5 states with the strictest auto insurance laws

It is illegal to drive in most states in the United States without some form of car insurance. Nonetheless, the number of uninsured drivers on American roads is increasing. According to the Insurance Research Council, by 2022, approximately one in seven drivers will be uninsured.

Why people drive without insurance

Unfortunately, one of the biggest reasons people travel without insurance is financial. Money is tight and car insurance rates have risen steeply in recent years. The average annual car insurance premium last year was about $3,000, according to research by The Ascent.

Driving without insurance can have significant financial and legal consequences, especially if an accident occurs. You could face fines, damages, license suspension, and even jail time. That said, the risks are far greater than short-term cost savings.

These five states have the strictest auto insurance laws.

Penalties for driving without insurance vary greatly depending on which part of the country you live. There are many variables depending on which state is the strictest. Some states are relatively lenient on first offenses and crack down hard on multiple offenses. Others may impose hefty fines, but they won’t throw people in jail for driving without insurance.

The following is a somewhat subjective list of states with the strictest penalties for driving without insurance.

1. Delaware

If you are caught without insurance in Delaware, you can be fined $1,500 and have your driver’s license suspended for six months for a first offense. If you get suspended again and do not obtain insurance within three years, the fine can go up to $3,000.

Read more: Cheapest Delaware Car Insurance

2. Mississippi

There are several ways to protect yourself when driving in Mississippi, but the most common is having minimum liability insurance. If you are suspended for driving without insurance, you can be fined up to $1,000 and your license may be suspended for one year or until you can show proof of insurance.

Read more: Cheapest Mississippi Car Insurance

3. Hawaii

If you are stopped for a traffic violation in Hawaii and you do not have insurance, you could be fined $500 initially and $1,500 to $5,000 thereafter. The court may allow you to perform community service in lieu of paying a fine. For a first offense, your license may be suspended for three months, and for a second offense it may be suspended for one year.

Read more: cheapest hawaii car insurance

4. Kentucky

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says it is currently cracking down on uninsured drivers. In Kentucky, you may lose your vehicle registration if you do not have minimum liability insurance. You may also be subject to a fine of $500 to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail.

Read more: cheapest kentucky car insurance

5. Connecticut

A first uninsured driving offense in Connecticut means a fine of $100 to $1,000 and a one-month license suspension. A subsequent conviction may result in a six-month license suspension. If you own a vehicle with commercial registration, the situation gets even more serious. You can be subject to a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to five years in prison.

Read more: Cheapest Connecticut Car Insurance

What should you do if you can’t afford car insurance?

In addition to legal penalties, if you are found to be at fault in an accident, you may have to pay thousands of dollars in damages if you do not have adequate insurance. If you’re considering skipping car insurance, here are some steps you should take instead.

• Shop around for the best deals: Rate shopping is one of the best ways to get the best deal on your insurance premiums. Even if you checked prices when you first signed up, don’t assume your current insurance company is offering the lowest price.
• Increase your deductible: The deductible is the amount you must pay before your insurance kicks in. We estimate that increasing the deductible from $100 to $250 could incrementally save some premiums by nearly 30%. One thing to note is that if you make a claim, you will have to pay more upfront.
• Bundle your policies. You can save money by purchasing multiple policies from the same insurance company. For example, State Farm estimates the average annual savings for households purchasing a bundle of auto and renters insurance at $684.
• Go without a car for a while. For many people, a car is essential for getting to work or taking children to school. But if you can’t pay your premiums, see if you can temporarily use carpooling, public transportation, or ridesharing services. If you cancel your insurance and won’t drive, you may need to take your license plates to your state’s state motor vehicle department.
• Get help: Some states (such as California) have low-income insurance assistance programs. Contact your state motor vehicle department to see if help is available. If you can’t get insurance assistance, visit Benefits.gov to find out if you can get help with other bills and free up cash for your premiums.

main points

Driving without car insurance can have serious consequences in any part of the country you live in. If you’re having trouble paying your car insurance bill, find ways to reduce your bill or see if you can cut costs elsewhere. Even if you don’t have to pay for damages after an accident, driving without insurance risks fines, license suspension, and even jail time.

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