Is It Illegal To Drive Without Insurance In Singapore?

In August 2003, Hirwandy Taha panicked as he approached a police roadblock. He and his wife quickly switched seats. Just two years earlier, he was fined $2,000 and put on a 30-month driving ban. Why? He was driving without insurance and a valid license after making an illegal u-turn. He knew that he couldn’t be caught by the roadblock or he would face a more substantial fine and jail time. But, it was too late—two officers had taken notice of Taha as he switched seats.

What happens if you drive uninsured in Singapore?

Unlike Taha, many people are not aware of the consequences of driving without insurance. In Singapore, it is indeed illegal to drive without third-party insurance coverage.

You can face up to a $1,000 fine, up to three months in prison, or a combination of the both if you get caught driving uninsured. You may also be disqualified from holding a drivers license for 12 months—starting on your conviction date.

Accidents with an uninsured party

If the legal repercussions aren’t enough to deter you from driving without insurance. There are even more consequences if you get in an accident while uninsured. You will be responsible for replacing or repairing your vehicle and covering your medical expenses out of pocket. This can cost you big time. Because, accidents are of course, unexpected—it is worth it to at least be prepared with having the protection insurance provides.

Personal expenses are only the beginning.

You may also face a lawsuit to cover any damages, losses, and medical bills that the other driver and any passengers encounter.

All of these expenses—which would usually be covered by an insurer—can put you in long-term financial trouble. You could spend countless years paying for one single accident.

Is it worth the risk to drive without insurance?

Proceeding the roadblock, Taha tried to fight the charges. He claimed that he wasn’t driving, but instead the maneuvers inside the car were due to him attending to his daughter in the back seat. The high court threw out Taha’s appeal, and he was sentenced to 15 months in jail and was banned from driving for 12 years.

While insurance in Singapore can be costly, it’s clear that driving without car insurance can bring on even larger expenses—both directly and indirectly due to fines, jail time, and driver’s license revocation. The likelihood of being caught is significant. Whether you’re stopped for one of your taillights going out, or for being rear-ended, there’s a good chance you’ll be faced with legal consequences regardless of how safe of a driver you are.

Keep yourself protected by staying insured at all times.

I love paying for car insurance—said by no one. It might not be fun, but fines and jail time are much worse. Insurance is there to protect you from unexpected tragedies. It’s ultimately there to help. You never know what could happen when driving. It’s best to eliminate the unnecessary risk and do what you can to stay safe and protected.