How do you report a driver with no insurance?

When you learn that someone is driving without insurance, you are probably understandably angry and frustrated. While you want to report this uninsured person anonymously, you might not be sure how to go about this. Read on for advice on who to contact about this person and other related information. 

To learn about what happens if an uninsured friend wrecks your car, read our article here. If you’re in the market for affordable auto insurance, just enter your ZIP code into our free online quote tool above to browse rates from multiple companies today.

How to Report Someone Driving Without Car Insurance

While you might think that calling the non-emergency number at your local police station is where to start when you want to report an uninsured driver, this might not be the best option. Unless there is a current threat to public safety that this driver is causing, the police will probably not be able to help.

Instead, contact your local department of motor vehicles to see if it has a procedure for reporting uninsured drivers. A representative may ask you to call a hotline or complete a complaint form online.

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Is it worth reporting a driver with no auto insurance?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is typically “No.” 

Most DMVs have an internal system that checks if a driver has car insurance. This is because when you purchase a vehicle, you are required to provide proof of insurance. This is why even if you take the time to report the uninsured motorist through a hotline or emailed complaint form, chances are good that the DMV is already aware this driver is not insured. 

While it is understandably frustrating to realize that someone else is not following the laws and paying for insurance as you do, it may be a waste of your time to report them.

If other drivers are not insured, why do I have to be?

Yes, car insurance rates can be high for some drivers. And knowing that other drivers are uninsured, you might wonder why you should continue to pay for your premiums. 

Remember, insurance is not a choice — it is legally required by law. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, forty-nine states and the District of Columbia require drivers to have auto liability insurance to drive legally. Keep in mind that the type of insurance and the amount of coverage needed varies by state. New Hampshire is the only state that does not have a compulsory insurance liability law.

Driving without insurance is not a great idea. The last thing you want to happen is that you get into an accident and aren’t insured. If the worst were to happen and you were injured in a car accident while uninsured, you would be left paying your repair and hospital bills on your own.

To help protect you from those who drive uninsured, you must get uninsured motorist coverage on your policy.

Why Some Drivers May Not Have Car Insurance

There are several reasons why drivers don’t have insurance. One of the most common is that they cannot afford it. Their car may also be in poor condition and unable to be driven, or they do not use it anymore. Of course, these excuses are invalid because insurance is still required in virtually every state. 

In other cases, someone may have lost track of when their policy expires and accidentally allowed it to lapse. Granted, drivers should know when their insurance policy expires and be responsible for paying the premiums on time by learning how to check their car insurance expiration date. However, there may be instances when they honestly don’t realize their policy has lapsed, and the reminder system through the DMV may take a while to alert them. 

For example, if an insurance company ends a policy due to non-payment or cancellation, it will usually inform the DMV, either electronically or through a letter in the mail. Once the DMV receives the notification, it will generate another letter to let the person with the lapsed insurance know, and this process can take time.

Final Thoughts About Reporting a Driver with No Insurance

Although your intentions are good, reporting an uninsured driver to the police or DMV will probably not be very effective. While, in some cases, you may be able to fill out a form or report the driver on a hotline, the best approach is to be sure you have uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy and be sure your coverage is active.

To find affordable auto insurance today, simply enter your ZIP code into our free online quote tool below.

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Case Studies: Reporting a Driver with No Insurance

Case Study 1: Gathering Information

John is involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance. He remains calm and ensures everyone involved is safe. John gathers important information such as the other driver’s license plate number, make and model of the vehicle, and any visible details about the driver. He also takes photos of the accident scene and exchanges contact information with any witnesses present.

Case Study 2: Contacting Law Enforcement

Sarah witnesses a driver hit a parked car and notices that the driver is uninsured. She immediately contacts the local law enforcement agency to report the incident. Sarah provides them with a detailed description of the driver, the vehicle involved, and the location of the accident. The law enforcement agency advises her on the necessary steps to take and any additional information they may require.

Case Study 3: Notifying Your Insurance Company

Mike is hit by an uninsured driver and promptly contacts his insurance company to report the incident. He provides them with the necessary details, including the other driver’s information and any evidence he has gathered. Mike’s insurance company guides him through the claims process and advises him on the specific steps he needs to take to handle the situation effectively.

Case Study 4: Reporting to the Department of Motor Vehicles

Samantha witnesses a driver involved in multiple accidents, displaying no proof of insurance each time. She decides to report the driver to the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in her state. Samantha contacts the DMV and provides them with a detailed account of the driver’s actions, including the dates, times, and locations of the accidents.

The DMV advises her on the necessary documentation and steps required to file a formal complaint.