Q: What are the consequences of getting in an accident without insurance?
My mom is 70 years old and had let her insurance lapse (I had no idea it had). Apparently it has been a few months. I know that it is illegal to drive without insurance. This had also happened about 7 years ago too. I thought that she was on the straight and narrow and was keeping her insurance up to date. She has very limited income and she was at fault. She is listed on my policy as a driver, but not associated with any of my cars. She cannot afford to lose her job (she is basically living at the poverty level with a disabled spouse). Right now I am driving her to and from work. I am worried that she could see jail time because of this. Is there any way that they could show some mercy? I am her daughter and I do not know what to do next.
A: No jail. I'm assuming you had an accident. The other person or their insurance will ask for her insurance. If she doesn't have any they'll ask her to pay. It may be to her advantage NOT TO MAKE ANY AGREEMENT TO DO SO because she may be "judgement proof." It really makes sense to discuss these things with an attorney who handles defense of claims, as she and you need to look at what her assets are and aren't, her need for driving etc. But you don't want to jump into negotiations with the companies out of fear.
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