What You Need to Know About Driving Without Insurance in Indiana
Category: Car Accidents
Article by Aaron F. Tuley
Indiana state law requires drivers to provide proof of the bare minimum insurance through a certificate of compliance (COC). If your COC is not submitted within a specific timeframe, your driving privileges can be suspended. Driving without insurance poses several risks not only to the driver themselves, but to passengers and others on the road as well.
Auto Insurance Coverage in Indiana
In the state of Indiana, there is a minimum liability coverage required by law for all motorists. While minimum liability insurance covers very little, full coverage insurance policies typically cover damage inflicted, and comprehensive and collision coverage as well.
What Are the Risks and Penalties as an Uninsured Driver?
Driving without insurance comes with risk and potential penalties. When driving without insurance, you are risking the possibility of receiving no damages or compensation if you are involved in an accident. Penalties of driving without insurance include but are not limited to the following:
- Having your license suspended
- Having your vehicle registration suspended
- Receiving tickets for no insurance violations
- Fines and fees in addition to ticket costs and points on your license
- Increased future insurance premiums
Obtaining auto insurance is important. It protects you as a driver, and in the event of an accident, can make it possible for you to receive compensation for any damages.
What Happens if I Get Into an Accident Without Insurance?
Driving without the bare minimum auto insurance in Indiana goes against the state’s requirement. If you get into an accident without insurance and you’re not at fault, you will have an extremely difficult time gaining any compensation from the accident.
At-Fault Accidents Without Insurance
Following an accident in Indiana without car insurance, you not only will face penalties for being uninsured, but you’ll be responsible for any damages caused. Additionally, the other driver (if they are insured) can sue you for all legal fees directly out of pocket. If you don’t have the money to pay up front, this can also result in wage garnishment to pay the legal fees and damages.
No-Fault Accidents Without Insurance
If an accident is discovered to be a no-fault accident, you will not be able to seek compensation for property damage to your own vehicle.
Following an accident in Indiana without insurance, if the other driver is found to be at fault, there will be limits to what you can gain from them in damages and compensation. Even if you’re not at fault for the accident, you could still face penalties for failure to be insured.
Pay to Play Statute
The no-pay, no-play law states that uninsured drivers will not be allowed to collect damages from negligent insured drivers. If a driver does not purchase the minimum required insurance, they will not receive benefits in the case of an accident with a driver who is insured. No-pay, no-play law prohibits uninsured motorists from collecting damages for any of the following
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment
- Loss of companionship
If an uninsured motorist is the passenger of a vehicle involved in an accident, the no-pay, no-play law still applies. There are exceptions to the no-pay, no-play law including:
- If an uninsured motorist has a previous uninsured violation at less than 18 years old, they may be exempt
- The injury sustained in the accident was caused intentionally
What is SR22 Insurance?
SR22 insurance is the process of documenting or registering with the state of Indiana that you as an individual have the minimum required auto insurance. “SR” stands for safety responsibility. Filing an SR22 in Indiana is required by anyone reinstating their license after a conviction of a DUI, reckless driving, driving uninsured, or any violation resulting in suspension of a driver’s license.
SR22 insurance can be a requirement for drivers previously convicted of a driving-related crime for a minimum of 3 years and sometimes up to 5 years.
Contact Tuley Law Office Today
If you or a loved one have experienced an auto accident without insurance and are facing legal trouble, an experienced Evansville car accident attorney at Tuley Law Office can provide you with a comprehensive review of your case. Contact Tuley Law today for a confidential, no-cost case evaluation.
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