Suspended License? Auto Insurance In California

Can You Get Auto Insurance in California with a Suspended Licence?

It is possible to get car insurance with a suspended license, but it is not a straightforward process and can be expensive. The difficulty of obtaining car insurance with a suspended license depends on the reason for the suspension and the state in which the license was issued. Some insurance companies will not offer coverage to drivers with suspended licenses, especially if their driving history indicates risky behaviour or a high number of accidents.

Getting car insurance with a suspended license is possible but challenging

Getting car insurance with a suspended license is possible, but it can be challenging. While your car insurance won't be automatically canceled if your license is suspended, you still can't legally drive. Your car is insured, but you, as a driver, are not.

Reasons for license suspension

There are many reasons why a license may be suspended, including:

• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
• Unpaid traffic tickets
• Reckless or careless driving
• Failure to comply with implied consent laws
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Assault of another motorist, pedestrian, passenger, or bicyclist
• Failure to pay child support
• Drug offense conviction (excluding DUI)
• Failure to appear in court
• Failure to pay DMV fees or fines
• Use of altered/fictitious license plates or a driver's license
• For minors: non-DUI alcohol/drug offenses, truancy, or juvenile delinquency

How to get car insurance with a suspended license

If you are looking for insurance for a suspended license, there are a few options:

• Apply for a hardship or restricted license: Many insurance companies will insure you if you have a hardship or restricted license. However, this depends on the state.
• Shop around for the cheapest insurance: High-risk drivers pay higher premiums, and not all companies will insure them. Comparing quotes can help you get the best rate.
• Obtain an SR-22 or FR-44: You may be required to have your insurer file a certificate of financial responsibility with your state to prove that you carry the required minimum amount of liability insurance.
• Seek non-standard providers: When you have a hardship or restricted license, most insurers will consider you a high-risk driver. You may need to seek coverage from a high-risk insurance company. Some options include The General, Geico, and Bristol West.

Consequences of a suspended license

A suspended license will likely result in higher insurance premiums due to insurers perceiving you as a higher risk. You may also need to file an SR-22 or FR-44 to meet state requirements. Additionally, your insurance company may cancel or non-renew your policy after a suspension.

You will be classified as a high-risk driver and pay higher premiums

If you have a suspended license, you will be classified as a high-risk driver and will pay higher insurance premiums. This is because insurers view drivers with suspended licenses as more likely to file claims in the future. The higher premium offsets the greater risk that these drivers pose.

The exact premium increase will depend on the insurance company and the reason for the license suspension. For example, a DUI conviction is likely to result in a significant increase in your car insurance rate. Other reasons for license suspension that will increase your premium include reckless driving, multiple traffic tickets in a short amount of time, and driving without insurance.

If you have a suspended license, you may also be required to file an SR-22 or FR-44 form to meet state requirements. This is a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurance company files with the state to certify that you carry the mandatory minimum amount of liability coverage. The cost of obtaining an SR-22 varies depending on the insurance company, with some charging a fee ranging from $15 to $25.

You may also be able to apply for a hardship or restricted license, which will allow you to drive only for specific tasks, such as getting to and from work. However, even with a hardship license, you will still be seen as a high-risk driver and can expect to pay higher insurance rates.

It's important to note that not all insurance companies will insure someone with a suspended license, and you may need to pursue coverage with a nonstandard auto insurance carrier. Additionally, some insurers don't offer SR-22 filings, further limiting your options. As a result, it's crucial to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance providers to find the best rate.

You may need to apply for a hardship or restricted license

If your driver's license has been suspended, you may need to apply for a hardship or restricted license. This is a limited driver's license granted on a case-by-case basis after an application for drivers with suspended or revoked licenses. The requirements for obtaining a hardship or restricted license vary by state, and not everyone who applies for one will qualify.

In California, the Drivers License Bureau provides restricted licenses. If your license has been suspended due to a drunk driving conviction, or as a result of refusing or failing a breath or blood test, you may be eligible for a restricted license. If you have been convicted of drunk driving by a judge, you should ask the judge to provide a "green order", which authorises the Drivers License Bureau to provide you with a hardship license if you qualify. If you have not been convicted but your license has been taken away due to a failed or refused breath or blood test, you are still eligible for a business purposes-only license.

To obtain a hardship or restricted license, you will generally need to demonstrate that you need your vehicle to get to work, attend classes, take your child to school, or receive medical care or addiction treatment. You may also have to provide verification of employment or classroom enrollment, pay legal or administrative fees, obtain an SR-22 or FR-44 form, agree to drive only during certain hours or along certain routes, or install monitoring equipment like an ignition interlock device if you've been convicted of a drug- or alcohol-related offense.

In California, if you are a teenager seeking a hardship license, you must provide a signed letter from your school principal explaining that there are no other viable transportation options to get you to school. You may also need a letter from a doctor describing your condition and giving an estimated date when the situation may be resolved. If your family is facing financial hardship, you will need a written statement from your parent or guardian detailing the financial need for your job.

You may need to file an SR-22 or FR-44 form

If you have a suspended license, you may need to file an SR-22 or FR-44 form. An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you have the minimum required auto insurance coverage mandated by your state. It is not an actual "type" of insurance but a form filed with your state. This form is filed by the driver's insurance company directly with the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and serves as a guarantee that the driver will maintain the required insurance coverage for a specified period. An SR-22 is typically required for drivers convicted of offenses such as DUI, driving without insurance, or multiple traffic violations.

The FR-44 form is similar to an SR-22, but the key difference lies in the minimum liability coverage amounts. The FR-44 is required only in Florida and Virginia and is typically mandated for individuals convicted of more serious offenses, such as DUIs with higher blood alcohol concentrations or repeat offenses. The insurance requirements are stricter for an FR-44, with higher liability limits than SR-22.

If you need to file an SR-22 or FR-44, you will be notified by the courts or your state Motor Vehicle Department. You can obtain an SR-22 or FR-44 by contacting your insurance company, which will file the form on your behalf with the state. Not all insurance companies offer SR-22 or FR-44 filings, so you may need to switch to a company that does. If you do not have car insurance, you will need to purchase a policy to obtain an SR-22 or FR-44.

The cost of obtaining an SR-22 or FR-44 varies depending on the insurance company and state. Some companies may charge a fee for filing the form, which typically ranges from $15 to $25. In some states, you may have to pay the filing fee upfront. Additionally, you may incur higher insurance rates as a result of the infraction that led to the requirement for an SR-22 or FR-44.

It is important to maintain continuous coverage while you have an SR-22 or FR-44. If your insurance policy is canceled while you are still required to carry one of these forms, your insurance company must notify the proper state authorities, and your license may be suspended or revoked.

Your license suspension will impact your insurance rates

A suspended license will impact your insurance rates in several ways. Firstly, your insurance rates will likely increase due to insurers perceiving you as a high-risk driver. This increase in rates may vary depending on the reason for your license suspension and how long your state keeps that specific type of violation on record. Additionally, you may be required to file an SR-22 or FR-44 form, which could lead to even higher insurance costs.

• Risk Assessment by Insurers: Insurers view drivers with suspended licenses as high-risk, leading to higher insurance rates. This is because a suspended license is often associated with risky driving behavior, multiple traffic violations, or accidents.
• SR-22 or FR-44 Requirement: If you need to file an SR-22 or FR-44 form (certificate of financial responsibility), your insurance costs may increase further. These forms are typically required for drivers with serious traffic offenses, such as DUI or reckless driving.
• Limited Insurance Options: Some insurers do not offer coverage to high-risk drivers, including those with suspended licenses. This limits your choices, and the insurers who do offer coverage may charge higher premiums to offset the perceived risk.
• Difficulty in Obtaining Insurance: It can be challenging to obtain car insurance with a suspended license. Many insurers may refuse to provide coverage, especially if your driving history indicates risky behavior or frequent accidents.
• Increased Premiums: Even if you find an insurer who is willing to provide coverage, you will likely be classified as a high-risk driver, resulting in significantly higher insurance premiums.
• Impact on Renewal: When it's time to renew your insurance policy, your insurer will consider your driving record, including any license suspensions. This could lead to higher rates during renewal, especially if your license suspension is still on record.
• Maintaining Continuous Coverage: It is generally recommended to maintain continuous coverage even during your license suspension. Letting your insurance lapse may result in higher rates when you reinstate your license and obtain new insurance.

Frequently asked questions