so, I was driving without insurance because I -just- bought this car and my previous insurance -just-expired. (I live in missouri) I now have a court hearing in october for it. What am I supposed to do? I heard that I can just hire one of those traffic lawyers to go for you...will there be a -huge- fine or just a small one? I know, it was pretty dumb, but life sucks sometimes and you have to buy groceries instead of car insurance....help!!
2006-08-30 06:06:18 · 14 answers · asked by katie-bug 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
Yup, you'll almost certainly have to pay the fine. I recommend that you get insurance as soon as possible and take proof of insurance with you when you go to court. Explain your situation and perhaps the judge will cut you some slack. However, be prepared to pay a fine in the $100 to $200 range. (That's what I'd expect to pay for this type of violation in Virginia.)
2006-08-30 06:14:19 · answer #1 · answered by pvreditor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are indeed foolish to drive without insurance, and now you will have to face up to your responsibilities. And by the way, I don't buy the "groceries instead of insurance" excuse, and neither will the judge, so don't use it.
If you can afford a car, you can afford insurance...just cut back on cigs, partying, Mountain Dew, and Mc Donalds... and if you still can't afford it then don't drive....there are alternatives like public transportation, etc. until you can afford to pay for the insurance again.
You will have to pay a fine regardless of whether you now have insurance or not...but if I were you, I'd get at least some bare-minimum coverage NOW. It will score points with a judge if you are contrite, express regret for your actions, and show him that you are now insured. I'd also at least consult a lawyer to see what if any options you have under Missouri law.
Just think of how much insurance you could have bought with the amount of the fine, court costs, and lawyer's fee. I estimate a year's worth. Good Luck
2006-08-30 10:12:00 · answer #2 · answered by answerman63 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, there's no way around it - you were driving without insurance. I'd not bother hiring a lawyer, it's just going to cost you MORE.
I *would* call the courthouse, or do an internet search, to see what the penalty is for driving without insurance. Then I'd throw myself on the mercy of the judge, and wear a short skirt. Oh, unless you're a man. Then skip the skirt part.
BTW: When people buy a new car, they DON'T cancel the old policy and buy a new one - they TRANSFER the policy to a new car. So "my insurance just expired on the old car" is NOT a valid defense, ESPECIALLY if you took the tags off the old car & put them on the new one.
2006-08-30 06:22:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm in florida, but in this state they can arrest you on the spot if you are not insured. If they just ticket you and it was me I would get the vehicle insured before the court date and then appear in court and explain the situation to the judge and show him you are now insured and will remain so and apologize. Then just hope the judge is nice and will just let you go with a warning. You can call the courthouse and find out how much the fine is from the statute number on the ticket. I'm not a lawyer, but this is how I would do it. Hope this helps. Good Luck!
2006-08-30 06:12:37 · answer #4 · answered by ladydreamer24 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure, you can buy the grocery - just don't take the car to get them. Basically, you were not being responsible driving without insurance. When you do go to court, they will ask for proof of insurance - get some and get better insurance than what the state requires for the extra boost of I'm a good driver.
2006-08-30 17:04:38 · answer #5 · answered by PeppermintandPopcorn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check into the amt the ticket will be, and pay it. Find out if the court requires any other documentation at the hearing (just call the clerk's office). You probably don't need a lawyer. And yes, although you've been lectured, just imagine if it had been an accident instead of getting pulled over. Choose the insurance, skip the groceries.
2006-08-30 13:35:07 · answer #6 · answered by Chris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off get insurance NOW. If you have done so go to your hearing and beg for forgiveness for being so irresponsible. Have the proof that you where in a temporary situation and have corrected the issue by getting the proper insurance. You will most likely pay a fine of several hundred dollars for the infraction which is a small price to pay. If you had been in an accident you would be responsible for a lot more.
2006-08-30 06:12:27 · answer #7 · answered by William R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy insurance, plead to the judge. A lawyer will cost more than a fine. The fines are posted at most every municipal building or you can call information. Who knows? If you go in with a policy in force the judge MAY show some mercy.
2006-08-30 06:50:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're still going to have to pay the fine for not having insurance whether or not you hire an attorney. You'll be wasting additional money hiring a lawyer.
2006-08-30 06:10:42 · answer #9 · answered by Mr. BIG 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
perhaps the best way is to present ur case to the judge.
present yourself as the way u described and tell them u understand it is against the law, etc and that you were going to buy insurance that monh, but expenses were way over your head, etc, no money to eat, etc.
also get a quote from an insurance company and backdate before the fine...
tell the judge u are planning to buy insurance, but a fine will cause u monetary hardship, and cant buy that insurance.
perhaps u will get away with a warning.
2006-08-30 06:15:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋