Can You Get Car Insurance Without a License?

You have several ways to get car insurance without a license, including parked-car insurance and excluding yourself as a driver on the policy.

Janet Berry-Johnson
Janet Berry-Johnson
  • 8+ years writing about insurance, taxes, and personal finance

  • Certified public accountant

Janet applies her experience in personal finance, taxes, and accounting to make complex financial topics accessible. Her byline has appeared on numerous web media.

Featured in

media logomedia logomedia logomedia logo
Sarah Archambault
Sarah Archambault
  • Experienced personal finance writer

  • Background working with banks and insurance companies

Sarah enjoys helping people find smarter ways to spend their money. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans.

Featured in

media logomedia logo
Daniel Roccato
Reviewed byDaniel Roccato
Headshot of industry expert Daniel Roccato
Daniel RoccatoAdvisor
  • 30+ years in financial services

  • Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego

Dan is a well-recognized and widely quoted financial services expert, regularly appearing in a variety of national and local media as a subject matter expert.

Updated May 15, 2024

Save up to $717 by comparing quotes from the top 100+ insurance companies

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualTravelers
Advertiser Disclosure

At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.

We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.

Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.

Cheapest recent rates

Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $36/mo for liability only and $39/mo for full coverage.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on May 15, 2024

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from May 15, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on May 15, 2024

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from May 15, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Getting car insurance when you don’t have a driver’s license can be challenging. But it’s possible — especially if you can add another primary driver or plan to store your vehicle. But you may have to jump through a few extra hoops and pay more.

Common reasons to buy car insurance without a license include insuring a car for a minor, needing a car for your caregiver to drive, or having a suspended license.

Because you don’t have a driver’s license, insurance companies may have a lengthier application process and charge you higher rates.

Quick Facts
  • Shopping around gives you the best chance of getting affordable car insurance without a license.

  • Maintaining continuous car insurance prevents excessive future premiums due to a coverage gap.

  • A non-owner policy may be sufficient to meet your state’s SR-22 requirements.

How to get car insurance with no license

If you don’t have an active driver’s license number, the process of getting car insurance varies depending on the company you choose to work with. Below are four strategies to help you find the coverage you need.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/fa11c1fe75/comparison-website.svg

    1. Shop around

    Not all insurance companies provide policies to unlicensed drivers. Some well-known national insurance companies, such as State Farm, Mercury, COUNTRY Financial, and GEICO, might not even give you a quote if you don’t have a license.

    As with other financial products, you’ll need to do some research to find out which insurance companies in your state provide car insurance quotes to unlicensed drivers. Compare rates from several companies, and be sure to ask about discounts that can lower your rate.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/25057fcc72/family-96x96-orange_003-man.svg

    2. List a primary driver

    Since you aren’t driving the car, list another primary driver to increase your chances of approval. Not all insurers allow this, so ask if they do and what they require. For example, they may limit coverage to another member of your household versus an outside caretaker.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/789c6c481b/car-and-driving-96x96-green_007-driver.svg

    3. Add a licensed driver to your registration

    You typically need to own a car to get insurance, so if you own a car with a licensed driver, such as your spouse, you may have more options when shopping for car insurance.

    Adding a licensed driver to your car registration requires a visit to your local department of motor vehicles (DMV) office and a (usually small) fee. But it may decrease the cost of car insurance coverage if you can put it in their name.[1]

  • car in carage

    4. Consider parked car insurance

    Parked car insurance, also known as storage coverage, is designed to cover your car while it’s parked or stored somewhere. These policies aren’t full-coverage auto insurance. They don’t include liability or collision insurance but cover your car if it’s stolen or damaged by vandalism, hail, lightning, bad weather, or animal-inflicted damage while parked or stored.

    If nobody drives your car but you want to protect it from these types of claims, parked car insurance can be an affordable coverage option.

Find Cheap Car Insurance

Liability rates start at $20 per month

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualTravelers

Cheapest car insurance without a license

Finding the cheapest car insurance without a license may take more time. Below are some of the best car insurance companies that may offer the lowest rates on coverage to get you started.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, May 3 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyFull CoverageLiability Only
USAA9945
The Hartford179114
Dairyland23084
The General247114
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

When drivers may want auto insurance without a license

You may need an auto insurance policy without a license for several reasons. Working with an insurance agent or company that understands your situation and can get you properly insured is key. Below are some of the most common reasons you may need car insurance when you don’t have a driver’s license.

You don’t drive

You may not drive due to a health condition or age-related condition. But you could still own a car that your family members or caregivers use to run errands and take you to appointments. Keeping your car insured protects you financially should anything happen and allows others to drive your car when needed.[2]

You have a learner’s permit

If you or a young driver in your household are learning to drive but don’t yet have a license, you may still need insurance on the vehicle you drive.

Keep in mind that accidents can happen even when you’re learning to drive. And most states require vehicle owners to carry car insurance or demonstrate financial responsibility for drivers with learner’s permits.[3]

You have a suspended license

Many states may suspend your license for driving under the influence (DUI), failing to pay traffic tickets, or having a history of moving violations. Even though you can’t drive until your license is reinstated, you can likely benefit from maintaining car insurance.

Continuing insurance provides coverage for your vehicle while it’s parked or stored. It also helps you avoid a coverage gap, which flags you as a high-risk driver and can result in higher insurance premiums once you start driving again.

You have a stored vehicle

If you own a car you don’t drive, you should still carry car insurance. This could be a car you don’t need right now because you can’t drive or a collectible car you don’t plan to drive.

Stored vehicle coverage is a good idea because it removes liability, personal injury protection, and collision coverage and includes only comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive car insurance protects you financially if a tree falls on the car or someone steals it, for example.

Shop for Liability Coverage

Monthly rates start at $20

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualTravelers

What to know if you have a suspended license

If the state suspends your license due to a DUI, driving without insurance, or reckless driving, you may be required to get an SR-22 form. An SR-22 isn’t a type of coverage. Instead, it’s a proof-of-insurance form your insurance company fills out and sends to the state, proving you meet the state’s minimum coverage requirements.

You may face higher premiums once you get back on the road — especially if you lost your license due to a significant driving infraction, like a DUI conviction.

The following table shows the average cost of car insurance for people with clean driving records and after a DUI, speeding ticket, or at-fault accident. It shows full-coverage car insurance rates from some top national insurers.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, May 3 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyClean Driving RecordWith Speeding TicketWith DUIWith At-Fault Accident
COUNTRY Financial20243326
NJM35494752
Auto-Owners38446446
USAA45527555
Hugo49648257
State Farm53608965
GEICO54639067
Erie56689472
Mile Auto59808189
Allstate627210476
Safeco708411780
American Family768812793
Metromile7697127103
National General7711012993
Progressive8093134102
Mercury84113114118
Dairyland8499141103
Nationwide8499141105
Root87114146121
CSAA88108147120
Clearcover88104147123
Travelers89105149111
State Auto97134162146
Direct Auto98117164127
Liberty Mutual98140164145
Elephant99141166118
Anchor104120174153
Shelter109139182146
Farmers110126184133
The Hartford114160153169
The General114136191147
Chubb115137192143
Commonwealth Casualty118168197141
AssuranceAmerica121148202151
21st Century121148202155
GAINSCO122174204141
Bristol West129146216153
Foremost137195229202
Amica174238230251
Infinity198249331236
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

When to insure a car you can’t drive

Even if you can’t drive, it makes sense to have insurance for a few reasons:

  • Avoid a lapse in coverage. Insurance companies often charge higher rates to policyholders who don’t maintain continuous insurance coverage.

  • Protect your asset. Even when you don’t drive your car, it can still be stolen, vandalized, or damaged by hail or falling tree limbs. Insurance helps cover these types of claims.

  • Someone else might drive your car. Carrying insurance protects you financially in case someone else causes an accident while driving your vehicle, causing injuries to other people or damage to other people’s property.

Consider a pay-as-you-go insurance company, like Hugo, if you’re worried about paying for insurance you won’t use. You can turn insurance coverage off and on as needed.

Car insurance without license FAQs

Getting cheap car insurance without a license can be challenging. Below, you’ll find some additional information about securing coverage without a license.

  • Can you buy a car without a license?

    You can usually buy a car without a license. But you’ll need to bring a licensed driver to drive the car off the lot. You may also need a licensed driver to register the vehicle, but this varies by state. Some states allow residents to register a car without government-issued identification.

  • Can you get car insurance without a license in Texas?

    You can get an auto policy without a license in Texas. But you may need to list a primary driver on the policy. This driver must have a driver’s license but doesn’t need to be a member of your household.

  • Can you get car insurance without registration in California?

    Yes. You can insure an unregistered vehicle in California. But it’s illegal to drive or park an unregistered vehicle on public roads in the Golden State, so you’ll eventually have to register it.

  • What do you do if you need auto insurance to get your driver’s license back but don’t own a car?

    If your state requires an SR-22 to get your driver’s license back but you don’t own a car, purchase a non-owner car insurance policy. This is usually enough to satisfy the SR-22 requirements and get your license back.

Sources

  1. J.D. Power. "How To Add A Name To A Car Title."
  2. Insurance Information Institute. "What is auto insurance?."
  3. Insurance Information Institute. "Automobile Financial Responsibility Laws By State."
Janet Berry-Johnson
Janet Berry-Johnson

Janet Berry-Johnson, CPA is a freelance writer with a background in accounting and income tax planning and preparation. She's passionate about making complicated financial topics accessible to readers. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and son and their rescue dog, Dexter. Visit her website at www.jberryjohnson.com.

Sarah Archambault
Sarah Archambault
  • Experienced personal finance writer

  • Background working with banks and insurance companies

Sarah enjoys helping people find smarter ways to spend their money. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans.

Featured in

media logomedia logo
Daniel Roccato
Reviewed byDaniel RoccatoAdvisor
Headshot of industry expert Daniel Roccato
Daniel RoccatoAdvisor
  • 30+ years in financial services

  • Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego

Dan is a well-recognized and widely quoted financial services expert, regularly appearing in a variety of national and local media as a subject matter expert.

Compare Car Insurance Quotes Instantly

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualTravelers

Latest Articles

View all