Introduction
There are serious consequences for driving without insurance in Michigan, such jail time, costly fines, driver’s license suspensions, the loss of your rights to sue for compensation and damages, and being held financially liable for other people’s medical bills and lost wages.
What is an uninsured driver?
An uninsured driver is someone who doesn’t have auto insurance. Uninsured drivers are a problem for everyone: they’re a risk to other drivers, passengers and pedestrians. When they cause injuries in a crash, they lack the insurance coverage to help them pay for the compensation and damages they owe to their victims.
What is an uninsured vehicle?
An uninsured vehicle is a vehicle that does not have auto insurance. This can occur when the vehicle’s owner fails to purchase and/or renew the necessary insurance coverage. It can also occur when a vehicle’s owner cancels his or her coverage. Additionally, a vehicle may become uninsured when the insurance company chooses to cancel coverage.
How can I find out if my car insurance is still valid?
- Check your car insurance policy to identify the coverage period and the date on which coverage will terminate.
- Call your insurance company to confirm that your policy and coverage are currently in effect and, if not, what you need to do to immediately restore your coverage and protection.
Consequences of driving your car uninsured
If you’re caught driving uninsured in Michigan, you can be jailed for up to one year and face a fine of up to $500. Your driver’s license may be suspended, and you may be disqualified from renewing your plates. Additionally, if you’re driving your own uninsured vehicle when you’re involved in a crash, you will lose your right to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering damages, and you will be ineligible to recover insurance benefits to pay for your medical care and reimbursement of wages you couldn’t earn because your injuries prevented you from working.
Driving uninsured could mean financial ruin
If you’re in a crash in Michigan and you were driving your own uninsured vehicle, then you could be held financially liable for all of the medical bills and lost wages of anyone else who was injured in the crash – even if you were 100% NOT AT FAULT for causing or contributing to the accident. In fact, you could end up paying for the medical care and wage loss of the actual at-fault driver who injured you.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand the serious consequences of driving uninsured. The law is clear on this issue and the penalties are harsh. It is crucial that you carry and maintain the level of insurance coverage that your state requires.