Which States Have the Strictest Auto Insurance?

The cost of driving without insurance can be high. Your best bet is to find an affordable policy.

In all but two states, a driver must carry the state-mandated minimum auto insurance coverage to drive legally. Yet an estimated 13% of drivers have no insurance. If those uninsured drivers get nabbed, the law can come down hard. Getting caught without insurance is no picnic in any state, but here, we look at the five states with the strictest rules.

Colorado

An estimated 16.3% of Coloradans drive without insurance coverage, a fact that may help explain the state's strict uninsured motorist laws. Here's what driving coverage free could cost in Colorado:

• $500 minimum fine
• Four points against license
• Suspended license until proof of coverage is provided
• Up to 40 hours of community service

And if the same driver is caught again, they may be hit with:

• $1,000 minimum fine
• Four-month license suspension
• Four more points against license
• 40 more hours of community service

Kansas

10.9% of Kansans take their chances by not carrying auto insurance. Here's what they can expect the first time they're caught:

• Fine of $300-$1,000
• Jail time of up to six months
• License and registration suspension
• $100 reinstatement fee

The second time a Kansan is caught driving without insurance, the costs are even higher.

• Fine of $800-$2,500
• License and registration suspension
• $100-$300 reinstatement fee

Minnesota

In Minnesota, approximately 10% of drivers have no insurance coverage. Here's what can happen to them if they're pulled over or in an accident:

• Fine of $200-$1,000 or community service
• Imprisonment up to 90 days
• License and registration revoked for up to 12 months

New York

A relatively low rate of 4.1% of New Yorkers drive without insurance coverage. Those who do risk the following if caught:

• Fine of up to $1,500 if involved in an accident
• $750 civil penalty
• License and registration revoked for one year

North Dakota

An estimated 13% of North Dakotans take their chances when it comes to auto insurance. If they're caught, the law does not go easy on them. Here's what they can expect:

• Fine of up to $1,500
• Up to 30 days in jail
• 14 points against license
• Suspended license until insurance is purchased

And, it's no easier if the same driver is caught a second time. The next time they're pulled over, the uninsured driver can expect:

• Another fine of up to $1,500
• Up to 30 days in jail
• 14 more points against their license
• Suspended license

For those who can't afford insurance coverage

Given the downside of getting caught without coverage, it's sometimes true that those "taking their chances" do so because there's not enough money in their bank account every month to cover the cost of a policy. If that describes you, here are six options that may help:

1. Shop around for a cheaper rate

If you never purchased insurance (or allowed it to lapse) due to the cost, you might be surprised to learn how much the cost of policies varies by insurer. Before you do anything else, compare the insurance rates of several insurers to figure out if one can fit into your monthly budget.

2. Check into usage-based discounts

If you're a good driver, look into how much you can save by signing up for usage-based insurance (UBI). Most UBIs work like this: An insurance company provides you with a telematics device you connect to an app on your smartphone. This device is placed in your vehicle and collects driving data. It records things like speed, how often you hit your brakes, and other driving habits. If you're a safe driver, there's a good chance the insurance company will offer you a discount.

3. Explore all potential discounts

There's no harm in speaking with agents from several different insurance companies to learn if there are any discounts that apply to you. Perhaps there's a discount for people who attended a particular university, work in a specific job, or maintain a high grade point average. Make sure there are no potential discounts that you might have missed.

4. Lower coverage

As long as you meet your state's minimum insurance coverage, you're driving legally. Find out how much a policy will cost if you carry the bare minimum.

5. Explore government-sponsored policies

If your income is low and you live in California, Hawaii, New Jersey, or Maryland, you may qualify for low-cost auto insurance. California, Hawaii, and New Jersey offer government-sponsored auto insurance, and Maryland provides a (non-government-sponsored) low-income car insurance program.

6. Rework your budget

As expensive as an auto insurance policy may seem, getting caught without one is sure to cost more. Rework your budget to look for any areas you can trim. If you find things you can live without, cut back on those unnecessary expenses until you can afford to work them back into your budget. In the meantime, use the funds to pay for an insurance policy that will protect you on the road.

Auto insurance is certainly not the most exciting purchase you will make, but it can be one of the most beneficial.