Can you drive without insurance? It is illegal to drive in the U.S. without car insurance in most situations. Under Nevada law, for example, drivers must purchase and maintain at least the minimum required insurance to operate a vehicle on the roadway.
Failing to do so can lead to financial complications if an accident occurs, but it also means you could face fines and the loss of your driver’s license. A Las Vegas car accident lawyer discusses this rule and why it matters.
Most Drivers Must Maintain Car Insurance
Liability insurance is a required investment for most people operating a vehicle in the state of Nevada and much of the U.S. This type of auto insurance protects other people in situations where you cause an accident.
This type of insurance does not provide you, the policyholder, protection from accidents, but it can help you by covering:
- Damage you cause to another person’s vehicle
- Injuries you cause to other people in an accident
- Legal costs if you are sued as an at-fault driver
Liability insurance minimum requirements in Nevada include $25,000 of bodily injury coverage per person and $50,000 per accident. It also requires $20,000 of property damage coverage.
Most people invest in policies with a higher value to cover the potential risk of serious losses. Read our frequently asked questions to learn more about car insurance.
Not Having Liability Insurance Could Lead to Fines and Other Penalties
The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles requires all drivers to present proof of liability insurance whenever law enforcement asks for it, such as when you are stopped for a violation. You also must show proof of insurance coverage if you are involved in an accident, even if you do not believe you are at fault.
If there is a lapse in your coverage, meaning you do not have liability insurance for any length of time, you could pay fines of up to $250 for lapses of even just a day.
You may also be required to pay additional penalties and purchase SR-22 insurance. In some situations, vehicle registration may be suspended if you do not show proof of insurance, which can lead to further penalties and costs.
It is important to have insurance coverage. Victims who suffer injuries because of an accident you caused can suffer thousands of dollars in losses. If you do not have insurance coverage to pay for those losses, you could face a lawsuit, and your assets could be put on the line.
You Could Lose Your License Without Insurance
Aside from losing your vehicle registration and paying fines to the DMV for the lapse in coverage, you could also face criminal charges. A first offense is a misdemeanor under state law. You could have your license suspended until you can show proof of insurance.
In situations of a second offense within five years of the first, you may face fines of up to $500 as well as the need to purchase SR-22, as noted. Drivers also must surrender their driver’s license at that point until they have proof. That means you cannot drive in the state until you have coverage.
If you have a third offense of driving without insurance coverage, your license is immediately suspended for at least 30 days. You will then need to maintain an SR-22 policy for up to three years.
Long-Term Complications are Also Possible
Many people face even more complications over time for driving without a driver’s license. Think about the implications for your life and day-to-day responsibilities.
You may not be able to drive your kids to school or practice, or commute to and from work. That makes it hard for you to continue to pay those fines and fees if you are unable to work, impacting your earning capacity over time.
In addition to this, any lapse in insurance coverage translates into higher insurance costs for the foreseeable future. If you must maintain an SR-22 insurance certificate, you will pay significantly more for insurance coverage going forward, and that could make it more expensive for you to own a car.
The key to remember here is that you are now labeled a high-risk driver under the state’s laws, and that impacts every facet of your life.
You may also have your vehicle impounded and have to pay fines and fees to get it out. Those fines continue the longer the car is there. This also makes it far more expensive for you to drive if you cannot get your vehicle back in a timely manner.
The Real Risk of Personal Liability When Driving Without Insurance
Driving without insurance in Nevada is a very risky situation from a financial perspective. Even if you are a very careful driver and follow the laws, incidents you cannot control can occur, making you financially responsible for them.
An animal that enters the roadway, weather conditions causes you to lose control, or a medical emergency can put you at risk of causing an accident. In these situations, you must pay for the losses incurred by others.
Because this can be very costly, many people face the risk of losing their assets, such as savings or even their home, if they are sued by those who are hurt.
The financial implications can impact your life in various ways, including making it hard for you to maintain employment, remain in your home, and protect your credit score. The key to remember is that the mistake of not having insurance is one that is critical to avoid.
If you are driving without insurance, seek out a competitively priced insurance policy and protect your future. Doing so is often far less expensive than causing injury and other losses to others. Browse our case results to see our success stories.
Legal Guidance is Available to Help You When You are the Victim
Victims hurt in an accident in which the driver did not have insurance deserve fair treatment under the law. If you are the victim in such a situation, seek legal guidance from an attorney who can help you hold those who hurt you accountable.
Take a few minutes to discuss your case and losses with a car accident lawyer in Nevada. Talk to a Las Vegas car accident lawyer at H&P Law today.
