TOPEKA -- Drivers who let their auto insurance lapse could face new sanctions under a bill approved by the state Senate Thursday.

Senators voted 31-8 in favor of legislation that provides for individuals convicted of driving without insurance to lose their vehicles for up to a month.

The proposal also would prevent uninsured motorists from recovering the first $5,000 of damage to their cars from a crash, even if they weren't at fault. The unpaid proceeds would instead go to the state's crime victims' compensation fund.

Backers of the measure, including Sen. Dwayne Umbarger, R-Thayer, believe it could deter drivers from canceling their insurance coverage after registering their car.

The move is designed to address the problem of uninsured motorists in Kansas while state officials create a electronic system to monitor when someone cancels their policy.

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