Getting car insurance without a driver's license can be challenging in most states. Fortunately, it's not impossible, as many auto insurance companies offer coverage after evaluating your application. But, at the same time, it will require more research as many insurers will turn you away.
In addition, coverage costs will vary from state to state as well as the company, so you'll have to shop around before you get the best option suited to your specific needs and circumstances.
In this post, we’ll share how to get car insurance with no license. So, unless you live in North Carolina, where you need to have liability insurance before you can obtain a driver’s license, keep reading to learn more.
Can You Get Car Insurance Without a License?
The purpose of car insurance is to provide financial protection if your vehicle is involved in an accident. However, owning the car doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be the one operating it.
Additionally, getting into an accident isn’t the only reason people buy coverage. Your car can be stolen, get damaged by inclement weather or a natural disaster, or even get vandalized.
Furthermore, many drivers can have their license suspended due to traffic violations, such as DUI or failure to yield. In this case, they can apply for SR-22 insurance to reinstate their driving privileges and get the minimum required coverage.
Reasons to Buy Car Insurance With No License
You might be wondering what’s the point of purchasing a car insurance policy when you don’t even have a driver’s license. However, there are several situations in which you’ll need at least the minimum required state coverage to protect yourself and your vehicle.
These situations include:
Owning a vehicle doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re the driver. Perhaps, you’re a senior who needs to be driven to appointments or a businessman with a chauffeur who needs to commute to work. Even though you’re not the one operating the vehicle, you still need insurance to ensure your vehicle complies with the traffic laws of most states.
- You Insure a Driver Under 18 or Someone With a Learner’s Permit
Since minors can’t enter into legally binding contracts, you may need to buy car insurance for a driver under 18 or someone with a learner's permit, even if you’re not going to drive a vehicle yourself.
- Your Spouse Or Kids Drive the Car
Suppose you don't know how to drive but decide to buy your spouse or kid a car. Even though you won't be driving the vehicle, you’ll still need to purchase a policy as many states require you to carry one if you want to register it with the department of motor vehicles.
- You Own a Classic Or Vintage Car
Many people like to collect vintage or classic cars but never drive them. So, whether you own a rare Mustang or 1970 Porsche 917K, you need to ensure that they’re financially protected with comprehensive coverage, covering all non-collision-related damages, such as a tree falling on the garage during a storm, theft, residential fire, etc.
- Your License Is Suspended
In many cases, people who ask, “Can you get car insurance with no license?” are those who got theirs suspended due to an at-fault accident or serious traffic violation, such as excessive speeding, reckless driving, or driving under the influence. In this case, you have to provide proof of financial responsibility with an SR-22 certificate that shows that you have the minimum amount of liability insurance according to the state in which you operate the vehicle.
Many states require new drivers to show proof of insurance before getting a valid driver's license or registering their vehicles.
How to Buy Car Insurance Without a License
If you’re in the market for car insurance, you’d be pleased to know that the overall process remains the same. The only difference is that many companies don’t provide insurance policies to applicants without a driver's license. In addition, they may charge higher premiums.
Many insurers don't necessarily require your driver's license number to provide personalized quotes for different policies. Once you’ve chosen a policy that meets your requirements, you can complete the paperwork, pay the fee, and you’re all set. Also, note that you may be asked for the license number of the primary driver, so have that information ready.
Here’s how to buy car insurance without a driver’s license:
- Purchase a Policy With Someone Else Listed as a Driver
The easiest way to get insurance without a license is to list someone else as the primary driver on the coverage policy. However, the driver you choose should have a valid driver's license or at least a learner's permit. It can be your spouse, child, chauffeur, friend, partner, sibling, caretaker, etc.
By listing another person as the driver, you inform the insurance company that you won't operate the vehicle. It’s also the best way to ensure you get policy approval while avoiding steep coverage premiums.
- Become an Excluded Driver
Suppose your insurance company is reluctant to cover you even when you name someone else as the primary driver. In that case, you can still get coverage by listing yourself as an excluded driver on the policy.
Becoming an excluded driver means that the company will not be liable for any damages related to an accident if you happen to be behind the wheel.
However, keep in mind that the insurer will check the primary driver’s record to determine your insurance rates, so try to choose someone with an excellent record, free of tickets or accidents.
- Buy a Parked Car Coverage
If you don't have plans to drive your car or have it driven by anyone else, you can opt for a parked car policy.
Many companies offer this coverage to drivers without licenses, considering that whatever damages they incur won't be due to collisions. Instead, it will cover them against risks, such as fire, theft, falling objects, natural disasters, water or fire damage, vandalism, etc.
The upside to this policy is that drivers are statistically more likely to get in an accident than get their vehicle damaged by a falling tree. Therefore, this policy is generally less expensive than traditional plans with collision and liability coverage.
If your license is suspended and you need to buy insurance, you can file an SR-22 form, which is essentially proof of liability insurance required for your vehicle. You're likely to be offered higher premiums than low-risk drivers. However, it could be a valuable last resort if everything else fails and you need to get to work or run errands.
Getting Car Insurance With a Suspended License
Getting your license revoked or suspended following an accident or traffic violation means that you can't legally operate a vehicle in any state. However, not being able to drive doesn't necessarily eliminate the need for car insurance. After all, you still own a car, and unless you live in New Hampshire or Virginia, you'll need to carry insurance with you whenever you're on the road with someone else behind the wheel of your car.
Plus, you'll need car insurance if you want to reinstate your license. As mentioned above, a driver with a suspended license is considered a high-risk driver, meaning they’ll have to shop around to find companies willing to work with them.
In case you're wondering why you need insurance during license suspension, here are four possible reasons:
- Your Coverage Includes Other Drivers
If other people, like your spouse, kid, friend, or caretaker, drive your car, you’ll still need to buy insurance. In this case, you should consider listing another person as the primary driver during your suspension.
- You Want to Avoid Coverage Gaps
If you cancel your policy following your license suspension, another company may charge you more if they see a gap in the liability coverage. Therefore, it’s best if you continue your coverage to save money in the long run.
- You Receive Coverage While Your Vehicle Is in Storage
If your vehicle is in storage, it still recovers some basic auto insurance. A comprehensive coverage should protect your car against non-collision damages, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
- Suspension Grants You Special Driving Privileges
If your license is suspended, you can't legally operate a vehicle. However, DMV can make exceptions in some cases. For instance, you can retain limited driving privileges if you're specially-abled or need to drive to regular medical appointments. Of course, in this case, you'll need to carry insurance with you at all times.
Applying for a Conditional or Restricted License Following Suspension
Many insurance companies offer non-standard coverage policies to drivers with a conditional or restricted driver's license. These policies generally cover high-risk drivers since it's a solution for drivers whose licenses have been suspended or revoked.
A restricted license (hardship license in some states) reinstates driving privileges, meaning drivers will be limited to where and when they can drive or may be asked to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles.
In contrast, many states offer drivers to apply for a conditional license, especially after a DUI or moderate traffic violation. In this case, they’ll have to attend a DMV-approved impaired driver program.
In both cases, you'll need to carry proof of insurance to operate your vehicle legally. However, note that you'll be subject to higher premiums depending on the severity of the offense that got your license suspended in the first place.
Conclusion
Purchasing a policy without a license can be challenging, but it’s not impossible if you know what you’re doing.
By learning how to obtain car insurance with no license, you can save time and prepare yourself to meet the requirements of all the companies willing to work with you and choose the best insurer according to your needs.
Almost every state in the country requires you to carry proof of insurance, so if you own a vehicle, you need to get the minimum coverage to ensure you comply with the traffic laws.
