The law says that you must normally have at least third party motor insurance if you drive or own a vehicle. You must also have insurance if you leave it parked on the street, on your driveway or in your garage.
The police can check on the spot if your vehicle is insured using the Motor Insurance Database. If it isn’t they can seize it immediately, even if you then arrange insurance at the roadside. You’ll have to produce a certificate of insurance and pay charges to get your vehicle back. If you don’t, the police can dispose of your car 14 days later. If they sell it, you can claim money back from the sale.
However, there are situations when it's legal for your vehicle to be uninsured. This page tells you about situations where you don't need to have motor insurance.
You don't need motor insurance if:
you have a valid Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN)
your vehicle has been kept off a public road since before 1 February 1998
your vehicle has been scrapped, stolen or exported and you have given notice of this
your vehicle is between dealers or is being held in stock by an authorised dealer.
If your vehicle appears not to be insured you will get a letter from the Motor Insurers' Bureau warning you to insure your vehicle or to check your insurance company has entered the correct details onto their database. If you are insured you should contact your insurer at once.
If you don't insure your vehicle you will get a Fixed Penalty Notice and if you still don't insure it, it could be seized, clamped or destroyed or you could be taken back to court.
Other useful information
Page last reviewed on16 December 2020
FAQs
You don't plan to own a car or regularly use public transportation. If you don't plan to ever own a car or regularly take public transport instead of borrowing a car, you probably don't need non-owner insurance. Neither of these scenarios requires you to have insurance, even if you maintain a current driver's license.
Is car insurance mandatory in the USA? ›
Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state. State minimums and coverage types vary, but nearly all states that mandate insurance require liability coverage for property damage and bodily injury. The sole exception is Florida, which only requires liability coverage for property damage, in addition to PIP coverage.
Can I take insurance off my car if I'm not driving it in Florida? ›
have continuous coverage even if the vehicle is not being driven or is inoperable. Surrender the license plate/tag BEFORE cancelling your insurance. purchase the policy from an insurance carrier licensed to do business in Florida.
Do you need insurance if you have a license but no car in Florida? ›
You should still have insurance coverage if you're a licensed driver who regularly borrows or rents vehicles. Not all companies offer non-owner insurance policies, so you'll have to shop around.
What does non-driver mean on Geico insurance? ›
Non-owner car insurance, also known in the industry as non-driver insurance, offers liability coverage when you're driving a car you don't own and you cause an accident. Just like regular liability insurance, non-owner car insurance covers vehicle repairs and medical care for the other driver involved in the accident.
What are the three types of car insurance? ›
The three main types of car insurance are often considered: liability, comprehensive, and collision. This is because liability is required by law in most states, and comprehensive and collision coverage are required for most car loans and leases.
Which insurance is the cheapest? ›
At the national level, the cheapest car insurance company is Auto-Owners, with average rate estimates of $39 per month for minimum coverage and $142 per month for full coverage, substantially cheaper than the national averages of $78 and $210 per month, respectively.
Can you go to jail for driving without insurance in Florida? ›
Although some traffic crimes are frequently prosecuted as criminal offenses in Florida, driving without car insurance isn't one of them. However, it can quickly spiral into a criminal charge if your license is suspended and you continue to drive.
What happens if you get pulled over in Florida with no insurance? ›
If you are caught driving without insurance, your license can be suspended for up to three years, until you pay $150 and show proof of insurance to get back your license. If this occurs a second time within three years, you'll be charged $250. If it happens three times within three years, the fee goes up to $500.
Do I need car insurance if I don't have a car in PA? ›
No, it is not illegal to not have car insurance in Pennsylvania as long as you do not drive at all or do not own a registered vehicle. Driving without insurance in Pennsylvania is against the law, though, and the potential penalties include fines up to $300 and driver's license suspension.
Geico is so cheap because it sells directly to the consumer. Geico also offers many discounts that help customers save even more on top of its already-low premiums.
What does non-drive mean? ›
noun. non·driv·er ˌnän-ˈdrī-vər. : a person who does not drive a motor vehicle.
Can you remove a driver from your insurance GEICO? ›
Generally you can't remove a household member from your policy unless they have their own separate insurance coverage. You should have the option to exclude your son from the policy if you don't want him to impact your rate, but that means he will not be covered to drive any of the vehicles you currently insure.
Is it illegal to not have car insurance in the USA? ›
In every state — except for Virginia and New Hampshire — drivers are required to carry some form of auto insurance. If you get caught driving without insurance in state that requires it, you can be subject to large fines, the cancellation of your license or car registration and even jail time.
Is insurance mandatory for USA? ›
Answering the question, “Is travel insurance mandatory for the USA,” you must understand that while travel insurance isn't mandatory for visiting the USA, it is highly advisable. Considering the exorbitant medical costs and the likelihood of an extended trip, it's wise to prioritise your security and well-being.
Is insurance a legal requirement in the US? ›
Most types of commercial insurance are not mandated by law. However, depending on the state laws where your business operates, you might be required to purchase: Workers' compensation insurance if you have employees. Commercial auto insurance for a business-owned vehicle.
How much is car insurance in the USA? ›
The average cost of car insurance in the U.S. ranges anywhere from $180 to $7,302 per year depending on coverage, driver profile, location and provider chosen. Those considered high risk due to a speeding ticket, DUI/DWI, accident or bad credit pay between $209 to $319 on average per month for full coverage.
