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Driving without insurance in Wyoming is never a good idea. If you are found to be behind the wheel without coverage, you may face fines, license suspension and more. If you have an accident in Wyoming without insurance, you could be liable for property damage or medical costs—and might need to pay those costs out-of-pocket if you aren’t covered. Bankrate’s insurance editorial team created this guide to help you understand why it’s important to have car insurance in Wyoming, and the consequences you may face if you do not have the required coverage.
How much insurance is required in Wyoming?
Auto liability insurance in Wyoming may provide vital financial protection if you are involved in an accident. As a result, Wyoming, like most other states, requires that resident drivers maintain these minimum limits of auto liability coverage:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $20,000 property damage liability per accident
Uninsured motorist coverage must be offered but can be declined in writing.
It’s worth noting that many insurance experts recommend that you purchase more than the minimum levels required if you can afford it. A serious accident could lead to higher levels of damage or medical costs, and you would be responsible for paying any out-of-pocket costs that are above your policy limits.
Penalties for driving without insurance in Wyoming
You may face several penalties if you are caught driving without insurance in Wyoming. Those penalties could include the following:
- First offense: Fine of $250-$750
- Second and subsequent offenses: Fine of $500-$1,500.
- License suspension: If you do not submit proof of insurance within seven days of being cited, your license may be suspended.
- Possible jail time: Depending on the circumstances, you could face jail time of up to six months.
You may also be required to have your insurer file an SR-22 certificate on your behalf. This form states that you have at least the minimum required levels and types of car insurance coverage to drive legally Wyoming. It’s filed by your insurer with the state Department of Transportation.
Getting into an accident without insurance in Wyoming
If you are involved in an accident in Wyoming without auto insurance, regardless of fault, you may be cited for that violation and the penalties described above will be leveled.
While certain states have no-fault laws, Wyoming is not a no-fault state; it is an at-fault state. This means the driver who causes an accident is required to utilize their insurance to pay the bills arising from the other driver’s injuries or property damage caused by the accident. This is not the case in a no-fault state, where your own car insurance company may pay for your medical bills and possibly lost wages following an accident, no matter who was at fault.
Additionally, if you are in an accident and uninsured in Wyoming, you could be personally responsible for all the costs associated with injury to another driver and their vehicle if you are determined to be at fault.
One factor worth considering in Wyoming is that the state operates on what is called a modified “comparative negligence” rule. That means you may be found to be partly, but not fully, responsible for an accident—and this may impact the amount of damages you can recover. If you are found to be 50 percent or less responsible, you could be eligible for some damages. So, for example, if you are found to be 25 percent responsible for the accident, you may receive 75 percent of the claimed damages. If you are 51 or higher percent at-fault, however, you may not receive damages. If you’ve been in an accident and are unclear on how this might affect you, consider speaking with an attorney.
Frequently asked questions
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