The Risks of Driving Without Car Insurance

Driving without car insurance puts you in severe jeopardy. You risk your financial, legal, and personal safety, and you expose yourself to numerous consequences. The risks of driving without car insurance include fines, license suspension, financial liability, and higher future premiums. Here’s what you need to know about the dangers and repercussions of uninsured driving:

1. Legal Consequences

Most states make it illegal to drive without insurance. If you fail to carry valid car insurance, you face severe penalties, including:

• Fines and Penalties: Courts may fine you heavily.
• Suspension of License: Authorities can suspend your license, which stops you from driving legally.
• Vehicle Impoundment: Officers can impound your vehicle, adding costly fees and inconveniences.

2. Insurance Requirements for Maryland Vehicles

Maryland law requires every driver to carry a minimum level of car insurance coverage to drive legally:

• Liability Insurance: You must have $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: While optional, this coverage protects you if an uninsured or underinsured driver causes an accident.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Maryland requires a minimum of $2,500 in PIP coverage to pay for medical expenses, no matter who causes the accident.

If you fail to meet these requirements, you face severe penalties, including those listed above.

• Higher Fines for Uninsured Drivers (Effective July 1, 2024)
• Increased Fines: Authorities will charge you $200 for the first 30 days without insurance and $7 daily after that.
• Maximum Annual Fine: Fines can now reach $3,500 annually, up from $2,500.

Other Consequences:

• Vehicle Registration Suspension: The MVA suspends your registration until you provide proof of insurance and pay all fines.
• Non-Renewal of Registration: The MVA blocks you from renewing your registration if you have unpaid fines or unresolved cases.
• License Suspension: You cannot reinstate your license without showing proof of insurance and paying reinstatement fees.

3. Financial Risks

Without insurance, you shoulder significant financial risks:

• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: You must pay for vehicle repairs, medical bills, and property damage entirely on your own.
• Legal Fees: If someone sues you after an accident, you must cover substantial legal fees and settlements.

4. Personal Liability

If you cause an accident while driving uninsured, you take full responsibility:

• Injury Liability: You pay for the medical bills and legal claims of anyone injured.
• Property Damage: You cover all property repair or replacement costs out of pocket.

5. Higher Premiums

Driving without insurance affects your future coverage costs:

• Higher Premiums: Insurers will classify you as a higher risk, which increases your premiums.
• Coverage Challenges: Insurers may hesitate to offer you affordable coverage.

6. On-Record Penalty

Uninsured driving leaves lasting consequences on your driving record:

• Points on License: You earn points on your license, which raise premiums and cause legal issues.
• Long-Term Consequences: A poor driving record limits job opportunities and damages your financial credibility.

Protect Yourself Today

You can avoid these risks by maintaining proper car insurance coverage. Klinger Insurance Group helps you find the right policy to ensure legal compliance and peace of mind.

Call 301-428-4935 today to discuss your options and secure the coverage you need. Don’t wait—protect your finances and drive with confidence.