Some insurance providers may provide car insurance without a license — particularly those with a learner’s permit, suspended license or who don’t plan to drive the insured vehicle.
Realities of getting car insurance without a driver’s license
While you might be able to obtain car insurance quotes without a license, most companies require a valid driver’s license to purchase a policy. This is true for two reasons:
- Insurers use your driver’s license to check your driving record and evaluate the level of risk you pose.
- Driving without a valid license is illegal in all 50 states.
However, some circumstances may allow you to purchase a policy without a valid driver’s license.
When you might be able to get auto insurance without a license
You have your learner’s permit but want to purchase a car
If you have a learner’s permit and purchase your own car, you need insurance coverage to drive — even if you only drive when you’re supervised. Some insurers won’t write you a policy if you don’t have a valid driver’s license, but others may allow you to use your permit as long as the vehicle is registered in your name.
If you have a permit and live with a licensed driver, you can likely be added to their policy — and it’s usually a lot cheaper than purchasing your own policy.
Learn more: New car insurance
Your license was suspended, but you have an active car loan
If your license was suspended but you still have an active car loan, you may be able to apply for a restricted license. This will allow you to drive to specific locations under certain circumstances and qualify you to purchase car insurance.
Note that you may also need to file an SR-22 or FR-44 form to prove financial responsibility — and you should expect to pay a higher premium.
If your license has been revoked, you must wait until it’s reinstated in order to purchase a car insurance policy.
While rates for drivers with violations are higher than the national average, you can still find cheaper-than-average monthly rates with these insurers:
|
Insurance Company
|
Avg Monthly Quote
|
|---|---|
| Metlife | $108 |
| Aspire Advantage | $130 |
| Freedom | $135 |
| Anchor General | $180 |
| Bluefire | $191 |
| Commonwealth Insurance | $206 |
| Safeco | $217 |
| First Acceptance | $232 |
| National General | $240 |
| Trexis | $243 |
You don’t have a license but need to insure a car for a minor
Car insurance policies are considered a legally binding contract between the policyholder and the insurance company. But in most jurisdictions, minors can’t enter into contracts independently. As a result, drivers under 18 aren’t able to purchase their own car insurance policy.
If you’re an adult driver and have a 16- or 17-year-old at home who has their own vehicle and would like their own policy, you must buy it for them. If you don’t have a license, you can usually list your teen as the primary driver.
You drive a classic car or your car is parked
Classic car insurance and parked car insurance are available for vehicles that don’t leave the garage.
These types of policies are usually comprehensive only, meaning they won’t provide enough coverage for anyone to get behind the wheel of your vehicle. However, they will give your vehicle protection in the event of a natural disaster, vandalism, theft and other non-collision damages.
You don’t drive but still own a vehicle
If you own a vehicle that someone else drives, you still need car insurance to ensure you and your driver are both protected. In this case, look for an insurance company that allows you to list someone else as the primary driver and yourself as an excluded driver.
Keep in mind that who you choose to be the primary driver on your account will have an effect on your premiums — especially if they have a poor driving record.
How to get car insurance without a license
If you need car insurance and don’t have a valid license, there are a few different strategies that may boost your chances of approval.
1. Get a state ID card, then apply for coverage
Some insurers provide coverage to drivers with only a state ID. If you don’t have a license, work on getting a state-issued identification card to validate your identity.
To get a state ID card, visit your local DMV. You also need the following ito get a car insurance quote:
- Documents related to your past insurance history (declarations page or old insurance card).
- Documents regarding your driving history.
- Your vehicle’s identification number.
2. Talk to an independent agent or insurance broker
Contact an independent insurance agent to discuss your coverage options as an unlicensed individual. Depending on your reason for being unlicensed, independent agents may have access to providers in your area who will be willing to insure you based on your driving history and current circumstances.
3. Add another driver with a valid license to your vehicle title
If someone in your household is a licensed driver, such as a spouse or another family member, you may be able to add them to your vehicle title and purchase the insurance policy in their name. This won’t be the right solution for everyone, but it can be helpful if you live with someone you trust to be a vehicle co-owner.
4. Check whether your state has an assigned risk pool
If you’ve tried everything and still can’t find an insurer, talk to your insurance agent about your state’s assigned risk pool. The state-assigned risk pool assigns high-risk motorists (like unlicensed drivers) to insurance companies.
Your assigned insurance company is legally required to provide you with state minimum liability car insurance. The downside of the state-assigned risk pool is that these insurance policies typically come with high premiums, meaning this should be one of your last options.
FAQ
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Why would you need car insurance without a license?
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Can you purchase car insurance for someone else if you don’t have a license?
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Can an unlicensed driver buy a car?
Megan Lee is an editor, writer, and SEO expert who specializes in insurance, personal finance, travel, and healthcare. She has been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and elsewhere, and has spoken at conferences like that of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Megan has built and directed remote content teams and editorial strategies for several websites, including NerdWallet. When she`s not crafting her next piece of content, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to drink cortados, attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
