How to Get Car Insurance With No License
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You can get car insurance without a driver's license, but you might pay more depending on your situation.
You may be able to buy car insurance without a license by excluding yourself as a driver, keeping your car parked or buying SR-22 insurance.
How to get car insurance without a license
How to get auto insurance as an unlicensed driver
By law, you don't have to have a license to get insurance. However, most insurers won't provide coverage to an unlicensed driver. Someone else with a valid license would need to be listed as a driver on the policy in order to get car insurance. Most big companies, like Geico, State Farm, Progressive and Allstate, won't even give you a quote without a license. A handful of companies do offer policies to drivers without a license, including The Hartford.
Once you get quotes and you're ready to buy a policy, you may need to call the insurance company directly. You usually need a valid license number when you buy car insurance online. It might help to contact an independent agent who can get you quotes from several different companies.
If you don't have a license, you can't legally drive a car. That means that you can't be listed as a driver on a car insurance policy. But you can still buy a car insurance policy if someone else drives the car. You might do this if a relative or caretaker drives your car, for example. You would own the policy and they would be listed as a driver.
List yourself as an excluded driver
You may be able to get car insurance without a license if you exclude yourself as a driver. This reduces the risk for the auto insurance company, because you and your vehicle will not be covered if you drive the car.
Keep in mind that if you're pulled over or in an accident, you'll be treated as if you were driving without insurance. This could result in fines and vehicle impoundment. You'll also have to pay for any damage out of pocket.
If you aren't licensed, you can't legally drive a vehicle. Someone else with a valid license needs to be listed as the primary driver on the policy. This should be the person who usually drives the car, such as a spouse, family member or roommate.
It's fairly common to buy a policy even if you aren't going to be the one driving the car. This is sometimes the case for elderly drivers or for people with health problems. A caretaker may need to be listed as the primary driver on the policy, even if they don't own the car.
Car insurance companies will use motor vehicle records, along with other factors, to set the rates. That means the policy will be priced based on the driving history of whoever is listed as a driver.
If the person you choose as the primary driver on your policy has had accidents and tickets, you can expect to pay a higher rate.
Change your car's registration to get insurance
You may consider adding a licensed driver as the co-owner of your vehicle on the registration. This might help you find insurance, since vehicle ownership is a common requirement for getting car insurance.
Changing your vehicle's registration to reflect the change in ownership is fairly simple. It usually involves visiting your local DMV, filing a form and paying a fee.
Get parked-car insurance
You can also insure your car when it's kept in storage. Parked-car coverage, also known as stored-car insurance, only provides comprehensive insurance. This covers damage to a car while it's in storage and isn't being driven. The policy would cover:
- Fire
- Flooding
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Falling objects
- Damage from rodents or wild animals
You may not need a license to get parked-car insurance, because the covered vehicle won't be driven at all. This type of policy is also cheaper than typical auto insurance policies that include liability coverage.
But if you do take your car out for a drive, you will still be considered uninsured while you have parked-car insurance only. Your policy only covers damage to your car while it's in storage and won't pay for any damage that happens while driving it.
When should I insure a car I can't drive?
You may want an insurance policy for a car you aren't able to drive because:
- You only have a learner’s permit.
- Your licensed family member is unable to get insurance on their own.
- Your car is in storage, is being restored or stays parked all the time.
- You are no longer able to drive, and you need to insure the primary driver of your car.
- You own the car temporarily and will sell it soon.
- You want to avoid a lapse in coverage.
How to get car insurance with a suspended license
An SR-22 is a form that proves you have car insurance. Your insurance company files it with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Not every insurance company will file SR-22 forms. You may need to switch to a company for high-risk drivers.
Your license might be suspended after a serious traffic ticket like a DUI or driving without insurance. To reinstate your license, you usually need to get SR-22 insurance.
To save money while your license is suspended, consider getting a nonowner policy. This type of policy gives you coverage as a driver but doesn't actually insure a specific car. This type of coverage is a good option if you need an SR-22 to get your license back but you don't own a car.
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How to buy a car without a driver's license
You don't have to have a license to buy a car. However, you can't test-drive a vehicle or drive it off the lot without a license. And it might be hard to get a loan from a dealership if you don't have a license. You will likely have better luck with a local bank that doesn't require you to have a license for this type of car loan.
How to register a car with no license
You don't necessarily need a license to register a car. In most states, you can register your vehicle by submitting paperwork, paying a fee and showing proof of insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get car insurance without a driver's license?
Yes, you can buy insurance and register a car even if you don't have a driver's license, but it's not always easy. You will likely need to list yourself as an excluded driver on the policy, and some insurers still might not sell you a policy.
When should I get car insurance with no license?
If you don't have a license, you might still need car insurance if someone else is using a car you own. You might also need coverage if you still have your learner's permit and own a car. Insurance can also cover a car that is parked or in storage. Keeping an active policy helps you avoid a lapse in coverage while you're not driving.
What's the best way to get insurance without a license?
If someone else also drives your car and gives you permission, you can list them as the primary driver. Insurance companies are more likely to give you a quote in this case. It can be helpful to get quotes from local insurance agencies and smaller insurance companies. Some larger companies won't insure you without a license.
Can I get insurance with a suspended license?
Yes, if your license was suspended or revoked, you may need to buy insurance with an SR-22 certificate of responsibility to register your car and have your license reinstated.
Can I register a car or get a license plate with no driver’s license?
Yes, you can register a car without a license. In most states, as long as you have the required paperwork, you will be able to register your car with your state’s DMV. Usually, you'll need proof of insurance and a valid ID.
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