The Consequences of Driving Without Insurance in Georgia

As a Georgia DUI Attorney, I'm used to handling all types of traffic offenses because the majority of DUI arrests involve more than just a DUI in Georgia. A very common offense I see is driving without valid insurance in Georgia.

Driving without Valid Insurance in Georgia

By law, the owner or operator of a motor vehicle in Georgia must have adequate minimum insurance coverage. If a person does not have valid insurance or a vehicle is not insured by its owner, they will be charged with driving without insurance. The penalty if convicted includes a fine ranging between $200 to $1,000 and jail time up to 12 months. 

Another important fact that people are unaware of is that insurance companies will send notice of insurance lapses to the state of Georgia for any failure to pay insurance premiums. Your insurance company will report insurance coverage to the State of Georgia and associate it with your V.I.N.  Make sure your insurance company has the correct vehicle identification number.  The police will check the vehicle for coverage and may still cite you for No Proof of Insurance if your car's V.I.N. does not show coverage at time the police check it.

This notice can lead to the suspension of a driver's Georgia Driver's License. Now this is where a circle of traffic violations can occur. If the person is unaware of the suspension, it can lead to the offense of driving with a suspended license in Georgia. This offense has severe consequences including a fine landing from $500 to $1,000, jail time, and longer suspension for at least six months. 

Furthermore, a driver must show acceptable proof insurance regardless of who owns the vehicle.  Again, there is no exception to this rule. However, if you are driving someone else's car, your own insurance may cover you depending on your actual policy. 

Practice Note

We can help you with your case. No case is impossible or hopeless, and we are devoted to DUI and traffic law in Georgia. Neglecting to hire an attorney is one of the worst mistakes you can make. 

Our office has over 50 years of combined experience and can help you with your case. Contact a Georgia DUI Lawyer today.