What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Arkansas
Here is the situation at hand - On Feb 6, I was considering making a trip to purchase a family heirloom truck. I called the insurance company covering me on my normal driving to make sure that I would be covered temporarily on this new vehicle. They confirmed that yes, I would.
I purchased the vehicle on Feb 8 (Sunday). Before leaving for the trip home, I copied our insurance card that we have in the car and placed it in the new vehicle as proof of current insurance coverage.
About halfway through my trip home, I pulled off of the interstate to get some gas. My wife pulled in behind me. I went to a pump and she went to a parking spot on the side of the building to wait.
An officer pulled in behind her, drove around the building, and (We can only assume) ran the tags on the car. She lingered behind the car for a solid minute before driving up behind me, pumping gas. She immediately ran the tags on the new vehicle.
When asked for proof of insurance/registration, I handed her my bill of sale along with proof of insurance for our car. After looking everything over, she said that having insurance coverage on another car does not cover every car I ever drive, and that if I'm driving this new vehicle, I have to have insurance on THIS VEHICLE. I very politely explained to her that it was IMPOSSIBLE for me to get coverage on the vehicle on a SUNDAY, and that I would be getting coverage the very next day (Monday). I also explained that before leaving for the purchase of the vehicle, I had called our insurance company and they had assured me that I was covered for a very limited period (5 days) automatically before having to get coverage on this specific vehicle. I got the ticket anyway.
First thing Monday morning, I called our insurance company to ask for a letter stating that I am covered on this vehicle. After giving them my information, they informed me that the automatic coverage does not apply to me, since I am simply an "additional driver" on my parent-in-laws' policy. I informed the agent on the phone that I was told otherwise the week before, but I have no proof of that. She said that the chances are very good that who I talked to simply stated their policy without looking into my specific case.
So, the bottom line is that I was NOT covered on insurance, even though I was told otherwise before purchase. Trying to get the insurance company to admit fault is a wasted effort, of course. Because of the frustration with that company, I purchased coverage with another company that same day.
Now - I know that ignorance is no excuse, and I don't expect to get off scott free. However, in this case, my ignorance was caused by incorrect information given to me by our insurance company, and I feel that I did everything within my power to make sure I was going about it all in the most legal way possible.
My question is this: How should I plead in court? The fine for the ticket is a steep $350, which we simply don't have the money for. I know that I am guilty of having no insurance on the vehicle, but I don't feel that the fact is due to any negligence on my part. If I plead guilty, will I be given a chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the issue? If I plead not guilty, explain the circumstances, but am still found guilty of no insurance, am I then responsible for additional court fees?
I just want to get out of this with the lowest fee possible. I'm not trying to weasel out of anything, really...I'm just trying to do as little damage as possible to my wallet.
Also, if you've got any tips or advice for the court, I'm very interesting in hearing what you've got to say. This will be my first time going to traffic court.
Thanks in advance.
Here is the situation at hand - On Feb 6, I was considering making a trip to purchase a family heirloom truck. I called the insurance company covering me on my normal driving to make sure that I would be covered temporarily on this new vehicle. They confirmed that yes, I would.
I purchased the vehicle on Feb 8 (Sunday). Before leaving for the trip home, I copied our insurance card that we have in the car and placed it in the new vehicle as proof of current insurance coverage.
About halfway through my trip home, I pulled off of the interstate to get some gas. My wife pulled in behind me. I went to a pump and she went to a parking spot on the side of the building to wait.
An officer pulled in behind her, drove around the building, and (We can only assume) ran the tags on the car. She lingered behind the car for a solid minute before driving up behind me, pumping gas. She immediately ran the tags on the new vehicle.
When asked for proof of insurance/registration, I handed her my bill of sale along with proof of insurance for our car. After looking everything over, she said that having insurance coverage on another car does not cover every car I ever drive, and that if I'm driving this new vehicle, I have to have insurance on THIS VEHICLE. I very politely explained to her that it was IMPOSSIBLE for me to get coverage on the vehicle on a SUNDAY, and that I would be getting coverage the very next day (Monday). I also explained that before leaving for the purchase of the vehicle, I had called our insurance company and they had assured me that I was covered for a very limited period (5 days) automatically before having to get coverage on this specific vehicle. I got the ticket anyway.
First thing Monday morning, I called our insurance company to ask for a letter stating that I am covered on this vehicle. After giving them my information, they informed me that the automatic coverage does not apply to me, since I am simply an "additional driver" on my parent-in-laws' policy. I informed the agent on the phone that I was told otherwise the week before, but I have no proof of that. She said that the chances are very good that who I talked to simply stated their policy without looking into my specific case.
So, the bottom line is that I was NOT covered on insurance, even though I was told otherwise before purchase. Trying to get the insurance company to admit fault is a wasted effort, of course. Because of the frustration with that company, I purchased coverage with another company that same day.
Now - I know that ignorance is no excuse, and I don't expect to get off scott free. However, in this case, my ignorance was caused by incorrect information given to me by our insurance company, and I feel that I did everything within my power to make sure I was going about it all in the most legal way possible.
My question is this: How should I plead in court? The fine for the ticket is a steep $350, which we simply don't have the money for. I know that I am guilty of having no insurance on the vehicle, but I don't feel that the fact is due to any negligence on my part. If I plead guilty, will I be given a chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the issue? If I plead not guilty, explain the circumstances, but am still found guilty of no insurance, am I then responsible for additional court fees?
I just want to get out of this with the lowest fee possible. I'm not trying to weasel out of anything, really...I'm just trying to do as little damage as possible to my wallet.
Also, if you've got any tips or advice for the court, I'm very interesting in hearing what you've got to say. This will be my first time going to traffic court.
Thanks in advance.