DC Driving Without Insurance Lawyer
In Washington, DC, as with most jurisdictions within the United States, motorists are required to carry driving insurance to be in legal compliance and allowed to operate a motor vehicle. Driving without insurance in the District is a serious offense that can result in the suspension of your driver’s license, costly fines, and issues for you at work and at home. If you have been cited or charged for driving without insurance in DC, you should immediately speak with a DC driving without insurance attorney who is experienced in this area of the law. An experienced traffic lawyer in DC can assist in preparing you for what to expect and mitigating the damage.
DC Insurance Requirements
As a rule, drivers must have both liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage. All other coverage is optional. Of course, drivers are able to secure better coverage at their own discretion—but having this minimum level will keep you legal in DC:
- Liability coverage of at least $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage.
- Uninsured motorist coverage covering at least $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $5,000 of property damage.
When you register and every time you renew your registration, your car you will be required to show proof of current insurance coverage. You will also be required to show proof of current coverage if you are stopped by a police officer or are in an accident. In DC, you can be cited failing to provide proof of coverage, even if your coverage is valid— so be sure to always keep a copy of one of the following in your vehicle: your policy, your insurance identification card, or a letter from your insurance company certifying coverage.
Penalties
Penalties for driving without insurance include a fine of up to $150 for a lapse of insurance between one to thirty days. There is an additional $7 fine for each additional thirty days that you do not have valid insurance. The maximum fine you can receive is $2,500, but the penalties are not just monetary, as you may also face a suspension of your registration tags making it important a driving without insurance lawyer in DC is contacted.
Once you have current insurance, however, you do have the possibility of arranging a six month payment plan with the DMV to pay off any fines that you incurred for your time without insurance.
Effects of Conviction on the Ability to Get Insurance in the Future
Beyond the fines, a conviction for failing to drive with insurance can impact your life not only in the present, but also in the future, and can even affect your ability to get car insurance.
One of the factors that insurance companies base their rates on is your driving record. If you have a conviction for driving without insurance on your record, this may force the insurance company to charge you high rates or require you to purchase high-risk insurance (also known as SR-22 insurance). The insurance company is even able to refuse to cover you at all.
Importance of A DC Driving Without Insurance Attorney
A lawyer should be familiar with the DC driving laws, as well as the requirements needed to obtain DC insurance.
As you look for a local lawyer, it is important to find one with an extensive knowledge of the penalties that are associated with a driving without insurance conviction. Due to the potential penalties that a person can face for lacking valid car insurance, your lawyer should know the steps to take in order to mitigate on your behalf and minimize the consequences you may face.
Having an experienced DC driving without insurance lawyer on your side can make a substantial difference on your case, and can help to lessen the frustrations and hardships of being charged with driving without insurance in DC.