What Happens if I Let My Car Insurance Lapse?
We all know how important it is to have car insurance coverage when you’re out on the road. Not only is it illegal to drive without insurance, but if you get into an auto accident, you could be personally liable for damages. Even if you get into an accident that was not your fault, if you don’t have insurance, acquiring compensation can be quite difficult.
If your insurance policy lapses at any point in time and you drive without coverage it could lead to hefty fines, jail time, other legal trouble, and higher insurance premiums. Insurance companies may also consider you a high-risk driver, which not only raises rates but may also leave you required to obtain SR-22 insurance.
While there is a grace period for most insurance policies in case you miss a payment, and state laws require companies to notify clients before canceling policies, you need to pay your insurance bill before the allotted grace period is over in order to avoid a lapse in car insurance coverage.
Getting in A Car Accident With No Insurance
If you are involved in a car accident you’re not at fault for, but insurance lapsed, this could leave you financially liable for all damages and injuries related to the accident. If the car accident was not your fault then you will likely receive a payout from the other driver’s insurance company. However, most uninsured drivers are assumed to be the responsible party when involved in collisions.
Additionally, some states limit the amount and/or type of compensation you can receive after an accident if you were driving uninsured, even if the car accident wasn’t your fault.
What to Do When Your Insurance Lapsed – Car Accident Damage Control
If your insurance coverage lapsed and you were involved in a car accident, take time to address the issue and follow the steps below.
- Consider Contacting A Qualified Car Accident Lawyer
- Contact Your Insurance Company
- Reinstate Your Insurance Policy if Possible
- Look for A New Insurance Company if Your Policy is not Reinstated or Your Insurance Rates Jump
Call Accurate Auto Insurance Today
If you were involved in a car accident with no insurance, it’s often not easy to avoid the resulting expenses and legal fees. However, it is possible to avoid the same situation happening in the future.
Contact Accurate Auto Insurance today and talk to one of our team members about our cheap car insurance in Illinois and across the country. Whether you have bad credit, a poor driving history, or you’re required to carry SR-22, we can help by offering policies you can afford that will protect you on the road.
Accurate Auto Insurance is here for all your insurance needs, from auto and motorcycle coverage, to cheap rideshare insurance– Contact us today to get an instant quote!