What should be expected if I were caught driving without insurance? Will the state require me to carry SR22 insurance for this instance? Thanks!

Millie

Los Angeles, CA

What else? Expect heavy fines for driving without insurance as you would pose as a risk for endangering yourself and common motorists. It is considered as violation of state laws since the state mandates every citizen to carry minimum liability insurance before he/she can drive.

Usually, penalty for driving without insurance vary from state to state. Some impose heavy fines, some not. You could also expect holding and impounding of your vehicle, your vehicle tag seized, and your license suspended. Also, it is definite that the state will require you to carry SR22 insurance since you are unable to show them financial responsibility. Usually, they will require you to carry this insurance for a period of not less than three years. It is also needed in order to retain validity of your license.

Worse come to worst if you were caught driving without insurance and have been involved in an accident. You could face jail time and would also be exposing yourself to both legal and financial constraints–the burden of paying damages and injuries out of your own pocket. To avoid the hassle of going through this, it would be wise to get yourself insured.

Hi there. I have foreign drivers license. I will be visiting New York city next month and I am planning to buy a car in New York. Is it possible to get car insurance in New York? How much would that be?

Sherry

New York City NY

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) states that they recognize your foreign driver license if you stay a resident in your country where you get your drivers license. You will not be required to get NYS driver’s license to operate in that state unless you become a resident of New York.

It may be difficult to purchase, register and insure that vehicle. If you are going to be in the US for over thirty days it might be necessary to get a U.S. driver’s license because many insurers will require a valid U.S. drivers license. It is possible to find an insurer that will let you buy a car insurance policy with your foreign drivers license as long as you are in the process of obtaining a U.S. License.

The cost of car insurance will differ depending on the type of car and other factors.

I suggest that you speak with the car dealership that you are purchasing the vehicle from and as possibly a travel club such as AAA in the U.S. since they are likely to have dealt with this situation before.

Can I use a “Non-Owner” SR22 insurance policy if I own a car and already have insurance?

Linda

Thank you asking Linda.

Yes.

One common option with an SR22 requirement is to buy a “non-owner”, or “named-operator” policy. This insurance policy is issued to supplement your existing insurance policy, and meets the state’s minimum liability insurance requirements for license release. With sr22 there is no communication with your existing insurance provider, and the policy is issued faster and discreetly. Once your required time is completed and satisfied, you can cancel or terminate the SR22 policy and continue your existing insurance uninterrupted. A “non-owner” SR22 policy is usually the least expensive alternative, and by far the most popular product.

Goodluck!

MariCAR