+120 more)
Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.
Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.
)
Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
Updated
At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
Getting car insurance with no license can be tricky and may lead to higher premiums. But having an active auto insurance policy can prevent your coverage from lapsing and protect your vehicle in the event of an accident.
Listing someone else as the primary driver, adding yourself as an excluded driver, and talking to an insurance agent are a few ways to get no-license insurance. Keep reading to learn how to get car insurance if you don’t have a driver’s license.
You can still get car insurance without a license by listing a licensed driver as the primary driver or getting non-owner or parked-car insurance.
Some insurers may accept alternatives, like a state ID or a foreign driver’s license, but availability varies by state and company.
Shopping around is the best way to find affordable car insurance with no license.
While you can get car insurance without a driver’s license, it’s not always easy. Most insurance companies prefer to cover licensed drivers, but unlicensed drivers still need coverage in certain situations.
For example, you may need auto insurance to satisfy your DMV’s SR-22 requirements after a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction, serious traffic violation, or license suspension. If you regularly drive someone else’s vehicle, you may want non-owner car insurance to protect yourself in case you cause an accident.
Buying a vehicle is another common reason why you may need car insurance without a license. You need only a state ID to buy a car, but state law requires you to have an auto insurance policy that meets its minimum requirements for registration.
Fortunately, you have several ways to get car insurance that don’t require a driver’s license.
Find the coverage you need at a price you can afford.
)
You may need car insurance despite not having a license for various reasons, including license reinstatement and avoiding penalties for not having coverage on a registered vehicle.[1] Whatever the reason, the key is to find an insurer that understands your specific situation.
Below are some practical ways to get car insurance when you don’t have a valid license.
If you need to insure your car but don’t have a driver’s license, listing someone else as the primary driver is a viable option. The insurance company will use the other driver’s record, age, and other factors to determine your policy premium. That said, be prepared to pay higher rates if they’re a high-risk driver.[2]
Every state requires proof of financial responsibility, whether through a car insurance policy or having enough assets to cover damages if you cause an accident.[3] You could face steep penalties if the police catch you driving without insurance, which could prevent you from getting a license in the future.
Just because your car is insured doesn’t mean you can legally drive it without a valid license.
Another option is to add a licensed driver to your vehicle registration. Some insurance companies prefer that the drivers on the vehicle registration and insurance policy match, even if it’s not a state requirement. Getting car insurance without a driver’s license is hard, but adding a licensed driver to your registration can make it easier to gett a policy.
Like adding someone else as the primary driver, the other registered licensed driver’s age and driving record help determine the premium. Consider discussing driving history with potential drivers if you’re concerned about getting the best insurance rate.
Parked-car coverage — sometimes called stored-car insurance — is an excellent option if your car is in storage and you have no plans to drive it. Just note that car storage insurance only provides comprehensive coverage, which pays for covered damage to your vehicle when in storage or parked.
Covered losses include:
Theft
Vandalism
Broken windows/windshields
Animal damage
Weather (tornadoes, hurricanes, hail, etc.)
Damage from a flying or falling object
Stored-car insurance doesn’t provide liability coverage, so there’s no protection if you or someone else drives the car and gets into an accident. Parked-car insurance also doesn’t satisfy vehicle financing requirements. That said, it’s a cost-effective way to protect your car when you aren’t driving it for an extended period.
A car insurance policy endorsement, also known as a rider, can modify, add, include, or exclude coverage. Adding yourself as an excluded driver on your auto policy excludes you from coverage but allows you to keep an active policy and avoid costly insurance lapses.
To add yourself as an excluded driver, you must have someone with a valid driver’s license listed as the primary driver on your policy.
This option isn’t ideal if you plan to drive your car, since you won’t have coverage if you cause an accident. But it can help keep your policy in force and prevent cancellation if you have a revoked or suspended license.
Getting no-license insurance can be difficult, so speaking with an insurance agent may be your best choice. They understand state vehicle and insurance requirements and can help you get the insurance coverage you need.
Not all insurance companies will cover unlicensed drivers, so working with a knowledgeable insurance agent in your state can pay off. An independent insurance agent or broker can shop multiple insurance companies at the same time, helping you find the best price and policy for your unique situation.
You may still need to buy car insurance even if you don’t have a driver’s license. Here are a few common situations where you might need coverage:
You need to meet legal or lender requirements. If you need an SR-22 to prove financial responsibility and get your license back, you need an insurance policy that meets your state’s minimum policy limits. Some lenders also require full coverage, even if you can’t currently drive.
You own a car that someone else with a license drives. If another family member — like your spouse, caregiver, parent, or child — drives your vehicle, you can list them as the primary driver and name yourself as an excluded driver.
You aren’t able to drive yourself. Medical conditions, age-related limitations, or other restrictions may prevent you from driving. But if you own a vehicle, you still need insurance to keep your registration active and to allow others to drive it legally.
You have a child with a learner’s permit. A child with a learner’s permit can’t get their own policy, but you can insure them on your vehicle. You can also insure a minor in states that don’t allow someone younger than 18 to enter into a legally binding contract.
You own a classic or vintage car. If you own a classic, collector, or vintage car that you don’t drive often, consider classic car insurance to cover it — especially if you leave it parked for extended periods, like over the winter.
You need protection for an unused vehicle. Even if you don’t drive your vehicle, you can still protect it from risks like theft, vandalism, and weather damage. Parked-car insurance can provide comprehensive coverage if you need to file a claim, without having to pay full-coverage insurance rates.
You might need to insure your car even with a suspended license. A license suspension temporarily revokes your driving privileges until you meet specific criteria, which can vary by state and suspension reason.
Some common reasons for a suspended license include:
Points accumulation
Reckless driving
Driving while impaired
Driving on a revoked or suspended license
Driving without insurance
Child support delinquencies
Insurers consider a driver with a suspended license to be a high-risk driver, which can lead to expensive premiums. You might also need SR-22 insurance — a certificate or form your insurer sends to the DMV certifying you meet minimum insurance requirements.
Getting cheap car insurance with a suspended license can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. If you have a suspended license, you must list someone with a valid driver’s license as the primary driver on your policy to keep it active. And if you’re caught driving without a valid license, you could face penalties and license revocation, and your insurance company could drop you.[4]
Most insurance companies require you to have a valid driver’s license number to get an auto insurance policy. It helps insurers assess risk and use your driving history to determine the cost of your premium. Without a license, getting coverage can be more complicated, but it’s not impossible.
Some companies accept alternatives, like a state ID, foreign license, or learner’s permit — especially if you’re listing a licensed driver as the primary operator. You’ll also need basic information like your vehicle identification number (VIN) and details about who will be driving the car.
Availability varies by state and insurer. High-risk policies or non-standard coverage often come with higher premiums, so it’s a good idea to work with an independent agent who can help you find a company that’s willing to work with your situation.
If you don’t have a driver’s license, getting standard car insurance can be tough, but you still have options. Depending on your needs, one of these alternatives might work better:
Non-owner car insurance: This provides liability coverage if you don’t own a vehicle but occasionally drive someone else’s car or need an SR-22 for license reinstatement.
Parked-car coverage: This protects your vehicle from non-collision claims while you’re not driving it.
Pay-as-you-go insurance: Companies like Hugo offer coverage you can turn on and off, so you only pay for coverage when you need it.
Rental car insurance: Rental car companies offer coverage when you rent a car. Some credit cards also include rental car coverage.
)
Buying car insurance without a license isn’t always a straightforward process if you don’t have the right approach. Take these steps to get started:
Decide what type of coverage you need. Choose from liability-only, comprehensive-only, full coverage, non-owner car, or pay-as-you-go insurance.
Work with a licensed driver. If you know someone with a license, ask if you can list them as the primary driver on your policy.
Find companies that insure unlicensed drivers. Use an insurance comparison website or work with an independent agent or broker to find insurers that work with unlicensed drivers.
Compare quotes from three or more insurers. Get rates from multiple companies to find the best price for your situation.
Provide an alternate ID if requested. Your insurer may want to check if you have another form of identification, like a foreign license or state ID.
Ask your new company to file an SR-22, if needed. Let your new insurer know up front that you need an SR-22 form sent to the DMV after buying your policy.
Compare rates for high-risk drivers in seconds.
Insurance rates and coverage options for unlicensed drivers can vary widely between companies because insurers consider you a higher risk if you don’t have a valid license. Some won’t insure you at all, while others might charge higher rates or require you to meet certain conditions, like listing a licensed driver on the policy.
Shopping around is especially important when you don’t have a license. One company’s no-license policy could be far better than another’s.
Check out the table below to see how different insurers compare in terms of price, customer reviews, and the ease of getting coverage without a license.
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $107/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $82/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $134/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $115/mo* | Average Premium Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance $76/mo* |
Overall Rating 3.5 | Overall Rating 3.9 | Overall Rating 3.2 | Overall Rating 4.0 | Overall Rating 4.3 |
Value 3.7/5 | Value 3.9/5 | Value 3.3/5 | Value 4.2/5 | Value 4.9/5 |
Customer Service 4.1/5 | Customer Service 4.4/5 | Customer Service 3.7/5 | Customer Service 4.3/5 | Customer Service 4.4/5 |
Claims Handling 3.6/5 | Claims Handling 4.0/5 | Claims Handling 3.4/5 | Claims Handling 4.0/5 | Claims Handling 4.2/5 |
Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 165 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 299 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 274 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 249 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 65 user reviews |
Below, we answered some common questions people ask about getting car insurance without a license.
Yes. You can get car insurance if you have a suspended license, but it may be hard to find a company that will insure you. To reinstate your driving privileges, many states require an SR-22 certificate from the insurer proving your policy meets the state’s minimum-coverage requirements.
No. You don’t need a license to get an SR-22 certificate. An SR-22 insurance requirement is usually for drivers with poor driving records, court-ordered judgments, or a suspended or revoked license.
Yes. You can buy a car without getting insurance, but you usually need proof of insurance to register a vehicle or drive it legally. Most dealerships also require you to have car insurance before you drive off the lot.
Driving without a license and insurance can result in severe penalties, including fines, vehicle impoundment, and even jail time. It can also make it harder to buy insurance or get your license back in the future.
Insurance companies prefer drivers with licenses because they base their rates on your risk profile, which involves looking at your driving history. Having a driver’s license makes this process easier. Newly licensed drivers typically pay higher insurance rates because of this.
An excluded driver is someone who isn’t covered to drive under an insurance policy. You won’t have coverage if the excluded driver drives the vehicle and gets into an accident. This is the opposite of a rated driver, who’s insured under the vehicle and policy to drive.
)
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
)
Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.
Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.
Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
)
)
