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What happens if I can't pay for the damages in an at-fault accident?

I don't have car insurance and was at fault for a recent accident. I don't have the money to foot the bill. What happens if I just refuse to pay?

avatar
Emily Richey · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“When you cause an accident, your insurance company typically pays for the damages and medical bills of those involved. Since you don’t have
car insurance
, you’re financially responsible for your and the other party’s damages.
The other driver’s insurance company now has to pay for the damages you caused to their policyholder, assuming that this driver has the appropriate coverages. They can make their money back by suing you for the amount they had to cover due to your negligence.
If you refuse to pay, you risk losing your license and registration for years, as well as ruining your credit.
On top of that, you might also face fines or jail time for driving without car insurance, depending on the state.”
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