Search Site
Menu
307 West Rio Road | Charlottesville, Virginia 22901
Call For Consultation 434-973-7474

Auto Accident: Lapsed Insurance

Grace Period

Many times your insurance company provides a period of time before it actually closes your policy. This is a grace period. If you’re within that window, and pay your premiums, coverage will continue to be effective. However, if you’re outside that time period, you may have bigger problems.

You might want to inquire about additional methods of notification when payment is due and set up a way to be notified that will get to you. If you’re late, there may be late fees as well.

Some insurance companies do not offer a grace period. They may pick up your coverage again at a later date after you’ve taken care of the current situation. However, your new coverage will not be backdated to cover the time of the accident.

Tickets and Fines

If you have an accident and you don’t have insurance, you’ll likely get a ticket and pay any fine imposed as well as any fines your state imposes for driving without insurance.

Make sure you check with your local department of motor vehicles to see if your car registration or your license is affected by the lapse in insurance. Then you can go about getting insurance coverage again. Again, your new coverage will not be backdated to cover the time of the accident.

Past the Grace Period

If you have an accident and weren’t at fault and weren’t covered by insurance at the time, you could be in luck. The other driver, who has insurance, might pay for your damages and you’ll get your car fixed. If you were at fault, you could end up in a lawsuit and lose your assets without the protection of insurance coverage.

It’s not just the cost of repairs of the other person’s car that you could end up paying, but medical expenses, loss of property, and more that could affect your finances and lifestyle for a very long time.

Driving without insurance is illegal and a bit like playing Russian roulette. Accidents happen regardless of how well you drive and how cautious you are. Don’t gamble with your life or finances.

Have Questions?  Please contact us for a Free, 90-minute consultation.

Tucker Griffin Barnes – 434-973-7474  www.TGBLaw.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

See Our Videos
  • Charlottesville Personal Injury Attorney - It Is About the Money

  • Charlottesville Divorce Attorney - What To Expect During Your First Family Law Consultation

  • Protect yourself during Move-In or Move-Out of an Apartment

  • How do I find a good personal injury attorney?

  • Charlottesville Estate Planning Talk

  • Charlottesville Personal Injury - What Is My Case Worth?

Meet Our Attorneys
Testimonials
  • ""Bill Tucker and his team were the answer to my real estate prayers! After being transferred to another state .."" - Short Sales

  • ""Yvonne Griffin represented me in an accident case that required many months of hands on attention .."" - Personal Injury

  • ""Ms. Barnes, I cannot thank you and your staff enough for taking my case at was a very dark time for me .."" - Social Security Disability

  • ""Lynn Bradley has been a force that has proven to be competent, professional and exceled at her work .."" - Worker's Compensation

  • ""Ms. Hakes, Thank you so much. You don't know what a wonderful gift you just gave to me, my son's .."" - Criminal Defense

  • ""When you first interview Laura Butler, it is apparent you are in the presence of a true professional in all .."" - Family Law

  • ""Mr. Tucker, I cannot thank you enough for all your work. I wish everyone had your work ethic and attention .."" - Real Estate

Firm Awards & Recognition
Contact us

Main Contact Form