Can You Get Car Insurance with a Suspended License?
Drivers with a suspended license may need SR-22 insurance, a restricted license, or coverage from high-risk insurers to stay compliant.
Find the right coverage for your situation by entering your ZIP code below.
Car insurance for a driver with a suspended license
Finding car insurance with a suspended license can be tricky – so is trying to get auto insurance without a license. Depending on the reason your license was suspended, you could find a workaround — namely, via a restricted driver’s license. It can be confusing if your license was suspended when you are carrying active car insurance. Let’s explore the ins and outs of getting auto insurance quotes for drivers with a suspended license.
How to get auto insurance with a suspended license
Most auto insurance companies won't issue a new policy to a driver with a suspended license. First, you’re not legally allowed to drive a motor vehicle. Second, it would be a risky investment to insure a driver with a suspended license. Although there are non-driving-related reasons a license can be suspended, many are related to driving recklessly or violating the rules of the road in one of the following ways:
To an auto insurance company, a client exhibiting reckless driving habits is a claim payout waiting to happen, i.e., money lost. As a result, insurance companies charge potentially risky clients higher premiums — or deny coverage altogether.
Depending on your location, you might be able to apply for a restricted license. A restricted license allows drivers with a suspended license to drive to the following places:
- Doctors' appointments
- Work
- Court
- To transport dependents
Restricted licensing is subject to state regulations and is offered on a case-by-case basis. The reason for your driver's license suspension, the reason for your restricted license request and your driving record are all considered as part of the application process. Restricted licenses are sometimes called occupational licenses, hardship licenses or work licenses.
How much is car insurance with a suspended license violation?
Nationally, a citation for driving with a suspended license is the fifth most expensive violation a driver can receive — behind hit-and-run, racing, DUI and refusal to submit to a chemical test. On average, you can expect your car insurance rate to jump by over 67% with a suspended license citation. Getting a ticket for a suspended license will certainly cost you over the long run, as you're typically rated on it for three years. Let's explore what the cheapest insurance companies are with this violation on your driving record, using the standard driver profile we use in our methodology.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $2,316 | $193 |
| USAA | $2,329 | $194 |
| State Farm | $2,465 | $205 |
| Progressive | $2,785 | $232 |
| Farmers | $2,786 | $232 |
| Nationwide | $3,215 | $268 |
| Allstate | $3,277 | $273 |
Source: The Zebra
According to our data, GEICO will offer you the best rate if you have a suspended license. USAA and State Farm also offer lower rates for drivers in this category. Every insurance company is different in how much exactly a certain violation will increase your premium; there is quite a bit of variance between them for the same violation. This is why it's important to shop around with as many insurers as you can for the most affordable rate. Use our data as a starting point in your search for cheap car insurance after a suspended license violation.
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.
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Can auto insurance companies see if your license is suspended?
Yes. Like how they communicate with your insurer when you receive a speeding ticket, your department of motor vehicles (DMV) will electronically inform your insurance company of your license suspension. While this often results in the cancellation or nonrenewal of your current policy, there are still options for you to avoid a lapse in coverage. Read on to learn the details.
How to handle insurance after a suspension
If you were already insured when your license was suspended, your insurance situation can get complicated. Although the short-term cost savings could be tempting, do not cancel your insurance coverage. Depending on the reason for your license suspension, maintaining insurance coverage will probably be a requirement of lifting your license suspension and returning to the road.
Some drivers with a suspended license might be required to carry an SR-22 form. An SR-22 can be required by your state for such infractions as a DWI, a hit and run or other serious traffic violations. You are required to carry an SR-22 form for a term that usually ranges from three to five years. It is a form that is sent to your state by your insurance company that essentially works to provide proof of insurance coverage. Even if you have a suspended driver's license, you must still fulfill these requirements by carrying an auto policy from an insurance provider. Check with your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to find out more about the reinstatement of your license.
The Best Car Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers
Multiple tickets, car accidents or a DUI conviction can increase your premiums by more than $600 per year. Find the best auto insurance company for your circumstances.
Can I decrease coverage if my license is suspended?
This depends. If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, you most likely cannot. Because another entity — such as a dealership or bank — technically owns the vehicle, they will usually require high levels of coverage. If you lower your coverage, your bank or dealership might add "forced coverage." If your dealership opts to force coverage, the insurance you removed will be re-purchased, and you'll foot the bill. Forced coverage is usually more expensive than maintaining your coverage.
If you own the vehicle outright, you can make changes to your coverage. If you’re absolutely not going to be driving your vehicle during your license suspension, consider removing your collision coverage. This coverage is designed to protect your vehicle if it is damaged when colliding with a fixed object. If you won't be driving the vehicle, you won't need this coverage.
Depending on where the vehicle will be stored, your comprehensive coverage might not be necessary either. Comprehensive coverage insures your vehicle against damage caused by weather, animals, theft and vandalism. If you’re going to store your vehicle in a locked garage and you’re not worried about severe weather, this might be another option for you. This type of protection is called storage insurance/storage coverage.
⚠️ Removing your liability insurance will not be an option.
How to find affordable insurance in the future
Getting your driving privileges revoked can be a major setback. Finding affordable car insurance with a suspended license is going to take some work, and even then, expect to see your insurance rates go up. While most insurance companies will not issue you a policy with a suspended license, you might find some help from a restricted license. Furthermore, online car insurance shopping might be difficult for you, which is why we recommend speaking to an insurance agent directly. You can ask them directly for recommendations for your situation. The Zebra can help you compare insurance quotes from companies that may be willing to work with you. This can help you find cheaper car insurance rates. Feel free to give us a call at 833-768-7789 for help from our agents.
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Suspended license and insurance FAQs:
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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.