Unlicensed Drivers: Can They Get Auto Insurance?

It is possible to get car insurance without a license, but it can be more difficult and expensive. While a driver's license is not required by law to get insurance, most insurers will not provide coverage to an unlicensed driver. However, some companies do offer policies to unlicensed drivers, including The Hartford, Commonwealth, Advantage Auto, and Direct Auto.

There are several reasons why someone without a driver's license might need car insurance. For example, they may be unable to drive due to age or health problems but still own a car that a family member drives. Alternatively, they may have a suspended license and need insurance to get their license reinstated.

To get car insurance without a license, one option is to list a licensed driver, such as a spouse or family member, as the primary driver on the policy. Another option is to get parked-car insurance if the car will not be driven. Those seeking car insurance without a license may need to shop around and compare quotes from multiple companies, possibly with the help of an independent agent.

It is possible to get car insurance without a license

While it is possible to get car insurance without a license, it can be more challenging and expensive. By law, a driver's license is not required to get insurance, but most insurers are wary of providing coverage to an unlicensed driver.

Reasons for getting car insurance without a license

There are several reasons why someone without a driver's license might need car insurance:

• You are unable to drive due to age or a health condition, but you own a car that a family member or caregiver drives for you.
• You have a suspended or revoked license, and a court has ordered you to get car insurance.
• You are insuring a car for a minor who cannot enter into a legally binding contract.
• You are a car collector or storing a vehicle, and you want to protect it from damages and theft.
• You are a new driver and need proof of insurance to obtain a valid driver's license.

How to get car insurance without a license

• List yourself as an excluded driver: You can purchase a policy and list yourself as an excluded driver, but this option is risky. While you are technically insured, an excluded driver may not have adequate protection in the event of an accident. It is also illegal to drive without a license, even if your vehicle is insured.
• Get a state-issued ID card: Some insurance companies will provide coverage if you have a state-issued ID card. Companies like Commonwealth, Advantage Auto, and Direct Auto will issue policies to unlicensed drivers with a state ID.
• Speak with an independent agent: Independent agents are licensed to write auto insurance policies for different insurers and may be familiar with local companies that offer no-license car insurance.
• Buy an insurance policy and list a licensed driver as the primary operator: If you won't be driving the vehicle, you can list someone else, such as a spouse, family member, or roommate, as the primary driver. This person should be the one who usually drives the car.
• Get parked-car or storage insurance: If your car is kept in storage or is not being driven, you can get parked-car or comprehensive coverage insurance. This type of insurance covers damage to your car while it's in storage and is typically cheaper than standard auto insurance policies. However, it will not provide coverage if you drive the car.

You can get SR-22 insurance if your license is suspended

Yes, you can get SR-22 insurance if your license is suspended. SR-22 insurance is a certificate of financial responsibility that is required for some drivers by their state or court order. This certificate, filed with your state, proves that your auto insurance policy meets the minimum liability coverage required by state law.

SR-22 insurance is something that any insurer can provide, but the insurer may choose to deny coverage if you are considered too risky. After a driver's license suspension, you must get auto insurance and file an SR-22. You are considered a high-risk driver, so you can expect to pay the insurer an SR-22 filing fee and high car insurance premiums.

SR-22 laws vary by state, so check with your insurance company and DMV on your state-specific laws. Most states require a driver to keep an SR-22 on file for at least three years, but some states may require a longer time period. If your license is suspended, your options differ from those of other drivers who have never had a driver's license or had it revoked.

License suspension is often a consequence of a serious traffic violation, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving without insurance. If this is the case for you, you must get SR-22 insurance to reinstate your driving privileges.

You can get parked-car insurance if your car is in storage

While it is possible to get car insurance without a license, it is more difficult and typically more expensive. Insurance companies see risk in an unlicensed driver and will usually not offer a quote without a license. However, there are some ways to get auto insurance without a license.

One option is to list yourself as an excluded driver on the policy. This means that you and your vehicle will not be covered if you decide to drive. This is a risky option as you will be treated as driving without insurance if you are pulled over or in an accident, which could result in fines and vehicle impoundment. You will also have to pay for any damage out of pocket.

Another option is to get SR-22 insurance if your license is suspended. This is a form filed by your auto insurance company that confirms you have the minimum amount of insurance coverage required by your state.

If you won't be driving your car at all, you can also get parked-car insurance, also known as stored-car insurance. This is a cost-saving option that covers damage to your car while it is in storage and not being driven. It is important to note that this type of insurance does not include liability insurance, collision insurance, or uninsured motorist coverage, so you will not be insured if you drive your car. Comprehensive-only coverage typically covers damage caused by animals and weather events.

Some states do not allow drivers to carry comprehensive-only coverage on their vehicles, and if your vehicle is financed, your lender may require you to carry full coverage insurance. Additionally, you must cancel your registration and remove your vehicle from public roads if you drop liability coverage.

To get parked-car insurance, you will need to call your insurance company and see if they offer this coverage. Some companies require that your car is in storage for a minimum of 30 days to qualify. GEICO is one of the best-known carriers offering this type of insurance.

You can list yourself as an excluded driver

Yes, you can list yourself as an excluded driver on your car insurance policy. This means that you won't be covered to drive under your own policy.

To exclude yourself from your car insurance coverage, you'll need to contact your car insurance company. You will usually have to fill out and sign a driver exclusion form, which is called an endorsement or insurance rider. This form makes a change to your coverage.

It's important to note that not all states allow policyholders to exclude themselves from coverage. Some states specifically don't allow named driver exclusions, while others may allow exclusions but require them to have their own auto insurance first. Be sure to check with your state's laws and your insurer.

If you are an unlicensed driver, listing yourself as an excluded driver can help you get car insurance. However, this method is risky. While you are technically insured, an excluded driver is not adequately protected in the event of an accident. If an excluded driver causes an accident, they will be treated as an uninsured driver and will be held liable for all damages and injuries.

Additionally, if you are pulled over or in an accident, you will be treated as if you were driving without insurance, which could result in fines and vehicle impoundment. You will also have to pay for any damage out of pocket.

Therefore, while listing yourself as an excluded driver may be an option for unlicensed drivers to obtain car insurance, it is important to carefully consider the risks and potential costs involved.

You can change your car's registration to get insurance

If you are an unlicensed driver, you may still be able to get car insurance, although it will be more difficult and costly. While a driver's license is not required to get insurance, most insurers will not provide coverage to an unlicensed driver.

One option to get around this is to change your car's registration by adding a licensed driver as a co-owner of the vehicle. This will increase the chances of getting your vehicle insured, as vehicle ownership is a common requirement for insurance. Changing your vehicle's registration is a simple process and usually involves visiting your local DMV, filling out a form, and paying a fee.

• Find a licensed driver: The first step is to find someone with a valid driver's license who is willing to be added as a co-owner of your vehicle. This could be a spouse, family member, roommate, or another trusted individual.
• Visit your local DMV: Go to your local DMV office with the licensed driver. Bring the necessary documentation, such as proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and identification.
• Fill out the required forms: You will need to fill out and submit the appropriate forms to add the licensed driver as a co-owner of the vehicle. The specific forms may vary depending on your location, so it is recommended to check with your local DMV beforehand.
• Pay the required fees: There may be fees associated with changing your vehicle's registration, such as registration fees or title transfer fees. Be prepared to pay these fees at the DMV.
• Update your insurance policy: Once the licensed driver has been added as a co-owner, contact your insurance company and update your policy to include them. This will likely increase your chances of getting your vehicle insured.
• Understand the risks: While adding a licensed driver as a co-owner can help you get insurance, keep in mind that you, as an unlicensed driver, should not drive the vehicle. If you do, you will not be covered in the event of an accident, and you could face legal consequences for driving without a license.

By following these steps, you can change your car's registration to include a licensed driver as a co-owner, which will help you obtain the necessary insurance for your vehicle. Remember to be truthful about your license status and comply with all legal requirements to avoid any issues in the future.

Frequently asked questions