If you get into a car accident without insurance, the consequences usually depend on the details surrounding the car wreck. If you are found at-fault for the accident, you will likely have to pay for the damage to any other vehicle involved, as well as other expenses incurred, such as medical bills. If the other driver is found to be at fault, though, you will likely be able to make a claim to their insurance company. Either way, you can expect to lose your driver's license for up to a year, since driving without car insurance is illegal in most places. You may also be subject to other legal consequences, such as jail time and fines.
In a car accident in which you are at-fault, you will be expected to pay for damage to any other vehicles involved. If the damage is extensive, or you were in a multiple-vehicle accident, you could owe much more than you have, forcing you into bankruptcy in some cases. You may also have to pay for medical treatment if anyone was injured, as well as the damage to your own car. In general, the financial cost is often a lot, as most accidents require at least some repair to the vehicles involved.
If you are in an accident and are not at fault, you should be able to make a claim to the other driver's insurance company even if you don't have insurance. You will likely be able to get enough money to fix your car, and you may also be entitled to a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. Of course, if the other driver does not have insurance either, you will probably have to either pay for your own damages or get a lawyer to ensure that the other driver pays for your repairs out of his pocket.
No matter who was at fault, you will likely lose your license for six months to a year. Additionally, you will not usually be able to renew your car's registration once it is discovered that you do not have insurance. Depending on the police officer at the scene of the accident, you may also get a ticket for your lack of insurance, resulting in large fines, which will vary depending on the jurisdiction. One of the most severe consequences of getting into a car accident without insurance is the possibility of jail time, which can range from one month to one year.
