Having auto insurance and a driver’s license are essential for any driver, but can you get one without the other? While some states allow certain drivers to bypass auto insurance requirements, it is illegal to drive without a license, making it nearly impossible to obtain insurance without one. However, in select circumstances, you may be able to register and insure a car without a license. To assist you in navigating this complex situation, Bankrate’s insurance editorial team has researched the details of car insurance without a driver’s license.
How to purchase car insurance without a license:
Even if you do not have a license, there are various ways to obtain auto insurance. However, each insurance company has different eligibility criteria for insuring vehicles, and some may not provide coverage if you lack a driver’s license. Some insurers may require additional steps to include an unlicensed driver in a policy. Consulting with a licensed insurance agent can help address any specific questions you may have about purchasing car insurance without a license. Here are some steps to consider if you are attempting to register and insure your car without a driver’s license:
1. Inquire about an SR-22 certificate if your license is suspended:
If your license is suspended, you may need to submit an SR-22 form or its equivalent in your state. An SR-22 certificate serves as proof that you meet the minimum insurance requirements in your state. Working with an insurer that offers SR-22 certificates could enable you to obtain insurance even with a suspended license.
2. Consider purchasing a policy with another person listed as the primary driver:
The primary driver on an insurance policy is typically the vehicle owner or joint owner who drives the car the most. If you own a car but don’t drive it, you might be able to designate someone else as the primary driver on your insurance policy while listing yourself as an “excluded driver” to reduce costs. For instance, an elderly car owner with an expired license could designate a family member or caregiver as the primary driver on their insurance policy.
3. Adding a co-owner to your vehicle for easier insurance coverage:
It may be simpler to maintain car insurance coverage without a license by adding a co-owner to your vehicle. If the co-owner is also the policyholder, you could be listed as an insurable interest or an excluded driver for registration purposes. Keep in mind that as an excluded driver, you are not covered if you drive the vehicle. Adjustments to the policy and coverage can be made if you obtain a license after purchasing the policy.
4. Ensuring coverage while storing your vehicle:
If you plan to store a vehicle registered in your name for an extended period, it is advisable to maintain an insurance policy for the car. This will provide coverage in case of damage while the vehicle is in storage. Failing to maintain continuous coverage for a stored vehicle registered in your name could lead to issues.
Storing your car for a period of time can lead to a lapse in coverage. While you may need to designate another driver as the primary driver on the insurance policy if you don’t have a license, there are ways to potentially save on insurance costs while your car is not in use. Some insurance carriers, such as USAA, offer discounts for stored vehicles. If your car is not being driven, you might be able to reduce your coverage to just comprehensive insurance, which protects against damage from theft, vandalism, fire, and other incidents that may occur while the car is stored. Consult your insurance agent to explore this option. However, keep in mind that if your car is registered and has a license plate, you typically need to maintain the state-mandated liability coverage.
Do you need car insurance if you don’t have a license? If you lack a valid driver’s license and won’t be driving for an extended period, you likely won’t require auto insurance. Driving without a license is illegal, and insurance is meant to safeguard your finances when you own and operate a vehicle. Yet, if you own a car that might be driven by someone else temporarily, most states mandate that you have liability insurance meeting their minimum standards.
Reasons you might still need car insurance without a license include owning a car that you’re not currently licensed to drive, which could occur due to health issues, a suspended or provisional license, or ownership of vintage or collector vehicles that you don’t drive. Each situation is discussed below, along with suggestions on obtaining appropriate insurance coverage.
1. Health issues restricting your ability to drive: If a health condition prevents you from driving and your license expires while your car is in storage, maintaining auto insurance can protect your vehicle financially in case of any unforeseen incidents.
2. Others drive your car: Car insurance applies to the vehicle, not the individual driving it. If someone else drives your car, you likely need auto insurance to cover the vehicle. You can list another individual as the primary driver and exclude yourself from the policy.
3. Student driver or provisional license holder: Teen drivers with learner’s permits usually require auto insurance, even without a full license. Student drivers typically learn in their parent’s insured vehicle. The insurance company may request the student driver to be added to the policy, usually at no additional cost until they obtain their license.
4. Gifting a car to someone under 18: If you purchase a car for a minor who has a license but you don’t, they will need insurance to drive the vehicle. However, minors typically can’t enter an insurance contract independently and may require a parent or guardian’s written consent.
If you find yourself in any of these situations, it’s essential to consider the appropriate insurance coverage to protect your vehicle and financial interests.
If you own a vintage vehicle that you do not drive, you may need insurance coverage to protect against damage or theft, even if the car sits in your garage. State-mandated liability coverage is typically required for registered cars with license plates. Consider a policy that covers comprehensive claims only, in addition to standard liability, to protect your vintage car from damage caused by animals, weather events, theft, fire, and vandalism.
If your license is suspended due to a DUI or reckless driving incident, you may need to show proof of financial responsibility with an FR-44 or SR-22 certificate to reinstate your license. These certificates are not types of insurance but documents issued by your insurer to confirm you have the minimum liability insurance required by your state.
If you need to buy car insurance with a suspended license, you may have to find insurance providers willing to cover high-risk drivers and offer the necessary certificate. Without a license, insurance may be more expensive as you could be classified as a high-risk driver. Your premiums may also be affected by the driving history of the policyholder if they are a co-owner of the vehicle.
To find the cheapest car insurance, consider your specific needs and preferences, such as customer service and customization options. Get quotes from different companies, ensuring all applicable discounts are applied. Compare the quotes to find the policy that best suits your requirements.
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