harshest penalties include Michigan (up to one year in jail), Alaska (90 days for a first offense, up to one year for repeat offenders), and Connecticut (up to three months). Other states like Maryland , Minnesota and New York also impose jail time for uninsured drivers.

🪪 What if I have insurance but forgot my proof?

This is an "administrative violation," similar to a seatbelt ticket. Most states will dismiss the citation if you provide proof of valid insurance to the court before your hearing. The Jerry app lets you keep a copy of your insurance card on your phone for easy access so you always have proof ready. All states except New Mexico allow you to show digital proof of insurance.

🚗 Does car insurance follow the car or the driver?

Generally, insurance follows the car. If you're driving someone else's car and cause an accident while uninsured yourself, the car owner's insurance pays first, but you could still face legal penalties for driving uninsured.

📅 How long does a lapse in coverage affect my rates?

A coverage lapse typically affects your rates for 3-5 years, depending on the insurer. If you receive a citation or need an SR-22, that usually stays on your driving history for at least 3 years. The longer you maintain continuous coverage after a lapse, the less impact it will have.

💥 What happens if an uninsured driver hits me?

If you have uninsured motorist coverage , it will cover your injuries and damages. If you don't have UM coverage, you'll need to sue the uninsured driver directly, but collecting from someone without insurance is often difficult or impossible.

📝 Can I register a car without insurance?

In most states, no. You must show proof of insurance to register a car. Some states also require proof of insurance when renewing registration. If your insurance lapses after registration, your state's DMV may be notified and your registration could be suspended.

Updated December 16, 2025

Is It Illegal to Drive Without Car Insurance?

Is It Illegal to Drive Without Car Insurance?

Yes, driving without car insurance is illegal in every state except New Hampshire. Getting caught driving without insurance can result in fines, license suspension or even jail time, depending on your state.

This hasn’t stopped people from driving without coverage, though. About 15% of U.S. drivers don’t have car insurance, according to the Insurance Research Council.

Jerry has helped 1,167,306 drivers get car insurance quotes in the last year, making sure they are able to drive legally while staying financially protected, finding quotes as low as $188 per month. Here’s what to know about driving uninsured.

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The penalties for driving without insurance

Penalties vary significantly by state, but you can generally expect some combination of the following:

Driving without insurance can result in:

💸 Fines ranging from a few hundred dollars to thousands, depending on your state.

🚫 License suspension for 30-90 days in most states if it’s your first time getting caught driving uninsured.

🚗 Car impoundment, which means your car is in the custody of police or a towing company until you can prove ownership, pay outstanding fees and show proof of insurance to get it back.

⛓️ Jail time for repeat offenses in some states.

📄 SR-22 requirement, which means you’ll need to have your insurer file a certificate of financial responsibility proving you have your state’s minimum car insurance requirements. This can stay on your record for multiple years, increase your car insurance costs and make it difficult to find coverage.

💰 Increased car insurance rates for having an insurance lapse. You’ll also likely be labeled as a high-risk driver, which can limit the insurers that will cover you.

Key takeaway: Driving uninsured can lead to fines, license suspension, car impoundment and even jail time. You may also need an SR-22, which stays on your record for years and makes insurance harder to find and more expensive.

What if you cause an accident without insurance?

If you’re uninsured and at fault in an accident, you’ll have to pay for all injuries and property damage you caused out of pocket. And accidents can be costly. One accident with injuries can cost over $160,000, according to the National Safety Council.

You could also be sued by the person you hit. If they win and you can’t pay what you owe, your wages could be garnished (a portion of your paycheck taken automatically), liens placed on your property (a legal claim that must be paid before you can sell) or assets like your home or car seized by the court.

In some states you could also be charged as a criminal.

Why it matters: A single accident without insurance can cost thousands of dollars. You can also be sued, have your wages garnished and even face criminal charges.

Get insured today with Jerry

If you’re currently driving without insurance, getting insured doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Jerry makes it easy to find coverage fast, even if you’re considered a high-risk driver.

Jerry compares personalized quotes from over 50 insurers in minutes. Jerry also works with insurers who specialize in high-risk coverage and can help you file an SR-22 if you need one. And once you’re insured, the Jerry app keeps your insurance card on your phone so you’ll always have proof of coverage when you need it.

Skip the hassle. Jerry finds competitive quotes in minutes.

What to do if you’re caught driving without insurance

Getting caught driving uninsured is stressful, but acting quickly can help minimize the consequences. Here’s what to do:

📋 Don’t ignore the citation Failing to respond can result in additional penalties, and in some cases, a warrant for your arrest.

🛡️ Get insurance immediately Even if it’s after the fact, getting coverage quickly might minimize penalties. Some courts may reduce fines if you show proof of new coverage.

⚖️ Appear in court if required Be sure to bring proof of your new insurance policy.

📄 File an SR-22 if required Your state may require an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility, which your insurance company can file on your behalf.

💳 Pay all fees and fines This includes citation fines, reinstatement fees and any impound and towing charges to get your car back.

Key takeaway: If you’re caught without insurance, act fast. Get coverage immediately –courts may reduce fines if you show proof of a new policy. Don’t ignore the citation, appear in court if required, and pay all fees to avoid further penalties.

faq

⛓️ Can I go to jail for driving without insurance?

Yes, in some states, particularly for repeat offenses or if you cause an accident while uninsured. States with the harshest penalties include Michigan (up to one year in jail), Alaska (90 days for a first offense, up to one year for repeat offenders), and Connecticut (up to three months). Other states like Maryland, Minnesota and New York also impose jail time for uninsured drivers.
🪪 What if I have insurance but forgot my proof?

This is an “administrative violation,” similar to a seatbelt ticket. Most states will dismiss the citation if you provide proof of valid insurance to the court before your hearing. The Jerry app lets you keep a copy of your insurance card on your phone for easy access so you always have proof ready. All states except New Mexico allow you to show digital proof of insurance.
🚗 Does car insurance follow the car or the driver?

Generally, insurance follows the car. If you’re driving someone else’s car and cause an accident while uninsured yourself, the car owner’s insurance pays first, but you could still face legal penalties for driving uninsured.
📅 How long does a lapse in coverage affect my rates?

A coverage lapse typically affects your rates for 3-5 years, depending on the insurer. If you receive a citation or need an SR-22, that usually stays on your driving history for at least 3 years. The longer you maintain continuous coverage after a lapse, the less impact it will have.
💥 What happens if an uninsured driver hits me?

If you have uninsured motorist coverage, it will cover your injuries and damages. If you don’t have UM coverage, you’ll need to sue the uninsured driver directly, but collecting from someone without insurance is often difficult or impossible.
📝 Can I register a car without insurance?

In most states, no. You must show proof of insurance to register a car. Some states also require proof of insurance when renewing registration. If your insurance lapses after registration, your state’s DMV may be notified and your registration could be suspended.

Methodology

Data included in this analysis comes from policies that Jerry has quoted within the last 6 months for drivers with a clean record and that have full coverage, unless stated otherwise. Data related to violations, accidents or credit scores pull from quote data from the last 18 months. Jerry services 48 states and offers a range of insurance companies to choose from.

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Ben Moore

Ben Moore is a writer and editor at Jerry and an auto insurance expert. He previously worked as a writer, editor and content strategist on NerdWallet’s auto insurance team for five years. His work has been published in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, Nasdaq and Yahoo News. He also served as a NerdWallet spokesperson, with appearances on local broadcast television and quotes in Martha Stewart and Real Simple magazine.

Ben has an extensive background in digital marketing, working on affiliate and programmatic advertising campaigns for brands like Cabela’s, H&R Block and Sears. He holds a bachelors degree in marketing from Olivet Nazarene University.

^†Over the past 12 months, 25% of drivers who switched with Jerry paid $89 or less per month. Not all customers find savings. Savings depend on state, policy features, coverage, driving history and other factors.

Editorial Note: This article was written by a paid member of Jerry’s editorial team. Statements in this article do not constitute advice or recommendations. You should consult with an insurance professional about your specific circumstances and needs before making any insurance decisions.