Can you get auto insurance with a suspended license?

You can still purchase auto insurance with a suspended license, but typically only after it has been restored. You would need to apply for a conditional or restricted license, also known as a “hardship” license, to get your suspended license back.

Keep reading to learn how to get a restricted license and where to buy the best car insurance with a suspended license at affordable rates. Don’t worry, you can still get car insurance if your license is suspended, it may just take some more research to find the best option.

Can you get car insurance with a suspended license?

The simple answer is yes. However, there’s no guarantee that many insurance companies will open a new policy for a high-risk driver with a restricted license.

Drivers’ licenses are often suspended for DUI, DWI, driving without insurance, unpaid tickets, an excessive number of at-fault accidents, and driving without tags, to name a few. Because insurance companies typically offer lower rates to the risk-averse, they will likely view this behavior as irresponsible and deserving of higher policy premiums.

Getting insurance after your license is suspended, may not be easy, but there are options out there.

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How to Get Auto Insurance With a Suspended License

To get insurance with a suspended license is still possible. There are some things you might be able to do to improve your chances:

• Although not all insurance companies will let you do this, you could list a family member with a spotless driving record as the primary driver on your policy.
• Obtain approval for a restricted or hardship license, which enables you to drive in special situations, such as to work or school.
• Insure the vehicle under the name that appears on the title, if different than yours.
• Get SR-22 insurance.

Most Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices demand an SR-22 as proof of vehicle liability insurance for high-risk drivers. An SR-22 isn’t actually insurance coverage but a filing attached to a personal auto liability insurance policy proving you carry minimum auto insurance.

The need for an SR-22 is typically linked to a history of moving violations, including DUIs, DWIs, or other severe traffic infractions that result in the revocation or suspension of a license. You may also need SR-22 insurance if you are caught driving with the required insurance coverage, as per your state’s laws.

Can you get car insurance with a revoked license?

 If the state revokes your driver’s license you can still get car insurance with a suspended license. Your monthly rates will be higher, and most high-risk drivers need to submit an SR-22 insurance certificate in some states. Your state DMV will let you know if you need one.

Can car insurance companies see if your license is suspended?

Yes. Car insurance companies have access to DMV electronic reports. They can check instantaneously to see if your driver’s license is current, as well as what, if any, citations have been issued lately.

When looking for auto insurance, you must enter your driver’s license number, Social Security number, and other information about you and your vehicle. Insurance companies will use these details to review your driving record.

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The Best Insurance for a Suspended License

Not all companies that provide standard auto insurance cover drivers whose licenses are suspended or revoked. It’s completely up to each company to insure a driver on a case-by-case basis.

Several of the businesses that do include Progressive, Travelers, and MetLife, Nationwide, and Allstate. Companies offering non-standard auto insurance include Acceptance and The General.

Consider shopping with the non-profit American Insurance Planned Service Office (AIPSO) as a last resort. It is in charge of helping insure the automobile insurance residual market that consists of historically high-risk or first-time drivers and may offer auto insurance to you under certain conditions.  

The Average Cost of Auto Insurance With a Suspended License

Many insurance companies will still underwrite high-risk drivers, even after a lapse in coverage, but it may cost a lot more.

Allstate offers the highest rates. If you’re looking for the cheapest auto insurance for a driver with a suspended license, compare rates from the best companies for high-risk drivers.

Other easy ways to get insurance after a suspended license include taking a defensive driving course, bundling policies, and comparing quotes from different companies. If you’re an active or retired member of the military, consider USAA auto insurance, as it offers competitively low rates to military families.

What To Do After a Suspended License

First, don’t automatically cancel your existing auto insurance just to save money in the short term. When you consider returning to insure a car after a lapse, you’re guaranteed to pay higher monthly rates. 

You should not drive your car without insurance, as this is illegal. It’s better to reduce your coverage to the state minimum and park it in a garage while you’re not driving.

Next, work quickly and diligently toward reinstating your driver’s license, if possible.

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Should I carry car insurance after my license is suspended?

When possible, you should keep your car insurance to avoid lapses. A lapse in auto insurance carries its own separate inherent penalties.

Even if your license is revoked or suspended, you must legally maintain insurance on your vehicle as long as the tags are still in effect. You risk the following penalties if you don’t keep your tagged vehicle insured:

• Fines, which might include impounding costs if the vehicle is towed
• A longer period of driver’s license suspension
• Suspension of vehicle registration 
• No insurance in the event of a car accident
• Increased insurance costs after receiving a new auto insurance quote

Because your driving record influences the cost of your insurance, getting insurance with a suspended license will likely still result in higher rates than usual, even a few years after you fully restore your driving privileges.

The best insurance for unlicensed drivers may differ per person. After your license is suspended it’s still important to have car insurance if you are going to actively be operating a vehicle.

Can I reduce auto insurance coverage after my license has been suspended?

You can lower or decrease your car insurance coverage if your license is suspended and you’re not currently driving. You could remove collision coverage, for example, if you’re certain the car will not be moving any time soon. 

Maintaining comprehensive coverage might be useful. However, that depends on long-term parking/storage for your vehicle. Check with your insurance company to find the absolute minimum insurance you must carry during a period of vehicle non-use.

How to Find the Best Car Insurance for a Suspended License

The number one rule when shopping for car insurance is to shop around. Different companies interpret risk differently, which explains the wide variations in insurance rates that any two companies offer the same driver based on the same criteria. 

To find the best insurance if you have a suspended license, you should shop around and compare insurance quotes for a suspended license from multiple companies to find the best rates. You may find that the cheapest insurance for a driver with a suspended license is not as cheap as one is hoping for. That doesn’t mean that you cannot get insurance with a suspended license.

Getting car insurance with a suspended license in California can be complex. You might wonder about options like Geico insurance if you have a suspended license, as Geico is known for its coverage variety. Understanding the requirements with Geico insurance if you have a suspended license is very important to know before making any decisions.

While finding the best insurance for a driver with a suspended license, situations can be challenging due to higher suspended license insurance rates. Certain companies like The General Insurance have options if you have a suspended license.

Specific questions arise for some, like, “Can you get insurance with a suspended license in NY?”, or similarly, “Can you buy a car with a suspended license in Florida?” It’s even come up wondering if ” you can register a car with a suspended license in Florida”. These queries highlight the complexities individuals face when navigating getting auto insurance with a suspended license.

You can’t legally drive without insurance, so it’s a good idea to hold onto your current policy if you can. A lapse in insurance coverage can end up costing a lot more, and you can’t drive legally without insurance.

Talk to your current insurer about your options before making a decision about dropping your policy.

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Final Thoughts

Accessing car insurance with a suspended license can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. After a license is suspended finding insurance typically requires looking into what companies will insure if you have a suspended license. To navigate this, understanding how to get car insurance with a suspended license involves exploring options like non-owner policies or seeking insurers that offer full coverage insurance with a suspended license.

Insurance companies can indeed tell if your license is suspended, as they have access to databases that contain driver’s license information and status. Finding cheap car insurance for a driver with a suspended license can be challenging, but accessible because some insurance companies specialize in providing car insurance for those with a suspended license. However, not all insurance companies provide insurance for a driver with a suspended license.

How to get insurance for a suspended license may take some more work upfront. To secure coverage you must first understand your state’s requirements. Then, explore non-owner dealerships, and possible SR-22 insurance as well. Some insurance companies specialize in providing coverage to high-risk drivers, so be sure to do your research to find those companies. Lastly, shop around and make sure that you comply with all requirements.

Being transparent about your situation and working with insurers familiar with these circumstances can help in finding suitable coverage. Don’t forget that, yes, you can get car insurance with a suspended license, but it involves specialized processes. While you may have a restricted license, insurance is obtainable. There are insurance companies that insure drivers with a suspended license.

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