How to Get Car Insurance Without a Driver’s License

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Written by Lindsay VanSomeren Edited by Lequita Westbrooks Reviewed by Amanda Clear

Updated December 15, 2023

About 87% of the U.S. driving-age population has a driver’s license — but that still leaves 13% of people who don’t have a driver’s license, either by choice or necessity. People with certain disabilities and health conditions, for example, may not be able to get a driver’s license.

Getting car insurance with no license isn’t always easy, but just because you don’t have a driver’s license doesn’t mean you can’t own a car. If another licensed driver will be operating your vehicle — such as to drive you around — then you’ll still need car insurance.

We’ll explain how you can get car insurance without a driver’s license so you can make sure your vehicle is still protected.

Key Takeaways:

• If you don’t have a license, you can list someone else as the primary driver — but their driving record and risk profile will affect your auto insurance rate.
• You may be able to list yourself as an excluded driver on your car insurance policy, but you won’t have coverage if you get into an accident while driving.
• If your license is suspended, your insurer may need to file an SR-22 with the state to prove your financial responsibility.

4 Ways to Get Car Insurance as an Unlicensed Driver

Your driver’s license number is the first thing many companies ask you for when you shop for car insurance quotes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get insurance if you don’t have a license. Here are some methods you can use to get around that barrier and find the coverage options you need:

• Primary driver: You don’t have to list yourself as the primary driver on your car insurance policy. If someone else will be driving your car more than you, you can list them — but your insurer will base your rates on the primary driver’s record and other factors.
• Excluded driver: If your state laws and insurer allow it, you may be able to purchase a policy in your name, include yourself as an excluded driver, and list someone else as the primary driver. Check with your insurer before you purchase a policy, just to be sure.
• Parked car insurance: If you’ll be storing your car in a garage for a while due to deployment or if you’re restoring a classic car, for example, you may be able to get comprehensive coverage against things like weather damage, theft, vandalism, etc.
• Get help from an insurance broker: Look for an insurance agent or broker who works with multiple companies. They can assess your situation and help you find the best options for your situation.

When to Get Car Insurance Without a License

If you have a car but don’t have a driver’s license, there are still situations where it makes sense to get auto insurance coverage. Besides, nearly every state has minimum coverage requirements if your vehicle is on the road for any reason. Here are some common reasons you may need coverage:

If you or your teen is learning to drive

Most people learn to drive as teenagers when they can take advantage of car insurance coverage under their parents’ policy. But that option isn’t available to everyone, like teens who inherit or buy their own car but don’t have an adult driver in their house who can add them to their insurance plan.

Adults learning how to drive may face similar problems if they live in a single household or with a spouse who doesn’t drive.

If someone else drives your car for you

Your circumstances could temporarily or permanently change, and you may no longer be able to drive. If you prefer to keep your car, you may have family members or a caregiver who can still use your car to drive you around. Maintaining insurance coverage is a good idea, even if you allow someone to borrow your car occasionally. Either way, at least one licensed driver will need to be listed on the policy if the owner doesn’t have an active driver’s license.

If you’re new to the country

Many new immigrants and visa holders are surprised to find that getting car insurance in the U.S. can be difficult or impossible — especially without a Social Security number or U.S. citizenship status.

But there’s still hope. Many of the largest insurers, such as State Farm, offer car insurance for non-citizens. You may be able to use an international driver’s license or one from your home country to drive legally, but you may not be able to register a vehicle with your state’s DMV if you don’t have a U.S. license.

Keep in mind that the details depend on whether you intend to live in the U.S. permanently or are just here for a temporary stay.

How to Get Car Insurance With a Suspended License

Your state may suspend your license for certain traffic violations, such as having a lot of speeding tickets, getting into an accident while uninsured, or having a DUI conviction. If your driver’s license is suspended, the rules differ slightly from someone who has never had a license.

After a license suspension, insurers will see you as high-risk, so you’ll likely need to purchase a high-risk car insurance policy and file an SR-22 form with your state DMV to demonstrate proof of financial responsibility. Unfortunately, high-risk insurance is typically more expensive and can be difficult to afford for many people.

However, it’s best to prioritize this cost if you can. If you cancel your insurance policy at any point within the first one to five years of having the coverage (depending on your state’s requirements), the state may suspend your license again. Plus, when you’re ready to buy insurance again, insurers will charge an even higher rate because of the lapse in coverage.

Car Insurance Without a Driver’s License FAQ

It’s not easy to get car insurance without a driver’s license, but finding coverage is still possible. Here are answers to common questions about getting car insurance without a license.

Can you get car insurance without a license?

Yes. Unlicensed drivers can still get car insurance, but it may be difficult. Drivers with a suspended license may need to file an SR-22 form if their state requires it. Other car owners may be able to name another person as the primary driver if someone else drives their car, they’d just need to be a listed driver on the insurance policy.

Why should you insure a vehicle that you don’t drive?

It’s a good idea to maintain continuous insurance coverage if you plan to drive again since a lapse in coverage can lead to higher insurance premiums in the future. Additionally, if your vehicle is in storage, insuring it can help you pay for potential damage.

How do you exclude drivers from a policy?

To exclude yourself or any other driver from your insurance policy, contact your insurer to find out if you can. Not every insurer or state allows policyholders to exclude drivers. If it’s allowed, the insurer may ask you to complete a driver exclusion form to update your policy.

Sources

1. U.S. Department of Transportation, “Highway Statistics Series,” Accessed December 8, 2023.
2. National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “Report of the Executive (EX) Committee,” Accessed December 8, 2023.
3. Washington State Department of Licensing, “Financial responsibility (SR-22),” Accessed December 8, 2023.
4. Insurance Information Institute, “Auto insurance for teen drivers,” Accessed December 8, 2023.
5. Washington State Department of Licensing, “Types of driver license suspensions,” Accessed December 8, 2023.
6. PennState Daily Collegian, “What is SR22 Insurance?,” Accessed December 8, 2023.
7. Insurance Information Institute, “What if I can’t find auto coverage?,” Accessed December 8, 2023.
8. Nolo, “SR-22 Insurance Information and Requirements,” Accessed December 8, 2023.

Lindsay VanSomeren Insurance Writer

Lindsay VanSomeren is a freelance personal finance writer living in Suquamish, WA. Her work has appeared with FICO, Credit Karma, The Balance, and more. She enjoys helping people learn how to manage their money better so they can live the life they want.