Fined for Not Insuring an Inoperable Car
Two months ago, my car broke down and needs quite a bit of work. Since it’s been too cold to deal with repairs and I have a backup vehicle, I decided to let it sit at my grandma’s house. I called my insurance provider to cancel the policy on the broken car and transferred the coverage to my other vehicle, as I knew it would be a while before I would be driving the non-working one again.
Yesterday, I received a letter stating that my registration is suspended for three months unless I pay a $600 fine. Additionally, I have to pay a fee to re-register my car. I’m not very familiar with these regulations, but I thought it was okay to switch my insurance since I wouldn’t be using the broken vehicle.
Is there any way to appeal this fine, considering I haven’t been driving the car? I have continuous insurance on my other vehicle as a driver. Does that count for anything? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
Located in PA
It sounds like you’re dealing with a frustrating situation. In Pennsylvania, as in many states, having insurance on a vehicle is typically tied to the vehicle’s registration. Since you’ve canceled the insurance on your car and it remains registered, that can lead to penalties because the state requires that all registered vehicles have active insurance coverage, regardless of whether they’re being driven or not.
Here are a few steps you can take:
Contact the DMV: Reach out to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) or visit their website. Explain your situation, including that the car is currently inoperable and sitting at your grandma’s house.
Inquire About an Exception: Ask whether there is a process for having your vehicle’s registration made inactive or suspended due to it being inoperable. Some states allow for this under certain conditions.
Proof of Insurance: Since you’ve maintained insurance on another vehicle, be sure to gather any documents that demonstrate continuous coverage as a driver. This may help your case when speaking to the DMV.
Discuss the Fine: See if there is an opportunity to appeal the fine or negotiate a reduced fee, especially since it was your understanding that switching insurance would suffice.
Seek Legal Advice: If you’re not getting anywhere with the DMV, consider consulting a local attorney who specializes in traffic or vehicle laws. They can provide personalized guidance based on your situation.
It’s important to address this as soon as possible to avoid any further penalties. Good luck!