Updated: February 6, 2025
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Even if your license is suspended or revoked, you must carry minimum coverage on a tagged car in your name or risk fines and a longer suspension period.
A car insurance lapse can raise your costs by $171 for a short lapse and $709 for one lasting over 31 days.
Applying discounts, reducing coverages, insuring a driver with a clean record and shopping for quotes can help you get cheaper car insurance rates with a suspended license.
You need car insurance even if you can’t drive with a suspended license. Owning a car without insurance can cause legal issues in most states.
Like finding an insurance plan without a license, finding coverage in this situation can be harder because insurers may hesitate to offer fair rates. However, options exist, and this article explores how to get the best auto insurance with a suspended license.
Car insurance companies can see if your license is suspended or revoked. Your state's motor vehicles division will notify your insurer electronically, just like when you’re convicted of a moving violation.
If your insurer learns of a suspended license, it may cancel or not renew your policy, even if your renewal period isn’t close.
A mid-term cancellation can happen after a serious offense, like a DUI or reckless driving conviction. Nonrenewal is based on your policy’s termination date. Depending on state rules, your insurer must send you a written notice of cancellation or nonrenewal between 30 and 120 days before it takes effect.
The insurer may offer an exclusion, allowing your policy to stay active but excluding you from coverage. As an excluded driver, you won’t be covered in an accident, even if you own the vehicle.
If your vehicle's registration isn't expired, you’re legally required to insure it, even if your license is suspended or revoked. If you don’t maintain insurance on your registered vehicle, you could face:
If your coverage lapses, insurers may consider you high-risk, impacting your rates when shopping for cheap car insurance quotes. For example, full coverage with Travelers costs $1,356 per year without a suspension or coverage lapse. However, reinstating with a lapse of less than 30 days raises the cost to $1,527. A lapse of more than 31 days increases the cost to $2,065.
If your car is financed or leased, you may need full coverage to meet lender requirements, even with a suspended license. If you own your vehicle outright, you can reduce costs by choosing less coverage, but consider the risk of your car being driven before dropping comprehensive and collision coverage.
If you plan to store your unregistered car, comprehensive-only coverage is recommended. For registered vehicles, you must meet your state’s minimum coverage requirements to avoid fines or penalties, regardless of your license status.
Most states require registered vehicles to have insurance, even if the owner’s license is suspended or revoked. Getting insured with a suspended license can be challenging because you can't be rated as a driver on the policy. Insurers may exclude you as a driver until your license is reinstated or restricted driving is authorized.
Here are some ways to get car insurance with a suspended or revoked license:
Consider listing a household member with a clean driving record as the driver on your policy. However, not all insurance companies offer this option.
Purchase insurance through a carrier that will file an SR-22 or FR-44 on your behalf.
Get approved for a hardship or restricted driver’s license, which lets you drive under special circumstances, such as to work or school.
If someone else is on the car's title, insure it under their name.
Set up an appointment with an insurance professional. You can ask them for advice and recommendations.
SR-22 and FR-44 certificates aren't insurance themselves but prove you meet state-required minimum coverage. They're often needed after serious traffic offenses, such as DUIs, driving without insurance or operating a vehicle without a valid license.
You must list a rated driver with a valid license on your policy and exclude the revoked license holder. Depending on your state, you may only purchase high-risk or nonstandard insurance, which is more expensive.
Restricted licenses, or hardship licenses, allow you to drive with a suspended license under specific conditions, such as visiting a pharmacy or doctor's office. Depending on the suspension and state laws, you may face additional restrictions, like being allowed to drive only during the day.
The application process generally includes providing proof of insurance (usually an SR-22), documentation supporting the need to drive, like commuting to work, and a fee for administrative costs.
After obtaining one, some insurance agencies may offer nonstandard insurance policies, which are typically more expensive due to the higher risk profile.
Some popular companies for nonstandard insurance policies include:
Acceptance offers nonstandard minimum and full coverage insurance at affordable prices. Minimum coverage policies usually range from $900 to $2,000 annually, while full coverage typically costs between $1,800 and $3,500. These averages vary based on age, driving record, vehicle type, location and specific insurance company policies.
The General offers affordable high-risk insurance coverage. While it doesn't list prices, its low overhead allows it to pass savings onto customers through low down payments and premiums.
Getting affordable car insurance can be tough, especially after an accident or with a suspended or revoked license. However, you can use strategies to lower your premiums and secure a reasonable rate.
Consider dropping comprehensive or collision coverage for older vehicles to save on monthly costs. Weigh the cost savings against potential out-of-pocket expenses in an at-fault accident.
Seek out discounts such as multi-policy, defensive driving course completion or good student rates.
Compare rates from multiple carriers. Switching insurers can save money, but ensure the new provider meets your coverage and service needs.
If your car has a valid registration, keep continuous insurance, as a lapse can raise your rates. Consider a non-owner policy or minimum coverage if you don't drive your car.
Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers. While higher than standard companies, their rates can be more competitive for drivers with a suspended license.
Taking approved courses can earn you discounts and show your commitment to safe driving. It may also be required to reinstate your driver's license.
Opt for a vehicle that's cheaper to insure. Safer vehicles or those with good repair histories often earn lower insurance rates.
A higher deductible can reduce your premium, but ensure you can afford it if you need to file a claim.
Many insurers consider your credit history when determining premiums. A good credit-based insurance score can secure better rates, even with a challenging driving record.
These car insurance providers serve drivers with a suspended or revoked license:
Nonstandard car insurance companies also offer high-risk insurance at lower rates than standard companies. These include:
The lists provided may not include all insurance companies offering coverage for drivers with a suspended license. If you're unsure, contact the company directly to confirm.
We've highlighted some of the cheapest car insurance quotes for suspended licenses, both for standard policies and SR-22, by state.
State Farm offers the lowest rates in most states, with premiums as low as $507 in Idaho and $497 in Vermont. GEICO, Progressive and Allstate also provide coverage at reasonable rates in several states.
The following are the best and cheapest car insurance companies and rates for drivers with a suspended or revoked license:
| Alabama | Allstate | $1,237 |
| Alaska | State Farm | $1,006 |
| Arizona | State Farm | $1,264 |
| Arkansas | State Farm | $867 |
| California | Kemper | $1,676 |
| Colorado | State Farm | $1,244 |
| Connecticut | GEICO | $856 |
| Delaware | State Farm | $1,295 |
| District of Columbia | State Farm | $1,233 |
| Florida | GEICO | $1,984 |
| Georgia | Allstate | $1,455 |
| Hawaii | State Farm | $840 |
| Idaho | State Farm | $507 |
| Illinois | State Farm | $1,038 |
| Iowa | State Farm | $650 |
| Kansas | State Farm | $950 |
| Kentucky | State Farm | $1,006 |
| Maine | State Farm | $652 |
| Maryland | Progressive | $1,156 |
| Massachusetts | State Farm | $1,570 |
| Minnesota | State Farm | $1,008 |
| Mississippi | State Farm | $1,165 |
| Montana | Progressive | $871 |
| Nebraska | GEICO | $894 |
| Nevada | State Farm | $1,378 |
| New Jersey | GEICO | $1,379 |
| New Mexico | State Farm | $1,079 |
| New York | Kemper | $1,480 |
| North Carolina | Nationwide | $1,684 |
| North Dakota | GEICO | $591 |
| Oklahoma | State Farm | $1,069 |
| Oregon | State Farm | $1,002 |
| Pennsylvania | Travelers | $1,098 |
| Rhode Island | State Farm | $822 |
| South Carolina | Auto-Owners | $1,105 |
| South Dakota | State Farm | $835 |
| Tennessee | State Farm | $733 |
| Texas | State Farm | $1,238 |
| Vermont | State Farm | $497 |
| Virginia | State Farm | $870 |
| Washington | State Farm | $1,138 |
| West Virginia | State Farm | $936 |
| Wisconsin | State Farm | $829 |
| Wyoming | State Farm | $839 |
Each state has its own insurance regulations, minimum coverage requirements and market dynamics, which affect premiums. For example, in Florida or Virginia, you may need an FR-44 if convicted of a serious violation like a DUI.
Use the table below to find the cheapest companies and rates per state based on age and coverage type.
| Alabama | State Farm | $953 | $79 |
| Alaska | State Farm | $789 | $66 |
| Arizona | Root | $754 | $63 |
| Arkansas | State Farm | $699 | $58 |
| California | National General | $1,280 | $107 |
| Colorado | American National | $806 | $67 |
| Connecticut | State Farm | $1,031 | $86 |
| District of Columbia | Progressive | $1,206 | $101 |
| Florida | State Farm | $1,190 | $99 |
| Georgia | COUNTRY Financial | $1,094 | $91 |
| Hawaii | State Farm | $690 | $57 |
| Idaho | State Farm | $412 | $34 |
| Illinois | American Family | $844 | $70 |
| Indiana | American Family | $706 | $59 |
| Iowa | State Farm | $547 | $46 |
| Kansas | State Farm | $922 | $77 |
| Louisiana | State Farm | $1,391 | $116 |
| Maine | State Farm | $627 | $52 |
| Michigan | Chubb | $961 | $80 |
| Minnesota | State Farm | $862 | $72 |
| Mississippi | State Farm | $898 | $75 |
| Missouri | State Farm | $1,034 | $86 |
| Montana | Progressive | $520 | $43 |
| Nebraska | American National | $571 | $48 |
| Nevada | State Farm | $1,050 | $87 |
| New Hampshire | Concord Group | $949 | $79 |
| North Dakota | State Farm | $680 | $57 |
| Ohio | American Family | $619 | $52 |
| Oregon | State Farm | $791 | $66 |
| South Carolina | American National | $649 | $54 |
| South Dakota | State Farm | $868 | $72 |
| Tennessee | State Farm | $622 | $52 |
| Texas | Mercury | $1,218 | $101 |
| Utah | State Farm | $1,004 | $84 |
| Vermont | State Farm | $527 | $44 |
| Virginia | State Farm | $812 | $68 |
| Washington | PEMCO | $881 | $73 |
| Wisconsin | State Farm | $677 | $56 |
| Wyoming | State Farm | $808 | $67 |
Having a suspended or revoked license can be challenging. However, if you still own a car, you need insurance, regardless of your license status. Insurance can be more expensive with a suspended license, but many companies will still cover you.
Start by getting a restricted license and an SR-22 certificate and exploring car insurance options for drivers with suspended licenses. If you're a high-risk driver, consider nonstandard policies from companies like The General or Acceptance. Also, contact insurance companies directly for tailored advice on your situation.
Navigating car insurance with a suspended license can be tricky. Check out these frequently asked questions to understand the details better and find the best coverage.
You can get coverage with a suspended license. In most states, you're still legally required to register and insure your car, even with a revoked license. If you won't be driving, make sure to meet your state's minimum car insurance requirements.
Your state’s minimum coverage insurance should still cover registered vehicles. Loan and lease agreements typically require drivers to carry full coverage.
An SR-22 is a certificate from your insurer that confirms you meet your state’s minimum auto insurance requirements. It's often required for high-risk drivers with serious violations. While it's not an insurance policy, it serves as proof of compliance and is usually required for one to three years, depending on state regulations.
If getting your own policy isn't an option, you can get a restricted driver’s license, apply for FR-44 or SR-22 or be included on a policy of a rated driver with a clean motor vehicle record.
Yes, you need to. You'll have to list a rated driver with a valid license on your policy and exclude the revoked license holder. Depending on your state, you may only be able to purchase high-risk insurance, SR-22 or FR-44, which is more expensive.
It depends on the state. Most states will let you register a vehicle with a suspended license if you have proof of insurance and documents to identify yourself.
Study Overview
To calculate the average insurance cost for drivers with a suspended license, MoneyGeek gathered and analyzed rates using a sample driver profile. We also examined how rates vary based on the policyholder’s driving record.
Data Sources and Depth
We collected data from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services for this study. We analyzed 2,474,515 quotes from 607 companies across 3,523 ZIP codes.
Driver Profile
MoneyGeek created a driver persona with the following characteristics to determine average annual car insurance costs:
We adjusted this profile for driver age, location and driving history to determine rates for various driver profiles.
Coverage Levels and Deductibles Explained
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance company covers the rest of the claim.
The term 100/300/100 refers to:
Learn more about MoneyGeek's methodology
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
