# In a car accident without insurance: what to do > Stop, check on everyone and call 911 if anyone is hurt; leaving the scene is a crime. Exchange information honestly and get a police report and photos. If the other driver caused it, you may still claim against their insurance. Depending on your state, you may face fines, a suspended license or registration, an SR-22 requirement, and paying for damage you caused. Get insured, and talk to a lawyer if someone was hurt or you’re sued. - URL: https://explained.page/accident-without-insurance - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=accident-without-insurance ## Step by step 1. **In a car accident without insurance?** It’s stressful, but running or hiding makes it much worse. Here’s what to do, and what can happen next. 2. **Stop, check on everyone, and call 911 if anyone is hurt.** Leaving the scene is a crime in every state, insured or not. Stay and call the police. 3. **Exchange information honestly.** Share your name, license and contact information. Don’t lie about insurance; that can turn a ticket into a crime. 4. **Get a police report and photos.** If the other driver caused the crash, you may still be able to claim against their insurance for your car and injuries. 5. **Know the possible consequences.** Depending on your state: fines, a suspended license or registration, having to file proof of insurance (often called an SR-22), and paying for damage you caused. 6. **If you caused it, you may owe the damage.** The other driver’s insurer may ask you to pay. Ask for proof of the costs, and if you agree, get a payment plan in writing. 7. **Get insured and get advice.** Getting insurance now can help with the court or DMV. If someone was hurt or you’re being sued, talk to a lawyer. 8. **Look it up the right way.** Search with your town or state in the words. Pick the official site: it usually ends in .gov. Skip ads and sites that charge for free forms. ## Checklist - Stop and call 911 if anyone is hurt - Never leave the scene - Exchange information honestly - Get a police report and photos - Know the possible penalties - Get insured and get advice ## At the scene Stop, check on everyone and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime in every state, insured or not. ## Be honest Exchange your name, license and contact information. Lying about insurance can turn a ticket into a criminal charge. ## Document Get a police report, take photos, and get witness contacts. ## If the other driver caused it You may still be able to claim against their insurance for your car and injuries. Some states limit what uninsured drivers can collect for pain and suffering. ## Possible consequences Depending on your state: fines, a suspended license or registration, a requirement to file proof of insurance (often an SR-22) for several years, and paying for damage you caused. ## If you owe for damage The other driver’s insurer may ask you to pay. Ask for proof of the costs, and get any payment plan in writing. Ignoring it can lead to a lawsuit and a suspended license. ## Next steps Get insurance as soon as you can. If someone was hurt, you’re sued, or you got a court date, talk to a lawyer. ## Common questions ### Will I go to jail for driving without insurance? Usually not for a first offense; fines and suspensions are more common. Penalties are tougher for repeat offenses or if someone was hurt. It depends on your state. Source page: https://explained.page/accident-without-insurance/questions/will-i-go-to-jail-for-driving-without-insurance ### Can my passenger’s or my own health insurance help? Health insurance usually covers your medical care. Car damage generally isn’t covered without auto insurance. Source page: https://explained.page/accident-without-insurance/questions/can-my-passengers-or-my-own-health-insurance-help ### What happens if I crash without insurance and it’s not my fault? You can usually still claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance for your damage and injuries, though some states limit pain-and-suffering awards for uninsured drivers. You may still be penalized for driving uninsured. Source page: https://explained.page/accident-without-insurance/questions/what-happens-if-i-crash-without-insurance-and-its-not-my-fault ### What happens if I crash without insurance and it is my fault? You can be personally responsible for the other person’s damage and injuries, plus state penalties like fines and license suspension. Source page: https://explained.page/accident-without-insurance/questions/what-happens-if-i-crash-without-insurance-and-it-is-my-fault ### What is an SR-22? A form your insurer files with the state to prove you have at least the minimum coverage. It’s often required for a few years after driving uninsured or other violations. Source page: https://explained.page/accident-without-insurance/questions/what-is-an-sr-22 ### Can I get insurance after an accident? Yes, but it may cost more. Coverage only applies to accidents after the policy starts. Source page: https://explained.page/accident-without-insurance/questions/can-i-get-insurance-after-an-accident ### Do I have to report an accident to the DMV? Many states require a report to the DMV when someone is hurt or damage is above a set amount, often within days. Check your state. Source page: https://explained.page/accident-without-insurance/questions/do-i-have-to-report-an-accident-to-the-dmv ### Can the other driver sue me? Yes. If you caused the crash, they or their insurer can sue you for the damage. Respond to any court papers on time. Source page: https://explained.page/accident-without-insurance/questions/can-the-other-driver-sue-me ## Official sources - [USA.gov: state motor vehicle services](https://www.usa.gov/) - [NAIC: your state insurance department](https://content.naic.org/) - [NHTSA: road safety](https://www.nhtsa.gov/) To find your local office, search for: - "[your state] DMV accident report uninsured" - "[your state] minimum car insurance requirements" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.