What Happens If You Get in an Accident Without Registration?
Forgetting to renew vehicle registration is a common problem for many drivers. While it’s important to make sure you get your updated registration in time, busy schedules may cause you to forget. While you likely hope you will never be in an accident at any time, you may wonder what will happen to you if you get into one while your registration is expired.
The good news is that whether your registration is valid or expired, it doesn’t have much bearing over your car accident claim. However, there is a little more to understand if you find yourself in this predicament.
Why Might Registration Matter in a Car Accident?
Expired vehicle registrations may only play a role in a car accident if they indicate that you no longer have auto insurance coverage. Insurance companies do not have to offer a policy renewal if your registration is expired. This means if you are at fault or partially at fault for the accident, it could become an issue.
If you’re sure that your insurance policy is still in effect, then it won’t matter that your registration is expired. You will want to renew your registration as soon as possible to prevent other problems from arising.
In the event that the other driver is the one who does not have a valid vehicle registration, it could signal that they may not have insurance. In Florida, the no-fault insurance system means you will go through your insurance company first. However, if your injuries are severe, you may need to seek compensation through the at-fault driver.
What to Do When You’re in an Accident with an Unregistered Car
After an accident, you should know what to do if the other driver doesn’t have a valid vehicle registration. One thing that will not change is how you proceed in the moments following the crash. You are still legally obligated to exchange information with one another.
This means you’ll have to share contact information, your driver’s license, and insurance information. Calling the police is advised to ensure you get emergency medical services on the scene and official documentation through an accident report.
Registration Has No Bearing on Liability
Whether your vehicle is unregistered or it’s the other driver, it does not impact who was at fault for the collision. It may not be responsible to forget to renew vehicle registration, but this does not make someone at fault for an accident.
Does Insurance Cover a Car Crash If the Registration Is Expired?
Even if your registration has expired, you can still seek compensation from the at-fault driver for your injuries and other financial losses from this crash. This accident didn’t happen because of expired tags. It was caused because of the other driver’s negligent actions or inactions while behind the wheel.
While it is negligent to drive without registering your vehicle, an insurance company can’t assign fault because you forgot to renew your registration. They can only assign fault for anything you did that caused the accident like distracted driving, speeding, tailgating, running a red light, or failing to use your turn signal before turning.
What Happens If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance Either?
Sometimes, people forget to renew their registration and quickly remedy the situation. Other times, they may have also let insurance coverage lapse. Fortunately, you will have your own PIP policy to help. If your injuries are serious though, you should take legal action against the at-fault driver.
Generally, when the police show up after an accident has occurred, they will ask each driver for their driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Failing to submit these things to the officer will likely result in a citation. Keep in mind that if you are the one driving without a valid vehicle registration, you may receive a citation for your oversight as well.
It will be to your benefit to get yourself a car accident lawyer in situations where registration is expired. With the help of an attorney, you will have someone who can fight for fair compensation for your financial losses from this unfortunate event.
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