How To Report Someone Without Auto Insurance (2024)
Reporting uninsured drivers can help them avoid learning an expensive lesson and also protects other motorists. Here's what you can do if you know someone who's driving without insurance.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jun 22, 2023
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jun 22, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- You can easily report an uninsured driver to the police or the DMV
- The process of reporting someone driving without insurance is simple and you can choose to do it anonymously
- In the event of an accident with an uninsured driver, full-coverage insurance is the best protection
Do you know someone who is driving without auto insurance and wonder what you can do about it? Reporting someone without auto insurance can cause conflict and bring up some moral questions. However, it can also be dangerous and expensive to drive uninsured. The minimum car insurance required in each state is different, but it is also often illegal to drive without insurance. In this article, we’ll tell you exactly what steps to take and how you can easily and anonymously report someone without auto insurance.
How do I report an uninsured driver?
Sometimes you may encounter an uninsured driver in a minor collision, or you might have heard someone bragging about never buying car insurance.
If you were in an accident you can still sue a driver with no insurance to pay for damages. But if you simply know someone who is knowingly driving uninsured, you can report them in the following simple ways:
How to Report an Uninsured Driver to the Police
You can report uninsured drivers to the local police. However, they may have much more pressing issues to deal with or may not be able to do much.
Police can check auto insurance. By setting up vehicle checkpoints or pulling motorists over for traffic violations, police do catch some uninsured drivers. In contrast, someone reporting a single driver who you’ve heard has no insurance may not result in much, unless the driver has been proven a safety threat to others.
If you were in an accident and there was a police report filed, the good news is you can contact the police to request the other driver’s insurance information.
How to Report an Uninsured Driver to the Department of Motor Vehicles
Reporting the uninsured driver to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is a much more effective option.
The DMV keeps records of all driver’s car insurance coverage on a live database that is updated throughout the day. If you report an uninsured driver, the DMV will access this database to check on the status of the driver’s insurance coverage.
If they determine that the driver is not insured as required by state law, they can suspend or even revoke the driving privileges of that motorist.
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Reporting a Driver Who Has No Car Insurance
How many drivers don’t have auto insurance? Nearly 13% of drivers — that’s about one in eight — are driving around uninsured.
That reflects a worrying percentage of the population driving without insurance, which is why reporting an uninsured driver helps protect others from them.
In almost all states, there is a mandatory minimum of car insurance coverage that is required by law. All drivers must buy and keep a certain level of car insurance in case of an accident or injury.
As a minimum, most states require what’s called liability coverage car insurance, which means the other driver is covered if you’re at fault for an accident.
What happens if you drive without insurance?
Driving without insurance comes with penalties. Most of the time it results in a fine, and the amount varies by state. Uninsured drivers who are caught by the authorities may also risk having their vehicle impounded or having their license and registration suspended.
Driving Without Auto Insurance: 1st & 2nd Offense Penalties by State
| State | First Offense Penalties | Second Offense Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Fine: Up to $500; registration suspension with $200 reinstatement fee | Fine: Up to $1,000 and/or six-month license suspension; $400 reinstatement fee with four-month registration suspension |
| Alaska | License suspension for 90 days | License suspension for one year |
| Arizona | Fine: $500 (or more); license/registration/license plate suspension for three months | Fine: $750 (or more within 36 months); license/registration/license plate suspension for six months |
| Arkansas | Fine: $50 to $250; suspended registration/no plates until proof of coverage plus $20 reinstatement fee; the court may order impoundment | Fine: $250 to $500 fine — minimum fine mandatory; suspended registration/no plates until proof of coverage plus $20 reinstatement fee. The court may order the car to be impounded |
| California | Fine: $100-$200 plus penalty assessments. The court may order the car to be impounded | Fine: $200-$500 within three years plus penalty assessments. The court may order the car to be impounded |
| Colorado | Fine: $500 minimum fine; 4 points against your license; license suspension until you can show proof to the DMV that you are insured. The courts may add up to 40 hours of community service | $1,000 minimum fine, and a license suspension for four months, four points against your license. The courts may add up to 40 hours of community service |
| Connecticut | Fine: $100-$1000; suspended registration/license for one month (show proof of insurance) with $175 reinstatement fee | Fine: $100-$1000; suspended registration/license for six months (show proof of insurance) with $175 reinstatement fee |
| Delaware | Fine: $1500 minimum fine; license/privilege suspension for six months | Fine: $3000 minimum fine within three years; license/privilege suspension for six months |
| Florida | Suspension of license and registration until reinstatement fee is paid and non-cancelable coverage is secured; $150 fee for first reinstatement | Suspension of license and registration until reinstatement fee is paid and non-cancelable coverage is secured; $250 fee for the second reinstatement |
| Georgia | Suspended registration with a $25 lapse fee and a $60 reinstatement fee. Pay any other registration fees and vehicle ad valorem taxes due | Within five years: Suspended registration with a $25 lapse fee and $60 reinstatement fee. Pay any other registration fees and vehicle ad valorem taxes due |
| Hawaii | $500 fine or community service granted by a judge. Either license suspension for three months or a required non-refundable insurance policy in force for six months | Fine: $1500 minimum fine within five years; either license suspension for one year or a required non-refundable insurance policy in force for six months |
| Idaho | Fine: $75; license suspension until financial proof. No reinstatement fee. | Fine: $1000 maximum fine within five years and/or no more than six months in jail; license suspension until financial proof. No reinstatement fee. |
| Illinois | License plate suspension until $100 reinstatement fee and insurance proof | License plate suspension for four months; $100 reinstatement fee and insurance proof |
| Indiana | License/registration suspension for 90 days to one year | Within three years: license/registration suspension for one year |
| Iowa | Fine: $500 if in an accident; Otherwise, fine: $250; community service in lieu of fine. Possible citation/warning if pulled over plus removal of plates and registration possible when pulled over without insurance and reissued upon payment of fine or completed community service, proof of insurance, and $15 fee; possible impoundment when pulled over | N/A |
| Kansas | Fine: $300 to $1000 and/or confinement in jail up to six months; license/registration suspension; reinstatement fee: $100 | Fine: $800 to $2500 within three years; license/registration suspension; reinstatement fee: $300 if revoked within previous year, otherwise $100 |
| Kentucky | Fine: $500 to $1000 fine and/or sentenced up to 90 days in jail; license plates and registration revoked for one year or until proof of insurance is shown | Within five years: 180 days in jail and/or $1000 to $2500; license plates and registration revoked for one year or until proof of insurance is shown |
| Louisiana | Fine: $500 to $1000; If in a car accident, fine plus registration revoked and driving privileges suspended for 180 days | N/A |
| Maine | Fine: $100 to $500; suspension of license and registration until proof of insurance | N/A |
| Maryland | Lose license plates and vehicle registration privileges; pay uninsured motorist penalty fees for each lapse of insurance — $150 for the first 30 days, $7 for each day thereafter; Pay a restoration fee of up to $25 for registration | N/A |
| Massachusetts | Fine: $500 to $5000 fine and/or imprisonment for one year or less | Within six years: License/driving privileges suspended for one year |
| Michigan | Fine: $200 to $500 fine and/or imprisonment for one year or less; license suspension for 30 days or until proof of insurance; $25 service fee to Secretary of State | N/A |
| Minnesota | Fine: $200 to $1000 (or community service) and/or imprisonment for up to 90 days; License and registration revoked for no more than 12 months | N/A |
| Mississippi | Fine: $1000; driving privileges suspended for one year or until proof of insurance | N/A |
| Missouri | Four points against driving record; the driver may be supervised; suspended until proof of insurance with $20 reinstatement fee | Four points against driving record; the driver may be supervised; suspended for 90 days with $200 reinstatement fee. |
| Montana | Fine: $250 to $500 fine and/or imprisonment for no more than 10 days | Fine: $350 and/or imprisonment for no more than 10 days — within five years; license and registration revoked until proof of insurance and payment of reinstatement fees within 90 days |
| Nebraska | License and registration suspension; reinstatement fee of $50 for each; proof of insurance to remain on file for three years | |
| Nevada | Fine: $250 to $1,000 depending on the length of lapse; registration suspension — until payment of reinstatement fee and, depending on circumstances, an SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility) if lapsed more than 90 days; reinstatement fee: $250 | Fine: $500 to $1000 depending on the length of lapse; registration suspension — until payment of reinstatement fee and, depending on circumstances, SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility) if lapsed more than 90 days; Reinstatement fee: $500 |
| New Hampshire | Not a mandatory insurance state. Proof of insurance may be required as the result of a conviction, crash involvement, or administrative action. If you are required to file proof of insurance and vehicles are registered in your name, you will be required to file an SR-22 Certificate of Insurance. | N/A |
| New Jersey | Fine: $300 to $1000; license suspension for one year; pay surcharges for three years in the amount of $250 per year | Fine: up to $5000; two-year license suspension; 14-day, mandatory jail term, and an additional mandatory 30 days of community service |
| New Mexico | Fine: up to $300 and/or imprisoned for 90 days; license suspension | N/A |
| New York | Fine: up to $1500 if involved in accident plus $750 civil penalty; license and registration suspension – revoked for one year; suspension of the license if without insurance for 90 days; suspension lasts as long as registration suspension; Suspension of registration: equal to time without insurance or pays $8/day up to thirty days for which financial security was not in effect, $10/day from the thirty-first to the sixtieth day $12/day from the sixtieth to the ninetieth day and proof of security is provided. Or for the same time as the vehicle was operated without insurance. | N/A |
| North Carolina | Fine: $50; registration suspension until proof of financial responsibility but 30-day suspension if in a car accident or knowingly driving without insurance; $50 restoration fee plus license plate fee | Fine: $100 within three years; registration suspension until proof of financial responsibility but 30-day suspension if in a car accident or knowingly driving without insurance; $50 restoration fee plus license plate fee |
| North Dakota | Fine: up to $1500 and/or 30 days in prison; 14 points against license plus suspension; Proof of insurance must be provided for one year; license with a notation requiring that person keep proof of liability insurance on file with the department. The fee for this license is $50, and the fee to remove this notation is $50. | Fine: up to $1500 and/or 30 days in prison; 14 points against license plus suspension; license plates impounded until proof of insurance (provided for one year) plus $20 reinstatement fee; license with a notation requiring that person keep proof of liability insurance on file with the department. The fee for this license is $50 and the fee to remove this notation is $50. |
| Ohio | License/plates/registration suspension until requirements are met, and a $100 reinstatement fee is paid; maintain special high-risk coverage on file with the BMV for three to five years; If involved in an accident without insurance: all above penalties and a security suspension for two years and an indefinite judgment suspension (until all damages are satisfied) | License/plates/registration suspension for one year; $300 reinstatement fee; maintain special high-risk coverage on file with the BMV for three or five years; if involved in an accident without insurance: all above penalties and a security suspension for two years and an indefinite judgment suspension (until all damages are satisfied) |
| Oklahoma | Fine: $250; jail time up to 30 days; license suspension with $275 reinstatement fee. Police can seize license plates and assign temporary plates and liability insurance — in effect for 10 days and can also impound the vehicle. The cost of the temporary coverage is added to the administrative fee and any fines paid for plates to be returned. If the car is impounded, the owner must also pay towing and storage fees. | N/A |
| Oregon | Fine: $130-$1000 ($260 is the presumptive fine); If involved in an accident — at least a one-year license suspension; proof of financial responsibility required for three years | N/A |
| Pennsylvania | Registration suspended for three months (unless lapse was for less than 31 days and the vehicle not operated during that time); $88 restoration fee plus proof of insurance required to get it back; $500 civil penalty fee is optional in lieu of registration suspension plus $88 restoration fee — can only use this option once within a 12-month period | N/A |
| Rhode Island | Fine: $100 to $500; license and registration suspension up to three months; reinstatement fee: $30 to $50 | Fine: $500; license and registration suspension up to six months; reinstatement fee: $30 to $50 |
| South Carolina | Fine: $100-$200 or 30-day imprisonment; failure to surrender registration and plates when insurance lapses; license/registration suspended until proof of insurance plus $200 reinstatement fee | Fine: $200 and/or 30-day imprisonment — within 10 years; license/registration suspended until proof of insurance plus $200 reinstatement fee |
| South Dakota | Fine: $100 and/or 30 days imprisonment; license suspension for 30 days to one year; filing proof of insurance (SR-22) with the state for three years from the date of conviction. Failure to file proof will result in the suspension of vehicle registration, license plates, and driver's license. | N/A |
| Tennessee | Pay $25 coverage failure fee within 30 days of notice; if not paid, then an additional $100 coverage failure fee with suspension or revocation of registration plus reinstatement fee of no more than $25 | N/A |
| Texas | Fine: $175 to $350 fine; plus, pay up to a $250 surcharge every year for three years (may be reduced with certain requirements) | Fine: $350 to $1000; pay up to a $250 surcharge every year for three years (may be reduced with certain requirements); suspend the driver's license and vehicle registrations of the person unless the person files and maintains evidence of financial responsibility with the department until the second anniversary of the date of the subsequent conviction; Impoundment: for 180 days and cannot apply for a release of the car without evidence of financial responsibility and impoundment fee of $15/day. |
| Utah | Fine: $400; license suspension until proof of insurance (maintained for three years) and $100 reinstatement fee | Fine: $1000 — with three years; license suspension until proof of insurance (maintained for three years) and $100 reinstatement fee |
| Vermont | Fine: up to $500; license suspended until proof of insurance | N/A |
| Virginia | Fine: The driver may pay a $500 Uninsured Motorists Vehicle fee to drive without insurance at your own risk. If this fee is not paid in lieu of insurance, all driving and vehicle registration privileges will be suspended until a $500 statutory fee is paid, proof of insurance is filed for three years, and a reinstatement fee (if applicable) is paid | N/A |
| Washington | Fine: Up to $250 or more | N/A |
| West Virginia | Fine: $200 to $5000; license suspended for 30 days with reinstatement fees, unless there's proof of insurance and $200 penalty fee | Fine: $200-$5000 fine and/or 15 days to one year in jail — within five years; license suspended for 90 days and registration revoked until proof of insurance. |
| Wisconsin | Fine: up to $500 | N/A |
| Wyoming | Fine: up to $750 fine and up to six months in jail | N/A |
Although state law says that drivers must be insured, there are drivers who still continue to drive without insurance.
Most drivers do this to save money, as it can actually be cheaper to repeatedly pay the fines incurred for driving without insurance than it is to pay for insurance coverage.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance
Here are some examples of penalties or fine amounts for first-time offenses:
- California – $100
- Colorado – $500 and license suspension until proof of insurance is provided
- Delaware – $1500 and license suspension for six months
- Florida – $150 and license and registration suspension up to three years
- Massachusetts – $500 and license and registration suspension for 60 days
- New York – $150 and license and registration suspension until proof of insurance is provided
As you can see, it varies widely between states, and some penalties are comparatively low.
Final Thoughts on Reporting Uninsured Drivers
Even with your best efforts, you can’t avoid all uninsured drivers on the roads, but you can easily report an uninsured driver to either the police or the DMV.
Fully comprehensive auto insurance covers you in the case that you are in an accident with an uninsured driver. The best way to protect yourself from the consequences of encountering uninsured drivers is to purchase full coverage auto insurance which you can find by comparing various providers
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I encounter a driver who doesn’t have auto insurance?
If you encounter a driver who doesn’t have auto insurance, it is important to take appropriate action. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Gather information: Note down the license plate number, make and model of the vehicle, and any other relevant details such as the time and location of the incident.
- Contact the police: Call the non-emergency number for your local police department and provide them with all the information you have gathered. They will guide you on the next steps to take.
- Report to your insurance company: Inform your insurance company about the incident, even if you were not directly involved in a collision. They may need this information for your own insurance claim or to take further action against the uninsured driver.
- Consider reporting to the DMV: Depending on your jurisdiction, you may need to report the uninsured driver to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a similar authority. Check with your local DMV for specific guidelines on reporting uninsured motorists.
Will I be compensated if I’m involved in an accident with an uninsured driver?
The compensation you receive after an accident with an uninsured driver depends on several factors, such as the laws in your jurisdiction and the coverage options in your own auto insurance policy. Here are some possibilities:
- Uninsured motorist coverage: If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage as part of your own auto insurance policy, it may provide coverage for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses resulting from the accident. UM coverage varies, so it’s important to review your policy or speak with your insurance agent to understand the specific terms and limits.
- Legal action: You may choose to pursue legal action against the uninsured driver to recover damages. However, it’s important to consider the individual’s ability to pay and the costs associated with legal proceedings before deciding to pursue this route.
- State programs: Some states have programs in place to help compensate victims of accidents involving uninsured drivers. These programs are usually funded through surcharges on auto insurance policies or other means. Contact your local DMV or insurance department to inquire about such programs in your area.
Can I report an uninsured driver anonymously?
Whether you can report an uninsured driver anonymously depends on the specific procedures and regulations in your jurisdiction. In most cases, providing your information is encouraged, as it helps with the investigation and potential legal actions. However, if you have concerns about your safety or prefer to remain anonymous, you should contact your local police department to inquire about their policies regarding anonymous reporting.
What are the potential consequences for driving without auto insurance?
The potential consequences for driving without auto insurance vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances. Here are some common consequences:
- Fines: Uninsured drivers can face significant fines if caught. The amount varies based on local laws and may increase for subsequent offenses.
- License suspension: Driving without insurance can result in a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. In some cases, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee and provide proof of insurance before your license is reinstated.
- Vehicle impoundment: Law enforcement may impound the uninsured driver’s vehicle, which can result in additional fees and inconvenience.
- Legal penalties: In some jurisdictions, driving without insurance is a misdemeanor offense that can lead to criminal charges, probation, or even jail time.
- Increased insurance rates: If an uninsured driver is involved in an accident, their insurance rates can increase significantly when they eventually obtain coverage.
Will reporting an uninsured driver result in immediate action against them?
Reporting an uninsured driver does not guarantee immediate action against them. The process and actions taken vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances. When you report an uninsured driver, the authorities will typically investigate the matter and take appropriate action based on their findings.
Can I sue an uninsured driver for damages?
Whether you can sue an uninsured driver for damages depends on various factors, including the laws in your jurisdiction, the extent of the damages, and the driver’s ability to pay. In many cases, uninsured drivers may not have sufficient personal assets to cover the costs.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.