Subscribe Now

travelers today

Home » News

Driving Uninsured in California: What You Need to Know

Travelers Today       By    Staff Reporter

Updated: Apr 02, 2021 06:20 PM EDT

Text Size: A A A

Driving Uninsured in California: What You Need to Know

(Photo: Driving Uninsured in California: What You Need to Know)

Driving in California is one of the best ways to get around, at least when you get away from the heavy traffic of the main roads and out onto the highway. There are beautiful sights to see and the whole experience can be extremely relaxing. However, it can be a lot less relaxing if the driver enjoying the road trip is underinsured or completely uninsured. That is because drivers are required to have insurance in California, which means that anyone driving without insurance is taking a huge risk and could get into big trouble if they get caught. If they get into an accident or have some sort of infraction, then they could be facing some serious penalties.

If you get into an accident that was caused by an uninsured driver, then you are eligible to receive compensation from the negligent driver. Normally this compensation is obtained from the insurance company of said driver, but if they are uninsured, then you will have to seek compensation by other means. Lawyer Morse can help any person in the San Diego area who was in a car accident caused by an uninsured driver. So give him a call if that person is you.

The Consequences of Driving Uninsured in California

Uninsured drivers can face serious penalties simply for driving without insurance in California, but if they get into an accident, then the penalties can get even worse. For a first offense, the minimum fine is $100, but with additional penalties, the actual total could come to $450. A second offense that takes place within three years of the first can result in a minimum fine of $200, which can balloon to $900 after additional fees and penalty assessments are added. Second offenders can face a maximum fine of $500 that can reach up to $2500 with the additional charges. The penalties are not just monetary since uninsured drivers also risk having their vehicle impounded if they get caught. If they cause an accident, then they could have their driver's licence suspended for up to four years. That is in addition to the injuries and property damage that they will need to pay for.

What To Do If an Uninsured Driver Hits You

Since you will likely have insurance, the first thing you need to do is to file a claim with your insurance company within 24 hours of the accident, especially if you have uninsured motorist coverage. This protects you from accidents caused by uninsured drivers. You don't even have to be in a car to use it; you can use this kind of insurance if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver when you are walking or cycling. Ordinarily, the money you get from your policy is determined by the extent of your injuries and the other driver's coverage. But if the other driver is uninsured, then you will get whatever is offered by your standard liability protection.

Once you file a claim, your insurance company will assess the accident to determine the value of your claim. However, the insurance company will always want to pay the lowest possible amount that might not be able to cover all of your accident-related expenses. If that happens, then you can contest their assessment with the help of an attorney. You can also sue the uninsured driver but that might be a fruitless option since, if they cannot afford insurance, then they will unlikely be able to pay any damages.

Driving Uninsured Is Not Worth It

There are far too many risks associated with driving without insurance in California for that activity to be worth doing. Fines are just the tip of the iceberg since licence suspension is also a distinct possibility. If you have insurance, then not only are you following the law, you will also be covered if an uninsured driver causes an accident. You will need that coverage since dealing with an uninsured driver can get complicated. 

That is also why you should get a car accident lawyer as well if you ever end up in such a situation. They can offer you advice on the right course to take and can also deal with your insurance company if they make the situation even more complicated than it already is.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018

© 2023 Traverlers Today, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Join Our Conversation

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive the latest travel news, reviews, and more..

Most Popular

6 Tips For Traveling With Young Children

6 Tips For Traveling With Young Children

Planning for a trip takes some time, even if it's just you g

How Traveling Can Make You Happy

How Traveling Can Make You Happy

If you have never traveled before but are thinking of doing so then

Scottish Islands: The Best Places to Reside!

Scottish Islands: The Best Places to Reside!

So there are a few islands that can be found off the Sco

How to Plan a Multi-Destination Honeymoon During COVID

How to Plan a Multi-Destination Honeymoon During COVID

You need to know how to plan appropriately and

7 Tips for Amazing Campus Visits

7 Tips for Amazing Campus Visits

A campus visit's significance could not be overstated. After all, fo

4 Tips For Curating The Perfect Gallery Wall

4 Tips For Curating The Perfect Gallery Wall

Having a gallery wall brings plenty of benefits to your

Water Travel Options That Don’t Involve a Cruise

Water Travel Options That Don’t Involve a Cruise

There is something equally relaxing and invigorati

Photo by Erik Odiin on Unsplash

Things That Will Help Cost-Conscious Vacationers Save Money

There are several ways you can significan

Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels

How to Make Vet Visits Affordable in 2022

If the situation is minor, you might be lucky and get away

Photo by Tim Samuel from Pexels

Know Your Florida Driving Rules

There is so much to do in the region, but we want to focus on some of

Photo by Ging Ang from Pexels

Holidaying in your own Country: Try these Fun Trips!

Many countries are opening their borders, but if

Photo by Jessica Lewis Creative from Pexels

The Best Tech Tools for Expats

Here’s a quick look at most versatile tech tools for expats on the m

Photo by Tobi from Pexels

How to Turn a Road Trip Into A Luxury Adventure

But a road trip doesn’t have to mean living on the

Australian Citizenship Test: Everything You Need to Know

Australian Citizenship Test: Everything You Need to Know

Do you want to become a citizen of Australia

Hair transplant Istanbul: Why is it so popular?

Hair Transplant Istanbul: Why is it so Popular?

Getting a hair transplant in Istanbul is affordable i

What’s Going on with Rental Cars Right Now?

What’s Going on with Rental Cars Right Now?

They are incredibly expensive, and they’re also in sh

Role of Professional companies in International Trade

Role of Professional companies in International Trade

International trade holds great importance in a

The 5 Best Wines from Germany

The 5 Best Wines from Germany

Riesling is Germany’s best-known wine, but the country makes other fi

Here's Why You Should Go Camping On Weekends

Here's Why You Should Go Camping On Weekends

There is nothing like the great outdoors –– natureâ€

The Best Tote Bags To Travel With in 2022

The Best Tote Bags To Travel With in 2022

Who knew you could pack your entire life away into one litt

7 Captivating Attractions for Kids in San Diego

7 Captivating Attractions for Kids in San Diego

San Diego is a magnificent place, and it would not be

travelers today

© 2023 TRAVELERS TODAY All rights reserved.

Subscribe to our newsletter
Real Time Analytics