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Almost every state requires some level of car insurance to drive legally. If you find yourself driving without insurance in Indiana, you could face fines, licence suspensions and other penalties. We categorized what you need to know about driving without insurance, including penalties, minimum coverage requirements, optional coverage types to consider, and why car insurance is worth it, especially if you have an accident.
Minimum insurance is required in Indiana
Indiana law requires that all vehicles be insured and all drivers carry proof of insurance while driving. To drive legally, you will need the following Indiana minimum auto insurance coverage:
- $25,000 per person injuring liability coverage
- $50,000 for physical injury liability compensation for each accident
- $25,000 liability compensation for property damages
- $25,000 for uninsured and uninsured driver physical injury liability coverage per person
- Per $50,000 accident with uninsured and uninsured drivers’ physical injury liability coverage
- $25,000 uninsured driver property damage
By law, uninsured and uninsured driver coverage must be provided by the insurance provider, but you may choose to waive that requirement in writing. Still, we recommend considering keeping it as it could be rewarding if someone attacks you and doesn’t have insurance or if you don’t have enough liability coverage to pay damages.
Most insurance professionals recommend maintaining coverage for uninsured drivers and maintaining a high level of liability coverage.
The lowest range is usually the cheapest option if you’re buying car insurance, but there are many insurers offering affordable policies in Indiana. When purchasing the best policy for your needs, we recommend seeking quotes from various insurance companies to see which companies provide the best deals for your coverage and budget.
Additional car insurance coverage to consider
We recommend discussing your coverage needs with your insurance agent to ensure that your insurance contract protects your finances and meets your needs. Below are other coverage options that can be beneficial to maintain or add car insurance.
- Medical expenses compensation: This may provide payment for medical-related costs for you and your passengers, regardless of who is disabled in the accident. MedPay coverage may be suitable if you do not have health insurance or have a high-priced health plan (HDHP).
- Collision coverage: This may result in you paying to repair damage to your vehicle from collisions, single vehicle rollovers, or hit and run (without uninsured driver coverage). A collision is paid to the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle, and may be deductible and may not require a failure determination to apply.
- Comprehensive coverage: This is not the case for a typical conflict. However, you can pay to repair your vehicle for damage outside of control, such as hail, fire, theft, vandalism, falling objects, or replacing the windshield. It may be paid to the actual cash value (ACV) of a comprehensive automobile and may be deductible.
Penalties for driving without insurance in Indiana
There are several situations where the Indiana Department of Motor Vehicles (BMV) can request an electronic application for a Certificate of Compliance (COC) for misdemeanor, felony traffic violations, or accidents. The insurance company must submit this form on your behalf, indicating that it meets Indiana’s financial liability requirements. There may be serious penalties if there is no aggressive insurance contract on the requested date, some of which are outlined below.
SR-22 Form
This form is a certificate of future compliance with Indiana minimum insurance requirements. The SR-22 must be filed with the BMV by the insurance company when the license is suspended and must be valid before the Indiana license can be revived. Depending on your situation, there are specific requirements for the length of time that SR-22 must be effective.
First offence to drive without insurance
If you are driving without insurance for the first time in Indiana, your driving privileges could be suspended for 90 days. Insurers may also need to provide SR-22 forms to BMVs for up to three years.
Second and subsequent violations for driving without insurance
The second offence leads to more significant outcomes. You will receive a one-year licence suspension to file an SR-22, a $500 fine, and a three-year requirement. If you receive a third violation and subsequent violation, the fine will double to $1,000 and the SR-22 will be required for five years. These are state outline penalties, but the court has some discretion.
You will be involved in an accident without insurance
If you receive a ticket without insurance in Indiana, it comes with other penalties, such as a licence suspension, SR-22 requirements, and fines. But if you get involved in an accident, you will probably face even more expensive consequences.
If you have been disabled in an uninsured car accident in Indiana, you could be sued by other drivers, passengers and insurance companies for personal injury or property damage. If applicable, you may need to pay from your pocket for your medical bills and vehicle repair costs.
If you are not in a car accident while driving without insurance in Indiana, the state’s “no wage, no play” laws could limit the damage that can be recovered. Because you were uninsured at the time of the accident, the law could prevent you from recovering from non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, even if other drivers are liable.
Proactive insurance contracts, especially maintaining more than necessary restrictions, may help you better protect your financial future.
