Do you still have to pay insurance if you don't have a car?

Asked by: Ayana Veum  |  Last update: February 25, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (12 votes)

If you don't own a car, you aren't legally required to have an auto insurance policy. If you don't own but drive a borrowed car occasionally, purchasing insurance may not be necessary if the car's owner has adequate coverage. However, buying a policy might make sense if you regularly drive despite not having a vehicle.

Do you have to pay insurance if you don't have a car?

Yes, you can have car insurance without owning a car. Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage for people who don't have their own vehicle but occasionally drive someone else's. Liability car insurance pays for injuries or property damage you cause others in a car accident.

Why are we forced to have car insurance?

``The primary reason car insurance is required is because of your liability, ie, responsibility, for any damage you cause. Although you may carry optional comprehensive and collision coverage to cover your vehicle, the coverages required by most states' laws are bodily injury and property damage insurance.

How long can I be without car insurance?

It is a crime to drive almost anywhere without car insurance coverage, even for a minute or just down the street. So, how long can you be without car insurance? If you're driving, you can't. Anytime you get behind the wheel as a licensed driver, you need insurance coverage or you'll risk incurring major consequences.

Is it legal to not have car insurance in the US?

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.

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26 related questions found

What state requires no car insurance?

New Hampshire and Virginia are the only states that do not require auto insurance. However, if you choose not to purchase car insurance in these states, you would still be held liable for any property damage or bodily injury caused by their vehicle.

Do you actually need car insurance?

Having car insurance is required by law in most states. If you are at fault in a car accident, the auto liability coverage required on your car insurance policy helps pay for covered losses, such as the other party's medical bills and damage to their vehicle or other property that results from the accident.

Can you get your car back if you don't have insurance?

No, if your car gets impounded, you must present the necessary documentation, including your driver's license, the vehicle's vehicle identification number, and proof of auto insurance, to get it released. If you don't have proof of insurance, you'll need to buy a policy before you can get your car back.

What happens if a car is stolen without insurance?

Unfortunately, if your car is stolen and you don't have insurance coverage, you may be responsible for the full cost of replacing your vehicle. When a car is stolen, the owner typically files a police report and notifies their insurance company.

Can you refuse to use insurance?

You may choose not to use insurance if the service you need isn't covered, or it's less expensive if you pay out of pocket.

Why is it bad not to have car insurance?

Putting aside a situation where you get into an accident and have to pay out of pocket for repairs and medical bills (yours or others involved), driving uninsured also carries steep fines and a loss of your license. You also may be surprised by how affordable car insurance can be.

Why do people drive without car insurance?

The top reason is that people claim they can't afford car insurance. There are others who could technically afford it but do not want to pay for it. They are just trying to cut costs, they think insurance is too expensive, and they decide to risk it and drive without insurance to save money in the short term.

Is car insurance cheaper if you own the car?

Is car insurance cheaper if you own your car? Car insurance premiums don't automatically go down when you pay off your car, but you can probably lower your premium by dropping coverage that's no longer required.

Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance Progressive?

While there are exceptions, car insurance generally follows the car and not the driver. Allowing another licensed driver to borrow your vehicle is known as "permissive use," which means you give someone, who isn't listed on your car insurance policy, permission to operate your vehicle.

Do I need insurance to drive my parents' car?

Do I need insurance to drive my parents' car? If your parents' have insurance, then you don't necessarily need your own insurance policy to drive their car. If you don't live with them and just borrow it occasionally then you don't need to be listed as a driver on their policy either.

Does your insurance go up if your car is stolen?

Claim History: If you have filed claims in the past, adding another claim for a stolen vehicle could be seen as increasing your risk profile, which might lead to higher premiums. Insurance Coverage: The type of coverage you have can also play a role. Comprehensive coverage is what typically covers theft of a vehicle.

What happens if someone who isn't on your insurance crashes your car in Texas?

If the driver involved in the accident isn't listed on your insurance policy, the situation becomes more complex. As stated above, in Texas, insurance typically follows the car, not the driver. If you gave permission for someone to drive your car, your insurance should cover the damages resulting from the accident.

What happens if someone sues you for more than your insurance covers?

You may face a lawsuit for the uncovered amount when damages exceed your policy limits. The injured party could attempt to seize your personal assets, which may include: Savings accounts. Wages (via wage garnishment)

Can I cancel my insurance if I don't have a car?

Before you can cancel your insurance, check what your state's department of motor vehicles requires for cars in storage. To cancel your insurance, cancel your vehicle registration first to avoid creating a gap in car insurance coverage. You may need to fill out an affidavit of non-use with your state.

Do I still have to pay insurance if my car is repossessed?

Insurance After Your Vehicle Repossession FAQs

You are responsible for maintaining auto insurance on your vehicle even after your lender takes possession of it and until the bank can re-sell it.

How many missed payments before repo?

While repossession can occur after a single missed payment, most lenders wait until you're 30 to 90 days behind on payments. That means you can face repossession after you've missed one, two or three payments.

Do I need insurance if I don't have a car?

If you don't own a car, you aren't legally required to have an auto insurance policy. If you don't own but drive a borrowed car occasionally, purchasing insurance may not be necessary if the car's owner has adequate coverage. However, buying a policy might make sense if you regularly drive despite not having a vehicle.

How much is umbrella insurance?

According to an ACE Private Risk Services report noted by Forbes, the average cost a $1 million personal umbrella policy is $383 per year for an individual with one home, two cars, and two drivers. If you need more than $1 million in liability coverage, your policy's cost will increase.

What state does not require car insurance?

New Hampshire is the only state with no auto insurance requirements, while Florida is the only one that doesn't require bodily injury liability (which pays for the other party's injuries in the event of an accident that you caused). Louisiana has lower liability limits than most other states.

Is it illegal to not have car insurance in the US?

Much like having a license plate on your car and having a valid drivers license, insurance is a requirement for driving in nearly every state. You're legally required to have auto insurance for any car registered in your name, unless you live in New Hampshire.