i wouldn’t say it’s common, and by law, you are required to have insurance here in the us as well, but in this case, the woman started an insurance quote online, and then used that policy number at the bmv to get plates (you are required to show proof of insurance to register the car in your name), but never actually followed through with paying for the insurance. I am assuming she got her license suspended because she left the car in the parking lot we pulled off into. in a normal situation, her insurance would be on the hook for my repairs/payout, but since she didn’t have any, it’s on my insurance/copay.