What is the penalty for driving without insurance in California?

If you are caught driving without insurance in California, you may face fines and the impoundment of your car after the first offense. Penalties for repeat offenses include fines up to $500.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in California

Other penalties for driving without insurance in California include vehicle impoundment and an SR-22 requirement after a collision. In addition to the legal consequences, you can expect your car insurance premium to go up.

Penalties for Driving Without Proof of Insurance

Not having car insurance and not being able to prove that you have it are two different violations. If you have insurance but cannot prove it when you get pulled over or at the scene of an accident, you are guilty of an “administrative violation,” similar to a seat-belt ticket. In California, your citation might be dismissed if you can provide the court with proof of valid insurance for the date of the citation before your court date.

Driving without car insurance at all is much more serious, and the penalties are more severe. To avoid these consequences, make sure you meet California's minimum car insurance requirements.     

Required Car Insurance in California

• $15,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
• $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
• $5,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident

The key to maintaining the minimum amount of coverage required by California is to find a policy you can afford. If your coverage has already lapsed, start by comparing quotes from the insurance companies WalletHub’s analysis identified as having the best post-lapse rates.

Best Car Insurance in California After a Lapse in Coverage

• Grange
• Wawanesa
• USAA
• GEICO
• Mercury

Drivers in California pay an average of $1,291 per year to maintain the minimum amount of coverage. That’s nothing compared to the consequences of driving without insurance, especially if you get into an accident.

What Happens If You Get Into a Car Accident Without Insurance in California?

1. If you get into an accident, all penalties will apply.

If you get into an accident while driving without insurance in California, you will incur the penalties for driving without insurance no matter who is at fault. Driving uninsured can make it difficult to be compensated for damages if you are not at fault and can have long-lasting and life-changing consequences if you are at fault.

2. If the accident is your fault, you’ll have to pay for all the damages out of your own pocket.

In addition to the legal consequences of driving without insurance, you could easily be responsible for tens of thousands of dollars or more in damages to your vehicle, the other driver’s car repairs and hospital bills, and your own medical care. You could face mounting debt or even bankruptcy, especially if the other driver doesn’t carry uninsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection.

3. Even if you were not at fault or only partially at fault, there will be other consequences.

Driving uninsured doesn’t negate the other driver’s fault entirely, but you’re almost certainly going to be penalized and unable to recover everything you would be entitled to if you had insurance. In at-fault states such as California, the driver who caused the accident is usually responsible for damage to your car and any medical treatment you may need. However, California is a “no pay, no play” state, which means drivers cannot pursue certain damages after an accident, regardless of fault, if they were uninsured at the time the accident occurred. In California, no pay, no play means you cannot recover non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering or emotional stress) if you were driving uninsured, unless the at-fault driver was intoxicated, acted with intent, or fled the scene.                                                                                

To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide on driving without car insurance.