What happens if you drive a car without insurance?
Is it illegal if you drive without insurance?
What if a careless driver hits you? are they or their isurance company require to pay for all damage they’ve done?
John,
The answers to your question really depend on the state in which you live. In most states in the US, insurance is a legal requirement for any vehicle driven on the roadway. However, there are a few states that do not require insurance, but instead require you to accept the financial responsibility if something happens. The only states that I know of that have this system in place are Wisconsin and New Hampshire.
Regarding an accident, as far as I know in all states which require insurance, even if you are found not at fault for the accident, that all changes as soon as they find that you have no insurance. Where insurance is a legal requirement, the vehicle should not be on the road without it. So, if the vehicle was not there the accident would have never happened. You would then be responsible for any applicable fines related to driving without insurance and the cost to repair both vehicles as well as any medical bills resulting from injuries sustained during the accident.
If you are not 100% sure that your state does not require insurance, check with the local Department of Motor Vehicles and they will be able to tell you, or check with local law enforcement.