How to Get Car Insurance With No License
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The best way to get car insurance when you have no license is to buy 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. But, whichever option you choose, you won't be covered for damage if you do drive your car.
Buying insurance coverage while you don't have a license can help protect against damage to your car while it's in storage, prevent a lapse in coverage on your personal record and cover your car when someone else drives it.
How to get auto insurance as an unlicensed driver
By law, a driver's license is not required 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 even 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
In many circumstances, 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.
Keep in mind: If you're pulled over or in an accident, you'll be treated as if you were driving without insurance, which could result in fines and vehicle impoundment. You'll also have to pay for any damage out of pocket.
Because an unlicensed car owner isn't allowed to drive their (or any) 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 to pay a higher rate.
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 chances of getting your vehicle insured, as vehicle ownership is a common requirement for getting car 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 your car when it's kept in storage. Parked-car coverage, also known as stored-car insurance, only provides comprehensive insurance. This covers damage to a car while it's in storage and isn't being driven. The policy would cover:
- Fire
- Flooding
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Falling objects
- Damage from rodents or wild animals
An auto insurer likely won't require you to 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 have parked-car insurance only. Your policy exclusively covers damage to your car while it's in storage and won't pay for any damage that happens 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 only have a learner’s permit.
- Your licensed family member is unable to get insurance on their own.
- Your car is in storage, is being restored or stays parked all the time.
- You are no longer able to drive, and you need to insure the primary driver of your car.
- You own the car temporarily and will sell it soon.
- You want to avoid a lapse in coverage.
How to get car insurance with a suspended license
An SR-22 is a form your auto insurance company files on your behalf that confirms you have the minimum amount of insurance coverage required by your state. While SR-22 insurance is something that any insurer can provide, the insurer may choose to deny coverage if you are considered too risky.
If your license is suspended, your options differ from those of other drivers who have never had a driver's license or have had it revoked. License suspension is often a consequence of a serious traffic ticket, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving without insurance. If this is the case for you, typically you must get SR-22 insurance to reinstate your 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 keeping comprehensive insurance, you can avoid a lapse in coverage, which can cause the most reputable insurance companies to increase your rate in the future or deny you coverage outright.
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How to buy a car without a driver's license
Similar to getting car insurance, buying car insurance doesn’t require having a driver's license. However, you can't test-drive a vehicle or drive it off the lot without a license. And although it may be allowed, an auto dealer willing to offer financing if you don't have a license will usually be difficult to find. 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 license
To register a car, you don't necessarily need a license. In most states, you can register your vehicle with the DMV by submitting the right paperwork, paying a fee and providing proof of insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Can 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?