How to Get Car Insurance With a Suspended License

Many insurers provide coverage for drivers with a suspended license, but your options may be limited and rates are typically higher due to your risk profile. Some standard insurers may still offer policies — especially if you're excluded from coverage or another licensed driver is listed — while nonstandard insurers are more likely to approve high-risk applications and file SR-22 or FR-44 forms on your behalf.

Major insurers that may cover suspended drivers:

• Allstate
• Farmers
• GEICO
• Nationwide
• Progressive
• State Farm
• Travelers
• USAA

High-risk or nonstandard insurers:

• Acceptance
• Explorer
• GAINSCO
• The General

SR-22 and FR-44 forms aren’t insurance policies but proof that you carry the minimum liability coverage required by your state. They're typically required after serious violations like a DUI, driving without insurance or driving with a suspended license.

If your license is suspended, you can still file an SR-22 or FR-44 — but you’ll need to be excluded from the policy and have a rated driver with a valid license listed instead. This setup allows you to meet state requirements, though you'll likely need high-risk or nonstandard insurance, which typically costs more.

A restricted or hardship license lets you drive under limited circumstances while your license is suspended. This usually includes essential trips, such as going to work, school or medical appointments. In some states, restrictions may also include limited driving hours or routes.

To apply, you’ll typically need to submit an SR-22, proof of your need to drive and pay a filing fee. Once approved, you may qualify for nonstandard auto insurance coverage — which is often more expensive due to your higher risk status.

State Farm offers the lowest rates in most states, with premiums as low as $507 in Idaho and $497 in Vermont. GEICO, Progressive and Allstate also provide coverage at reasonable rates in several states. The following are the best and cheapest car insurance companies and rates for drivers with a suspended or revoked license:

Each state has its own insurance regulations, minimum coverage requirements and market dynamics, which affect premiums. For example, in Florida or Virginia, you may need an FR-44 if convicted of a serious violation like a DUI. Use the table below to find the cheapest companies and rates per state based on age and coverage type.

Even with a suspended license, you still need to maintain car insurance. Letting your coverage lapse can lead to fines, a longer suspension and higher car insurance rates.

Getting insured in this situation can be challenging. Like getting car insurance with no license, insurers may hesitate to offer coverage or may charge higher premiums. But options exist, and this guide walks through how insurers treat suspensions, what penalties to avoid and how to find affordable car insurance with a suspended license.

Insurers are notified electronically by your state’s motor vehicle department when your license is suspended, just as they are for traffic violations. Once notified, your insurer may cancel or not renew your policy, even mid-term, especially after serious offenses like a DUI or reckless driving. Depending on state law, they must give written notice 30 to 120 days in advance.

If your vehicle’s registration is active, you're legally required to keep it insured — even if your license is suspended. Letting your coverage lapse can lead to:

• Fines and impound fees if your car is towed
• A longer license suspension period
• Suspension of your vehicle registration
• No financial protection if you get into an accident
• Higher premiums when shopping for cheap car insurance quotes

For example, a full coverage policy from Travelers costs $1,356 per year without a lapse. If you go uninsured for less than 30 days, the rate can rise to $1,527. A lapse of over 31 days pushes it to $2,065.

Having a suspended or revoked license can be challenging. But if you still own a car, you need insurance, regardless of your license status. Insurance can be more expensive with a suspended license, but many companies will still cover you. 

Start by getting a restricted license and an SR-22 certificate and exploring car insurance options for drivers with suspended licenses. If you're a high-risk driver, consider nonstandard policies from companies like The General or Acceptance. Also, contact insurance companies directly for tailored advice on your situation.

Navigating car insurance with a suspended license can be tricky. We answer common questions to help you understand the details better and find the best coverage.

Study Overview

To calculate the average insurance cost for drivers with a suspended license, MoneyGeek gathered and analyzed rates using a sample driver profile. We also examined how rates vary based on the policyholder’s driving record.

Data Sources and Depth

We collected data from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services for this study. We analyzed 2,474,515 quotes from 607 companies across 3,523 ZIP codes.

Driver Profile

MoneyGeek created a driver persona with the following characteristics to determine average annual car insurance costs:

• Single
• 40-year-old male
• 2012 Toyota Camry LE

We adjusted this profile for driver age, location and driving history to determine rates for various driver profiles.

Coverage Levels and Deductibles Explained

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance company covers the rest of the claim.

• Minimum coverage covers damage to other people's property.
• Full coverage policies include comprehensive insurance, which covers damage to your car from events like weather and fire, and collision coverage, which pays for damage to your car if you collide with something or another vehicle.

The term 100/300/100 refers to:

• $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person
• $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
• $100,000 in property damage liability

Learn more about MoneyGeek's methodology