What happens if I don't have full coverage?

Asked by: Dr. Eliezer Casper  |  Last update: September 11, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (4 votes)

Do you have enough money to pay for car repairs or buy a new car if your vehicle gets totaled? Without full coverage, you will be responsible for the cost of repairs or replacement when something unexpected happens. Keep in mind that car repairs can be expensive, especially for newer high-end vehicles.

What happens if I total my car without full coverage?

To maintain your good credit, you should continue to make your loan or lease payments until the insurance company issues payment to your lender. If you don't have insurance or don't have enough coverage, you're on the hook for the balance left on your vehicle even though the car is no longer drivable.

What happens if I don't put full coverage on my car?

Having only the minimum liability required by your state with no additional coverage leaves a large gap when it comes to repairing your vehicle after an accident.

What happens if car insurance coverage isn't enough?

Are you holding enough auto liability coverage? If not, you could be financially on the hook for any expenses over and above the limits of your insurance policy if you are found at-fault for a car accident. You don't want to be left with a huge bill to pay.

What is it called when you don t have full coverage insurance?

Simply put, liability-only car insurance is a type of policy that only provides coverage for injury and damages you cause to another vehicle or another person's property, not damage your car sustains.

What If The At-Fault Driver Doesn't Have Enough Coverage?

22 related questions found

Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?

Remember that filing small claims may affect how much you have to pay for insurance later. Switching from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can save as much as 20 percent on the cost of your insurance premium payments.

At what point is full coverage not worth it?

Paying for comprehensive and collision — the coverages that many people mean when they say "full coverage" — may not be worth it if your car's value is minimal and your policy includes a high deductible. Usually, you have to have comprehensive and collision on a financed car because most lenders require it.

Will my insurance go up if I get hit by an uninsured driver?

However, under California's proposition 103, insurance companies are not allowed to raise rates or drop a person because they made an uninsured motorist claim.

What happens when insurance doesn't cover everything?

If insurance doesn't cover all your medical bills after a car accident, slip and fall, or other personal injury accident, a lawyer can help you explore different options for seeking compensation, such as negotiating with the insurance company, making a claim with a different insurance policy, or filing a lawsuit.

At what point is car insurance not worth it?

For example, you might want to drop comprehensive coverage if: You park your car in the garage and protect it from animals, falling objects, and severe weather. You plan to replace your car next time it needs big repairs. Your car is worth less than the deductible on your comprehensive coverage.

Is it smart to have full coverage?

Risk Tolerance: Full coverage can provide peace of mind by protecting your car from various risks, including accidents, theft, and weather damage. If you prefer the extra security, keeping full coverage might be worth it, even after the car is paid off.

Do insurance companies go after uninsured drivers?

While insurance companies may pursue uninsured drivers to recover claim costs, the process can be complex and time-consuming. Uninsured drivers involved in accidents should seek legal counsel promptly to protect their rights and explore possible compensation avenues.

Why do dealerships require full coverage insurance?

Lenders typically mandate comprehensive and collision coverage to protect their investment. These coverages extend beyond the basic liability insurance required by law and ensure your vehicle is safeguarded against various risks.

What happens if you don't have full coverage on a financed car?

Lender Requirements: Many lenders mandate full coverage to protect their financial interest in the vehicle. If you fail to maintain the required coverage, the lender may impose force-placed insurance, which is often more expensive and offers minimal coverage.

What happens if a stolen car hits you?

The thief is almost always the liable party and their insurance will become involved, or a personal injury lawsuit could result.

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)

Why do I still have to pay even though I have insurance?

Health insurance doesn't pay for everything. It usually pays most of the bill, but you will still have to pay some. This is called cost-sharing. The amount that you pay depends on the kind of plan you have.

What voids your insurance?

7 ways you could accidentally void your travel insurance
  • Leaving your belongings unattended. ...
  • Ignoring pre-existing medical conditions. ...
  • Engaging in reckless behaviours. ...
  • Participating in high-risk sports and activities. ...
  • Travelling against government advice. ...
  • Violating road and driving rules. ...
  • Changing your mind.

Can I sue if I didn't have insurance?

The fact that you don't have car insurance doesn't mean you are automatically responsible for the accident. Sure, it's against the law to drive without insurance, but you can still sue when you're injured by another driver in most states.

When someone hits you does your insurance go up?

Rate increases will go up even more if there are injuries and property damage. If you are not at fault, however, the rate increase is less severe. On average, drivers who are not at fault will only have their rates go up by about 4%.

What is the deductible for being hit by an uninsured driver?

The amount of your UMPD deductible will vary based on your state. It usually falls in between $100-$1,000. Note that some states may have a separate deductible for hit-and-run claims. You may not have the option to choose your deductible amount for UMPD coverage.

Will my insurance go up if someone hits my parked car Progressive?

Will my insurance go up if my parked car is hit by someone? If you file a claim with your own auto insurance company, you may see a rate increase. Filing a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance generally won't raise your rate since you're not the one who caused the damage.

When should you stop getting full coverage on your car?

Consider dropping your full coverage if the cost to replace a vehicle outweighs the insurance payout you'd get from a covered accident. Drivers can drop all other coverages from their policy and maintain a comprehensive-only plan if they don't drive their car.

Why am I paying so much for full coverage insurance?

Driving record

Incidents such as accidents (even if you weren't at fault), speeding violations, reckless driving, and driving while intoxicated can increase premiums. If you've filed a claim in the past few years, this might also result in an increase to your premium.

What is the consequence of not having full coverage auto insurance?

If you find yourself not at fault in a car accident but don't have full coverage insurance, the process for covering damage to your vehicle can be complex. In most states, if another driver's insurance is responsible for the accident, their insurer should cover the damages to your car.