In Maryland, if you own a vehicle, you must maintain car insurance as proof of financial responsibility. Financial responsibility ensures that in the event of an accident or damage you can cover the costs associated with injuries or property damage. While most drivers are aware of the general need for car insurance, certain situations require filing an FR-19 (Financial Responsibility) form.
Failure to Maintain Car Insurance
One of the primary reasons for filing an FR-19 form is if you fail to maintain adequate car insurance coverage. If your car insurance lapses or you do not carry the minimum coverage required by Maryland law, the state may require you to file an FR-19. The state will typically notify you that your vehicle registration is suspended. You will need to file this form to reinstate it. This form serves as proof that you now have proper car insurance coverage. It shows that you comply with the state’s financial responsibility laws.
Accident Without Insurance
If you are involved in a car accident in Maryland and you do not have car insurance at the time of the incident, you will be required to file an FR-19 form. This filing proves that you are now meeting the state’s financial responsibility requirements after an uninsured accident. If you do not file the FR-19 and provide proof of insurance, your driving privileges may be suspended. Your vehicle registration could also be revoked.
Uninsured Motorist Involvement
In Maryland, if you are involved in an accident where the other party is uninsured or underinsured, you may be required to file an FR-19 form. This is often the case if you are at-fault for the accident. The form demonstrates that you have adequate coverage to meet the state’s financial responsibility standards.
Driving After a License Suspension
If your driver’s license was suspended due to an earlier violation, you may need to file an FR-19 form to reinstate it. This requirement typically applies to drivers who have had their license suspended for failure to maintain insurance. Once the FR-19 form is filed, it serves as proof that you now carry the required insurance. It often allows you to have your driving privileges reinstated.
Reinstating Registration After Suspension
If your vehicle’s registration was suspended for not having proper insurance, you will need to file an FR-19. The form must be filed with the MVA along with evidence of valid car insurance. Until this is complete, your vehicle’s registration cannot be restored.
Court-Ordered Requirement
In some cases, the court may order you to file an FR-19 form as part of a legal judgment. This can occur if you are involved in an accident, have a history of traffic violations, or have been caught driving without insurance. The form acts as a court-mandated step to prove your compliance with Maryland’s car insurance laws.
While the FR-19 form can look intimidating, it’s often easy to fill out and send in. Your MAIF insurance provider can help ensure all information is accurate. Contact them today to start the process and ensure you’re financially safe on the road.