Having a valid driver's license is a crucial step toward getting car insurance. Your driver's license allows insurance companies to assess your driving record, which feeds into your final insurance quote. Insurance companies use your driving resumé to predict the risk you pose and how much they should charge for a policy.
However, there are some ways to get auto insurance without a license.
Can you buy a car without a license?
Before you get a car insurance policy, you need to find a car. It is legal to purchase a car without a valid license, but the process is easier if you are a licensed driver. Some car dealerships strictly enforce proof-of-insurance driver's license regulations. Some auto dealers require a photocopy of your insurance card and driver's license before allowing you to take a test drive. Others are more focused on their sale than your legal ability to drive. It depends on the individual dealership's protocols.
It's much easier to buy a vehicle without a license than it is to purchase insurance coverage with no license, as the dealership forgoes responsibility after purchase. The more complicated step is getting an insurance policy with no driver's license.
How to get car insurance without a license
It will be difficult — and potentially expensive — to purchase car insurance without a valid driver's license. Car insurance companies see risk in an unlicensed driver, regardless of your reason for being unlicensed. Some insurance companies will cover you if you have a state-issued ID card. Your best bet for finding insurance is to speak with a local independent agent. These agents are licensed to write auto insurance policies for different insurers and could be familiar with local companies that issue no-license car insurance. Consult as many agencies as possible, as rules and procedures may vary.
It's best to be truthful regarding your license status when getting a car insurance quote. An insurer will run a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) when calculating your premium. An MVR details your driving history. If you use a fake or invalid driver's license number, it will register on your MVR. The insurer could drop you, forcing you to start over again. While it may be difficult to find auto insurance without a license, you can save yourself time and trouble by being upfront about your driving situation.
If you're having a hard time finding car insurance without a license, call The Zebra's agency at 888-444-2833. Our licensed insurance agents can quote unlicensed drivers rates from a variety of insurance companies.
If you are just looking to protect your vehicle with insurance coverage but you won't be driving it, consider alternate methods for auto insurance coverage. Whether you have a suspended license or learner's permit, you primarily take public transportation, or you prefer working with a personal driver, you should still consider searching for car insurance coverage that fits your situation. Typically, bigger insurance carriers are hesitant to take on unlicensed drivers, so your best bet is to research smaller, local insurance providers to find a policy.
Insurance without a license: considerations
Those who are looking for car insurance without a driver's license will have to go a step further than most policyholders. In some cases, unlicensed drivers will need to work directly with an insurance agent in order to get a policy.
The Zebra has an in-house agency that can help. Call us at 888-444-2833 to speak with an agent who can help you find an appropriate policy.
Car insurance without a license: FAQs
Can you insure a car under someone else's policy?
Yes, as long as you share an address with the primary policyholder, you are specifically named on that policy, and the insurance company is okay with your unlicensed status or license suspension. You may have a hard time finding an insurance carrier if your driver's license isn't valid.
Should you still keep your car insurance if your own a car but no longer have a license?
To avoid higher rates due to a lapse in coverage, consider maintaining state minimum liability coverage on the vehicle, even if you can no longer drive. As long as the car is registered, it must be insured.
How do you get car insurance without a license if someone else drives you around in your vehicle?
Shop for your own car insurance policy and add your primary driver to it. Then, make yourself an excluded driver. This means you won't be covered to drive under your own policy.
Search for car insurance quotes.
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.