Driving Without Insurance in New Jersey

Reader’s Question:

What happens if someone has no license and car insurance got involved in an accident but leaves the scene?

Harry

Clifton, NJ

Leaving the scene of an accident is a very serious violation. In most states, leaving the scene of the accident where there is a personal injury is a crime of the 4th degree. Driving without insurance penalties differ from state to state. For instance, driving without New Jersey car insurance will bring you mandatory penalties imposed that are greater than the first offender penalties for drunk driving or possession of marijuana. Mandatory penalties include automatic a $300.00 fine, loss of license for one year, and a period of community service to be determined by the Municipal Court.

Driving Without Insurance – What Are The Penalties?

Reader’s Question:

I recently got involved in a car accident with someone and I had no auto insurance coverage. The other vehicle had uninsured motorist coverage. Whats going to happen?

George

Houston, TX

I am sorry to hear about what happened. The specific penalties differ from state to state for driving without insurance and/ or being involved in a car accident without car insurance. You may be held personally liable for the damages you caused even if the other person had insurance. Additionally, you will be subject to some financial responsibility rules that is enforced by your state.

I would really suggest that you contact a lawyer to determine your liability exposure and you may also contact your local driver’s license office to know what action(s) may be taken against your license.

You will also need to find out the insurance status of the other motorist through the local authorities (police report and/or investigation)

What Will Happen if I Drive Without Insurance?

Reader’s Question:

What will happen now if I received a ticket for speeding and driving without insurance?

Tom

Thank you for asking Tom.

State laws and jurisdictions vary considerably, so obviously we will not be able to provide the exact cost that you may incur with this problem. Even if you are driving without a license, you still have a driving record that will be impacted with these charges. These moving violations will show on your driving record.

Insurance companies sometimes use entirely different quote systems to handle potential customers who are already insured and those who don’t have insurance. You can expect to pay higher rates for the speeding ticket and additional rate hikes for having been ticketed for driving without insurance.

Each insurance provider has their own rating system and point values that are assigned for each type of violation or claim. Most minor violations count as two (2) points, for major violations count as three (3) points and serious violations like driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) may count as high as six (6) points. This is will not always be the case, because there are many factors that go into generating your insurance rate.

You will be required to pay the penalty to the state for the violation and your insurance costs may increase because of the added points on you driving record. You can get more information about your specific state laws and infractions by visiting your state’s Department of Motor Vehicle website.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

When Is An SR22 Required?

Reader’s Question:

Is SR22 only required for DUI or DWI? are there any moving violation that an SR22 will be required?

Eddie

Thank you for asking Eddie.

The reasons that an SR-22 may be required depends upon state laws and statutes. The SR-22 in most states is required to reinstate your license after a DWI or DUI conviction and other serious moving violations.

In Oregon, the Department of Motor Vehicles requires that your insurance company file an SR-22 certificate with DMV if :

* You failed to provide proof to DMV that you have liability insurance,
* You’ve been convicted of driving without insurance,
* You’ve been involved in an uninsured accident,
* You are applying for a hardship or probationary permit, or
* At the time of reinstating your driving privileges following a DUII suspension

This is not the complete list so to get more information, you may contact your state Department of Motor Vehicle.

The SR22 is a form that shows that you have financial responsibility on your car through motor vehicle insurance. Generally it is required by the state for drivers who are high risk. Each state has their own reasons or circumstances that require a driver to acquire and maintain the SR-22. Here are some reasons a state might require you to file an SR-22 form:

* DUI or DWI (drunk driving or under the influence of drugs)
* serious moving violations such as reckless driving
* compiling too many DMV points in a short period of time
* being termed a habitual traffic offender
* causing an accident while uninsured
* reinstating your license after a suspension or revocation

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Will my License Be Suspended if Caught Driving Without Insurance

Reader’s Question:

I just want to know if there is a suspension that is mandatory for driving without insurance?

Kaye

Thank you for asking Kaye.

Driving without insurance is considered a serious offense in most states. The penalty for this kind of infraction varies from state to state. This can include large amount of fines, suspension or revocation of your drivers license, impoundment of your vehicle (and payment of storage and towing charges incurred), jail time or community service. Most states, for instance, New Jersey, the mandatory penalties for a person found driving without insurance are even greater than those for a person receiving a DUI citation for the first time.

It is regulated by each state.

It is also likely that you will have to comply with the state’s financial responsibility laws by getting an SR22 or the Financial Responsibility Certificate.

Goodluck!

MariCAR