Jeffrey Wade
How to Get Auto Insurance Without a License
It is possible to get car insurance without a driver's license, but it can be challenging and more expensive. While some insurance companies will decline coverage to unlicensed drivers, others will extend coverage. However, most national insurers won't sell car insurance to a driver without a valid license, and you may need to shop around with smaller, regional companies.
Reasons for Getting Car Insurance Without a License
There are several reasons why someone without a driver's license might need car insurance. For example, you might no longer be able to drive due to age or health issues but still own a car that a family member drives. Alternatively, your license may be suspended, and you have a court order to get car insurance.
How to Get Car Insurance Without a License
- Shop around with smaller, regional companies: Contact these companies in person or over the phone to explain your situation and get a quote. An insurance broker or independent agent can also help you find the best policy.
- Make someone else the primary driver: If you want to insure a vehicle that will be on the road but won't be driving it yourself, you'll need to designate someone else as the primary driver.
- Get a state-issued ID card: Some insurance companies will cover you if you have a state-issued ID card instead of a driver's license.
- Get 'parked car insurance': If your car is just going to be parked or in storage, consider getting comprehensive-only insurance, which covers damages from events like theft or weather damage.
- Ask about an SR-22 certificate: If your license has been suspended, you may need to file an SR-22 form to prove you have the minimum insurance requirements in your state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | It is difficult to get car insurance without a license |
| Reasons | Age, health problems, suspended license, learner's permit, storing a vehicle, etc. |
| Cost | It may be more expensive to get car insurance without a license |
| SR-22 form | Required for drivers with a suspended license |
| Primary driver | Someone else needs to be listed as the primary driver |
| Excluded driver | You can list yourself as an excluded driver, but you won't be covered if you drive |
| Independent agent | An independent agent can help you find insurance |
| State-issued ID card | Some companies will cover you with a state-issued ID card |
What You'll Learn
Shop around with smaller, regional companies
If you're looking to get auto insurance without a license, you'll likely need to shop around with smaller, regional car insurance companies. It's best to contact these companies in person or over the phone to explain your situation and get an accurate quote.
You're unlikely to get coverage from the bigger insurance brands because many national insurers don't give quotes to unlicensed drivers. They need a driver's license number to check your driving history before deciding how big of a risk you are, so even if you can get a quote, you'll likely need to call and speak to someone.
Take note: As an unlicensed driver, insurance companies likely consider you a "high-risk driver", especially if you're a new driver or have a recent DUI or other serious traffic violation on record. Be prepared to pay higher premiums.
If you don't want to contact each company yourself, consider recruiting an insurance broker or independent agent. Brokers and independent agents work with multiple insurers and can track down the best policy tailored to your needs.
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Make someone else the primary driver
It is possible to get car insurance without a license, and if you plan on someone else driving your vehicle, it is necessary. However, 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.
Some insurance companies allow the person buying the auto insurance policy to designate someone other than themselves as the primary driver. The primary driver is the person who will be driving the car the most. However, other insurers do not, so you may need to shop around to find a company that offers auto insurance for unlicensed drivers.
When buying car insurance for the first time, the insurer typically asks for the driver's license number of the primary driver so they can check their driving history. This helps insurers determine the insurance rate. If the person you choose as the primary driver has had accidents and tickets, you can expect to pay a higher rate.
If you are married with children, the primary driver may 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.
It's important to note that if you don't have a license, you can't be listed as a driver on a car insurance policy. However, you can still buy a car insurance policy if someone else drives the car, such as a relative or caretaker.
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Get a state-issued ID card
If you are looking to get car insurance without a license, one option is to get a state-issued ID card. This is a valid form of photo ID that can be used to prove your identity, age, address, etc. In some cases, insurance companies will cover you if you have a state-issued ID card. For example, popular car insurance companies like Commonwealth, Advantage Auto, and Direct Auto will take a state-issued ID card and issue unlicensed drivers a policy.
To get a state-issued ID card, you will need to go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Motor Vehicle Office and fill out a License or Identification Card form. You will also need to bring documents that prove your identity, such as two primary documents or one primary and two secondary documents. This could include a valid out-of-state driver's license or a clear photo of yourself on an ID card or driver's license issued by your state. Additionally, you will need to provide your Social Security number. There may be a fee for obtaining a state-issued ID card, and the process may vary slightly depending on your state of residence.
It is important to note that obtaining a state-issued ID card is just one part of the process of getting car insurance without a license. You will also need to find an insurance company that is willing to provide coverage to unlicensed drivers, which may be more challenging and expensive. Some companies that may offer this type of coverage include GEICO, The Hartford, Commonwealth, Advantage Auto, and Direct Auto. It is recommended to speak with an independent agent who can help you navigate the process and find the best option for your specific situation.
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Don't list yourself as an excluded driver
If you don't have a driver's license, you can still purchase car insurance. However, you cannot be listed as a driver on the policy and will need to exclude yourself as a driver. This means that you will not be covered if you drive the car and will be treated as an uninsured driver if you are pulled over or in an accident. This could result in fines and vehicle impoundment, and you will have to pay for any damage out of pocket.
When excluding yourself as a driver, it is important to list someone else with a valid license as the primary driver on the policy. This person should be the one who usually drives the car, such as a spouse, family member, or roommate. The policy will be priced based on their driving history, so if they have had accidents or tickets, you can expect to pay a higher rate.
It is also important to note that not all insurance companies will provide coverage to unlicensed drivers, and some states require you to list at least one licensed driver on the policy. You may need to shop around to find a company that offers auto insurance for unlicensed drivers and be prepared to call the insurance company directly or work with an independent agent to get quotes from multiple companies.
Additionally, keep in mind that even if you exclude yourself as a driver, you can still be added back to the policy in the future if your circumstances change and you obtain a driver's license.
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You may need an SR-22 form
An SR-22 form is a Certificate of Financial Responsibility that proves you have car insurance that meets the minimum coverages required by law. It is not a type of insurance, but rather a document from your state's department of motor vehicles. An SR-22 is typically required if you've been caught driving without insurance or a valid license.
You may need to file an SR-22 form if:
- You have a suspended license.
- You have a DUI or DWI conviction.
- You have been caught driving without enough insurance.
- You have had too many at-fault accidents or violations.
- You have repeat offences in a short time frame (e.g. three or more speeding tickets within six months).
- You are not paying court-ordered child support.
- You have been issued a hardship license.
If your license has been suspended, you may need to file an SR-22 form or the equivalent in your state to prove you've satisfied the minimum insurance requirements. This will allow you to obtain insurance even if your license has been suspended.
To get an SR-22, contact your car insurance company, pay the applicable fees, and submit all relevant documentation. Costs associated with obtaining an SR-22 vary across insurers, typically ranging from $15 to $25.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is possible to get car insurance without a license, it is more difficult and typically more expensive. Some smaller and more localized insurance companies may be more familiar with your state’s guidelines and have options for unlicensed drivers. Speak with an independent insurance agent who can write insurance policies for multiple companies and may be able to help you find the right coverage.
Insurance companies use your driver's license to access your driving record, which is one of the most important factors in determining the risk you pose as a driver and calculating your final insurance quote. Without a valid driver's license, insurance companies see risk in an unlicensed driver and may deem you a high-risk driver.
If you don't have a license, you can list someone else as the primary driver of your car. This person should be the one who drives your vehicle most frequently, and they may need to be a member of your household, but requirements vary by company. Another option is to add a co-owner to your car's registration.
