Auto Insurance Agents: Can They Ask For Your License?

Auto insurance agents will typically ask for your driver's license number when you apply for car insurance. This is because they need to check your driving history to determine your insurance rate. However, it is possible to get car insurance without a license. In some states, a Mexican identification card can be used as a substitute for a driver's license. If you do not have a license, you can still get insurance by listing a licensed primary driver who will be using the vehicle. This is common for elderly drivers or those with health problems who have a caregiver driving them around. You may also be able to get parked-car insurance or SR-22 insurance if your license is suspended.

• If you do not have a driver's license out of choice or necessity (e.g., due to a disability) and list a licensed primary driver for the vehicle.
• If your license has been suspended or revoked, and your state's DMV requires you to obtain insurance before reinstating your license. | | Consequences of driving without insurance | - It is illegal to drive without a license, even if the vehicle is insured.
• If you are pulled over or in an accident without insurance, you may face fines and vehicle impoundment, and you will have to pay for any damage out of pocket. |

It is possible to get car insurance without a driver's license

Yes, it is possible to get car insurance without a driver's license, but it may be challenging. Here are some scenarios where you can get car insurance without a license and some steps you can take to obtain coverage:

Scenarios for Getting Car Insurance Without a License

• You're taking a break from driving but want to maintain coverage: If you let your auto insurance coverage lapse, you will likely face higher rates from insurers when you're ready to get back on the road.
• You're an adult with a learner's permit and already own a car: If you can't get on someone else's policy, you will need to insure your vehicle independently.
• Your driver's license was suspended or revoked: You may need car insurance to reinstate your license or continue coverage for a leased or financed vehicle.
• You're unable or unwilling to drive your car: If you want someone else to drive you in your own car, you will still need insurance for your vehicle.
• Your car is parked or in storage: If your car is not being driven and is stored or parked, you may want coverage in case of theft, vandalism, or natural damage.
• You don't drive, but someone under 18 in your household does: Minors typically can't enter into insurance contracts, so you may need to buy insurance and add them to your policy.
• You're new to the US: If you're visiting from another country and don't have a US driver's license, you may be able to use your foreign license or an international driving permit to get insurance.

Steps to Get Car Insurance Without a License

• Shop around with smaller, regional insurance companies: Contact these companies directly or through an insurance broker or independent agent. National insurers often require a driver's license number to provide a quote.
• Make someone else the primary driver: If someone else will be driving your car, designate them as the primary driver on your policy. This person must have an active driver's license or learner's permit. Keep in mind that their driving record and other factors will influence your insurance rates.
• List yourself as an excluded driver: You can purchase a policy and list yourself as an excluded driver, meaning you and your vehicle will not be covered if you drive. This option is suitable if you don't plan to drive at all.
• Get parked car insurance: If your car is parked or in storage and won't be driven, you can get comprehensive-only insurance, also known as "parked car insurance" or "car storage insurance." This covers damages from events like theft, vandalism, or natural causes but does not include driving-related accidents.
• Change your car's registration: If you can't find an insurer due to not having a license, consider adding a licensed driver as a co-owner of your vehicle on the registration. This may increase the chances of getting your vehicle insured.

By law, a driver's license is not required to get insurance

While a driver's license is not required to get insurance, it can be difficult to obtain insurance without one. Most national insurers, such as Geico, State Farm, Progressive, and Allstate, will not offer a quote without a license. However, some smaller companies do offer policies to unlicensed drivers, such as The Hartford.

If you are looking to get car insurance without a license, you may need to shop around and call insurers directly, as you typically must provide a valid license number when buying car insurance online. You could also get quotes from small and regional companies or contact a local independent agent who may be familiar with insurers that provide policies to unlicensed drivers.

If you are buying a policy without a license, you will likely need to list yourself as an excluded driver on the policy. This means that you and your vehicle will not be covered if you drive the car. As such, you will need to list a licensed primary driver on the policy, such as a spouse, family member, or roommate.

Another option is to get parked-car insurance if your car is kept in storage and will not be driven. This type of policy is cheaper than typical auto insurance policies and covers damage to a car while it is in storage, such as damage from rodents or wild animals.

In some states, if you have a Mexican identification card, you can use this as a substitute for a driver's license and obtain auto insurance. Additionally, if your license has been suspended or revoked, your state's DMV might require you to obtain insurance before reinstating your license. While not all insurance companies will set up a policy under these circumstances, many will, so it is worth shopping around.

Furthermore, if you are buying a car without a license, you do not need insurance to register a car in most states. However, you will need insurance to drive the car, so it is recommended to look into getting insured before purchasing a vehicle.

If you don't have a license, you can list a licensed primary driver

It is possible to get car insurance without a license, but some companies may be wary of insuring customers without a license, and some states require you to list at least one licensed driver on the policy. If you don't have a driver's license, you can still get car insurance if you list a licensed primary driver who will be driving the car. This means that if you own a car and want to be driven around, or want to pay the auto insurance bills for someone else that drives your car, you can. For example, if you are retired and want another person to run errands for you, and that person doesn't have their own insurance, this exception may work for you.

The person you list as the primary driver should be the one who will most frequently be using the vehicle. If you're married with children, it might be your spouse or child. If you have a health condition that prevents you from driving, it could be a caregiver who drives you to appointments or helps you run errands.

When buying car insurance for the first time, the insurer typically asks for your driver's license number so they can check your driving history and determine your rate. If you don't have a license, the insurer may ask for the driver's license number of the primary driver instead and use this person's driving history to determine your auto insurance premium. If that driver has a less-than-stellar record, you may end up paying higher rates.

It's important to note that if you are pulled over or in an accident without a license, 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.

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

Yes, it is possible to get SR-22 insurance if your license is suspended. SR-22 insurance is a Certificate of Financial Responsibility (COFR) that verifies that you have vehicle insurance that meets the coverage required by the state for reinstatement of driving privileges.

If your license has been suspended, your state Department of Motor Vehicles may require you to obtain an SR-22 form. The SR-22 form is not a type of auto insurance, but a document that your insurance company can provide to the state. The SR-22 is usually required if you have multiple traffic offenses, DUIs, DWIs, or other serious moving violations.

The process of obtaining SR-22 insurance with a suspended license may be more difficult, and some insurers may not offer you coverage, especially if your driving history indicates risky behavior or a tendency to get into accidents. However, many companies will provide SR-22 insurance, so it is recommended to shop around and get quotes from at least five companies.

When obtaining SR-22 insurance, be honest with your insurance company about your driving record. Let them know immediately that you will need an SR-22, as they will need to file it with your state. Most insurers charge a small fee for filing an SR-22, typically around $25.

It is important to note that you must have a valid (not suspended) license to drive legally in all states. Insurance companies often allow you to obtain an SR-22 if you get your driver's license reinstated within 30 days of your insurance policy's inception date or if you acquire a hardship driver's license within that timeframe.

Additionally, maintaining continuous insurance coverage during a license suspension can help you save money when you get back behind the wheel. It is also necessary to show proof of insurance before the state will reinstate your license.

If you have a Mexican ID, you can get auto insurance

Auto insurance agents will typically ask for your driver's license number when you apply for car insurance. This is so they can check your driving history and determine your rate. However, it is possible to get car insurance without a driver's license. For example, if you have a Mexican ID, you may be able to get auto insurance in some states.

In most cases, if you do not supply a valid driver's license number during your auto insurance application, you will not be able to continue with your application. However, there are some exceptions. If you have a Mexican identification card, some states allow you to use this as a substitute for a driver's license, and you may be able to get auto insurance if this form of identification is accepted by the insurance company. Keep in mind that not all insurance companies will accept a Mexican ID, so you may need to shop around. You may also need to call insurers directly, as you typically must provide a valid license number when purchasing car insurance online.

If you are unable to get car insurance with a Mexican ID, there are a few other options to consider. One option is to list yourself as an excluded driver on the policy. This means that you will not be covered if you drive the car, but it can help protect against damage to your car while it's in storage and can cover your car when someone else drives it. Another option is to get parked-car insurance if your car will not be driven at all. This type of policy only provides comprehensive insurance, covering damage to your car while it's in storage, and is typically cheaper than standard auto insurance policies.

Additionally, if you are a resident of Mexico driving a Mexico-plated vehicle to the US, you can purchase US Tourist Auto Insurance. This type of insurance is provided by MexPro and is designed for Mexico residents travelling to the US. Their policies are easy to understand, straightforward to use, and offered by an A-rated insurer.

Frequently asked questions