Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in California
In California, every driver must carry a minimum amount of car insurance. Driving without insurance can result in steep penalties, including vehicle registration suspension.
When there's no policy associated with a vehicle in California's electronic database, the state mails a letter notifying you that that proof of insurance and a $14 reinstatement fee is due to clear the suspension.. Law enforcement officers can also ask for proof of insurance during traffic stops. If you can't provide it, the state will send a notice. Either way, it’simportant to respond quickly.
Vehicle registration suspended for driving without insurance
According to California's financial responsibility law, every driver must carry a minimum amount of auto insurance. While insurance can be expensive, it’s worth it to get even the lowest options, as the penalties for driving without insurance can be much more costly.
The state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV) can suspend your registration for any of the following reasons.
- - You don't provide proof of insurance within 30 days of registering your car in the state.
- - You don't provide proof of insurance within 45 days of being contacted by the DMV.
- - You provided false proof of insurance when registering your vehicle.
California may also charge fines and impose other penalties for driving while uninsured.
Reinstating your registration
If you've received a notice that your registration is being suspended, you'll need to send proof of coverage to the DMV within 30 days and pay a $14 reinstatement fee.
You may request a hearing, but only within 10 days of receiving the notice. If you don't request a hearing, respond to the notice or provide proof of coverage within 30 days, the DMV will suspend your driving privileges.
If you need to find new auto insurance, we recommend comparing quotes from at least three insurers to find a good rate. You can typically get proof of coverage online almost immediately after purchasing a policy.
There are five ways to respond to the notice:
1. Respond online. Visit the California Online Vehicle Registration Suspension and Insurance Program online service portal.
2. Respond by email. Email a scanned copy of your proof of insurance to [email protected].
3. Respond by phone. Call 1-800-777-0133.
4. Use a kiosk at a local DMV. Submit your proof of insurance, reinstatement fee and/or Affidavit of Non-Use (ANU), which notifies the DMV that the vehicle isn’t being operated or parked on any road in the state and liability coverage was canceled at a kiosk. You can also use the kiosk to remove an ANU.
5. Respond by mail. You can mail the detachable stub from your notification letter with your proof of insurance and the reinstatement fee to the following address:
DMV PO Box 997405 Sacramento, CA 95899-7405
If you don't have a notification letter with a stub, mail your proof of insurance and/or reinstatement fee to:
DMV — VRFRP Unit PO Box 997408 M/S N305 Sacramento, CA 95899-7408
You can reinstate your license online if your insurer participates in the verification program. If your carrier doesn't participate, then you must choose one of the other methods.
If you are eligible, you can check the status of your vehicle registration and suspension on the website. You may also submit fees and evidence of insurance to reinstate your driving privileges.
Senior Insurance Analyst
Mark is a former Senior Research Analyst for ValuePenguin focusing on the insurance industry, primarily auto insurance. He previously worked in financial risk management at State Street Corporation.
Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author's opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.
