What to Do When Compulsory Auto Insurance Expires?

[VonJulian]

Solution for expired compulsory auto insurance: Bring your ID card, vehicle license (for company vehicles, the organization code certificate is also required), and the previous year's compulsory insurance policy to the insurance company for renewal. The grace period for compulsory auto insurance can be extended up to 3 months. Within this period, the original insurance company can still accept renewal, but vehicles without compulsory insurance are not allowed on the road as per regulations. Compulsory auto insurance is a mandatory liability insurance where the insurance company compensates for personal injury, death, or property damage caused to victims (excluding the vehicle's occupants and the insured) in road traffic accidents within the liability limits.

[MacJoel]

I panicked when this first happened to me, so I borrowed a friend's car to drive to the insurance company's office. I brought my ID card, vehicle license, and driver's license, and the staff helped me repurchase the compulsory traffic insurance on the spot. If you don't have a car to use, you can call the insurance company or use their official app to purchase the insurance on your phone. You'll receive the electronic policy immediately after payment. Remember, never drive without renewing your insurance—getting caught will result in your car being impounded and a fine of twice the premium, not to mention the hassle if you're involved in an accident. After that, I set a phone alarm for the next renewal date and even stuck a note on my windshield as a reminder. Also, make sure to check if the blue compulsory insurance label provided by the insurer is affixed to your car window—though some cities now accept electronic policies.

[SanJosephine]

Veteran driver's tip: I noticed the compulsory insurance had expired on the very day. I immediately parked the car back in the garage and used a ride-hailing app to get to the insurance company's offline branch. When renewing, the clerk mentioned online processing takes just half an hour, but doing it offline gives you the physical insurance label on the spot for peace of mind. A reminder: accident compensation is divided into two types. The ¥18,000 medical expense coverage becomes void upon expiration, meaning you'd have to pay out of pocket for hitting an e-bike. Also, the ¥2,000 compensation for damaging someone else's vehicle is gone. I've seen cases where drivers got pulled over by traffic police just three days after expiration—not only was the car towed, but they also faced a ¥1,900 fine. After renewal, remember to ask the customer service to send the new policy to your phone for easy access during roadside checks.

[Raquel]

Driving without compulsory traffic insurance (CTI) is illegal and carries serious legal consequences. According to Article 98 of Traffic Regulations, failure to display the insurance decal may result in vehicle impoundment and fines ranging from 20 to 200 RMB. If completely uninsured, the penalty doubles the premium amount with vehicle detention until coverage is reinstated. In a rear-end collision where you're at fault, the other party's medical expenses become your personal liability. We strongly recommend immediately checking your policy status via the 'Traffic Management 12123' app or contacting your insurer's hotline for emergency processing. Critical reminder: After renewal, ensure to update your e-policy filing in 12123 – some cities' traffic cameras automatically flag uninsured vehicles to authorities. Don't risk greater losses to save 950 RMB in premiums.

[LaDylan]

The process is divided into three steps: First, stop using the vehicle; second, collect photos of your ID card and driver's license; third, proceed with emergency renewal. A friend from the insurance company shared a few tips with me: Opt for electronic payment when renewing online for instant activation, and avoid moving the vehicle before the policy takes effect; if you have an agent handle it for you, request a video call to confirm the vehicle has no modifications; after renewal, remember to request the electronic identification QR code. Don’t delay renewal to save money—my neighbor was stuck during their annual inspection last month because the policy had expired just three days prior, resulting in a wasted trip to the DMV. Some provinces have already adopted electronic policies, but it’s still advisable to print a paper copy and keep it in the glove compartment as a backup.