What is the ruling on car insurance—both its compulsory and optional types—and what are the consequences of using them to cover car accident repairs, especially given that the questioner forgot their prohibition at the time of contracting and use, taking into account the high cost of repairs without insurance?

The basic principle is the impermissibility of voluntarily participating in commercial insurance. However, one may be excused in cases of general need and the absence of a lawful alternative, especially for Muslim communities in Western countries. The European Council for Fatwa (definition) and Research has issued a fatwa permitting commercial insurance in cases of legal obligation, or when needed to avert severe hardship and difficulty, such as insurance for Islamic institutions, cars, homes, and health insurance to avoid exorbitant costs. Based on this, there is no sin upon you for participating in commercial insurance and benefiting from it according to these guidelines, and you are not required to dispose of your money.