The best way to get car insurance when you have no license is to purchase a policy and list yourself as an excluded driver.
Another option is to get parked car insurance if you won't be driving your car at all. And if your license is suspended, you can get SR-22 insurance instead. Whichever option you choose, you won't be covered for damage if you do drive your car.
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How to get auto insurance for unlicensed drivers
By law, you do not have to have a driver's license to get insurance. However, most insurers won't provide coverage to an unlicensed driver. Most national insurers — such as Geico, State Farm, Progressive and Allstate — will not offer you a quote without a license. A handful of companies do offer policies to drivers without a license, including The Hartford.
You should get quotes from small and regional companies or contact a local independent agent who may be familiar with insurers that provide policies to unlicensed drivers. You may need to call insurers directly, as you typically must provide a valid license number when you buy car insurance online.
List yourself as an excluded driver
The key to getting car insurance without a license is to buy a policy where you are listed as an excluded driver. This reduces the risk for the auto insurance company because you and your vehicle will not be covered if you drive the car and get into an accident.
Keep in mind: If you're pulled over, you'll be treated as if you were driving without insurance, which could result in fines and vehicle impoundment. You'll have to pay for any damage out of pocket.
Since an unlicensed car owner isn't allowed to drive the vehicle, someone else with a valid license needs to be listed as the primary driver on the policy. This should be the person who usually drives the car, such as a spouse, family member or roommate.
It's not uncommon for the policyholder and vehicle owner to be different from the primary driver on a car insurance policy. This is sometimes the case for elderly drivers or for people with health problems. In these situations, a caretaker may need to be listed as the primary driver on the car owner's auto insurance policy.
When you determine the primary driver on the policy, car insurance companies will use motor vehicle records along with other factors to set your rates.
If the person you choose as the primary driver on your policy is considered a high-risk driver, you can expect a higher premium.
Change your car's registration to get insurance
If you can't find an insurer that will sell you a policy because you don't have a license, you may consider adding a licensed driver as the co-owner of your vehicle on the registration. This will likely increase the chance of getting your vehicle insured, as vehicle ownership is a common requirement for getting insurance.
Changing your vehicle's registration to reflect the change in ownership is fairly simple, and it usually involves visiting your local DMV, filing a form and paying a fee.
Get parked car insurance
You can also insure a car when it's mostly parked in storage. Parked car coverage, also known as stored car insurance or a comprehensive-only policy, only provides comprehensive insurance. This covers damage to a car while it's in storage and isn't being driven. The policy would cover:
An auto insurer likely won't require that you have a driver's license for parked-car insurance since the covered vehicle won't be driven at all. This type of policy is also cheaper than typical auto insurance policies that include liability coverage.
However, similar to listing yourself as an excluded driver, you will still be considered uninsured if you drive your car while you only have parked car insurance. Your policy only covers damage to your car while it's in storage and won't pay for any damage if you get into an accident while driving it.
When should I insure a car I can't drive?
You may want an insurance policy for a car you aren't able to drive because:
- You want to avoid a lapse in coverage.
An SR-22 is a form your auto insurance company files on your behalf that confirms you have the required minimum coverage. While SR-22 insurance is something that any insurer can provide, it may choose to deny coverage if you are considered too risky.
If your license is suspended, your options differ from drivers who have never had a driver's license or have had it revoked. License suspension is often a consequence of a serious traffic violation, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving without insurance. Typically, the driver must get SR-22 insurance to reinstate their driving privileges.
If you're looking to save money while your license is suspended, consider getting parked car insurance or a nonowner policy instead of canceling your policy altogether. By maintaining comprehensive insurance, you can avoid a lapse in coverage, which can cause your insurance to increase in the future and could get you denied coverage from the most reputable insurance companies.
How to buy a car without a driver's licenseSimilar to purchasing car insurance, having a driver's license is not required to buy a car. However, you can't test drive a vehicle or drive it off the lot without a license. And although it may be allowed, you will usually have difficulty finding an auto dealer willing to offer financing if you don't have a license. You will likely have better luck with a local bank that doesn't require you to have a license for this type of car loan.
How to register a car with no licenseTo register a car, you don't necessarily need a license. In most states, you can register your vehicle with your state's DMV by submitting the right paperwork, paying a fee and providing proof of insurance.
Frequently asked questionsCan I get car insurance without a driver's license?
Yes, you can buy insurance and register a car even if you don't have a driver's license, but it's not always easy. You will likely need to list yourself as an excluded driver on the policy, and some insurers still might not sell you a policy.
When should I get car insurance with no license?
You might need car insurance without a license if someone else is using a car you own or if you still have your learner's permit but have your own car. You might also want to get insurance to protect a car that is parked or in storage or to avoid a lapse in coverage while you're not driving.
What's the best way to get insurance without a license?
The easiest way to get insurance without a driver's license is to name someone who has a license as the primary driver on the policy. Insurers are more likely to give you a quote in this case. Start by getting quotes from regional and local insurers and agents, as most national insurers don't offer quotes to unlicensed drivers.
Can I get insurance with a suspended license?
Yes, if your license was suspended or revoked, you may need to buy insurance with an SR-22 certificate of responsibility to register your car and have your license reinstated.
Can I register a car or get a license plate with no license?
Yes, you can register a car without a license. In most states, as long as you have the required paperwork including proof of insurance and valid ID, you will be able to register your car with your state DMV.