Updated: May 20, 2024
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You can buy car insurance without a license. But without it, insurers won't have access to your driving record to assess your risk level. You may be considered a higher risk, potentially leading to increased insurance rates.
To get coverage, list a licensed driver on your policy or get excluded yourself. Consider SR22 insurance for a suspended license, non-owners insurance for borrowed cars or parked car coverage for your classic car.
You're able to get car insurance without a license, but you'll likely be excluded from driving the insured car and removed from the policy's coverage.
If your license is suspended, you'll usually need an SR-22 form, which your insurer can file on your behalf.
For more flexible options, consider smaller insurance companies or brokers, but expect higher rates.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek evaluated information from Quadrant Information Services and state insurance departments using different driver profiles and locations to illustrate how important it is to compare car insurance rates when shopping for a policy. This is because rates for the same profile can vary by the insurance company.
You can list a licensed family member or friend as the primary driver, exclude yourself from the policy or seek specialized providers.
Other options include opting for parked car insurance, adding a co-owner to the vehicle's registration, fulfilling SR-22 or FR-44 requirements and consulting with insurance agents to find a tailored solution.
List another primary driver
Add a licensed family member, friend or roommate as the primary driver on your policy.
A primary driver is a licensed driver who will be driving the most. You can also exclude yourself from the policy, meaning you won't be covered if you drive. Driving without a license and insurance is illegal and carries serious consequences.
Add a co-owner to the registration
Adding a licensed co-owner who becomes the primary driver on your insurance policy lets you insure your car even if you don't have a license yourself. Check your state's DMV rules to see if co-ownership is allowed for your situation.
Get parked car insurance
Comprehensive-only or parked car insurance is suitable for those not using their car for a while, like during extended travel or for a seldom-used secondary vehicle. It covers risks like theft and weather damage but not driving incidents.
Consult insurance agents
Speak with multiple insurance agents to explore your options. They can guide you through the process and help you find a solution that fits your situation.
Yes, you can obtain car insurance even with a suspended license through an SR-22 form, which your insurer files to prove you have coverage. This form is essential if your license has been suspended, serving as verification of insurance rather than being a policy itself. However, not all insurance companies provide this service.
For individuals without a vehicle who still need to demonstrate they have insurance coverage, a non-owner SR-22 policy is an option. This type of insurance is generally more affordable, with an average annual cost of $576 for drivers who have an accident in their history.
You might need car insurance without a license if you own a car that others drive, have a suspended license or own a classic/stored vehicle that needs protection. Here are some reasons why you might still need coverage even without a license.
Your teen driver needs car insurance
If a teen driver or family member can’t buy car insurance for themselves, you can buy it for them.
You can’t drive yourself and need someone to drive you
If you’re unable to drive yourself and have someone else drive for you, you can list them as the primary driver.
You have a learner’s permit
Even permit drivers need car insurance to drive legally. If you can’t join someone else’s existing policy, you don’t need a driver license to buy coverage.
You own a car that is in storage
Comprehensive-only insurance or parked car insurance protects the car from non-driving incidents like theft or natural disaster.
You own a classic or vintage car you don't drive
Classic car insurance provides specialized coverage for vintage cars not regularly driven.
You don’t have a U.S. license but plan to drive in the U.S.
If you're visiting the U.S. without a local license, a temporary car insurance policy can cover you while driving rented or borrowed vehicles. Some states accept foreign licenses, while others require foreign drivers to get an international driving permit (IDP).
Do any of these unlicensed scenarios describe your situation? If so, MoneyGeek offers resources to help you find companies that fit your needs.
You often can’t get an accurate online car insurance estimate without a driver’s license. Your best bet is to contact an agent, insurance broker or smaller insurers to find coverage that suits your needs.
Reach out to direct agents
Direct agents represent a single insurance company and can guide you through that company's offerings. If the insurer has policies for people without a license, a direct agent can help you secure one.
Insurance brokers
Seek help from insurance brokers who are independent and can introduce you to various insurers. The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America can connect you with a network of agents.
Mid-sized insurers
Smaller insurers may be more flexible in their underwriting and willing to offer policies to those without a license. They might provide specialized or non-standard policies that suit your needs.
Driving without a valid license is against the law, and insurers won't cover you in such cases. Getting caught could lead to fines, penalties or even jail time. If you're in an accident, your insurance likely won't cover the damages, making you responsible for all costs.
If you do buy car insurance without a license, make sure you don’t get behind the wheel.
Insurance companies ask for your driver's license to assess risk and set your premium. Your license provides a snapshot of your driving history, including accidents and violations. It also confirms you're legally allowed to drive — a basic requirement for most policies.
Applying for insurance without a driver's license often makes you seem riskier to insurers. They'll find it harder to gauge your risk level with less data to assess. This could increase your premiums or make obtaining coverage more challenging.
You may still have questions regarding securing an auto insurance policy if you don’t have a license. Here are some of the most common inquiries.
Yes, you can get car insurance without a license by listing a licensed primary driver on the policy or getting non-owner car insurance or parked car insurance.
You can buy car insurance for someone else, such as a family member or employee, by listing them as the primary driver on the policy.
Car insurance without a license is more expensive due to the increased risk insurers associate with insuring a vehicle without a licensed primary driver.
Foreigners can drive with their home country's valid license, but requirements vary by state. For example, New Jersey requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with the foreign license, whereas New York accepts foreign licenses without an IDP, unless the driver plans to become a resident.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
