Get Auto Insurance Without A Driver's License: A Guide

Getting car insurance without a driver's license is possible but can be challenging and expensive. While some major insurance companies like GEICO offer policies to unlicensed drivers, most national insurers won't provide coverage. Unlicensed drivers are considered high-risk, and insurance companies will need to take extra steps to assess their risk profile.

- Speak with an independent agent: They can write policies for multiple companies and may be familiar with local insurers that cater to unlicensed drivers.

- Get a state-issued ID card: Some popular insurance companies will cover you with a state-issued ID.

- List someone else as the primary driver: If you own the car but don't drive it, some insurers will allow you to list another person as the primary driver.

- Add a co-owner to your car's registration: This can help you get insurance since vehicle ownership is often required for coverage.

- Buy parked-car coverage: If your unlicensed car is stored or parked for an extended period, you can purchase coverage for non-collision damage, such as theft or vandalism.

Speak to an independent insurance agent

If you're looking to get auto insurance without a driver's license, it's a good idea to speak to an independent insurance agent. They can help you find the right policy and navigate the tricky process of getting insured as an unlicensed driver. Here are some reasons why:

• Independent agents are licensed to write auto insurance policies for multiple insurers, so they can shop around and compare quotes on your behalf. They may also be familiar with local insurance providers that cater to unlicensed drivers. This can save you time and effort in finding the right policy.
• Independent agents have expertise in the insurance industry and can provide valuable advice. They can explain the options available to you, help you understand the terms and conditions of the policy, and guide you through the process of getting insured.
• Independent agents can advocate for you and negotiate with insurance companies. They understand the complexities of insurance and can help you get the best possible deal, especially if you have a unique situation or specific needs.
• Independent agents often have established relationships with insurance providers. This means they may have access to special rates or discounts that are not available to the general public. This can help you save money on your auto insurance premiums.
• Independent agents can also assist you with other types of insurance, such as home or life insurance, providing a one-stop shop for all your insurance needs. They can help you bundle your policies and maximize any available discounts.

Keep in mind that even with the help of an independent agent, getting auto insurance without a driver's license can be challenging and may result in higher insurance premiums. Be prepared to provide detailed information about your situation, including why you need insurance without a license, and be open to exploring different options to find the right coverage for your needs.

Get a state-issued ID card

If you don't have a driver's license, one way to get car insurance is to get a state-issued ID card. While it is possible to get car insurance without a license, it is generally more difficult and more expensive. This is because insurance companies rely on your driver's license to assess your driving record and determine the risk you pose as a driver. However, some insurance companies will provide coverage if you have a state-issued ID card.

Popular car insurance companies like Commonwealth, Advantage Auto, and Direct Auto will accept a state-issued ID card and offer policies to unlicensed drivers. It is important to note that not all insurance companies will provide coverage to unlicensed drivers, and you may need to shop around or speak with an independent agent to find the right provider.

Additionally, keep in mind that having insurance is crucial, even if you don't plan on driving the car yourself. This is because you may need to insure the vehicle if someone else, such as a relative or caregiver, will be driving it. In such cases, you would be the policy owner, and they would be listed as a driver.

Furthermore, having continuous insurance coverage is essential to avoid lapses, which can lead to future premium increases. Therefore, even if you don't currently have a valid driver's license, it is beneficial to maintain insurance coverage.

List someone else as the primary driver

If you want to insure a car without a driver's license, you can list someone else as the primary driver. The primary driver is the person who will be driving the car the most. This can be a spouse, child, caregiver, or anyone else who plans to drive the vehicle.

When you buy car insurance for the first time, the insurer typically asks for your driver's license number so they can check your driving history. 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 the primary driver has a less-than-perfect record, you may end up paying higher rates.

It's important to note that as an unlicensed driver, insurance companies will likely consider you a high-risk driver, especially if you're a new driver or have a DUI or other serious traffic violations on your record. Be prepared to pay higher premiums.

Additionally, make sure to add anyone else who drives your car to your policy as an additional or occasional driver. Anyone living with you who is licensed will usually have to be added to your policy, whether they drive your car or not. Check with your insurer for specific requirements.

• You're taking a break from driving but want to prevent a lapse in coverage. Letting your auto insurance coverage lapse will likely lead to higher rates from insurers when you're ready to get licensed and back on the road.
• Your driver's license has been suspended or revoked. You may need car insurance to reinstate your license or continue coverage for a vehicle you lease or finance.
• You're unable or unwilling to drive your car, but someone else will be driving it regularly.
• You have a child under 18 who drives. Minors typically aren't allowed to enter into contracts without a parent or guardian to co-sign, so you can buy insurance and add them to your policy.
• You're new to the US 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.

Remember, even if you don't have a license, it's important to have insurance to protect your car if it's being driven by someone else.

Buy parked-car coverage

If you don't have a driver's license but own a car that's just going to sit parked or in storage, consider getting comprehensive-only insurance, also known as "parked-car coverage" or "car storage insurance". This type of insurance reimburses you for damages from events outside of your control, such as theft, vandalism, flooding, water damage, or damage by rodents or wild animals.

Note that this type of insurance won't cover you for driving-related accidents. You will still be considered uninsured if you take your car out for a drive while you have parked-car insurance. Your policy will only cover damage to your car while it's in storage.

Some companies may require your car to be in storage for a certain amount of time, commonly 30 days, to qualify for parked-car insurance.

To get parked-car insurance, you may need to contact insurance companies directly. You usually need a valid license number when you buy car insurance online.

List yourself as an excluded driver

Listing yourself as an excluded driver on your car insurance policy is a way to get auto insurance without a driver's license. However, this option comes with some risks and considerations. Here are some important things to know about excluding yourself from your car insurance policy:

• An excluded driver is someone who is explicitly removed from your auto insurance policy and will not be covered by your insurer if they drive your vehicle. This means that if an excluded driver operates your car and gets into an accident, they will be considered uninsured and held liable for any damages and injuries resulting from the crash.
• While listing yourself as an excluded driver may help you obtain insurance without a license, it is important to understand the limitations. As an excluded driver, you will not be adequately protected in the event of an accident.
• The process of excluding yourself may vary depending on your insurance company and your state's regulations. Some states may prohibit excluding household members from coverage, while others may require excluded drivers to have their own auto insurance before being excluded from your policy. Be sure to check with your insurer and understand the specific rules and requirements.
• Excluding yourself as a driver may be necessary if you want to prevent a lapse in coverage. For example, if you are taking a break from driving, have a suspended license, or are an adult with a learner's permit, excluding yourself can help you obtain the required insurance while keeping costs down.
• Keep in mind that insurance companies consider unlicensed drivers as high-risk, and you may end up paying higher premiums even when excluding yourself. It is recommended to shop around and compare quotes from smaller, regional insurance companies, as they may be more accommodating to your situation.
• If you choose to exclude yourself, be sure to make arrangements for alternative transportation, as you will not be covered to drive your insured vehicle.
• Remember that honesty is crucial when dealing with insurance companies. While it may be tempting to use a fake or invalid driver's license number, insurance companies will run a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) to access your driving history and detect any discrepancies.

Frequently asked questions