How to Report a Driver Without Auto Insurance in 2024 (Easy Steps to Follow)
The way you report a driver without auto insurance involves gathering the driver's details, contacting local police, and notifying the DMV. About 29% of drivers in some states are uninsured, so following these steps ensures road safety and may lead to license suspension for the offending driver.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 4, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 4, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
To report a driver without auto insurance, it is crucial to follow the right steps to ensure road safety and protect yourself from financial risks and this guide covers everything from gathering necessary details to contacting the police, to DMV, and to seeking legal advice.
Find out if you can report someone for driving without car insurance. Enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool above to compare rates.
- Step #1: Gather Information – Collect driver details, vehicle info, and incident
- Step #2: Report to Police – File a report with local police and provide details
- Step #3: Notify DMV – Report to your state DMV using their online or phone system
- Step #4: Follow Up Report– Check the status of your report with the police or DMV
- Step #5: Seek Advice – Consult an attorney and review your insurance policy
Step #1: Gather Information
Before reporting an uninsured driver, it’s crucial to collect as much detailed information as possible to support your report, especially if you’re seeking cheap auto insurance after an accident. Start by noting down key details about the driver and their vehicle.
This includes the driver’s full name, the make and model of their vehicle, its color, and the license plate number. Also, record the date, time, and location of the incident or when you observed the driver.
The more detailed your information, the stronger your report will be. Accurate documentation, including vehicle details and witness statements, significantly increases the chances of effective action against uninsured drivers.Tracey L. Wells Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
If you have any additional evidence such as photographs of the vehicle or statements from witnesses, gather and organize these as well. This comprehensive information will be essential when filing a report and will help authorities take appropriate action.
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Step #2: Report to Local Police
If you have witnessed someone driving without insurance or if you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, the next step is to report this to the local police. You may wonder, “Can police check your auto insurance?” The answer is yes, and it is important to contact the non-emergency number for your local police department or visit their station to file a report.
Provide all the detailed information you have collected, including the driver’s details and specifics about the incident. If an accident occurred, ensure that you file an official police report. This document will be useful for any insurance claims or legal actions that may follow.
Step #3: Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles
For a more formal and potentially effective approach, report the uninsured driver to your state’s DMV. Visit the DMV’s website or contact their office to understand the specific procedures for reporting. Submit your report through the provided online form or by phone, including all relevant details about the driver and their insurance status.
The DMV maintains a database of driver insurance information and will use this to verify the driver’s coverage. If they find that the driver is uninsured, they may take actions such as suspending or revoking the driver’s license. Learn more information on DMV and insurance points: DMV Points vs. Insurance Points Explained
Step #4: Follow Up on Your Report
After you have submitted your report to both the police and DMV, it is important to follow up to ensure that your report is being addressed. Contact the local police department or DMV to check the status of your report and inquire about any actions taken.
This step helps you stay informed about the progress and ensures that the authorities are actively dealing with the issue. Depending on the response, you may need to provide additional information or take further actions.
Check further information to assess if a situation is an at-fault accident.
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Step #5: Seek Legal or Insurance Advice
If the situation does not resolve or if you are directly affected by an accident with the uninsured driver, seek further advice. Consulting with an attorney who specializes in auto insurance or personal injury protection auto insurance law can provide guidance on potential legal actions you can take.
Additionally, review your own auto insurance policy to ensure it includes coverage for accidents involving uninsured drivers. If necessary, adjust your policy to better protect yourself in the future.
The Consequences of Driving Without Insurance
Driving without insurance comes with penalties. Most of the time it results in a fine, and the amount varies by state. Uninsured drivers who are caught by the authorities may also risk having their vehicle impounded or having their license and registration suspended.
| State | First Offense | Second Offense |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Fine: Up to $500; registration suspension with $200 reinstatement fee | Fine: Up to $1,000 and/or six-month license suspension; $400 reinstatement fee with four-month registration suspension |
| Alaska | License suspension for 90 days | License suspension for one year |
| Arizona | Fine: $500 (or more); license/registration/license plate suspension for three months | Fine: $750 (or more within 36 months); license/registration/license plate suspension for six months |
| Arkansas | Fine: $50 to $250; suspended registration/no plates until proof of coverage plus $20 reinstatement fee; the court may order impoundment | Fine: $250 to $500 fine — minimum fine mandatory; suspended registration/no plates until proof of coverage plus $20 reinstatement fee. The court may order the car to be impounded |
| California | Fine: $100-$200 plus penalty assessments. The court may order the car to be impounded | Fine: $200-$500 within three years plus penalty assessments. The court may order the car to be impounded |
| Colorado | Fine: $500 minimum fine; 4 points against your license; license suspension until you can show proof to the DMV that you are insured. The courts may add up to 40 hours of community service | $1,000 minimum fine, and a license suspension for four months, four points against your license. The courts may add up to 40 hours of community service |
| Connecticut | Fine: $100-$1000; suspended registration/license for one month (show proof of insurance) with $175 reinstatement fee | Fine: $100-$1000; suspended registration/license for six months (show proof of insurance) with $175 reinstatement fee |
| Delaware | Fine: $1500 minimum fine; license/privilege suspension for six months | Fine: $3000 minimum fine within three years; license/privilege suspension for six months |
| Florida | Suspension of license and registration until reinstatement fee is paid and non-cancelable coverage is secured; $150 fee for first reinstatement | Suspension of license and registration until reinstatement fee is paid and non-cancelable coverage is secured; $250 fee for the second reinstatement |
| Georgia | Suspended registration with a $25 lapse fee and a $60 reinstatement fee. Pay any other registration fees and vehicle ad valorem taxes due | Within five years: Suspended registration with a $25 lapse fee and $60 reinstatement fee. Pay any other registration fees and vehicle ad valorem taxes due |
| Hawaii | $500 fine or community service granted by a judge. Either license suspension for three months or a required non-refundable insurance policy in force for six months | Fine: $1500 minimum fine within five years; either license suspension for one year or a required non-refundable insurance policy in force for six months |
| Idaho | Fine: $75; license suspension until financial proof. No reinstatement fee. | Fine: $1000 maximum fine within five years and/or no more than six months in jail; license suspension until financial proof. No reinstatement fee. |
| Illinois | License plate suspension until $100 reinstatement fee and insurance proof | License plate suspension for four months; $100 reinstatement fee and insurance proof |
| Indiana | License/registration suspension for 90 days to one year | Within three years: license/registration suspension for one year |
| Iowa | Fine: $500 if in an accident; Otherwise, fine: $250; community service in lieu of fine. Possible citation/warning if pulled over plus removal of plates and registration possible when pulled over without insurance and reissued upon payment of fine or completed community service, proof of insurance, and $15 fee; possible impoundment when pulled over | N/A |
| Kansas | Fine: $300 to $1000 and/or confinement in jail up to six months; license/registration suspension; reinstatement fee: $100 | Fine: $800 to $2500 within three years; license/registration suspension; reinstatement fee: $300 if revoked within previous year, otherwise $100 |
| Kentucky | Fine: $500 to $1000 fine and/or sentenced up to 90 days in jail; license plates and registration revoked for one year or until proof of insurance is shown | Within five years: 180 days in jail and/or $1000 to $2500; license plates and registration revoked for one year or until proof of insurance is shown |
| Louisiana | Fine: $500 to $1000; If in a car accident, fine plus registration revoked and driving privileges suspended for 180 days | N/A |
| Maine | Fine: $100 to $500; suspension of license and registration until proof of insurance | N/A |
| Maryland | Lose license plates and vehicle registration privileges; pay uninsured motorist penalty fees for each lapse of insurance — $150 for the first 30 days, $7 for each day thereafter; Pay a restoration fee of up to $25 for registration | N/A |
| Massachusetts | Fine: $500 to $5000 fine and/or imprisonment for one year or less | Within six years: License/driving privileges suspended for one year |
| Michigan | Fine: $200 to $500 fine and/or imprisonment for one year or less; license suspension for 30 days or until proof of insurance; $25 service fee to Secretary of State | N/A |
| Minnesota | Fine: $200 to $1000 (or community service) and/or imprisonment for up to 90 days; License and registration revoked for no more than 12 months | N/A |
| Mississippi | Fine: $1000; driving privileges suspended for one year or until proof of insurance | N/A |
| Missouri | Four points against driving record; the driver may be supervised; suspended until proof of insurance with $20 reinstatement fee | Four points against driving record; the driver may be supervised; suspended for 90 days with $200 reinstatement fee. |
| Montana | Fine: $250 to $500 fine and/or imprisonment for no more than 10 days | Fine: $350 and/or imprisonment for no more than 10 days — within five years; license and registration revoked until proof of insurance and payment of reinstatement fees within 90 days |
| Nebraska | License and registration suspension; reinstatement fee of $50 for each; proof of insurance to remain on file for three years | |
| Nevada | Fine: $250 to $1,000 depending on the length of lapse; registration suspension — until payment of reinstatement fee and, depending on circumstances, an SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility) if lapsed more than 90 days; reinstatement fee: $250 | Fine: $500 to $1000 depending on the length of lapse; registration suspension — until payment of reinstatement fee and, depending on circumstances, SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility) if lapsed more than 90 days; Reinstatement fee: $500 |
| New Hampshire | Not a mandatory insurance state. Proof of insurance may be required as the result of a conviction, crash involvement, or administrative action. If you are required to file proof of insurance and vehicles are registered in your name, you will be required to file an SR-22 Certificate of Insurance. | N/A |
| New Jersey | Fine: $300 to $1000; license suspension for one year; pay surcharges for three years in the amount of $250 per year | Fine: up to $5000; two-year license suspension; 14-day, mandatory jail term, and an additional mandatory 30 days of community service |
| New Mexico | Fine: up to $300 and/or imprisoned for 90 days; license suspension | N/A |
| New York | Fine: up to $1500 if involved in accident plus $750 civil penalty; license and registration suspension – revoked for one year; suspension of the license if without insurance for 90 days; suspension lasts as long as registration suspension; Suspension of registration: equal to time without insurance or pays $8/day up to thirty days for which financial security was not in effect, $10/day from the thirty-first to the sixtieth day $12/day from the sixtieth to the ninetieth day and proof of security is provided. Or for the same time as the vehicle was operated without insurance. | N/A |
| North Carolina | Fine: $50; registration suspension until proof of financial responsibility but 30-day suspension if in a car accident or knowingly driving without insurance; $50 restoration fee plus license plate fee | Fine: $100 within three years; registration suspension until proof of financial responsibility but 30-day suspension if in a car accident or knowingly driving without insurance; $50 restoration fee plus license plate fee |
| North Dakota | Fine: up to $1500 and/or 30 days in prison; 14 points against license plus suspension; Proof of insurance must be provided for one year; license with a notation requiring that person keep proof of liability insurance on file with the department. The fee for this license is $50, and the fee to remove this notation is $50. | Fine: up to $1500 and/or 30 days in prison; 14 points against license plus suspension; license plates impounded until proof of insurance (provided for one year) plus $20 reinstatement fee; license with a notation requiring that person keep proof of liability insurance on file with the department. The fee for this license is $50 and the fee to remove this notation is $50. |
| Ohio | License/plates/registration suspension until requirements are met, and a $100 reinstatement fee is paid; maintain special high-risk coverage on file with the BMV for three to five years; If involved in an accident without insurance: all above penalties and a security suspension for two years and an indefinite judgment suspension (until all damages are satisfied) | License/plates/registration suspension for one year; $300 reinstatement fee; maintain special high-risk coverage on file with the BMV for three or five years; if involved in an accident without insurance: all above penalties and a security suspension for two years and an indefinite judgment suspension (until all damages are satisfied) |
| Oklahoma | Fine: $250; jail time up to 30 days; license suspension with $275 reinstatement fee. Police can seize license plates and assign temporary plates and liability insurance — in effect for 10 days and can also impound the vehicle. The cost of the temporary coverage is added to the administrative fee and any fines paid for plates to be returned. If the car is impounded, the owner must also pay towing and storage fees. | N/A |
| Oregon | Fine: $130-$1000 ($260 is the presumptive fine); If involved in an accident — at least a one-year license suspension; proof of financial responsibility required for three years | N/A |
| Pennsylvania | Registration suspended for three months (unless lapse was for less than 31 days and the vehicle not operated during that time); $88 restoration fee plus proof of insurance required to get it back; $500 civil penalty fee is optional in lieu of registration suspension plus $88 restoration fee — can only use this option once within a 12-month period | N/A |
| Rhode Island | Fine: $100 to $500; license and registration suspension up to three months; reinstatement fee: $30 to $50 | Fine: $500; license and registration suspension up to six months; reinstatement fee: $30 to $50 |
| South Carolina | Fine: $100-$200 or 30-day imprisonment; failure to surrender registration and plates when insurance lapses; license/registration suspended until proof of insurance plus $200 reinstatement fee | Fine: $200 and/or 30-day imprisonment — within 10 years; license/registration suspended until proof of insurance plus $200 reinstatement fee |
| South Dakota | Fine: $100 and/or 30 days imprisonment; license suspension for 30 days to one year; filing proof of insurance (SR-22) with the state for three years from the date of conviction. Failure to file proof will result in the suspension of vehicle registration, license plates, and driver's license. | N/A |
| Tennessee | Pay $25 coverage failure fee within 30 days of notice; if not paid, then an additional $100 coverage failure fee with suspension or revocation of registration plus reinstatement fee of no more than $25 | N/A |
| Texas | Fine: $175 to $350 fine; plus, pay up to a $250 surcharge every year for three years (may be reduced with certain requirements) | Fine: $350 to $1000; pay up to a $250 surcharge every year for three years (may be reduced with certain requirements); suspend the driver's license and vehicle registrations of the person unless the person files and maintains evidence of financial responsibility with the department until the second anniversary of the date of the subsequent conviction; Impoundment: for 180 days and cannot apply for a release of the car without evidence of financial responsibility and impoundment fee of $15/day. |
| Utah | Fine: $400; license suspension until proof of insurance (maintained for three years) and $100 reinstatement fee | Fine: $1000 — with three years; license suspension until proof of insurance (maintained for three years) and $100 reinstatement fee |
| Vermont | Fine: up to $500; license suspended until proof of insurance | N/A |
| Virginia | Fine: The driver may pay a $500 Uninsured Motorists Vehicle fee to drive without insurance at your own risk. If this fee is not paid in lieu of insurance, all driving and vehicle registration privileges will be suspended until a $500 statutory fee is paid, proof of insurance is filed for three years, and a reinstatement fee (if applicable) is paid | N/A |
| Washington | Fine: Up to $250 or more | N/A |
| West Virginia | Fine: $200 to $5000; license suspended for 30 days with reinstatement fees, unless there's proof of insurance and $200 penalty fee | Fine: $200-$5000 fine and/or 15 days to one year in jail — within five years; license suspended for 90 days and registration revoked until proof of insurance. |
| Wisconsin | Fine: up to $500 | N/A |
| Wyoming | Fine: up to $750 fine and up to six months in jail | N/A |
Although state law says that drivers must be insured, there are drivers who still continue to drive without insurance.
Most drivers do this to save money, as it can actually be cheaper to repeatedly pay the fines incurred for driving without insurance than it is to pay for insurance coverage.
This cost-saving strategy is particularly prevalent in certain states, where a significant portion of drivers opt to forgo insurance altogether. The table below highlights the states with the highest percentages of uninsured drivers, illustrating the extent of this issue.
| Rank | State | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Mississippi | 29% |
| #2 | Michigan | 26% |
| #3 | Tennessee | 24% |
| #4 | New Mexico | 22% |
| #5 | Florida | 20% |
| #6 | Oklahoma | 19% |
| #7 | Arkansas | 19% |
| #8 | Washington | 18% |
| #9 | Nevada | 18% |
| #10 | Alabama | 18% |
Mississippi tops the list with an alarming 29% of drivers lacking auto insurance, followed closely by Michigan at 26% and Tennessee at 24%. Other states like New Mexico, Florida, and Oklahoma also report high percentages, ranging from 22% to 19%. The widespread nature of this practice underscores the financial challenges that lead drivers in these states to take the risk of driving uninsured.
Navigating Uninsured Driver Challenges
Addressing uninsured drivers is essential for maintaining road safety and protecting yourself from financial risks. By gathering detailed information, reporting to the police and DMV, and following up, you play a crucial role in managing these risks. Staying informed and consulting with experts can further ensure you’re covered in case of an accident.
Your proactive efforts help foster a safer driving environment and promote accountability. Continue to utilize available resources to make informed insurance decisions and stay protected. Don’t let expensive insurance rates hold you back. Enter your ZIP code below and shop for affordable auto insurance premiums from the top companies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to report an uninsured driver to the DMV?
To report an uninsured driver to the DMV, collect the vehicle’s details and submit them through your state’s DMV website or visit a local DMV office. Each state may have different reporting processes.
Can you report someone driving without insurance anonymously?
Yes, you can report someone driving without insurance anonymously in many states. This allows you to provide information without revealing your identity. Check local procedures for anonymous reporting.
Obtain more knowledge on our guide “Auto Insurance Rates by State.”
Can you report someone for driving without insurance if they have been involved in an accident?
Yes, if someone has been in an accident and is driving without insurance, you can report someone for driving without insurance to the local police and DMV. Provide details about the accident and the vehicle.
How to report someone for not having car insurance who is driving a commercial vehicle?
If someone is driving a commercial vehicle without insurance, you can report someone for not having car insurance to the DMV or the Department of Transportation. Commercial vehicles must meet strict insurance requirements.
How to report an uninsured vehicle that is parked on public property?
To report a car with no insurance parked on public property, such as parking a car on the road with no insurance, contact local authorities or the DMV. Some states have specific procedures for handling such situations.
Can you report someone driving without insurance if they are using a rental car?
Yes, if a rental car is being driven without insurance, you can report someone driving without insurance to the rental company and local authorities. Rental vehicles must be insured.
How to report an uninsured vehicle online?
Many states offer online options for reporting an uninsured vehicle. Visit your state’s DMV website and look for the online reporting section. You’ll need to provide vehicle details and other relevant information.
Can you report someone for driving without insurance if they frequently violate traffic laws?
Yes, you can report someone for driving without insurance to the police, especially if they are frequently breaking traffic laws. Persistent violations can be a sign of uninsured driving. Know more insights on our “Is not having auto insurance a criminal offense?”
How to report someone with no car insurance involved in a hit-and-run incident?
If an uninsured driver is involved in a hit-and-run, report someone with no car insurance to the police and DMV. Provide as much detail as possible about the incident and the vehicle.
Can you report someone for not having car insurance if they are using a company vehicle?
Yes, you can report someone for not having car insurance if they are using a company vehicle. Report uninsured driver to DMV or relevant authorities to ensure the vehicle complies with insurance laws.
Can you report someone driving without insurance if they are out of state?
Yes, you can report someone driving without insurance to the local authorities in the state where the incident occurred. Provide detailed information about the vehicle and driver. Consider exploring the best auto insurance for out-of-state drivers.
How to report an uninsured vehicle driver?
Report an uninsured vehicle driver anonymously by contacting the DMV or local police through their anonymous reporting channels. Provide necessary details such as the vehicle’s license plate number and location.
How to report someone driving without insurance who is avoiding tolls?
If you see someone driving without insurance and avoiding tolls, report car driver with no insurance to the toll authority and DMV. Evading tolls is illegal and could be indicative of other violations.
How to report someone with no car insurance who is driving recklessly?
If you witness someone driving recklessly and suspect they have no insurance, report an uninsured driver online or through your local DMV. Reckless driving combined with no insurance is a serious safety concern. Reckless drivers are often tagged under and would need high-risk auto insurance.
Can you report someone for driving without insurance if they are involved in a road rage incident?
Yes, if an uninsured driver is involved in a road rage incident, you should report someone for driving without insurance to the police. Include details of the incident and driver behavior.
Enter your ZIP code below to compare quotes for getting an auto insurance coverage from leading providers in your area.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.