Updated: August 2, 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.
Getting car insurance without a license is challenging, but it's possible. Insurers can't check your driving record without a license, so they'll consider you a higher risk and charge more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Getting car insurance without a driver's license isn't one-size-fits-all. Your specific situation determines which coverage options work best and what requirements you'll need to meet. Here's how to get car insurance for the most common scenarios.
Even with a suspended or revoked license, you must maintain minimum coverage on any registered vehicle to avoid additional fines and longer suspension periods. Most states require proof of insurance for license reinstatement, and if you're financing or leasing your vehicle, your lender will require continuous coverage.
You'll likely need an SR-22 certificate (or FR-44 in Florida and Virginia), which your insurance company files to prove you meet state requirements.
Drivers with a learner's permit must have auto insurance. Most teens can be added to a parent's existing policy at little to no extra cost until they get their full license. Teens under 18 cannot legally purchase auto insurance without a parent or guardian as a co-signer in most cases.
Contact your insurance company immediately once your teen gets their permit. Some insurers automatically cover permit holders, while others require you to add them formally. Add them to a parent's policy rather than getting separate teen car insurance coverage. Once your teen gets their full license, expect rate increases, typically 50% to 100%, depending on gender and other factors.
If the permit holder lives separately from their parents or owns a vehicle, they'll need a standalone policy, which is more expensive than being added to an existing family policy.
When caring for elderly parents, managing a family member's vehicle or helping someone who can't drive, you have coverage options depending on how often you'll be driving. If you're occasionally helping someone, you'll be covered under their existing policy as a "permissive driver." If you're regularly driving their vehicle, you should be added as a named driver on their policy to ensure proper coverage and avoid claim denials.
For primary drivers, transfer the vehicle title and insurance policy to your name to simplify coverage and avoid complications. Non-owner insurance provides liability coverage when you regularly drive someone else's vehicle without owning one yourself. This maintains continuous coverage history and often offers higher liability limits than the car owner's policy.
Foreign visitors can get car insurance in the United States with a valid driver's license from their home country, and many states require an International Driving Permit (IDP). You can drive on a foreign license for up to three months or with an IDP for up to one year before needing a U.S. license. Major insurers offer coverage to international drivers. You'll pay higher rates since you're considered a "new driver" without a U.S. driving history.
For short-term visitors renting cars, purchasing insurance through the rental company is the simplest option. If you're staying longer or driving your own vehicle, you'll need a standard policy from a U.S. insurer.
You can get car insurance with a suspended license. Ask your insurer to submit an SR-22 form, which proves you have coverage. The SR-22 isn't a specific type of insurance policy, and not all insurers offer this service.
If you don't own a vehicle but still need proof of coverage, a non-owner SR-22 policy is an option. This type of insurance is more affordable, with an average annual cost of $576 for drivers with a prior accident.
While many online car insurance quote tools require a driver's license number, you can still get an estimate without one. Contacting an agent, insurance broker or smaller insurer directly can help you find the right coverage.
Direct agents represent a single insurance provider and can explain that company's specific policy offerings. If the insurer provides coverage for drivers without a license, a direct agent can help you find a suitable policy.
Consider contacting an independent insurance broker to find the right policy. Independent brokers can offer quotes from multiple insurers, helping you find the best fit for your needs and budget. The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America can connect you with a network of agents in your area.
Smaller insurance companies often have more flexible rules and may offer policies to drivers without a license. They might provide specialized or non-standard coverage that better fits your needs.
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.
Company | Key Strengths | Coverage Specialties | Application Process | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Phone calls required (no online applications) | Suspended license holders seeking major insurer reliability | |
|
| Phone or agent required | High-risk drivers needing flexible payment options and reinstatement programs | |
|
| Local agents handle applications | Teen drivers with permits, family coverage situations | |
|
| Regional availability varies | Unlicensed drivers in family policy |
Company | Coverage Specialties | Geographic Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
The General |
| 47 states nationwide | Drivers rejected by other companies, long coverage gaps |
Acceptance Insurance |
| 15 states with neighborhood presence | All types of non-standard driving situations |
Direct Auto (owned by Allstate) |
| 16 states, primarily Southeast/Midwest | Suspended license holders needing SR-22 requirements |
Bristol West (Farmers Insurance Group subsidiary) |
| 43 states with Farmers backing | DUI cases, drivers with no insurance history |
Needing car insurance without a license puts you in a challenging spot. Whether you're dealing with a suspended license, helping a family member or storing a vehicle, you still need coverage. Maintaining car insurance can be a smart financial move, even if you're not actively driving. Here's why:
You can buy car insurance for a teen driver or family member who can't get it themselves.
If you can't drive yourself and someone else drives for you, you can list them as the primary driver.
Permit drivers need car insurance to drive legally. If you can't join someone else's policy, you can buy coverage without a driver's license.
Comprehensive-only insurance or parked car insurance covers non-driving incidents like theft or natural disasters.
Classic car insurance provides specialized coverage for vintage cars not regularly driven.
If you're visiting the U.S. without a local license, a temporary car insurance policy can cover you while driving rented or borrowed vehicles. Some states accept foreign licenses, while others require foreign drivers to get an international driving permit.
Even if you can't drive, you might own a vehicle that needs protection against theft, vandalism or weather damage. Comprehensive coverage protects your investment whether the car is parked or driven by others.
If you own a registered vehicle, most states require minimum insurance coverage regardless of your license status. Failing to maintain coverage can result in fines, registration suspension or other penalties.
If your license is suspended, maintaining continuous coverage prevents coverage lapses that could increase future premiums. Many states also require SR-22 certificates, which can only be obtained through an active insurance policy.
You might need to insure a family vehicle that other licensed household members drive, even if you cannot operate it yourself.
Car insurance without a license costs more than standard coverage, but understanding the complete cost structure helps you budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses. Here's what you need to know about pricing for no-license insurance.
Car insurance without a license costs more than standard coverage. The exact increase depends on your situation. Drivers with suspended licenses face the highest premiums due to their high-risk status. Those with learner's permits can be added to parent policies with minimal additional cost. International drivers are classified as "new drivers" regardless of their experience abroad, which results in higher rates.
Non-owner insurance costs less since it provides liability coverage only. Geographic location affects pricing, with some states charging more than others for the same coverage.
SR-22 filings come with both one-time filing fees and ongoing premium increases due to the violations that triggered the requirement. The filing fee is modest, but you'll pay it each time the form is filed, including if your policy lapses and requires refiling.
If multiple family members need SR-22 filings, you'll pay separate fees for each person. FR-44 requirements in Florida and Virginia involve higher liability coverage limits, increasing filing fees and base premiums. The biggest cost impact comes from the underlying violations that necessitated the filing. DUI convictions cause the largest premium increases, while minor violations have less impact.
Paying your premium in monthly installments rather than annually upfront increases your total cost. Most insurers charge installment fees for each monthly payment, and some apply annual percentage rates to unpaid balances that can reach high levels.
Different payment methods carry different fees. Phone payments and paper checks cost more than electronic payments. Pay the full annual premium upfront to qualify for additional discounts and eliminate all payment processing fees.
Non-owner insurance provides liability-only coverage for drivers who don't own vehicles but still need to drive occasionally. This type of policy costs less than standard coverage since it doesn't include comprehensive or collision coverage for a specific vehicle.
The cost varies based on your driving record. Drivers with clean records pay much less than those with violations or DUI convictions. If you need SR-22 filing with non-owner insurance, expect additional costs for both the filing and higher premiums due to the high-risk classification.
Insurance costs for unlicensed drivers vary based on your specific situation and the coverage type you need. Without a driving record to assess, insurers often charge higher premiums due to perceived increased risk.
You can still save money on car insurance without a license. You'll pay more than licensed drivers, but these strategies can help you find affordable coverage and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Pay annually instead of monthly to avoid installment fees and qualify for additional upfront payment discounts. Set up automatic bank payments to earn auto-pay discounts and prevent costly coverage lapses. Switch to paperless billing for small discounts, and ask about early payment discounts that combine with annual payment strategies for maximum savings.
If you don't own a vehicle, select non-owner insurance. It's cheaper than full coverage and meets state requirements while providing financial protection when driving borrowed or rented cars. Consider pay-per-mile programs for very low-mileage drivers. Explore usage-based insurance that monitors and rewards safe driving with immediate participation discounts.
Bundle auto insurance with renters or homeowners insurance for multi-policy discounts that save money on both policies. Take advantage of good student discounts for maintaining strong grades and defensive driving course discounts. Report accurate low annual mileage for major discounts and install safety features like anti-theft devices, car alarms and advanced safety systems that reduce premiums.
Target companies that specialize in high-risk car insurance or specialty coverage, since they provide better rates than traditional insurers. Shop around every six months by getting quotes from at least three different companies around your policy renewal dates.
Use independent agents who can access multiple insurance companies but avoid those who charge broker fees. Buy directly from insurers when possible to avoid agent commissions.
Check your credit report regularly and correct any errors immediately since credit problems inflate your insurance costs. Contact your insurer to request rate reviews after your credit improves. Make all bill payments on time and keep credit card balances low relative to limits. Avoid unnecessary new credit accounts that temporarily lower your score.
Never let your coverage lapse since even short gaps result in much higher rates. Consider switching to non-owner insurance rather than dropping coverage entirely during non-driving periods. Keep some form of insurance to prevent gaps that classify you as higher-risk when you resume coverage and maintain your positive insurance history.
Think twice about filing small claims that barely exceed your deductible. Rate increases from claims cost more than paying out-of-pocket. Consider other insurers periodically, since many charge existing customers more than new customers. Shop around annually, even if you're satisfied with your current insurer, to check other insurers' rates and discount opportunities.
Take defensive driving courses for immediate discounts. Improved driving skills help prevent future violations. If working toward license reinstatement, complete required programs promptly and maintain SR-22 filings without lapses. Build a positive insurance history by avoiding claims and violations, and consider gradually increasing coverage as your situation improves.
Research special programs for low-income or suspended license drivers since some states offer payment assistance or reduced-rate programs. Understand your state's minimum coverage requirements to avoid buying unnecessary protection. Learn about SR-22/FR-44 requirements specific to your state. Check if defensive driving courses remove points from your record to improve rates faster.
Try telematics programs that install apps or devices to monitor your driving for car insurance discounts. Many offer immediate participation discounts and demonstrate safe driving habits to insurers. Check if your insurer has a mobile app that helps with policy management. You might find discounts and safe driving rewards through the app. Mobile payment options might provide additional savings.
Learn about your state's specific insurance requirements when getting coverage without a driver's license. Each state has different minimum coverage requirements, SR-22/FR-44 rules and special provisions that affect no-license drivers. The table below breaks down what you need to know for every state.
State | Minimum Liability Limits | SR-22 Required | Non-Owner Insurance Available | Special Requirements | PIP/No-Fault State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alabama | 25/50/25 | Yes | Yes | None | No |
Alaska | 50/100/25 | Yes | Yes | None | No |
Arizona | 15/30/10 | Yes | Yes | None | No |
Arkansas | 25/50/25 | Yes | Yes | None | No |
California | 30/60/15 | Yes | Yes | Uninsured motorist required | No |
Colorado | 25/50/15 | Yes | Yes | None | No |
Connecticut | 25/50/25 | Yes | Yes | Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury | No |
Delaware | 25/50/10 | Yes | Yes | PIP required | No-Fault |
Florida | 10/20/10 | FR-44 for DUI | Yes | PIP required, no bodily injury liability | No-Fault |
Georgia | 25/50/25 | Yes | Yes | None | No |
Hawaii | 20/40/10 | Yes | Yes | PIP required | No-Fault |
Idaho | 25/50/15 | Yes | Yes | None | No |
Illinois | 25/50/20 | Yes | Yes | Uninsured motorist required | No |
Indiana | 25/50/25 | SR-50 available | Yes | None | No |
Iowa | 20/40/15 | Yes | Yes | None | No |
Kansas | 25/50/25 | Yes | Yes | PIP required, uninsured motorist required | No-Fault |
Kentucky | 25/50/25 | Yes | Yes | PIP required | No-Fault |
Louisiana | 15/30/25 | Yes | Yes | None | No |
Maine | 50/100/25 | Yes | Yes | Uninsured motorist required, medical payments required | No |
Maryland | 30/60/15 | Yes | Yes | PIP required, uninsured motorist required | No |
Massachusetts | 20/40/5 | Yes | Yes | PIP required, uninsured motorist required | No-Fault |
Michigan | 50/100/10 | Yes | Yes | PIP required (unlimited), property protection | No-Fault |
Minnesota | 30/60/10 | Yes | Yes | PIP required, uninsured motorist required | No-Fault |
Mississippi | 25/50/25 | Yes | Yes | None | No |
Missouri | 25/50/25 | Yes | Yes | Uninsured motorist required | No |
Montana | 25/50/20 | Yes | Yes | None | No |
Nebraska | 25/50/25 | Yes | Yes | Uninsured motorist required | No |
Nevada | 25/50/20 | Yes | Yes | None | No |
New Hampshire | No insurance required | No | Yes | Must prove financial responsibility | No |
New Jersey | 15/30/5 | Yes | Yes | PIP required, uninsured motorist required | No-Fault |
New Mexico | 25/50/10 | Yes | Yes | None | No |
New York | 25/50/10 | Yes | Yes | PIP required, uninsured motorist required | No-Fault |
North Carolina | 50/100/50 | Yes | Yes | Uninsured motorist required | No |
North Dakota | 30/60/30 | Yes | Yes | PIP required, uninsured motorist required | No-Fault |
Ohio | 25/50/25 | Yes | Yes | None | No |
Oklahoma | 25/50/25 | Yes | Yes | None | No |
Oregon | 25/50/20 | Yes | Yes | PIP required, uninsured motorist required | No |
Pennsylvania | 15/30/5 | Yes | Yes | PIP required | No-Fault |
Rhode Island | 25/50/25 | Yes | Yes | None | No |
South Carolina | 25/50/25 | Yes | Yes | Uninsured motorist required | No |
South Dakota | 25/50/25 | Yes | Yes | Uninsured motorist required | No |
Tennessee | 25/50/15 | Yes | Yes | None | No |
Texas | 30/60/25 | Yes | Yes | None | No |
Utah | 30/60/25 | Yes | Yes | PIP required | No-Fault |
Vermont | 25/50/10 | Yes | Yes | Uninsured motorist required | No |
Virginia | 50/100/25 | FR-44 for DUI | Yes | Uninsured motorist required, or pay $500 uninsured fee | No |
Washington | 25/50/10 | Yes | Yes | None | No |
West Virginia | 25/50/25 | Yes | Yes | Uninsured motorist required | No |
Wisconsin | 25/50/10 | Yes | Yes | Uninsured motorist required | No |
Wyoming | 25/50/20 | Yes | Yes | None | No |
Washington DC | 25/50/10 | Yes | Yes | PIP required, uninsured motorist required | No |
*Note: 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.
Does one of these unlicensed scenarios apply to you? MoneyGeek has resources to help you find insurers that meet your needs.
Car insurance without a driver's license is possible, but it requires understanding the right coverage options. Solutions exist whether you're insuring a car you don't drive, covering a teen driver or meeting SR-22 requirements. Smaller insurers and brokers often offer more flexibility than major carriers.
Maintaining continuous coverage protects your finances and helps prevent future issues with license reinstatement or registration. Since most companies don't allow online applications for unlicensed drivers, you'll need to contact insurers directly.
Below, MoneyGeek's experts answered common questions about car insurance without a license.
Yes. To get car insurance without a license, you can use several methods. The most common approach is listing a licensed family member or friend as the primary driver on your policy while excluding yourself from coverage. You can also purchase non-owner insurance for liability coverage when driving borrowed vehicles or get parked car insurance for stored vehicles.
Yes. To buy car insurance for someone else, list 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.
Car insurance without a license costs more than standard coverage due to increased risk assessment. Suspended license holders face the highest premiums, while permit holders often join parent policies with minimal additional cost. You can reduce costs by paying annually instead of monthly to eliminate installment fees, choosing non-owner insurance if you don't own a vehicle and shopping with specialist insurers. SR-22 filings add both one-time fees and ongoing premium increases.
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.
Major insurers like GEICO, Progressive and State Farm offer limited programs for unlicensed drivers. They require phone applications rather than online quotes. Specialist insurers are more flexible. Contact insurers directly and mention your no-license situation upfront to avoid wasting time.
You can get car insurance with a suspended license, and you must maintain minimum coverage on any registered vehicle to avoid additional fines and longer suspension periods. Most states require proof of insurance for license reinstatement through SR-22 or FR-44 certificates filed by your insurer. You'll face higher premiums due to high-risk classification. Financing or leasing requirements still apply during suspension.
SR-22 is a certificate filed by your insurance company to prove you meet state-required coverage, not insurance itself. You need it for serious violations like DUI/DWI, reckless driving or driving without insurance, and it's required for license reinstatement in most states.
Florida and Virginia require FR-44 certificates with higher liability limits for serious infractions. If you don't own a vehicle, non-owner SR-22 policies provide more affordable coverage while meeting state requirements.
SR-22 certificates prove you maintain state-required minimum coverage and are needed in most states for license reinstatement after serious violations. FR-44 certificates are required only in Florida and Virginia for more serious infractions like DUI and mandate higher liability coverage limits than standard SR-22 requirements.
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.
Parked car insurance, or comprehensive-only coverage, protects stored vehicles from non-driving risks like theft, vandalism, weather damage and natural disasters. You need it when storing a vehicle during extended travel or if you have seldom-used secondary or classic cars.
This coverage costs less than full insurance since it excludes collision and liability coverage for driving incidents. It's ideal for maintaining continuous coverage on registered vehicles that aren't being driven, preventing coverage gaps that increase future rates when you resume driving.
To add a primary driver, you'll need their valid license number, personal information including full name and address, and details about their driving history. Contact your insurance company directly since online systems require the policyholder to have a license.
The primary driver must be someone who drives the vehicle most often. A licensed family member, friend or roommate works well. You'll need to exclude yourself from coverage, which means you won't be protected if you drive. Be completely honest about driving arrangements since misrepresentation can void your coverage.
Finding car insurance without a license is challenging. Most insurers hesitate to cover unlicensed drivers and those who charge steep premiums. We designed our research to identify which companies provide coverage and what you can expect to pay.
How We Analyzed Coverage Options
We contacted insurance companies to determine their policies for unlicensed drivers, since this information isn't readily available in standard quote systems. Our approach focused on real-world scenarios where someone needs coverage without a license: getting your license back after suspension, preparing to take your driving test or needing coverage for a vehicle you own but don't personally drive.
Sample Driver Profile
We calculated rates using a standard profile to ensure consistent comparisons across insurers:
For unlicensed driver scenarios, we adjusted this profile to reflect different situations: suspended license holders, permit-only drivers and people who've never held a license.
Coverage Details
Our 100/300/100 policy provides strong financial protection:
The $1,000 deductible represents the amount you'd pay before insurance covers vehicle damage. Higher deductibles reduce your monthly premium, which helps offset the higher rates unlicensed drivers face.
Data Sources
Our analysis draws from 83,056 quotes across 46 insurance companies in 473 ZIP codes. We sourced this data from Quadrant Information Services and state insurance departments, then supplemented it with direct insurer contact to verify policies for unlicensed drivers, something standard data doesn't capture.
We analyzed coverage options from major national insurers and specialists serving high-risk drivers. We evaluated companies based on their willingness to insure unlicensed drivers, coverage options available, application processes and geographic availability.
Information about state requirements comes from state insurance department websites and current insurance regulations. Premium estimates reflect ranges based on industry data, though actual costs vary based on individual circumstances, location and chosen coverage levels.
We recommend getting personalized quotes from multiple insurers, as rates and availability vary significantly for specialty insurance situations.
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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
