Insurance Information

Insurance

Insurance Lapses and License Plate Surrender

Insurance Lapses

If the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) receives information that your vehicle's required liability insurance coverage has ended, DMV will send you an inquiry letter. Failure to respond with proof of continuous coverage may result in suspension of your vehicle registration. If the insurance lapse exceeds 90 days, your driver's license may also be suspended.

If you did not maintain required liability insurance coverage, you may be required to surrender your license plates for a period based on the length of the lapse. If your driver's license is suspended, it must also be surrendered. A new registration may not be issued in your name until the required suspension period has been served.

Civil Penalty Amounts

The following civil penalty information was provided for insurance lapses:

  • Up to 30 days: $8.00 per day; $8.00 per day
  • 31-60 days: $8.00 per day; $10.00 per day plus $240 for days 1-30
  • 61-90 days: $8.00 per day; $12.00 per day plus $540 for days 1-60

Proof of Insurance Coverage

Proof of insurance coverage may include a letter on the insurance company's letterhead showing the period of coverage and a full description of the covered vehicle.

Proof may also include an insurance identification card issued by an insurance company other than the company that notified DMV of the cancellation.

Payment of Civil Penalty

If you are eligible to pay a civil penalty instead of serving a registration suspension period, payment must be made by cash, money order, certified check or major credit card.

The amount due depends on the actual length of the insurance lapse. For this reason, completing the transaction in person is recommended.

Once you choose to pay a civil penalty instead of serving the suspension period, you are prohibited from using this option again for three years.

Surrendering License Plates

License plates may be surrendered at the Genesee County Motor Vehicle Office for a fee of $1.00 cash. You will receive a receipt for the items surrendered.

If you do not have the license plates to surrender, obtain Form MV-78B, Report of Lost or Stolen Registration Items, from your local police agency and submit it with $1.00 cash to the Genesee County Motor Vehicle Office.

Back to top