Can You Get Car Insurance without a License?
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If you own a car but don't have a driver's license, you may be wondering if you can still purchase car insurance. Getting car insurance without a license can be a bit tricky and more expensive, but it's not impossible. There may be several valid reasons why you may want to purchase car insurance without a license. For instance, if you inherited a classic car and want to insure this cherished vehicle. Similarly, your child may drive, is under 18, and you are purchasing insurance on their behalf. Or, you may have either temporarily lost your license or are in the process of taking a driver’s licensing exam.
Having a driver's license helps insurance companies assess your driving record, which plays a role in determining your insurance quote. Since insurers use your driving record to evaluate the level of risk you pose, not having a license can make them uneasy. However, there are some workarounds to get car insurance without a license. We’ll guide you through some options.
How Can You Purchase Auto Insurance without a Driver's License?
Some insurance companies don't offer insurance for unlicensed drivers or may require extra steps to do so. Working with an independent car insurance agent is one of the best ways to navigate this process. There are a few different ways to get insurance if you don’t have a license.
1. Purchase a Policy and List Someone Else as the Primary Driver
One option is to purchase a policy and list someone else as the primary driver. This could be a family member or friend who has a valid driver's license. Keep in mind that the primary driver will be responsible for any accidents or incidents that occur while driving the car, so make sure to choose someone you trust as the main driver.
For instance, let's say you own a car, but you don't have a driver's license, and your spouse or driving-age child primarily uses the car. In this case, you can purchase car insurance and list your spouse or child as the primary driver on the policy. This will ensure that they have coverage in the event of an accident or incident while driving the car. Remember, the primary driver listed on the policy should be the one who drives the car the most.
2. Explore an SR-22 Certificate
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you may need to obtain an SR-22 certificate to prove that you have insurance. An SR-22 certificate is a form that your insurance company will file with the state to show that you have the required amount of insurance coverage. Not all insurance companies offer SR-22 certificates, so be sure to check with your insurance provider.
3. Add Yourself as an Excluded Driver
Another option is to add yourself as an excluded driver on someone else's policy. This means that you will not be covered under the policy if you are driving the car, but the policy will still provide coverage for other drivers listed on the policy. Keep in mind that not all insurance companies allow excluded drivers.
4. Understand Parked Car Coverage
If you own a car but don't plan on driving it, you may only need parked car coverage. Parked car coverage provides protection against theft, vandalism, and other damage that may occur while your car is parked.
5. Add a Co-Owner
Including a co-owner on your car's registration can help when adding them as the primary driver on your insurance policy. Having another name on the registration means your insurance company can recognize them as a potential driver and calculate the rates based on their driving record. Plus, this approach can make it easier to get an insurance policy, since the co-owner's driving history can help you get better rates.
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When You Need to Purchase Car Insurance without a License
If you own a car but don't have a valid driver's license, there are several situations where you may need to purchase car insurance without a license. These include:
- You own a car but are unable to drive yourself: If you have a car but are unable to drive due to a medical condition or disability, you may still want to insure your car to protect it against theft or damage.
- You own a vintage/collectible car: Classic and collectible cars require specialized insurance coverage due to their unique value and usage patterns. If you own a vintage or collectible car but don't have a driver's license, you can still insure it by adding a primary driver who has a valid license, or purchase collectors car insurance to protect your prized vehicle.
- You are insuring a driver under 18 or someone with a learner’s permit: Since minors are not legally allowed to enter into binding contracts, you may need to obtain car insurance for your teen, purchasing it on their behalf if they are under 18 or have a learner’s permit, even if you don't plan on driving the vehicle yourself.
- You are a new driver: If you are a new driver and haven't yet obtained a driver's license, you can still purchase car insurance by adding a primary driver who has a valid license.
- Your license is suspended: If your driver's license has been suspended due to a DUI or other driving violation, you may still be able to purchase car insurance by working with an insurance agent or company that specializes in providing coverage to high-risk drivers.
Who Can You List As a Primary Driver If You Buy Car Insurance without a License?
When choosing the primary driver for your car insurance policy, it's important to consider who will be using the car the most. If you're married with kids, it might be your spouse or child. Or, if you have a health condition that prevents you from driving, it could be a caregiver who helps you get around town. Just make sure to select someone who you trust to drive safely and take good care of your car.
Shopping for Car Insurance without a License? Talk with an independent insurance agent today.
If you need to purchase car insurance and don’t have a license, it's important to work with an insurance provider who can help you understand your options and find the right coverage for your needs. An independent insurance agent can help you compare policies and find the best rates.
Frequently Asked Questions about Car Insurance without a License
If your license is currently suspended, you may still be able to get car insurance, but the process may be more difficult and costly. Insurance companies view drivers with suspended licenses as high-risk, which can result in higher premiums. In some cases, you may be required to purchase SR-22 insurance, which is a certificate that proves you have the minimum required liability insurance coverage mandated by your state. This type of insurance is typically required for drivers with a suspended license, and it can result in higher premiums due to the increased risk associated with driving with a suspended license.
Parked car insurance provides protection for your vehicle when it's parked and not being driven. Examples of events that parked car insurance may cover include:
- Fire damage
- Flooding damage
- Theft or attempted theft
- Vandalism or malicious damage
- Damage caused by falling objects
- Damage caused by rodents or other wild animals
By having parked car insurance, you can help ensure that your car is protected against unexpected damage and repairs, even if it's not being used regularly. It's a great option for people who own cars that they only use occasionally or for people who are temporarily not using their vehicles due to travel or other circumstances.
Yes, you can get car insurance without a driver's license. You can purchase a policy and list someone else as the primary driver, or add yourself as an excluded driver on someone else's policy.
It may be possible to get full coverage insurance without a license, but it depends on the insurance company's policies. You may need to list someone else as the primary driver or add yourself as an excluded driver on someone else's policy.
Yes, you can insure a car under someone else's policy by adding the car to their policy as a secondary vehicle. Keep in mind that the primary driver listed on the policy will be responsible for any accidents or incidents that occur while driving the car.
If you don't have a US driver's license, you can still get car insurance in the United States. Some insurance companies offer coverage to drivers with international licenses or permits, while others may ask you to get a US license first. Just keep in mind that you might need to provide additional information, like proof of residency or driving history from your home country. Make sure to compare policies from different companies to find the one that's right for you.
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