Why is it illegal to drive without car insurance?

Question

I have heard rumors that it is illegal to drive without car insurance; first of all, is this true? Secondly, if this is so, why? Many individual American motorists experience between 0-2 minor accidents in their lifetime, some of which are very minor (where both cars still run fine and there's just a bump or so). Any information would be useful.

Answer 1

Most and perhaps all states require liability insurance by law to protect people whom you might injure as well as provide reparations for the property you have damaged. You do not have to carry coverage for damage to your own vehicle.

Answer 2

You can save on your insurance by compare quotes at FREETOINSURE.INFO-

RE Why is it illegal to drive without car insurance?

I have heard rumors that it is illegal to drive without car insurance; first of all, is this true? Secondly, if this is so, why? Many individual American motorists experience between 0-2 minor accidents in their lifetime, some of which are very minor (where both cars still run fine and there's just a bump or so). Any information would be useful.

Answer 3

You can save on your insurance by compare quotes at http://SAVEHUNTER.NET/rkksdDZ704

RE Why is it illegal to drive without car insurance?

I have heard rumors that it is illegal to drive without car insurance; first of all, is this true? Secondly, if this is so, why? Many individual American motorists experience between 0-2 minor accidents in their lifetime, some of which are very minor (where both cars still run fine and there's just a bump or so). Any information would be useful.

Answer 4

I might suggest one to try this web page where you can get quotes from different companies: http://INSUREQUOTE.INFO/index.html?src=2YAhttveNE31

RE :Why is it illegal to drive without car insurance?
I have heard rumors that it is illegal to drive without car insurance; first of all, is this true? Secondly, if this is so, why? Many individual American motorists experience between 0-2 minor accidents in their lifetime, some of which are very minor (where both cars still run fine and there's just a bump or so). Any information would be useful.
Follow 29 answers

Answer 5

there are several reasons why it's illegal.
1) liability. in the event of an accident your insurance is usually responsible for most of the costs, if it's your fault. if you don't have insurance, your ability to pay up is very slim and then it becomes a court issue.
2) if you still owe money on the vehicle, you are required to have full coverage insurance so that the car stays in essentially perfect condition in the event that you don't make a payment. even more so an issue if you took out a loan to pay for the car. you have to protect that car until you pay off your debt.
3) if you get pulled over, insurance is proof of your legal ownership of the car. that way you can't be accused of stealing the car.
4) insurance protects you. if something were to happen with the vehicle where you weren't at fault but were being accused, your insurance is kind of like a safety net.

Answer 6

Most states require it for the simply reason that cars are huge, moving hunks of metal, rubber and plastic that are controlled by Newtonian mechanics, idiot driver in charge or not. They can do serious damage to other people and other's property. Some states require you at least post a bond instead of insurance, as proof that you can cover the costs of an accident.

Proof of insurance merely shows that you are capable of taking responsibility for the harm you may cause others. Insurance has been around for a long time, and it exists for good reason.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insurance has a good essay on the subject; zooming down in the page under "History of Insurance" yields some interesting background.

Answer 7

It is illegal to drive without insurance because you are required to show financial responsibility in order to drive a car.

If you have an accident and do ten thousand dollars' damage to someone else's car, you have to be able to indemnify them - to make them whole again. It is not acceptable to argue that you don't believe you'll have an accident - that's disproven by 100% of the automobile accidents in the world.

No one thinks they're going to wreck the car. Insurance is required to fix stuff when you're wrong.

Answer 8

It's no rumor. It's true. Why do they require insurance? Because if you cause an accident and damage my vehicle, I have some assurance that my car will get repaired properly and in a timely manner. Let's say you have no insurance and you rear end my car, causing $3000 in damage. Do you have $3000 in your pocket to pay for my repairs? Most people don't. I don't want $50 per month for 5 years, I want my car fixed now, and since it was your fault, I shouldn't have to pay for it. That's why.

Answer 9

Yes it is and for a reason, and that reason is if you do get into an accident and someone gets hurt someone has got to pay, and also to pay for the damage. It is a way of protecting all people involved. If the damage is minor you can work it out with the person and not turn into your insurance, but yes you have to have it. You are a fool if you do not

Answer 10

Something else to think about is how much insurance costs... you will probably wind up spending thousands of dollars a year in order to have a poilcy that you might not use more than once or twice in your life! (hopefully :D) It's not an option to go without it really, but it's just something to take into consideration when you're buying your policy.

Answer 11

Yes, you are required to carry liability insurance. Most people don't. The reason you should have it is this. If you get into a wreck, and it's your fault, then you are liable for the cost of repair to the other persons vehicle, as well as any medical bills they may have. No insurance, means it comes from your pocket.