Obtaining auto insurance without a licence might be difficult. Expect to do some investigating and pay higher charges.
- While obtaining auto insurance without a driver's licence is uncommon and difficult, it is not impossible. If you're reading this, you've probably encountered one of the following scenarios:
- You're taking a vacation from driving but don't want to lose coverage. Allowing your vehicle insurance coverage to expire will almost certainly result in higher rates from insurers when you're ready to acquire your licence and go back on the road.
- You are an adult with a learner's permit and a vehicle. If you can't get on someone else's insurance, you'll have to insure your new car on your own.
- Your driving privileges have been suspended or revoked. You may require automobile insurance to restore your licence or to maintain coverage for a vehicle you leased or financed but do not wish to return.
- You are unable (or unwilling) to operate your own vehicle. If you want someone else to drive you around, you'll still need auto insurance.
- Your vehicle is parked or in storage. If you possess a car that will not be used for a long time (or at all), you may want coverage in case it is stolen or a tree falls on it.
- You do not drive, but someone in your family who is under the age of 18 does. Minors are often not permitted to engage into contracts without a parent or guardian co-signs. One option is to get insurance and add them to your policy.
Here are some options for getting car insurance without a driver's licence.
Look Into Smaller, Regional Businesses.
You'll probably need to look around with smaller, regional vehicle insurance firms if you wish to cover a car without a driver's licence. It's always advisable to describe your circumstances to these firms in person or over the phone to acquire a more accurate price.
If you do not want to contact each firm individually, consider hiring an insurance broker or an independent agent. Brokers and independent agents have access to numerous insurers and can find the best insurance for your specific needs.
Because many national insurance firms do not provide quotations to unlicensed drivers, you are unlikely to obtain coverage from the larger brands. They'll require your driving licence number to verify your driving history before determining how much of a danger you are, so even if you can receive a quotation, you'll almost certainly need to contact and speak with someone.
Take note: Insurance companies will most certainly classify you as a "high-risk driver" if you are an unlicensed driver, especially if you are a new driver or have a recent DUI or other significant traffic offence on your record. Expect to pay greater rates.
What If I Require An SR-22?
If you've recently been charged with a significant traffic violation or series of offences, an insurer may be required to submit an SR-22 form with your state on your behalf (you'll be advised in court or by your state if this is the case). This paper, also known as a "certificate of financial liability," proves to your state that you have at least the minimum amount of liability insurance necessary in that state. If you live in Florida or Virginia, you may be required to file a different form known as the FR-44, which demonstrates that you have specified, greater liability limits than the minimums.
If you require vehicle insurance but don't have a licence and need to file an SR-22 or FR-44 form, your options may be even more restricted – not every provider handles it.
Check out What Is an SR-22? for additional information on SR-22 forms and a list of insurers that specialise in covering high-risk drivers. Insurance After a Mistake.
Make Another Person The Primary Driver.
If you wish to cover a car that will be on the road but will not be driven by you, you must name someone else as the "principal driver" on your policy.
A main driver is just the individual who will be driving your automobile the most of the time. Anybody can be designated as a main driver as long as they have a valid driver's licence or learner's permit.
Your insurance provider will most likely need you to exclude yourself as a driver on your coverage until you have your driver's licence. Thus, even if you have insurance, if you cause an accident, you'll be on the hook for any damages (on top of any legal consequences that come with driving unlicensed).
The driving record, age, and other personal information of all drivers listed on your policy will influence your vehicle insurance premiums. Expect to spend a lot for vehicle insurance if your primary driver is a teenager or has a bad driving record. NerdWallet's Why Is My Car Insurance So Expensive? for a list of other rate-influencing variables.
Clue pointer
Be sure to include any additional drivers on your coverage. Extra drivers (sometimes known as "occasional" drivers) are any non-primary drivers who use your car on a frequent basis. Everyone who lives with you who is licenced must typically be added to your policy, whether or not they drive your car When In Doubt, Contact Your Insurance.
Purchase 'Parked Automobile Insurance.'
If you don't have a licence but possess a car that will be parked or stored, think about buying comprehensive-only insurance, commonly known as "parked car insurance" or "car storage insurance." This insurance pays for losses caused by occurrences beyond your control, such as someone stealing your automobile or a hailstorm destroying your windscreen. It does not insure you for car accidents.
If you want to prevent lapses in coverage and know you won't be driving for a long, parked auto insurance might be a suitable solution. Because you're just paying for comprehensive insurance on a parked automobile, the policy will be less expensive than full coverage car insurance.
Take note: Some providers may need your car to be in storage for a particular length of time prior to qualifying for parked auto insurance (commonly 30 days).
Commonly Asked Questions
Yes. You can acquire auto insurance if you don't have a licence, but you'll have to go through more hoops than licenced drivers. Using an agent or broker can be beneficial. Shopping around with smaller, regional businesses, naming someone else the principal driver on your policy, removing yourself as a driver, and acquiring parked auto insurance are all frequent ways to get insurance with no licence.
Yes, in most circumstances. Whether you're a novice driver, had your licence suspended or revoked owing to traffic infractions, or just took a hiatus from driving and are feeling rusty, insurers see you as a higher risk to cover.
It depends. Insurance companies hike premiums for drivers who have lapsed in coverage because they are seen more risky to insure. Nevertheless, how much higher relies greatly on the insurance carrier and the length of your gap. Because this is most likely a highly personal situation, you should speak with an insurance broker or agent personally.