Driving without insurance is a big deal. That can’t be stated more clearly. In Alberta, if a car is going to be on the road, it needs to have insurance. There are no exceptions there.
The penalties are also stiff for those caught driving without insurance. It’s not just the stiff fine they’ll have to pay for even their first time receiving a ticket for driving without insurance. There are long-term repercussions, including dramatic increases in insurance premiums.
Fortunately, We Defend can help. It’s almost always worth fighting a ticket for driving without insurance, and at We Defend, we’ve been helping drivers charged with driving uninsured for over two decades.
When Can You Get Tickets for Driving Without Insurance?
The rules in Alberta are outlined in the Alberta Traffic Safety Act and are clear. It states that a person shall not:
- Drive a motor vehicle on a highway unless the motor vehicle is insured.
- Have a motor vehicle on a highway unless the motor vehicle is insured.
- Where a person is the registered owner of a motor vehicle, permit another person to (i) drive the motor vehicle on a highway or (ii) have the motor vehicle on a highway, unless the motor vehicle is an insured motor vehicle.
What is considered a highway? For clarity, when the Alberta Traffic Safety Act refers to “highway,” it means any public road. It states not only that you cannot drive an uninsured vehicle on a public road, but also that you cannot park it there.
And just because you’re driving your friend’s car, that doesn’t let you off the hook, either. As a driver, it’s your responsibility to make sure the vehicle you’re driving is insured, and you will face the same penalty for driving without insurance as you would if it were your own car.
What Are the Immediate Penalties of Driving Without Insurance?
The first thing to know is that there are hefty fines for driving without insurance. They are determined by two things: The circumstances under which you were charged and whether or not it’s your first offence.
The maximum fine for first-time offenders is $10,000, although many first-time offenders face a fine of around $3000, which is still quite sizable. Remember, too, that your car will often be towed and impounded if you’re caught driving without insurance, and you’ll have to pay those fees, as well.
Repeat offenders can be charged up to $6000-$10000
If you’re charged for driving without insurance and were in an accident, the cost can be considerably higher, as you will have to pay for repairs with your own money. This can cost in the tens of thousands of dollars and even a law suit against you.
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of Driving Without Insurance?
While the fines alone can be extremely expensive, there are other, potentially much more significant repercussions for driving without insurance in Alberta.
- It is at the judge’s discretion whether your license will be suspended. This could have serious consequences for your job if it requires commuting or driving for work.
- Insurance premiums can skyrocket. You’ll need to get your car insured again before driving it, and driving without insurance can lead to higher insurance costs for years. This can wind up costing even more than the initial fines.
- Repeat offenders will face much higher fines for driving without insurance.
- If you’re involved in an accident while driving without insurance, you could face criminal charges.
- Failure to pay your fines on time can result in jail time.
How Can Driving Without Insurance Affect Employment?
For obvious reasons, anyone whose job involves driving could see their employment impacted if they get a ticket for driving without insurance in Alberta, especially if their license is suspended.
It can also affect future employment opportunities, even for jobs that don’t involve driving. If potential employers check your driving record and see that you were without insurance and driving, it could affect their perception of your decision-making and level of responsibility.
Why You Should Always Fight a Ticket for Driving Without Insurance
A ticket for driving without insurance is a big deal that has serious consequences, so it’s always worth fighting it. At We Defend, we have over 20 years of experience helping Albertan drivers who are charged with driving without insurance, and we understand how insurance works and what to look for when building the best defence for you.
The costs of hiring We Defend are also considered lower than the financial hit you’ll take by just accepting your charge for driving without insurance. We Defend works to reduce or avoid the high costs that are a penalty for driving without insurance, and fighting your ticket with our team can save you considerable money in both the short and long term.
Testimonials: Driving Without Insurance
DEREK! was incredibly helpful to us. He was very accommodating and, thanks to his assistance, my husband’s driving without insurance ticket was withdrawn. STEWART was also very accommodating whenever we had inquiries. Calling WE DEFEND TICKETS was definitely the right decision!!!
- Yen P.
I had gotten a no insurance ticket which is the worst ticket in Alberta. I was really worried about it until I came in contact with Mr.Stewart from “we defend tickets” He came to my help and reassured me about everything. He was very professional and had quick responses which was good. He gave me an amazing price for his services, and even better results for my ticket. I definitely recommend going with Stewart if you want good quality, quick, and reassuring work with any ticket.
- Ali Mteyrek
Fight Your Ticket for Driving Without Insurance
A ticket for driving without insurance in Alberta is serious. There are also expensive fines, increased insurance premiums, and longer-lasting consequences. Fortunately, We Defend can help you reduce or avoid the charges.
Our team has over two decades of experience helping Albertans who are charged with driving without insurance. Let us take this burden off your shoulders. Fill out the contact form or call us at (587)857-5400 to get started.
FAQs About Driving Without Insurance
Is driving without insurance a criminal offence?
No. Driving without insurance is not a criminal offence in Alberta, although you can be charged with a crime if you are in an accident while driving uninsured.
Are there demerit points for driving without insurance?
Surprisingly, no. There are no demerit points for driving without insurance in Alberta, although the expensive fines, increases in insurance premiums, and impact on your driving record are all serious consequences.