What Happens If I Get Caught Driving Without Insurance?
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Indiana law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance that covers damages they cause in an accident. If you have been caught driving without insurance in Indiana, you can face significant penalties. An experienced Indianapolis criminal attorney from The Criminal Defense Team can review your case and explain what you can expect.
Minimum Auto Insurance Liability in Indiana
All drivers must have liability insurance in at least the following amounts:
- $25,000 in bodily injury to one person in an accident
- $50,000 in bodily injury to more than one person in an accident
- $10,000 in property damage
If you do not maintain insurance in at least these amounts, you can face significant penalties.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance
If you are caught driving without insurance, your driving privileges can be suspended for 90 days. You will have to pay a $250 fee to reinstate your license. Additionally, you will have to maintain an SR-22 certificate for at least 180 days. This is a form your insurance provider supplies to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) that certifies you meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements.
Your vehicle will likely be towed from the location of the traffic stop, and you may be responsible for impound fees.
Penalties for repeat offenses are stiffer. A second offense carries the following penalties:
- A 12-month license suspension
- A 12-month vehicle registration suspension
- A $500 license reinstatement fee
- The requirement to maintain an SR-22 certificate for three years
A third or subsequent offense carries these potential penalties:
- A 12-month license suspension
- A 12-month vehicle registration suspension
- A $1,000 license reinstatement fee
- The requirement to maintain an SR-22 certificate for five years
Jail time is not typically ordered in cases involving driving without insurance. However, it can be when other factors are involved, such as causing an accident that causes serious injury or death, driving on a suspended license, or OWI.
If you cause an accident and have no insurance, you can be held personally liable for the damages you cause.
How a Lawyer Can Help with Driving with No Insurance Cases
At The Criminal Defense Team, we do everything we can to secure a positive resolution for our clients. We can review your case, consider your legal arguments, and work to negotiate a favorable resolution. If your driver’s license is suspended, we can explore options for securing a hardship license so you can use your vehicle for necessary transportation, such as going to and from work and school.
Contact The Criminal Defense Team for a Confidential Consultation
If you have been caught driving without insurance, do not hesitate in reaching out for legal assistance. The stakes are high, but the sooner we can get involved in your case, the sooner we can fight for a favorable outcome. The Criminal Defense Team is here to help. Contact us for a confidential consultation by calling (317) 678-9853.