What to Do If You Cannot Afford Car Insurance? [Solution]

Since car insurance is mandatory in 48 out of the 50 states, if you cannot afford to have it for your vehicle, you cannot drive.

In the US, there is no alternative available for auto insurance, so you will need to stop driving and use public transportation, carpool, or other methods to get to your destination.

If you are from a low-income family, there might be government programs available in your state, check out more here.

For those who want to lower their car insurance premium, so they can become more affordable, there are options that are available.

How to Lower Your Premiums?

Since you will need auto insurance to drive your vehicle, there are certain things you can do to lower the premiums that you pay which include, but are not limited to the following;

• Choose State Minimum Insurance
• Drive an Older, Safe Vehicle
• Take a Driver Safety Course
• Bundle with Other Insurance Policies
• Raise the Deductible
• Pay the Full Amount

The minimum requirements by the state for insurance coverage are quite low and should be affordable to most, especially if you are paying for your own gas. The rates are even lower if you drive an older, safe model of vehicle, take a recognized driving safety course, raise the deductible, and bundle the policy with other coverage, such as for your home or boat.

After you reach the age of 25, your insurance premiums should drop considerably. This is because drivers between 25 and 65 tend to be the least likely involved in accidents. Plus, after you reach 65, the rates only go up slightly.

Another way to help keep the rates you pay as low as possible is to pay your premiums on time. A good credit score will also help reduce rates, but paying on time will improve your status with the insurance company. Plus, if you pay the full amount instead of month by month, you will save an average of 10% or more depending on the policies of the insurance company.

Missing a Payment

For those who have car insurance and cannot afford to make the next payment, you will be facing an uphill battle. This is because there are stiff penalties for missing even one payment and without rectifying the situation quickly, you may be out of having car insurance completely.

–    Cancellation of Policy
–    Fees to Reactivate Policy
–    Higher Premiums

Typically, a car insurance company will deactivate your policy if you have not made your payment within a pre-set time after it is due. Most insurance companies will have a short grace period of one to three days which considers those who mail in their payments. However, after the grace period is over the insurance company will deactivate your insurance coverage until the payment is made.

Getting back your insurance policy is considerably more difficult once it has been canceled. Therefore, you should make every effort to pay your premiums on time by setting up an automatic payment system or by paying the full amount that is due. While you must have insurance to operate your vehicle, you can make the rates as low as possible in part by paying them on time.