Can Your Car Get Towed For Not Having Insurance?

Overview

Having car insurance is not only a smart financial decision, but it’s also a legal requirement in many states. Depending on where you live, you may face steep penalties for not having insurance, including the possibility of getting your car towed. To avoid such a costly mistake, it’s important to know if your car can be towed for not having insurance, and what to do if it does happen.

State Requirements

In most states, you must carry liability insurance in order to legally drive your car. This means that if you get into an accident, your insurance will cover the costs of any damage you cause. If you don’t have insurance, you’ll be on the hook for all the costs. Depending on your state, you may get off with just a fine, or you could see your car get towed. In some states, it’s even possible to have your license suspended if you’re caught without insurance.

For example, in New York, if you’re caught without insurance, your car can be impounded. This means that it will be towed away, and you’ll have to pay a fine of up to $500 for it to be released. If you’re caught without insurance more than once, you could also have your license suspended for up to a year.

In California, the penalties for not having insurance are even more severe. If you’re caught without insurance, your car can be impounded and you could face a fine of up to $500. You could also have your license suspended, and you’ll have to pay an additional fee of up to $200 to get it reinstated.

Preventing a Towing

The best way to make sure your car doesn’t get towed is to make sure you have the right kind of insurance. This means making sure you have the minimum required liability insurance in your state. You’ll also want to make sure that you keep your insurance up to date, as some states will tow your car if your insurance has lapsed.

You’ll also want to make sure you keep your proof of insurance in your car at all times. This means keeping your insurance card with you, or even keeping a copy in your glove box. This way, if you’re ever stopped by the police, you can show them that you have the right insurance.

What to Do if Your Car Gets Towed

If your car does get towed for not having insurance, the first thing you should do is contact your insurance company and make sure your policy is up to date. You’ll also want to contact the tow company and find out how much it will cost to get your car back. Depending on where you live, you may also need to show proof of insurance to the tow company before they will release your car.

You’ll also want to check with your state’s department of motor vehicles to see if you’ll need to pay any additional fines or fees. Depending on your state, you may also need to provide proof of insurance to the DMV before they will reinstate your license.

Finally, if your car was towed for not having insurance, it’s important to make sure you have the right insurance before you start driving again. Not only is this a legal requirement, but it’s also a smart financial decision. Having the right insurance will help ensure you’re protected in case of an accident, and it will also help you avoid the hassle and expense of getting your car towed.