Getting caught without auto insurance is very serious. You can lose your license, your car, and your freedom. While insurance for your car isn’t cheap, it is still less costly than losing your mode of transportation, or spending time in jail especially if you did some research on auto insurance quotes. Here are some ways to handle being caught without auto insurance.
Less Then A Week Without Auto Insurance
If you have only been without auto insurance for a day or so, you may not have any worries. You may only receive a ticket or a warning. This having been said, it is not advised to knowingly go without auto insurance for any longer than a week. Start researching auto insurance quotes as soon as you can.
No Auto Insurance For More Than A Week
If you are caught without auto insurance and it has been more than a week, there are a few things you can do. You can try to plead your case. If you have a spotless driving record, this may succeed, but it is very unlikely. At the very least, you should be prepared to receive a ticket. If you receive a ticket, your options are to pay it, or to go to court and fight it. At this point, the best suggestion is probably to pay the ticket, as going to court will probably not yield and results.
To Court
If, you are caught and, in the worst case, get arrested for driving without insurance you are well advised to say nothing. You’ll have your day in court, and mouthing off can make that day worse for you. Again, when you get to court, your driving record will be a big factor. Seek the advice of an attorney, even if it is only a public defender. They may not get an acquittal, but they may be able to get you a reduced sentence, especially if this is a first offense. Don’t panic, this is a misdemeanor offense. Things could be worse.
Consequences: Get Auto Insurance As Soon As You Can
Once your ordeal is over, you should immediately go auto insurance shopping. There are several ways to get cheap auto insurance quotes, and companies offer several different types of discounts. You may have to purchase insurance before you are allowed access to your car, so be prepared for this. Once you have proof of insurance, submit it right away.
Also, be aware that your license may have been suspended. If this is the case, do not drive until your license is clear. Your local DMV or attorney can often tell you what steps you need to take to get your license cleared, and about how long this might take. If, however, your license was suspended for a period of time, then you will just have to wait until the suspension is automatically lifted.
The best thing to do is to never drive uninsured, it is unsafe and illegal. Get your auto insurance quotes, collect and compare to find something cheap, it’s less stressful and less expencive.