It is possible to get car insurance without a driver's license, but it can be challenging and is likely to be more expensive. While some insurance companies will decline coverage, others will extend coverage to unlicensed drivers. However, they may require you to list at least one licensed driver on the policy.
Insurance companies prefer licensed drivers because they can easily access their driving records, which helps them determine the risk of insuring them. Without a valid driver's license, insurance companies may view unlicensed drivers as high-risk and charge higher rates.
If you are looking to get car insurance without a license, it is recommended to work with an independent insurance agent who can help you navigate the process and find the best options. You may also need to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies, as some may be more accommodating than others.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Difficulty | It is possible to get car insurance without a license, but it is more difficult and typically more expensive. |
Reasons | You may need car insurance without a driver's license if you have a suspended license, are insuring a car for a minor, are a car collector, or have a learner's permit. |
Insurance companies | Some insurance companies, including GEICO, Commonwealth, Advantage Auto, Direct Auto, and The Hartford, will provide insurance to unlicensed drivers. |
Independent agents | Working with an independent agent may help you find insurance without a license. |
State-issued ID | Some insurance companies will cover you if you have a state-issued ID card. |
Excluded driver | You can buy a policy and list yourself as an excluded driver, but this is risky as you will not be covered in the event of an accident. |
Primary driver | If someone else will be driving your car, you can list them as the primary driver on the policy. |
Co-owner | Adding a co-owner to your car's registration may increase your chances of getting your vehicle insured. |
Parked-car insurance | If your car is in storage or not being driven, you can get parked-car insurance, which only provides comprehensive insurance. |
What You'll Learn
- Getting car insurance without a license is possible but more difficult and expensive
- A valid driver's license allows insurance companies to assess your driving record
- If you have a suspended license, you can get SR-22 insurance
- You can get parked-car insurance if your car stays parked
- You can get a state-issued ID card and some insurance companies will cover you
Getting car insurance without a license is possible but more difficult and expensive
Yes, it is possible to get car insurance without a driver's license, but it is more difficult and typically more expensive. A valid driver's license is important for insurance companies to assess your driving record and calculate your final insurance quote. Without this information, insurance companies find it difficult to understand the risk they would take on by having you as a policyholder.
If you are looking to get car insurance without a driver's license, you will have to take some additional steps. Here are some tips to make the process easier:
- Speak with an independent insurance agent: These agents can write insurance policies for multiple companies and may be familiar with local insurers that offer coverage to unlicensed drivers.
- Get a state-issued ID card: Some insurance companies will cover you if you have a state-issued ID card. Popular car insurance companies like Commonwealth, Advantage Auto, and Direct Auto will issue a policy to unlicensed drivers with a state-issued ID card.
- List someone else as the primary driver: If you own a car but don't drive it, some insurance companies will allow you to list another person as the primary driver. The primary driver may need to be a member of your household, but requirements vary by company and state.
- Add a co-owner to your car's registration: This can increase your chances of getting your vehicle insured, as vehicle ownership is usually a requirement for getting car insurance. To add a co-owner, you will typically need to file a form and pay a fee.
- Buy parked-car coverage: If you don't have a license and are storing or parking your car for an extended period, you may be able to purchase parked-car or car storage insurance. This type of insurance only provides comprehensive coverage, which covers damage to a car while in storage and not being driven.
- List yourself as an excluded driver: This option can be risky and is generally not recommended. While you are technically insured, an excluded driver is often not adequately protected in the event of an accident. 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.
It is important to note that buying car insurance without a driver's license can be challenging and more costly. Many insurance companies consider unlicensed drivers as high-risk and may charge higher rates. Additionally, some insurance companies may be wary of insuring customers without a license, and some states require at least one licensed driver to be listed on the policy.
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A valid driver's license allows insurance companies to assess your driving record
A valid driver's license is an important factor in getting an accurate quote for car insurance. When applying for car insurance, the company will know little about you, and a valid driver's license allows insurance companies to assess your driving record, which is one of the key factors in determining your risk level and insurance quote.
Insurance companies use your driving record to predict the risk you pose and how much they should charge for a policy. They will check for a history of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUIs, as these driving behaviours increase your risk as a driver, which leads to higher insurance rates. A good driving record generally results in lower premiums, while a history of accidents or serious traffic violations will mean you are likely to pay more.
Your driving record can include a variety of information, including your name and address, driver's license number, license status, convictions related to motor vehicle violations, accident information, and driver control actions such as failure to yield.
In most cases, insurance companies will ask for your driver's license number to check your driving record through the DMV. They will likely ask for this when you request quotes online or when you buy a policy.
While it is possible to get car insurance without a license, it is more difficult and typically more expensive.
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If you have a suspended license, you can get SR-22 insurance
To obtain SR-22 insurance, you will need to shop around for insurance providers who offer it. Some major insurance companies may not offer SR-22 filings, so you may need to consider smaller companies or those specializing in high-risk coverage. The insurance company will charge a fee for providing the SR-22 certificate, and you will also need to pay higher car insurance premiums due to your high-risk status.
Once you have purchased an insurance policy, your insurance company will file the SR-22 with the state. You will then need to go to the DMV to get your driver's license reinstated. Remember to keep your insurance policy active during this process, as a lapse in coverage will result in your license being suspended again.
In addition to SR-22 insurance, there are other options to consider if you have a suspended license. These include getting a restricted or hardship license, which allows you to drive only to specific locations, or maintaining state minimum liability coverage on your vehicle. It is important to research the specific requirements and laws in your state regarding license suspension and SR-22 insurance.
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You can get parked-car insurance if your car stays parked
While it is possible to get car insurance without a license, it is more challenging and costly. This is because insurers rely on your driving record to assess the risk you pose and calculate your final insurance quote. Without a license, they see you as a higher risk.
If you don't intend to drive your car at all, you can get parked-car insurance, also known as storage coverage. This is a cost-saving option that provides comprehensive-only coverage for damage to your car while it's in storage. This includes damage from animals, weather, theft, and vandalism.
Parked-car insurance is ideal if your car is kept in one place, off the street, and in a locked garage. It can lower your insurance rates by up to 80%. However, it does not include liability coverage, so you won't be covered if your car is involved in an accident or damages someone else's property.
To get parked-car insurance, you may need to:
- Have a "fully" insured vehicle, meaning it's insured to at least your state's minimum liability limits.
- Own the vehicle outright. If you're leasing or financing it, you may not be able to reduce coverage as you're not the technical owner.
- Cancel your registration to avoid fines for dropping liability coverage.
- Shop around for insurers that offer this coverage if your current provider doesn't.
Keep in mind that parked-car insurance may not meet your state's vehicle registration laws, so you may need to cancel your registration and remove the vehicle from public roads. Additionally, if you're still paying off your vehicle, your lender may require you to maintain full coverage.
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You can get a state-issued ID card and some insurance companies will cover you
Yes, it is possible to get car insurance without a driver's license, but it is more challenging and costly. A valid driver's license is essential for insurance companies to assess your driving record and determine your final insurance quote. However, there are a few ways to get auto insurance without a license.
One option is to get a state-issued ID card. Some insurance companies will provide coverage if you have a state-issued ID. Popular car insurance companies like Commonwealth, Advantage Auto, and Direct Auto will accept a state-issued ID and offer unlicensed drivers a policy.
It is important to note that getting car insurance as an unlicensed driver will likely result in higher rates. Insurance companies consider unlicensed drivers as higher-risk, and the lack of a driving record makes it challenging for insurers to determine the appropriate rates.
Additionally, it is recommended to be truthful about your license status. Insurance companies will run a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) to check your driving history, and providing false information may result in the insurer dropping your coverage.
- Speak with an independent agent who can help you find local companies that offer no-license car insurance.
- Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies, including small and regional providers, as they may be more flexible.
- Be prepared to call insurers directly, as online tools often require a valid driver's license number.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to get auto insurance without a driver's license, but it may be more difficult and expensive, and some insurance companies will not offer this option.
Insurance companies use your driver's license to assess your driving record and predict the risk you pose as a driver. Without a license, they cannot easily access this information and will likely see you as a high-risk driver.
You can get auto insurance without a driver's license by listing yourself as an excluded driver on the policy or by listing someone else as the primary driver. You can also get parked-car insurance or SR-22 insurance if your license is suspended.
Even if you don't have a driver's license, you may still need auto insurance to protect your car from damage or theft, especially if someone else drives your car or it is parked in a public place.