How Many Drivers in the US Are Uninsured
Every day, millions of cars hit the road with no insurance. The uninsured rate has risen sharply since 2019, sitting at 11.1% that year, jumping during the pandemic, and climbing steadily to 15.4% by 2023. Economic pressure, high insurance costs, and state-law differences drive the trend.
15% of Drivers Are Uninsured
The Insurance Research Council estimated 15.4% of U.S. drivers operated a vehicle without liability insurance in 2023. Roughly 30 million drivers, or about 1 in 7 cars on the road, carry no coverage.
Another 18.0% of drivers were underinsured in 2023, meaning 1 in 3 drivers (33.4%) had no coverage or not enough.
Which state has the most uninsured drivers?
Mississippi had the highest uninsured rate in 2023 at 28.2%, followed by New Mexico (24.1%) and the District of Columbia (23.1%). Maine (5.7%), Utah (6.2%), and Idaho (6.4%) had the lowest.
Why would someone not have car insurance?
Cost is the main reason. The Insurance Research Council ties rising uninsured rates to economic factors, high insurance costs, and state laws. Rising premiums price some drivers out. Job loss or income drops leave others unable to pay. Lapsed payments cancel coverage when a bill goes unpaid. Some own older, low-value cars or secondary vehicles and skip coverage to save money. A small share simply ignore state requirements despite the legal risk.
Driving uninsured carries steep penalties in most states, including fines, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment.
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