2nd, if you get in an accident while driving uninsured, your driver’s license will be suspended for at least one year, longer if you remain uninsured! ORS 806.010(3)(a) and ORS 809.417.

3rd, if you get a ticket for driving uninsured, you must file proof of financial responsibility with the DMV or a SR 22 certificate showing that you have insurance. ORS 806.010 (4) and ORS 806.060. That will cost you as SR 22 insurance often costs more than regular insurance and some insurers won’t even insure you because you are considered a high-risk driver!

4th, if you get in an accident and are injured, you might not be able to recover money for your pain and suffering under the Oregon No Pay No Play Rule. ORS 31.715(1). There is an exception that allows you to recover for your pain and suffering if you had auto insurance within 180 days of the accident and had not driven uninsured in the year before your auto insurance lapsed. ORS 31.715(6). There are other exceptions as well if the driver that hit you was driving uninsured, acted intentionally, or was driving recklessly or committing a felony when the accident occurred. ORS 31.715(5).

The bottom line: get auto insurance or pay the consequences.

Another reason to have auto insurance is that if you’re badly injured in an accident, the other driver might not have insurance or might not have enough insurance to cover your damages. If that occurs, you can recover money from your auto insurance under your personal injury protection and underinsured motorist coverages.

G. R. Johnson Law, LLC has been representing people injured in accidents in Central Oregon for over 30 years. We are more than happy to talk to you about your accident free of charge. Text or call at 541-585-2222 or email gary@grjohnsonlaw.com.