Updated: October 23, 2025
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If you have a suspended license, are storing a vehicle or haven’t been licensed yet, you can get coverage by listing a licensed driver and excluding yourself from the policy.
Car insurance without a license is more expensive, but you can lower costs by paying annually or choosing non-owner coverage if you don’t own a car.
You can get car insurance without a license, but it takes extra steps. Whether your license is suspended, you own a stored car, or you’re insuring a family driver, the right policy protects you from penalties and financial loss.
To get coverage, list a licensed primary driver on your policy or exclude yourself. Consider SR-22 insurance for a suspended license, non-owner insurance for borrowed cars or parked car coverage for stored vehicles.
You should get car insurance without a driver's license because most states legally require minimum coverage on registered vehicles regardless of license status, with fines and registration suspension for noncompliance. Coverage protects your vehicle from theft, vandalism, weather damage and fire whether parked or driven by others.
Maintaining continuous coverage prevents gaps that increase future premiums and allows suspended drivers to obtain required SR-22 or FR-44 certificates for reinstatement. You can also list another person as the primary driver or buy coverage for family members who can't get insurance themselves.
Getting car insurance without a license requires choosing the right coverage method and following a strategic application process. These eight steps help you secure coverage:
Add a licensed family member, friend or roommate as the primary driver on your policy. A primary driver is the licensed person who drives the vehicle most often. You can exclude yourself from the policy, which means you won't have coverage if you drive. Driving without a license and insurance is against the law and leads to serious penalties.
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. Check your state's DMV rules to see if co-ownership is allowed for your situation.
Comprehensive-only or parked car insurance suits those who don't use their vehicle 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.
Talk to multiple insurance agents to explore your options. They can guide you through the process and help you find coverage that fits your needs.
Look for companies that accept no-license applications, since many insurers won't provide coverage to unlicensed drivers. Find companies that offer limited programs or specialist insurers that are more flexible with unlicensed applicants.
Call insurers rather than using online quote tools, which require license numbers. Mention your no-license situation upfront and ask specific questions about their policies for unlicensed drivers, required documentation and available coverage options to avoid wasting time with companies that won't work with you.
Prepare documents, including your state-issued ID card or passport, Social Security number, vehicle identification number (VIN) and title or proof of ownership. For primary drivers, you'll need their valid license number, personal information and any special situation documents, such as court papers for suspended licenses or learner's permit copies.
Be completely honest about your license status and provide accurate information about all drivers on the policy. If your insurer insists you must be listed as a driver, request excluded driver status. Be prepared to try different insurers if one won't accommodate your situation.
State insurance requirements vary for drivers without licenses. Each state has minimum coverage requirements, SR-22/FR-44 rules and provisions affecting non-license drivers. Most states require SR-22 filing and offer non-owner insurance, though minimums range from 15/30/5 in New Jersey to 50/100/50 in North Carolina.
Twelve states are no-fault states requiring Personal Injury Protection (PIP), while Florida and Virginia mandate FR-44 certificates for DUI offenses instead of SR-22s. New Hampshire uniquely requires no insurance but mandates proof of financial responsibility.
No License Car Insurance Coverage Explained
Liability limits are shown as bodily injury per person/bodily injury per accident/property damage (in thousands). For example, 25/50/25 means $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurer files with your state to prove you carry required coverage, typically needed after license suspension or serious violations.
FR-44 is similar to SR-22 but requires higher liability limits and is only mandated in Florida and Virginia for DUI offenses.
Non-owner insurance provides liability coverage when you don't own a vehicle but need to drive occasionally or maintain continuous coverage.
PIP (Personal Injury Protection) covers your medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident, required in 12 no-fault states.
Read more about the types of car insurance coverage and what each level protects to find out how much car insurance you need.
Car insurance without a license costs more than standard coverage, but understanding the complete cost structure helps you budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.
Car insurance without a license costs more than standard coverage, with suspended drivers facing the highest premiums due to high-risk status. Learner's permit holders can be added to parent policies with minimal cost, while international drivers pay higher rates as "new drivers" regardless of foreign experience. Non-owner insurance costs less since it provides liability-only coverage, though geographic location affects pricing across states.
SR-22 filings include one-time filing fees and ongoing premium increases from underlying violations. The most significant cost impact comes from the triggering violation, with DUI convictions causing the most important premium increases. FR-44 requirements in Florida and Virginia involve higher liability limits, increasing filing fees and base premiums.
Monthly installment payments increase costs through installment fees and annual percentage rates on unpaid balances. Pay the full yearly premium upfront to eliminate payment processing fees and qualify for additional discounts. Non-owner insurance costs less than standard coverage but increases with violations or SR-22 filing requirements.
Finding car insurance without a license means identifying companies that work with unlicensed drivers. Many major insurers have strict license requirements, but specialist companies provide coverage for suspended licenses and high-risk driving situations.
Specialist insurers provide flexible underwriting for suspended licenses, permit holders and non-drivers, with better rates and coverage options than standard carriers.
These companies understand unique circumstances and tailor policies to your specific needs rather than denying coverage outright. Since most companies don't allow online applications for unlicensed drivers, you'll need to contact insurers directly.
Strong financial stability Available in all 50 states Competitive rates | SR-22 filing Suspended license coverage Serious violations | Phone calls required (no online applications) | All 50 states | Suspended license holders seeking major insurer reliability | |
Largest standard insurer accepting high-risk drivers Nationwide coverage | Named driver policies Non-owner insurance SR-22/FR-44 filing Telematics discounts | Phone or agent required | Nationwide | High-risk drivers needing flexible payment options and reinstatement programs | |
Strong local agent network Competitive standard rates Personalized service | Family member coverage Learner's permit holders License reinstatement support | Local agents handle applications | Nationwide | Teen drivers with permits, family coverage situations | |
Comprehensive coverage options Established insurer reputation | Family policy contexts Select unlicensed driver situations | Regional availability varies | Nationwide | Unlicensed drivers in family policy | |
The General | Accepts coverage lapses 6+ months Works with poor credit and bad driving records | High-risk coverage Non-standard situations | Phone or online | 47 states nationwide | Drivers rejected by other companies, long coverage gaps |
Acceptance Insurance | Non-owner insurance SR-22 specialists Bad-credit discounts | Non-standard driving situations High-risk coverage | Phone or in-person | 15 states with neighborhood presence | All types of non-standard driving situations |
Direct Auto (owned by Allstate) | SR-22 certifications Suspended licenses Non-owner coverage | SR-22 filing specialists Suspended license coverage | Phone or in-person | 16 states, primarily Southeast/Midwest | Suspended license holders needing SR-22 requirements |
Bristol West (Farmers Insurance Group subsidiary) | No prior insurance history DUI coverage First-time drivers | DUI specialists New driver programs | Phone or agent | 43 states with Farmers backing | DUI cases, drivers with no insurance history |
Below, MoneyGeek's experts answered common questions about car insurance without a license.
Yes, you can buy car insurance for someone else by listing them as the primary driver on the policy. This works well when caring for elderly parents, managing a family member's vehicle or helping someone who can't drive. You'll need their personal information and a valid license number.
Foreign visitors can drive in the U.S. with a valid home country license for up to three months, or with an International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to one year before needing a U.S. license. State requirements vary.
Major insurers offer coverage to international drivers, though you'll pay higher rates since you're classified as a "new driver" without a U.S. driving history. For short visits, rental car insurance is the simplest option.
To get car insurance without a license, you'll need your state-issued ID card or passport, Social Security number, vehicle identification number (VIN) and title or proof of ownership. Gather the primary driver's valid license number and personal information. Special situations require additional documents like court papers for suspended licenses, a learner's permit or an international driving permit for foreign visitors.
To get discounts on car insurance without a license, pay annually instead of monthly to avoid installment fees and qualify for upfront payment discounts. Bundle with renters or homeowners insurance for multi-policy savings. Set up automatic bank payments for auto-pay discounts and switch to paperless billing for additional savings.
Good student discounts apply for maintaining strong grades, and defensive driving courses offer immediate discounts plus improved driving skills. Install anti-theft devices and safety features for security discounts, and report accurate low annual mileage for major reductions.
Driving without a valid license is illegal, and insurance companies won't provide coverage. If caught, you could face fines, penalties or jail time. Your insurer won't cover damages if you cause an accident without a valid license. This means you'll be responsible for all costs. In some cases, buying car insurance without a license makes sense, but never drive without one.
Insurance companies use your driver’s license to evaluate risk and set your premium. It shows your driving history, such as accidents or violations, and confirms you're legally allowed to drive, a standard requirement for most policies.
Insurers have little to assess your driving behavior without a license, making you a higher risk. You'll face higher premiums and find it more difficult to get approved for coverage.
Learner's permit holders must have auto insurance, which should be added to a parent's existing policy rather than buying separate coverage. Expect rate increases of 50% to 100% once your teen gets their full license.
When occasionally driving someone else's vehicle, you're covered as a "permissive driver" under their existing policy. Regular drivers should be added as named drivers to ensure proper coverage and avoid claim denials.
We contacted insurance companies directly to identify which provide coverage for unlicensed drivers and calculated rates using a standard profile: a 40-year-old with a 2010 Toyota Camry LE, 12,000 annual miles and 100/300/100 coverage with a $1,000 deductible. Our analysis draws from 83,056 quotes across 46 insurers in 473 ZIP codes, sourced from Quadrant Information Services and state insurance departments, then verified through direct insurer contact for unlicensed driver policies. We evaluated companies based on their willingness to insure unlicensed drivers, coverage options, application processes and geographic availability, adjusting our profile for suspended licenses, permit holders and first-time applicants. Read more about our methodology here.
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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
