Can I drive if my car insurance has expired?
2 Answers
If the compulsory traffic insurance expires and is not renewed in time, it is illegal to drive on the road; if the commercial auto insurance expires, you can still drive, but any traffic accidents that occur during the expired period cannot be claimed from the insurance company. Compulsory traffic insurance can be delayed in payment: Vehicle compulsory insurance (compulsory traffic insurance) can be delayed in payment. Within 3 months, the original auto insurance company can still accept renewal, but vehicles without compulsory traffic insurance are not allowed on the road. Expired without renewal leads to uninsured status: If the auto insurance expires and is not renewed, the car will be in an uninsured state without protection. Moreover, the compulsory traffic insurance is a type of insurance required by the state. Once discovered, you may face penalties. In addition, after being "uninsured", you must re-inspect the car when renewing the insurance, which increases the insurance procedures.
A few days ago, a friend of mine asked the same question. As a car owner with years of driving experience, I must remind you that driving without valid car insurance is absolutely illegal. It's explicitly prohibited by law. If you're pulled over by traffic police, you could face fines of over a thousand yuan, points deducted, and even license suspension—definitely not worth it. What's worse, if an accident occurs, whether you hit someone or someone hits you, you'll be fully responsible for all damages, including vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and even compensation for emotional distress, which can easily amount to hundreds of thousands. Who can afford that? My advice is to park your car immediately and renew your insurance via a mobile app or by calling your insurer—most policies can be renewed online instantly. If money is tight, ask about temporary solutions or installment payment options—safety should always come first. Don’t wait until evening or the weekend; resolve this promptly so you can drive with peace of mind.
