What should I do if I can’t afford auto insurance?
48 out of 50 states have minimum liability requirements that all drivers must meet. Lower your auto insurance rates by comparing quotes and finding hidden discounts.
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Brad Larson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 21, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 21, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
When you can’t afford auto insurance, you will need to find a car that is cheaper to insure, obtain car insurance discounts, decrease your deductible or change the optional insurance covers you are paying.
There are no alternatives for people who cannot afford car insurance other than to stop driving.
The bottom line is that it’s the state law, in all states except New Hampshire, to carry auto insurance and there are no exceptions to this rule.
When you look online for the solution to your problem of being able to afford car insurance, you will find a lot of information about why you can’t afford to be without car insurance.
There really isn’t any good information about what to do if you simply don’t make enough money to make those monthly payments.
The reason for this is simple, there is no solution; at least not in the sense of government help or reduced cost plans for people in lower-income brackets.
That, however, doesn’t mean that you can’t do some things for yourself, the question is, are you willing to go the extra mile to be able to afford some sort of insurance.
Enter your zip code below to find the lowest auto insurance quotes for your area when you can’t afford to pay car insurance!
- There are no alternatives for people who cannot afford car insurance other than to stop driving
- Something that many people rarely consider when they can’t afford car insurance is reducing some of their other costs
- Your minimum requirement from your state is liability only
Federal Coverage for People Who Need Car Insurance But Can’t Afford it
The bottom line is that the government doesn’t consider car ownership a requirement, which means that they don’t consider paying for auto insurance as part of federal or local government responsibility.
What it boils down to is that driving a car is not a life or death choice, unlike health care, which means that they aren’t going to provide a helping hand in terms of paying those bills.
In the eyes of the government, if you can’t afford car insurance, then you need to consider other transportation options.
The first thing that you need to consider is the car that you are driving.
It may seem untenable to you, but if you are driving a new car that requires full coverage, because of your lender, then you may need to give up that car in lieu of something that you own outright.
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What to do When You Can’t Afford Car Insurance
So, what if I can’t afford car insurance? When you can’t afford car insurance what you should do is try to reduce some of your other costs in an effort to pay it. For example, cut back on some wants like cable or out-to-eat expenses. It’s better to carry auto insurance and not be liable for an accident or be penalized. If you have to have comprehensive and collision coverage, don’t forget to choose a higher deductible. This will go a long way towards keeping your rates down as well.
But, what if you can’t afford car insurance, but you buy a car that you have to finance? In this case, your lender will require you to purchase comprehensive collision coverage for your vehicle in order to protect that investment. However, your minimum requirement from your state is liability only.
While your lending company is within their legal rights to require you to carry more expensive insurance, if you own your car and don’t owe any money to a bank, then you can forgo this additional coverage.
If buying a car outright is out of the question, then buying a used older car may be the solution. Even if you get a loan, your obligation for insurance will be lower because the value of the vehicle is lower.
For example, a 2002 Dodge Caravan with 100K miles on it and middle of the line comprehensive, collision and liability coverage is only $52 a month for a middle-aged driver with a clean driving record, in some states.
Liability only for this vehicle drops to $29 a month, a very affordable car insurance.
How to Afford Car Insurance
If you need car insurance but can’t afford it, you should never underestimate the power of shopping around for your auto insurance needs.
You have probably seen dozens of different commercials about how one auto insurance company or another has saved their customers hundreds of dollars a year; the truth is that these are valid claims.
The problem is a company that has low rates for one person may not have low rates for another. By shopping around, you can find the company that can offer you the lowest rates.
Enter your zip code below and start comparing rates with your free online auto insurance quotes right now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I temporarily suspend my coverage if I can’t afford auto insurance?
It’s generally not advisable to suspend coverage as it’s required by law in most states.
Can I get assistance from charitable organizations to help with auto insurance costs?
Specific programs for auto insurance assistance are rare, but local organizations may provide general financial support.
Will a lower credit score affect my ability to afford auto insurance?
Yes, a lower credit score can impact your insurance premiums.
Can I drive without auto insurance if I can’t afford it?
No, driving without auto insurance is illegal in most states.
Are there government programs or assistance available for low-income individuals to afford auto insurance?
No, there are no specific government programs for auto insurance affordability.
I’ve trimmed my budget all I can. What else can I do if i can’t afford car insurance?
If you’re wondering what to do if you can’t afford car insurance, start by shopping around for the lowest rates by comparing quotes from different insurance companies.
How do young people afford car insurance?
So, how do people afford auto insurance? The vehicle model can significantly impact how much young drivers pay for car insurance. Opting for a safe, reliable vehicle with good safety features, instead of cars with powerful engines or body kits can help you find affordable car insurance for young adults.
How can I afford car insurance?
If you’re asking yourself ‘What to do if I can’t afford car insurance?’ here are some tips that can help you:
- Shop Around: Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best rates.
- Choose the Right Coverage: Consider your needs and budget when selecting coverage options.
- Bundle Policies: Many insurers offer discounts for bundling multiple policies, such as auto and renters or homeowners insurance.
- Take Advantage of Discounts: Safe driver discounts, good student discounts, and multi-vehicle discounts can significantly reduce your premiums.
- Maintain a Good Driving Record: Avoid accidents and traffic violations to keep your insurance rates low.
What happens if you can’t afford car insurance in California?
If you’re unable to afford liability insurance, you might qualify for the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program.
What to do if you can’t afford car insurance in Florida?
So, what do you do if you can’t afford car insurance in Florida? Consider searching for low down payment insurance plans, which typically require a smaller initial payment compared to traditional insurance policies.
What happens if you don’t have insurance?
Driving without insurance is illegal in most states. If you’re caught driving uninsured, you may face fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, or even legal action.
What to do if I can’t afford insurance on a financed car?
If you’re struggling to afford your current coverage, consider adjusting your policy to lower your premiums. Other ways for how to pay cheaper car insurance include:
- Increasing your deductible
- Reducing coverage limits
- Removing optional coverages
What to do if I can’t afford car insurance after an accident?
You should try to avoid any future accidents and traffic violations to lower your car insurance rates. Maintaining safe driving habits will demonstrate to insurers that you’re a responsible driver and less likely to file claims.
I can’t pay my Progressive car insurance this month. What happens if I can’t afford my car insurance?
Progressive offers options such as adjusting your payment schedule and setting up a payment plan. For example, you may adjust the scheduled payment date for your upcoming installment.
Progressive’s convenient online billing platform can help you extend the payment deadline by up to 10 days beyond the initial due date. Alternatively, you may contact the company directly through their phone number: 800-776-4737.
What happens if I can’t pay my car insurance this month?
So, what to do if you can’t afford car insurance this month? If you can’t afford your car insurance this month or any month, you should know that many auto insurance companies provide a grace period for missed payments. This means that if you’re a few days late with your payment, you may not face immediate consequences.
What to do if you can’t afford car payments anymore?
There may come a time when you ask yourself ‘What happens if you can’t pay your insurance?’
If you’re facing financial challenges and can’t afford car insurance, you have the option to inquire with your lender about deferring your car payment. If approved, this arrangement enables you to skip a limited number of payments without incurring penalties or additional fees.
What happens if can’t afford excess?
If you make an insurance claim and can’t afford to pay your excess, you should speak to your insurer know as soon as possible. They may be let you pay the excess over a reasonable amount of time or keep the amount of your excess before paying the rest to you.
What is the best voluntary excess on car insurance? Is it worth paying a higher excess?
It depends on your individual circumstances, including your driving history, financial situation, and the value of your vehicle. A higher voluntary excess typically leads to lower premiums, but it also means you’ll have to pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim. Conversely, a lower voluntary excess results in higher premiums but reduces your immediate financial burden when making a claim.
Is it illegal to drive without insurance in Texas?
Yes, it is illegal to drive without insurance in Texas. Texas law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage to legally operate a vehicle on public roads. Minimum liability coverage in Texas includes:
- $30,000 for bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 for property damage liability per accident
Not having the required coverage can result in severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even vehicle impoundment.
What happens if you don’t pay your car insurance in Florida?
If you fail to pay your car insurance premiums in Florida, your insurance coverage will likely be canceled. This means you will no longer have active insurance protection for your vehicle.
What happens if you don’t have enough money for insurance?
If you can’t afford to pay your insurance premiums, your coverage will likely be canceled by the insurance company. However, you can expect to receive a default notice from your insurer. Upon receiving the default notice, you’ll generally have a 14-day window to either pay the overdue amount or settle the remaining balance of your insurance agreement.
How long can you go without car insurance before being penalized in PA?
If you promptly return your registration plate, there are no immediate consequences. However, if you choose not to surrender the plate and there is a gap in your insurance coverage, your vehicle registration privileges may be suspended for three months. This suspension applies unless the insurance gap was for less than 31 days, and you can demonstrate to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation that you haven’t driven the vehicle during the lapse in coverage.
Is it worth having excess on insurance?
Excess, also known as a deductible, is the amount of money you agree to pay out of pocket towards a claim before your insurance coverage kicks in. An excess helps maintain lower premiums across the board, making insurance more accessible and affordable.
Do you always have to pay excess?
Typically, you’re required to pay excess when you make a claim, but the amount can vary depending on the type of insurance and the terms of your policy.
Does excess get paid back?
Excess payments in insurance policies are typically non-refundable. Once you’ve paid the excess amount as part of a claim, it usually doesn’t get reimbursed or paid back to you, regardless of the outcome of the claim.
How many people don’t have car insurance in California?
About 15% of drivers in California were estimated to be uninsured, according to the Insurance Research Council.
What kind of car insurance do I need?
The type of car insurance you need depends on various factors, including your state’s requirements, your vehicle’s value, and your personal preferences. Liability insurance is typically required by law and helps pay for damage you cause to others’ property or injuries you cause in an accident.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Brad Larson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.