Car insurance is not mandatory in Virginia or New Hampshire, but driving without coverage can have serious consequences. In both states, being at fault in a car accident without insurance can lead to financial hardships and legal troubles. Let’s take a closer look at what could happen in each state.
In Virginia, as an at-fault state, the driver responsible for a collision is required to cover the costs of any property damage and medical bills resulting from the accident. If you are hit by an uninsured driver in Virginia, your insurance company may cover the costs initially, but you can still sue the at-fault uninsured driver for injuries. The uninsured driver would ultimately have to pay those damages if a judgment is made against them. If you are an uninsured driver in Virginia and cause a collision, you will need to file an SR-22 form until the judgment is satisfied.
Similarly, in New Hampshire, which is also an at-fault state, the driver who causes an accident is responsible for paying for any damages or injuries. If you are an uninsured driver in New Hampshire and are found at fault in an accident, you will have to cover those costs out of pocket. Failure to do so could result in losing your driving privileges. You could also be sued by the other party for medical expenses, property damage, loss of income, pain and suffering, and disability benefits.
What happens if an uninsured driver from Virginia or New Hampshire is involved in an out-of-state accident? According to experts, most states share information with each other, so the DMVs communicate about uninsured drivers. If the uninsured driver is at fault in an out-of-state accident, the innocent party’s insurance company usually covers the damages and may try to take the uninsured driver to court. However, success in recovering damages from the uninsured driver can vary.
Recently, New Hampshire expanded its Financial Responsibility Act to include out-of-state accidents. This means that uninsured drivers from New Hampshire could face consequences for causing accidents in other states as well.
In conclusion, while car insurance may not be mandatory in Virginia or New Hampshire, driving without coverage can lead to significant financial and legal risks. It is important for drivers in these states to consider the potential consequences of being uninsured and to explore options for obtaining coverage to protect themselves and others on the road.