Get Car Insurance With No License

Without a license, your options for car insurance may be limited because you'll need to provide an alternative form of identification, like a state ID.
Use The Zebra to get insurance quotes with no license from top companies.

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The Zebra partners with some of the companies we write about. However, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of editors and licensed agents. Reference our data methodology and learn more about how we make money.

By Renata Balasco

Updated February 16, 2026

Reviewed By Tara Stumpf

Edited By Beth Swanson

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How to get car insurance
Companies insuring unlicensed drivers
Why a license matters
Why insure with no license?
Buying a car
FAQs

Can you get car insurance without a driver's license?

Yes, you can get car insurance without a license. But it’s usually more complicated and may cost more.

Insurance companies use your driver’s license to check your driving record. That history helps them set your rate. Without it, insurers take on more risk, which can mean higher premiums. In 2026, the average cost of a six-month policy is $1,084. If you’re uninsured and unlicensed, you may pay more than that. The exact price depends on your situation and the company you choose.

⚠️ Important: If your license is suspended or you need an SR-22, check out our Guide to Insurance with a Suspended License. Your options can vary a lot depending on whether your license is suspended, revoked, or you’ve never had one.

How to get car insurance with no license

Drivers who are looking for car insurance without a driver's license will have to go a step further than most policyholders. Here are our suggestions to help make the process easier:

✅ Speak with an independent agent

These agents are licensed to sell auto insurance from multiple companies. They can compare options and may know which local insurers are willing to cover drivers without a license.

✅ Get a state-issued ID card

Some insurance companies accept a state-issued ID instead of a driver’s license. Companies like Commonwealth, Advantage Auto, and Direct Auto may offer coverage if you have a valid state ID.

✅ Make sure you’re fully protected

Excluding yourself from a policy may lower costs, but it can leave you without coverage if you drive. Choose an option that protects you in real-world situations.

Our agents can help you look at insurance options, even if you don't have a license.

Which companies will insure unlicensed drivers?

Finding affordable coverage without a license can be challenging, but it’s possible. Some insurers may accept a state-issued ID instead of a U.S. driver’s license. Others, especially smaller or regional companies, may be more flexible than large national brands. Keeping an open mind while comparing quotes can help you find better options.

Here are a few companies that may offer coverage if you have another form of identification:

Acceptance
Access
Foremost
The Hartford
Mendota
OnGuard

Working with an independent agent is often the best approach. They can compare policies from multiple companies and help you find one willing to work with your situation. If you have a state ID, foreign or international driver’s license, or a passport, you may still qualify for coverage.

Below, you’ll find a table with monthly and six-month rates from companies that may accept alternatives to a standard U.S. driver’s license.

Updating data...

Company	Avg. Monthly Premium	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Infinity	$148	$885
Grange	$159	$951
National General	$159	$954
Mercury	$189	$1,134
The Hartford	$202	$1,209
Foremost	$284	$1,702
Bristol West	$290	$1,737
Mendota Insurance Company	$339	$2,035
Hallmark	$350	$2,101
Dairyland	$429	$2,576

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.

Agent insight: Can I get car insurance if I don’t have a driver's license?

"We do have some carriers that will insure someone without a driver's license! Keep in mind though, that there may be a surcharge for not having a license. Our carrier selection will be slim since not having a license is an increased risk that most carriers will not take on. However, we will exhaust all options to find the best fit for you!"

-Kristin Gresset, Insurance advisor at The Zebra

Why do insurance companies prefer licensed drivers?

A driver’s license gives insurers a quick look at your driving record. It shows tickets, accidents, and other details that help them measure risk and set your rate.

Without that history, it’s harder for insurance companies to predict how risky it might be to insure you. Because of that uncertainty, many insurers view unlicensed drivers as higher risk, no matter the reason. This can affect both your price and the terms of your policy.

Your driving record is important, but it’s not the only factor that affects your rate. Depending on your state, insurers may also consider:

Age
Gender
Credit score
Marital status
ZIP code
Annual mileage

All of these details help insurers decide how much to charge for coverage.

Why insure a car if you’re not driving it?

Even if you don’t have a valid license now, that could change. Keeping insurance active helps you avoid a lapse in coverage, which can raise your rates later.

Here are common reasons to insure a car you don’t personally drive:

You’re learning to drive and need proof of insurance to get licensed.
You have a learner’s permit.
You can’t drive due to medical reasons or temporary restrictions.
Your car is in storage or rarely driven, such as a classic vehicle.
You plan to get licensed in the future and want to maintain continuous coverage.
You’re between licenses, such as after moving states or returning from overseas.
You own a vehicle for business use but don’t personally drive it.

Maintaining coverage now can help you avoid higher costs and complications later.

💡 Zebra Tip: When someone else drives your car

You may need insurance if you own the vehicle, but someone else is the primary driver. This can apply if:

A licensed family member regularly uses your car
A caregiver drives you to appointments
You have a teenage driver
You employ a personal driver

In these cases, the licensed driver is typically listed on the policy, even if you’re the vehicle owner.

Can you buy a car without a license?

Yes, you can legally buy a car without a valid driver’s license. But the process is usually smoother if you’re licensed.

Some dealerships require proof of insurance and a valid license before letting you test drive a car. Others may be less strict and focus mainly on completing the sale. Policies vary by dealership.

In general, it’s easier to buy a car without a license than it is to get car insurance without one.

Find the right policy in only a few minutes!

Car insurance without a license: FAQs

Is car insurance more expensive without a drivers license?

Generally, yes, you'll pay more if you don't have a driver's license. This is because insurance companies will view your lack of driving history as a risk, and drivers who pose a higher risk typically pay higher rates for their coverage. The additional amount you might pay will vary by insurer and depend on other factors.

What car insurance accepts no license?

Some insurance companies may offer coverage if you don’t have a driver’s license. In many cases, insurers will accept a state-issued ID instead. Companies like Acceptance, Access, Foremost, The Hartford, Mendota, and OnGuard may be willing to work with unlicensed drivers, depending on your situation.

Smaller or regional insurers are often more flexible than large national brands. Working with an independent agent (like through our agency here at The Zebra) can also help you compare options and find a company that fits your needs.

Can I get insurance with a suspended license?

Insurance with a suspended license will probably be more expensive, as you'll be considered a high-risk driver, but it does exist. You may also be required to get an SR-22 form. You'll have fewer options of companies willing to provide you with auto insurance, but it ultimately depends on individual circumstances and the reasons behind your suspension.

What discounts can lower car insurance costs?

Even without a license, you may still qualify for certain discounts. Available savings vary by company and state, but common discounts include:

Multi-policy or bundling discounts
Multi-car discounts
Paid-in-full discounts
Automatic payment discounts
Low-mileage discounts

If someone else is listed as the primary driver, their driving record may also affect your rate. Comparing quotes is the best way to see which discounts apply to you.

Does the address on my driver's license have to match the address on my insurance?

Thank you for reaching out to The Zebra!Great question. The short answer: yes, your insurance policy, your driver's license as well as your vehicle registration should all have the same (current) address. Let's explore the reasons why you should get this done quickly after a move.It's very importan…

Aug 13, 2024 Burkburnett, TX

How do I update my car insurance after getting a new license?

Congrats on the move! Because car insurance is priced at the zip code level and regulated at the state, you're going to want to update your coverage to reflect that. Bear in mind, your premium will change as a result of your move. According to our data, the average premium in Illinois is $1,285 ver…

Aug 13, 2024 Morrisville, NC

What happens if I lie about what age I got my driver license?

Falsifying your age when getting a license can lead to serious consequencesI understand that you might want to try and potentially save money, but lying to your insurance company isn't going to help. In fact, it could potentially even lead to your coverage being dropped. The Department of Motor Veh…

Feb 27, 2026 Fountain Valley, CA

Can I get car insurance if my spouse has a revoked license?

Most companies will not insure a driver with a revoked license, even if there is a driver on the policy whose license is valid. Your spouse must be listed on your policy since you are married, but she does not have to be covered as a driver. You can request to have your wife excluded from coverage …

Jul 28, 2021 Walden, NY

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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 editorial 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.