You may find these sections helpful. Perhaps if you are able to settle the matter yourself the State of Alabama may never discover your violation. However, you should get in compliance immediately and if you receive a notice then send the proof of insurance as described below. Of course, this will not help you in your civil matter and you should discuss all of this with an attorney in your area for your own protection. Initial consultations are almost always free and can provide you with a great deal of information and peace of mind.

Good luck.

§ 32-7A-8. Notification of suspension of registration.

If the department determines that an owner has registered or maintained the registration of a motor vehicle without a liability insurance policy in accordance with Section 32-7A-4, the department shall notify the owner that such owner's vehicle registration shall be suspended 45 calendar days after the date of the mailing of the notice unless the owner within 30 calendar days furnishes proof of insurance in effect on the verification date, as prescribed by the department. The notice shall be in writing and shall be mailed by first class U.S. Postal Service or by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner's last known address.

§ 32-7A-16. Class C misdemeanor.

A person is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor who:

(1) Operates a motor vehicle unless the motor vehicle is covered by a liability insurance policy in accordance with this chapter.

(2) Fails or refuses to comply with a request by a law enforcement officer for display of evidence of insurance as required under this chapter.

(3) Operates a vehicle the registration of which is suspended pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(4) Displays evidence of insurance knowing there is no valid liability insurance in effect on the motor vehicle as required by this chapter.

(5) With notice, registers, or attempts to register a vehicle.

§ 32-7A-18. Penalties.

The following penalties are applicable to violations of this chapter.

(1) Felonies. A person convicted of a felony for the violation of a provision of this chapter is guilty of a Class C felony and is subject to punishment by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by imprisonment for not less than one year and one day or not more than 10 years, or both the fine and imprisonment.

(2) Misdemeanors. A person convicted of a misdemeanor for the violation of a provision of this chapter is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor and is subject to punishment by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500) for the first conviction. Upon each subsequent conviction, the fine shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) or suspension of the person's driver's license for a period not to exceed six months, or both fine and suspension.

________________________

I am not your attorney. Therefore no attorney-client relationship exists and any communications on this website are not subject to the attorney-client privilege. For this reason, please do not divulge any personal information and use this site only for hypothetical questions. This forum is for general questions and answers and I cannot provide you with applicable law or legal opinions or advice in your jurisdiction. Please seek the advice of a competent attorney in your jurisdiction. While I can answer general questions and discuss general legal principles, I cannot give you legal advice in your state. The internet is a great place to get general information but should not be seen as a substitute for the attorney-client relationship or the services of a good lawyer in your state.