Honesty is the best policy, and that same thing is true when it comes to dealing with a police officer when you get into an accident or if you get pulled over.  Dishonesty has its consequences.  Driving without car insurance policy has its consequences, too.  So if in the end you are most likely going to be caught lying, why not say the truth from the start and spare yourself from the heavier punishment ahead?

The consequences for lying about your car insurance policy vary from state to state.  For instance, when you show a police officer an insurance card for an already canceled policy, the police officer can access to a database that allows him to instantly verify the validity of your policy. If your policy is canceled, your car could be impounded, your license could be revoked, or the title to your car might be suspended. Whereas when you simply admit that you don’t have a car insurance policy, chances are, you will typically only face fines for failing to provide proof of valid insurance.

The consequences for showing an invalid insurance card are primarily monetary, however. If you are on probation or parole and are caught driving without insurance, you could possibly face jail time, depending on your state.

So think twice before bringing out that canceled car insurance policy.  Better yet, flee the temptation and get rid of it now.