Can You Get Car Insurance With No License?
- You can get car insurance without a license, but not all insurers offer it.
- This can be useful for suspended licenses, learner’s permits or insuring a car you don’t drive.
- You’ll usually need to name someone as the licensed primary driver or to list yourself as an excluded driver.
How to get car insurance without a license
Getting car insurance without a license is possible, but you’ll usually need to assign a licensed driver and may even need to exclude yourself from coverage. Here are the steps to getting car insurance without a license:
- Find insurers that allow no-license policies. Not all insurance companies will cover drivers without a license, so you may need to shop around. Try to compare quotes from multiple insurers to help find a lower rate.
- Name a licensed primary driver. Most insurers require you to list someone else as the primary driver of the vehicle. Choose carefully, since their driving record (accidents, tickets, DUIs) will heavily impact your rate.
- List yourself as an excluded driver (if required). Because you’re unlicensed, the insurer may require you to exclude yourself from the policy. This means you won’t be covered if you drive the car under any circumstances.
You can buy and own a car without a driver’s license, but you won’t be legally allowed to drive it. That’s why insurers require a licensed driver to be listed on the policy.
When to buy car insurance with no license
There are several reasons why you might need or want to buy car insurance with no license. Some common situations include:
You can’t drive because of a suspended or revoked license
If the state revokes or suspends your driver’s license because of driving under the influence (DUI) or another infraction, you may still need to keep car insurance. See our guide to insurance with a suspended license to look for the cheapest rates for you.
You only have a learner’s permit
Drivers with learner’s permits will need insurance for a car they own, though children learning on their parents’ vehicles may already be covered.
You’re insuring a car for a minor
Minors usually can’t sign insurance contracts, so a parent or guardian may need to hold the policy. In this case, you’d have to list your child as a licensed driver and yourself as an excluded driver. See our guide to cheap car insurance for teenage drivers to look for a good rate.
You don’t drive anymore
If you own a car but someone else drives it, the vehicle still needs to be insured. You’ll probably need to list yourself as an excluded driver and the other person as the primary driver on the policy. But no matter who the primary driver is, be sure to compare insurance quotes to get the best rate you can.
You have a stored, parked or classic car
Even cars that aren’t driven regularly, such as classic cars or vehicles kept in storage, need protection against theft and damage. Classic car insurance will be cheaper for these situations than standard insurance, but you may still need a primary driver with a license. See our guide to the best classic car insurance to compare rates.
You want to avoid a car insurance lapse
Going without car insurance can make it more difficult and expensive to get coverage later. Some insurers may deny coverage altogether if you’ve had a lapse. To keep continuous coverage, find a licensed primary driver, or look for a company that will take you without a license.
Tips for getting car insurance without a license
| Try this | Why it helps | |
|---|---|---|
| Suspended or revoked license | Keep an active policy (and file an SR-22 if required) | You avoid a lapse, and it may be required |
| Learner’s permit | Join a parent’s or guardian’s policy if possible | Cheaper than buying your own, though you may be included automatically |
| Someone else drives your car | List them as the primary driver | Insurers need a licensed driver to assess risk |
| You don’t drive anymore | Exclude yourself and add a caregiver or household driver | Keeps the car insured while someone else drives |
| Classic or stored car | Consider classic car insurance | Costs less than standard insurance if you rarely or never plan to drive |
Companies offering car insurance with no license
If you don’t have someone else to serve as the primary driver, you may have trouble finding insurance and will need to shop around.
You may have luck with the company that insured you before you lost your license. You should also check out companies that generally offer insurance with no license, such as:
- Access
- OnGuard
- The Hartford
How much does car insurance cost without a license?
Car insurance without a licensed primary driver could be more expensive than a standard policy because of:
- Higher perceived risk: Insurers can’t review your driving record, which may lead to higher premiums.
- Primary driver matters most: Your premium will depend heavily on the driving history of the person listed as the primary driver.
- Fewer insurer options: Limited availability can make it harder to find competitive pricing.
A recent LendingTree survey found that 58% of drivers say car insurance is a financial burden, and many report cutting back on other expenses to afford coverage.
With limited insurer options, drivers without a license may face even higher costs, making it especially important to compare insurance quotes.
Frequently asked questions
No-license car insurance is standard car insurance that covers a vehicle you own, even if you don’t have a license, usually by listing another person as the licensed primary driver or excluding yourself from coverage.
Insurers use your driver’s license to check your driving record and assess risk. Without that information, they may consider you a high risk or rely more heavily on the primary driver’s history.
Yes, you can usually buy a car without a license. However, you won’t be able to legally drive it yourself and may need a licensed driver to take it home.
Yes, you can typically register a car without a driver’s license, though requirements vary by state. You’ll need a valid form of ID, proof of ownership and car insurance to complete registration.
Yes, it’s possible to get car insurance with a suspended license, but it’s typically more difficult. Some insurers may deny coverage depending on the reason for your suspension, and you may need an SR-22 or FR-44 filing to reinstate your license.
Sometimes. Most insurers require the policyholder to have an interest in the vehicle. In many cases, it’s simpler to add the driver to your policy or list them as the primary driver.
If an excluded driver causes an accident, your insurance company will likely deny the claim. You may have to pay for damages out of pocket, and your insurer could raise your rates or refuse to renew your policy. The driver may also face penalties for driving without insurance, or worse, without a license.