Getting car insurance when you don’t have a driver’s license can be challenging. But it’s possible — especially if you can add another primary driver or plan to store your vehicle. But you may have to jump through a few extra hoops and pay more.
Common reasons to buy car insurance without a license include insuring a car for a minor, needing a car for your caregiver to drive, or having a suspended license.
Because you don’t have a driver’s license, insurance companies may have a lengthier application process and charge you higher rates.
How to get car insurance with no license
If you don’t have an active driver’s license number, the process of getting car insurance varies depending on the company you choose to work with. Below are four strategies to help you find the coverage you need.
Cheapest car insurance without a license
Finding the cheapest car insurance without a license may take more time. Below are some of the best car insurance companies that may offer the lowest rates on coverage to get you started.
When drivers may want auto insurance without a license
You may need an auto insurance policy without a license for several reasons. Working with an insurance agent or company that understands your situation and can get you properly insured is key. Below are some of the most common reasons you may need car insurance when you don’t have a driver’s license.
You don’t drive
You may not drive due to a health condition or age-related condition. But you could still own a car that your family members or caregivers use to run errands and take you to appointments. Keeping your car insured protects you financially should anything happen and allows others to drive your car when needed.2
You have a learner’s permit
If you or a young driver in your household are learning to drive but don’t yet have a license, you may still need insurance on the vehicle you drive.
Keep in mind that accidents can happen even when you’re learning to drive. And most states require vehicle owners to carry car insurance or demonstrate financial responsibility for drivers with learner’s permits.3
You have a suspended license
Many states may suspend your license for driving under the influence (DUI), failing to pay traffic tickets, or having a history of moving violations. Even though you can’t drive until your license is reinstated, you can likely benefit from maintaining car insurance.
Continuing insurance provides coverage for your vehicle while it’s parked or stored. It also helps you avoid a coverage gap, which flags you as a high-risk driver and can result in higher insurance premiums once you start driving again.
You have a stored vehicle
If you own a car you don’t drive, you should still carry car insurance. This could be a car you don’t need right now because you can’t drive or a collectible car you don’t plan to drive.
Stored vehicle coverage is a good idea because it removes liability, personal injury protection, and collision coverage and includes only comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive car insurance protects you financially if a tree falls on the car or someone steals it, for example.
What to know if you have a suspended license
If the state suspends your license due to a DUI, driving without insurance, or reckless driving, you may be required to get an SR-22 form. An SR-22 isn’t a type of coverage. Instead, it’s a proof-of-insurance form your insurance company fills out and sends to the state, proving you meet the state’s minimum coverage requirements.
You may face higher premiums once you get back on the road — especially if you lost your license due to a significant driving infraction, like a DUI conviction.
The following table shows the average cost of car insurance for people with clean driving records and after a DUI, speeding ticket, or at-fault accident. It shows full-coverage car insurance rates from some top national insurers.
When to insure a car you can’t drive
Even if you can’t drive, it makes sense to have insurance for a few reasons:
Avoid a lapse in coverage. Insurance companies often charge higher rates to policyholders who don’t maintain continuous insurance coverage.
Protect your asset. Even when you don’t drive your car, it can still be stolen, vandalized, or damaged by hail or falling tree limbs. Insurance helps cover these types of claims.
Someone else might drive your car. Carrying insurance protects you financially in case someone else causes an accident while driving your vehicle, causing injuries to other people or damage to other people’s property.
Consider a pay-as-you-go insurance company, like Hugo, if you’re worried about paying for insurance you won’t use. You can turn insurance coverage off and on as needed.
Car insurance without license FAQs
Getting cheap car insurance without a license can be challenging. Below, you’ll find some additional information about securing coverage without a license.
Can you buy a car without a license?
You can usually buy a car without a license. But you’ll need to bring a licensed driver to drive the car off the lot. You may also need a licensed driver to register the vehicle, but this varies by state. Some states allow residents to register a car without government-issued identification.
Can you get car insurance without a license in Texas?
You can get an auto policy without a license in Texas. But you may need to list a primary driver on the policy. This driver must have a driver’s license but doesn’t need to be a member of your household.
Can you get car insurance without registration in California?
Yes. You can insure an unregistered vehicle in California. But it’s illegal to drive or park an unregistered vehicle on public roads in the Golden State, so you’ll eventually have to register it.
What do you do if you need auto insurance to get your driver’s license back but don’t own a car?
If your state requires an SR-22 to get your driver’s license back but you don’t own a car, purchase a non-owner car insurance policy. This is usually enough to satisfy the SR-22 requirements and get your license back.