How to Get Car Insurance With a Suspended License
You’ll likely need car insurance even if your license is suspended to avoid coverage gaps and to get your license reinstated.
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You could end up with a suspended license after a driving under the influence (DUI) charge, unpaid fines, or if you’ve accumulated too many traffic violations. But even if you’ve lost your license, it’s usually still important to keep your car insurance active.
Getting car insurance is often challenging with a suspended license — especially if your former insurance dropped your coverage or increased your premiums significantly.1 Drivers with suspended licenses often have to consider alternative insurance options to avoid harsh legal consequences and a lapse in coverage.
If you have a suspended license, here’s what you should know about comparing car insurance quotes and finding coverage.
Quick Facts
Your lender may require you to maintain car insurance coverage if you have an auto loan, and the same is true if you lease a vehicle.
To obtain auto coverage (and eventually reinstate your license), you may need an SR-22 certificate, which serves as proof that you meet your state’s minimum insurance requirements.
Driving with a suspended license is illegal, even if you have proof of insurance.
Three ways to get car insurance with no license
Fortunately, you can get car insurance even with a suspended driver’s license. But it could be more difficult, especially if your car insurance company canceled your policy. If your insurer hasn’t canceled your policy, contact your insurance agent and discuss your situation to determine your best option.
Here are a few ways to get auto insurance with no license:
Do you need car insurance without a driver’s license?
It’s important to have consistent auto insurance coverage for a few reasons, even if you won’t be driving for a while. If you have an outstanding auto loan or lease, you’ll likely need to maintain your coverage as a condition of your contract with the lender or leasing company. A lapse in coverage could result in your lender issuing force-placed insurance or repossessing the vehicle.
If you aren’t the only driver in your home, you’ll also need car insurance to protect any family members who get behind the wheel. Driving without insurance is illegal, and doing so could result in hefty fines and even jail time. Plus, insurance companies frown on coverage gaps, which might make it difficult to get car insurance again as you work toward having your license reinstated.
Cost of car insurance for drivers without a license
A license suspension can cause your insurance rates to spike because your insurer will likely view you as a high-risk driver. U.S. drivers with a clean record pay an average cost of $103 per month for liability insurance, while drivers with a suspended license pay $140 per month.
License suspensions are often the result of risky behaviors on the road, such as DUIs, multiple moving violations, or unpaid tickets. These behaviors could increase your likelihood of getting into a serious accident or defaulting on your car insurance premiums, so your insurer is likely to hike your rates after a suspension.2
Comparing coverage from different insurance companies and opting for a higher deductible could help reduce your premiums after a license suspension.3 These insurers offer the cheapest coverage, on average, for drivers with a suspended license.
Car insurance with an SR-22 certificate
You might need an SR-22 form to get car insurance and eventually reinstate your license. SR-22s serve as proof of financial responsibility for drivers with past DUIs, serious moving violations, or multiple motor vehicle accidents in a short time. Your state will generally inform you if you need an SR-22 by court order.
Your insurer will often file an SR-22 on your behalf, and you’ll likely need to pay a filing fee each year it’s required. Depending on your state, you may need to carry an SR-22 for three years. During this time, your car insurance rates will likely be higher.
Here’s a look at average monthly quotes for drivers with an SR-22 in place.
How to reinstate a suspended license
The process of reinstating your suspended license can vary slightly by state and the type of offense that resulted in the suspension. But in general, the process could look something like this:
Obtain an SR-22 or car insurance, if needed.
Pay any outstanding fines.
Attend traffic school, if needed.
Provide proof of insurance to the DMV.
Pay any reinstatement fees.
Contact your insurance company to get your SR-22 removed, if needed.
Good to Know
The time frame for reinstating your license can vary based on your unique case and specific needs. For example, it’ll likely take longer if you need to attend traffic school or save up enough to pay reinstatement fees. Following proper procedures and meeting applicable legal requirements is essential to streamline the process.
Car insurance with a suspended license FAQs
If you’re still wondering about getting car insurance with a suspended license, this additional information may help.
Who should you list as the primary driver if you buy car insurance without a license?
If you buy car insurance without a license, the primary driver should be the person who drives your vehicle most often. This could be your spouse or child or another trusted family member or friend.
Why should you insure a vehicle that you don’t plan to drive?
You should still insure a vehicle you don’t plan to drive to maintain consistent coverage. This is especially important if you have an auto loan or lease, as lenders or leasing companies often require consistent coverage as part of your contract. It may also be more difficult to get an auto policy in the future with a significant coverage gap, or you might pay higher rates.
Why do insurance companies prefer drivers with licenses?
In general, it’s easier for a licensed driver with a clean driving record to obtain car insurance coverage at the best rate. Insurers could view unlicensed drivers and people with suspended licenses and past issues in their driving history as a higher risk to insure.
Where can I find the cheapest car insurance?
Car insurance rates vary by company and location, so not one insurance company offers the cheapest rates across all areas. Other factors, like your age and driving record, also affect your rates. It’s a good idea to obtain and compare car insurance quotes from a few companies to find the coverage you need at an affordable cost.
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