What does it mean if a vehicle has an "insurance lapse"?

When a vehicle has an "insurance lapse," it means that there is a period during which the vehicle is uninsured. This situation typically occurs when a policyholder fails to make a payment on their insurance premium, resulting in the cancellation or expiration of their insurance coverage. During this lapse, the vehicle is not covered for any incidents that may occur, exposing the owner to financial liability in case of an accident, theft, or damage. This status can have serious repercussions, such as penalties from state authorities, increased future premiums, or difficulty obtaining insurance in the future. It's crucial for vehicle owners to maintain continuous coverage to avoid these risks.