You are required to maintain continuous coverage or surrender your plates before being deployed.
Were you unable to keep your insurance while on active duty?
yes, it just wasn't on my mind and I don't get notices and anything like that while deployed
DMV has a procedure in place to exempt you from administrative actions upon your return. You must provide a notarized statement that the vehicle was not used during the time in question, a copy of your military ID, proof of current insurance  or surrender of plates, and signed and dated copies of deployment and return papers, or DD-214. You can present these documents at any DMV office , or mail them to us.