Nope, there are no grace periods with car insurance. The second your car insurance payment is late, you are uninsured.
Don’t think that you’ll be okay without insurance because you are a safe driver. Car insurance companies are required by law to notify the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when a registered driver’s insurance has lapsed or been cancelled. You must stop driving altogether until you get your car insurance policy reinstated—or face the legal consequences.
If you are stopped by the police when you are driving and are unable to produce proof of vehicle insurance coverage, you are considered to be driving illegally and are subject to fines and possibly having your drivers license and/or vehicle registration suspended. If you are involved in a collision, the penalties are even greater.
Call your insurance provider now. There are repercussions for waiting too long. For example:
- you may find it harder to get your policy reinstated;
- you run the risk of fines from the DMV; and
- you may be classified as a high-risk driver and face higher premiums.
If you have previously paid your premiums on time and you have a good driving record, the insurer will generally reinstate you immediately. You can usually pay with a credit card.
When you’ve been in an auto accident, first call 911, then call your insurance provider, and then call the Louisville car crash attorneys at Gray and White Law. You can reach us at 502-210-8942 or toll free at 888-450-4456 and set up a FREE, no-obligation consultation.