Can You Still Drive a Car After the Insurance Expires?
3 Answers
After the car insurance expires, the vehicle cannot be driven on the road. Compulsory traffic insurance (CTPL) is a mandatory purchase. If traffic police find that a vehicle does not have CTPL, they will impound the vehicle and impose a double penalty. The vehicle will only be returned after the insurance procedures are completed. Relevant information is as follows: 1. The premium for CTPL follows a nationally unified standard set by the state, but prices vary depending on the car model, primarily influenced by the number of seats. CTPL should be renewed within 3 months before expiration, though some regions allow 60 or 30 days—this depends on local regulations. Other types of insurance can be purchased at any time since they are not legally mandatory. However, non-mandatory policies like commercial insurance may lose their minimum discounts and benefits if renewed after expiration. 2. Since commercial auto insurance is not mandatory and operates on commercial principles, drivers without coverage will not receive compensation from the insurance company and must cover losses themselves. Renewing after a lapse may lead to increased premiums. Beyond the risk of uncovered claims, vehicles uninsured for a certain period may also face higher rates upon renewal.
After driving for so many years, my first reaction when my car insurance is about to expire is to definitely not drive. The law clearly states that you cannot drive without insurance. If caught by traffic police, you'll be fined at least 500 yuan, and may also have points deducted from your license, or even face license suspension in severe cases. Worse yet, in the event of an accident, the insurance company won't cover it, and you'll have to pay out of pocket for all damages, such as repairing the other party's car, medical expenses, or even disability compensation, which could amount to hundreds of thousands or even millions, potentially crushing you financially. Even if no accident occurs, the constant worry and frustration are unbearable. I recommend immediately contacting your insurance company to renew the policy—most apps can get it done in minutes. Alternatively, you can switch companies; comparing prices online isn't difficult. Insurance is the foundation of protecting your wallet and safety. Don't risk it to save a little time. If all else fails, take the bus or a taxi.
I'm just an ordinary office worker who uses my car for daily commuting. I wouldn't dare drive it after the insurance expires. The risks are too high, and I'm most afraid of getting into an accident, even a minor scrape. Without insurance, all the responsibility falls on me. Repair costs start at thousands of yuan, and if the other party claims compensation, it could be even worse—financially devastating. The legal consequences are severe too: fines, points deducted, and towing fees if the vehicle is impounded. Driving with expired insurance might seem like saving on premiums, but it's actually saving small money to spend big. Renewing the insurance isn't hard—just make a call or apply online. If you really need to drive, try a temporary insurance card as a stopgap. Don't let one impulsive decision ruin years of savings.