Can I get car insurance without a license? Yes, you can get insurance and register a car even if you don’t have a driver’s license, but it’s not always easy. You may be required to be listed on the policy as a disqualified driver and some insurers may not yet sell you a policy.
Getting car insurance if you don’t have a valid driver’s license may seem pointless. After all, many motorists may think that a motorist only needs car insurance if he has a valid driver’s license. However, that is not always the case.
You can and should have car insurance if you don’t have a valid driver’s license, although in many cases it will be more difficult to find an insurance company that will cover you without driver’s license insurance. One of the first things an insurance company will usually ask when you inquire about buying a car policy is your driver’s license number, and not having one can make the situation more difficult for the company and you.
However, taking out car insurance without a driver’s license is possible and even necessary in certain situations.
Reasons To Buy Car Insurance Without A Driver’s License
We know it sounds strange to suggest that someone who doesn’t get behind the wheel of a vehicle needs auto insurance, but there are scenarios where having an unlicensed policy could be in your best interest. You may consider taking out unlicensed auto insurance if the following situations apply to you:
Health reasons keep you from driving
If you have a health condition that prevents you from driving, you may want to consider protection, even if you won’t be driving your vehicle for a while. If you put your car in the garage for a while and your license expires while it’s being repaired, you may still want car insurance to protect you and your vehicle in case something happens to your car while it’s in the garage.
You can also buy auto insurance if you think you’ll be driving again in the future to prevent coverage from lapses, which could cause your rate to go up the next time you need insurance. Maintaining affordable auto insurance rates can be much more difficult once your auto insurance policy expires.
You will be driven to and from appointments, work, or wherever
If you are an elderly person who has lost your driver’s license or is not comfortable driving, a younger relative or caregiver can replace you as your driver.
Even if you are not the primary driver of your car, you will still need auto insurance to cover your vehicle. Because the average cost of auto insurance increases with age, it may be cheaper to have someone else be the primary driver of a vehicle in your name. However, it is not always possible to specify another person as the main driver of the vehicle, unless the person driving the vehicle belongs to your household.
You are a student driver or you only have a provisional driving license
Teen drivers with a learner license must have auto insurance, even if they don’t technically have a driver’s license. Student drivers usually learn to drive in their parents’ vehicle, which hopefully is already insured. However, parents should consider adding their student drivers to their auto insurance policy as temporary drivers.
You don’t drive, but your student driver does.
Let’s say you buy a car for your teen’s 16th birthday when he gets a driver’s license. Even if you are not driving the vehicle, the car must be insured. In almost all states, you cannot register the car with the motor vehicle department unless you can first show proof of insurance. And if your teen is not old enough to have a policy of his own, he must be listed as a driver on the policy of someone 18 or older. Adding a teen to your policy can significantly increase your rates, so you may want to shop around and compare auto insurance quotes to see which company offers you the lowest rate.
You have an old vehicle you don’t drive
If you buy an old car that is in your garage, you still need insurance if you want to be financially protected against damage or theft. Even if you don’t plan on getting behind the wheel, you may want to purchase a policy that includes optional comprehensive auto insurance to cover non-collision situations, including theft and vandalism. If you are not driving this vehicle, it may make more sense to cover potential losses to the vehicle, such as a falling tree in the garage and a broken windshield, rather than getting collision insurance for accidents.
Your license is suspended
If you are charged with a DUI or have a history of disorderly driving, your driver’s license may be suspended. If so, you won’t be able to get it back until you’ve proven financial responsibility with an SR-22 certificate. An SR-22 isn’t actually insurance, but it is a certificate proving to the court that you have the minimum amount of liability insurance required by your state.
How To Get Car Insurance For Unlicensed Drivers?
By law, it is not necessary to have a driver’s license to purchase insurance. However, most insurers will not cover an unlicensed driver. Most national insurers, such as Geico, State Farm, Progressive, and Allstate, won’t give you an unlicensed quote. A handful of companies offer policies for unlicensed drivers, including The Hartford.
Get quotes from small, regional businesses or contact a local independent agent who may be familiar with insurers that provide policies to unlicensed drivers. You may need to contact insurers directly, as you usually need to provide a valid license number when purchasing auto insurance online.
Listed as a disqualified driver
The key to getting car insurance without a driver’s license is to purchase a policy that lists you as a disqualified driver. This reduces the risk to the auto insurance company because you and your vehicle are not covered if you drive the car and have an accident.
Please note: If you are stopped you will be treated as if you were driving without insurance which could result in fines and vehicle impoundment. You must pay for any damage out of your own pocket.
Since an unlicensed car owner cannot drive the vehicle, someone else with a valid driver’s license must be listed as the primary driver on the policy. This should be the person who usually drives the car, such as a spouse, relative, or roommate.
It is not uncommon for the policyholder and vehicle owner to differ from the primary driver of a car insurance policy. This is sometimes the case with older drivers or those with health problems. In these situations, a caregiver may need to be listed as the primary driver on the car owner’s auto insurance policy.
When determining the primary driver on the policy, auto insurance companies use motor vehicle registrations along with other factors to determine their rates.
If the person you choose as the primary driver on your policy is considered a high-risk driver, you can expect a higher premium.
Change the license plate of your car to get insurance
If you can’t find an insurer that will sell you a policy because you don’t have a driver’s license, consider adding a licensed driver to the registry as a co-owner of your vehicle. This will likely increase your chances of insuring your vehicle, as owning a vehicle is a common requirement for obtaining insurance.
Changing your vehicle registration to reflect the change of ownership is quite simple and usually involves visiting your local DMV, filling out a form, and paying a fee.
Get a parked car insurance policy
You can also secure a car when it is largely in the garage. Parked car coverage, also known as garage insurance or comprehensive insurance, only offers comprehensive insurance. This covers damage to a car while it is in storage and not being driven. The policy would cover:
- Firework
- Flood
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Falling objects
- Damage from rodents or wild animals
An auto insurer cannot require you to have a driver’s license for parked auto insurance, as the covered vehicle will not be driven at all. This type of policy is also cheaper than typical auto insurance policies with liability coverage.
However, just as you are listed as a disqualified driver, you will still be considered uninsured if you drive your car while only having car insurance parked. Your policy only covers damage to your car while it is in storage and will not cover damage if you have an accident while driving.
When should I insure a car that I cannot drive?
You may want insurance for a car you can’t drive because:
- He only has a driver’s license.
- Your recognized family member cannot pay for his own insurance.
- Your car is always in the garage, being restored or parked.
- You can no longer drive and you must ensure that you are the primary driver of your car.
- You temporarily own the car and will soon be selling it.
- You want to avoid a gap in the cover.
How To Take Out Car Insurance With A Suspended Driver’s License?
An SR-22 is a form that your auto insurance company files on your behalf to confirm that you have the minimum coverage required. While SR-22 insurance is something any insurer can offer, you can choose to decline coverage if you think it’s too risky.
If your driver’s license has been suspended, you have different options than drivers who have never had a driver’s license or have had it revoked. Driving license withdrawal is often the result of a serious traffic violation, such as drunk driving (DUI) or driving without insurance. In general, the driver must purchase SR-22 insurance to restore his driving privileges.
If you want to save money while your driver’s license is suspended, consider getting parked auto insurance or a non-owner policy rather than canceling your policy entirely. Taking out comprehensive insurance will help you avoid a coverage shortfall, which can increase your insurance coverage in the future and result in you being denied coverage by most reputable insurance companies.
How Do You Buy A Car Without A Driver’s License?
As with buying car insurance, a driver’s license is not required to buy a car. However, you cannot test drive a vehicle or drive off the premises without a permit. And while it may be allowed, you’ll usually have a hard time finding a car dealership willing to offer to finance if you’re not licensed. You’ll probably have better luck with a local bank that doesn’t require a license for this type of car loan.
Register a car without a driver’s license
You do not necessarily need a driver’s license to register a car. In most states, you can register your vehicle with your state DMV by filing the appropriate paperwork, paying a fee, and providing proof of insurance.
Can I Get Car Insurance Without A License – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get car insurance without a license?
Yes, you can get insurance and register a car even if you don’t have a driver’s license, but it’s not always easy. You may be required to be listed on the policy as a disqualified driver and some insurers may not yet sell you a policy.
When should I take out car insurance without a driver’s license?
You may need unlicensed car insurance if someone else is using a car you own or if you still have a student passport but have your own car. You may also want to purchase insurance to protect a parked or garaged car or to prevent your coverage from falling out while you’re not driving.
What’s the best way to get insurance without a driver’s license?
The easiest way to get insurance without a driver’s license is to list someone with a driver’s license as the primary driver on the policy. Insurers are more likely to give you a quote in this case. Start getting quotes from regional and local insurers and agents, as most national insurers don’t offer quotes to unlicensed drivers.
Can You Get Car Insurance With A Suspended License?
Yes, if your driver’s license is suspended or revoked, you may need to take out insurance with an SR-22 Certificate of Liability to register your car and get your driver’s license back.
Can I register a car or get a license plate without a driver’s license?
Yes, you can register a car without a driver’s license. In most states, you can register your car with your state’s DMV as long as you have the required documentation, including proof of insurance and a valid ID.
How much car insurance do I need?
Nearly all states have a minimum amount of auto insurance coverage that all drivers must-have. Most states require drivers to have personal injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage. Some states also require drivers to have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage and/or personal injury protection (PIP). Before buying auto insurance, make sure you know what your state requires and what additional coverage you may want to buy to protect your finances. Regardless of your state’s minimum requirements, most insurance experts recommend purchasing full-coverage auto insurance. While full coverage insurance rates are higher, it gives you more financial protection in the event of a covered loss.
