Key Facts to Know If You Drive Without Car Insurance

You put yourself in severe jeopardy by driving without car insurance. It risks your financial, legal, and personal safety. Here is what you really need to know about the risks and repercussions of uninsured driving:

1. Legal Consequences

In most states, driving without insurance is illegal. Driving without valid car insurance in place may bring severe penalties into play, which include but are not limited to:

• Fines and Penalties: You can be sentenced to hefty fines.
• Suspension of License: Your driving license can be suspended and you will not be legally allowed to drive.
• Vehicle Impoundment: Your vehicle can also be impounded, which will cost more in fees and headache as well.

2. Insurance Requirements for Maryland Vehicles

In Maryland, motorists have to carry at least the following minimum car insurance coverage before they are allowed to legally drive on the roads:

• Liability Insurance: The State of Maryland requires that all drivers be covered for at least $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 worth of property damage insurance.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Although not required, it is highly recommended to keep you protected in the event that you get into an accident with a negligent uninsured or underinsured driver.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Maryland requires every driver to maintain a minimum of $2,500 in PIP coverage to help pay for medical expenses irrespective of fault in an accident.

The failure to meet such requirements can be punished severely, including those stated above.

Higher Fines for Uninsured Drivers (As of July 1, 2024)

Increased Fines:

• The fine for not having insurance has increased from $150 to $200 for the first 30 days.
• Each additional day without insurance still incurs a $7 daily fine.
• The maximum annual fine can now reach $3,500, up from the previous limit of $2,500.

Other Consequences:

• Vehicle Registration Suspension: The MVA may suspend your vehicle registration until you provide proof of insurance and pay all fines.
• Non-Renewal of Registration: If you have unpaid fines or an open FR-19 case, the MVA may prevent you from renewing your registration or registering other vehicles.
• License Suspension: Your driver’s license may be suspended. Reinstatement requires proof of insurance and payment of associated fees.

3. Financial Risks

The presence of insurance reduces to a large extent the chances of huge financial risks due to a car accident.

• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: In the worst case scenario of getting involved in an accident, you would be required to pay for all damages out of your pocket. This includes vehicle repairs, medical bills, and property damage.
• Legal Fees: You may be liable to face heavy legal fees and settlement amounts if you get sued as a result of an accident.

4. Personal Liability

If you have an accident while driving uninsured:

• Injury Liability: You can be liable for the injuries that others inflict on you; these can cost very expensive in terms of medical bills and subsequent law suits filed against you.
• Property Damage: You will also be liable for any property damage that you cause; this could be quite financially crippling.

5. Higher Premiums

• Getting caught driving without insurance will most likely affect future insurance premiums
• Higher premiums: You are going to represent an advanced risk for insurance companies, so your premiums will increase once you do purchase insurance. Difficulty getting coverage: Other insurance companies may be very slow to offer you coverage; making it difficult to get inexpensive insurance.

6. On-Record Penalty

• Driving uninsured can impact your driving record:
• Points on Your License: You will have accumulated points on your driving record at this point, which can increase your insurance premiums and lead to further legal complications.
• Long-Term Consequences: A bad driving record can seriously impact your chances of getting jobs that need a clean driving record or stand in the way of procuring loans for you.

Protect Yourself Today
The best way to avoid these risks and ensure that you are protected out on the road is to have proper car insurance coverage. At Klinger Insurance Group, we can help you find the right policy to meet your needs and keep you in compliance with the law.

Call 301-428-4935 today to discuss options that will provide you with the right coverage and drive with peace of mind. Don’t wait until it’s too late—protect yourself and your finances by securing the right car insurance now.