Can you get auto insurance without a license?
If you own the car, you must buy auto insurance for it, even if you can't drive it. Most insurance companies will only sell policies to vehicle owners who have a license, so it may be difficult finding auto insurance without a license.
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Eric Stauffer
Licensed Insurance Agent
Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 4, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 4, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
You may have to have a license to drive a vehicle, but you don’t have to have a license to own one. If you’re planning to buy a vehicle that you can’t legally drive yourself, it’s important to research your options when it comes to insuring it. Keep in mind that some of the largest insurance companies in the US won’t allow you to qualify for auto insurance without a license. That’s why it is so important that you do your research and find an insurance provider that will allow you to get car insurance without a license.
While it is possible to find insurance on your car, it may take some time to find an insurance provider with lenient enough underwriting guidelines.
- In all states, as long as you’re old enough to own property, you can legally buy a car regardless of your licensing status
- Driving without car insurance is illegal, so if you own a car, make sure to get coverage for it
- Since you can buy a car without a license, it’s possible to find an insurance company that will issue you a car insurance policy without a license. Not all companies will insure you when you disclose that you’re not licensed.
- If you are buying a standard personal auto policy and you’re not licensed, you need to select a primary driver to list on your policy
- If you don’t own a car and you have a suspended license, some carriers will issue you a nonowner’s policy so that you can satisfy SR-22 requirements to get your license reinstated
Can you get auto insurance without a license?
Most preferred carriers will only sell car insurance to vehicle owners who have a license. However, standard and substandard companies in the industry with quality products still exist in the industry.
If you’re not sure how to go about finding car insurance without a license, here’s what you should know:
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Is auto insurance required in most states?
It’s up to you to decide if you want to study and test to earn your driving privilege but you can’t just pick and choose if you want to buy insurance for your motor vehicle.
If you own a car that’s registered in your state of residence, you must comply with the state insurance laws. Since auto insurance is mandatory in almost every state, the car needs to have at least state minimum auto coverage at all times.
Who is responsible for insuring a car?
You might not be operating the motor vehicle, but you’re the one responsible for insuring it. Remember that driving a car without insurance is illegal in all but two states.
As long as it’s registered to you through the Department of Motor Vehicles, you’re the party who’s legally responsible for any damages that are caused while the car is being operated. This is why it’s the registered owner’s duty to comply with insurance laws and find a car insurance company that is willing to work with you.
Can you get a standard auto insurance policy?
It’s very important that your vehicle registration and your auto insurance match or this could pose problems for you with the state. Since both the insurance and the registration need to be in the same name, there can be some setbacks while you’re shopping for insurance.
Every company has its own underwriting guidelines for a car owner. Some of the companies have more flexible eligibility requirements than others.
It’s common for preferred car insurance carriers who sell insurance in the standard market to deny applicants who don’t have a license. Most preferred auto insurers will only insure named insureds who have an active license and an acceptable driving record.
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What if your spouse has a license?
In many states, you can word your vehicle registration to say your name or your spouse’s name.
If there’s an “or” between the names and your spouse is licensed, it’s possible to insure the car in your spouse’s name without putting yourself as a named insured. This can help you get liability coverage with an auto insurance company.
This will ensure that you are in compliance with the state law and underwriting guidelines.
You don’t always have to be strategic with the wording on your car registration.
In many states, a car is community property when you’re married. Because of this, the car insurance contract states that you and your resident spouse are each considered a named insured.
How can you insure a car without naming a spouse as a named insured?
If you aren’t married or your spouse doesn’t live in the same household as you, you need to find a car insurance carrier that will allow you to be listed as a named insured.
Once you find a carrier with lenient guidelines, you need to have a primary driver to list. The primary driver is the person who will affect the rates.
Without a primary driver on the policy, you can’t get insurance.
Auto insurers aren’t going to extend coverage to an owner who can’t drive the vehicle legally and doesn’t have any intentions of having someone drive it.
It’s also impossible for the carrier to underwrite risk when there’s no driver assigned to the vehicle.
What You Should Consider When You’re Selecting a Driver
Make sure you know who you’re listing under the policy before you apply for car insurance. If the primary driver that you select has several moving violations, traffic violations multiple accidents, or serious convictions, your application could still be denied.
If you aren’t turned away, your rates could be very high due to the high risk of accident or property damage. Teen drivers are also considered risky to insure.
You can get insurance without a license and register a car even if you don’t have a driver’s license, but it’s not always easy. You will likely need to list yourself as an excluded driver on the policy. However, some insurance companies still might not sell you a car insurance policy.
Many auto insurers require primary drivers to live in the same household as you. If they live in a different household, you might need to put a different garaging address for rating the premiums.
It’s also better to list a driver with several years of experience if you want to keep your rates affordable. Inexperienced operators are classified as high risk.
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What happens if you don’t own a car?
It’s not common, but there may come a time where you need auto insurance coverage but you don’t have a drivers’ license or a car. This usually happens when your license has been suspended and you need to file an SR-22 form to get your license back.
Many times SR-22 filings are required after an uninsured accident, multiple no-insurance convictions, or DUI convictions. If you need SR-22 insurance, it will go on your driving records and can affect your driving history for a number of years. SR-22 insurance coverage requirements may also affect your car insurance rates.
Auto insurance carriers must issue and submit your proof of financial responsibility to the DMV. Since you’re not licensed, you can’t be added to a friend or family member’s auto insurance policy. You will need a non-owner’s car insurance policy to get your drivers’ license.
Not all companies issue these policies to people without a valid license, but many do.
If you can get a car without a drivers’ license, you should be able to insure a car without a license too. Finding non-owner auto insurance might not be as easy though.
After you find companies with flexible rules, you can compare insurance premium rates to find the best deals. Use an online rate comparison tool and you will get the instant quotes that you need to make a quick decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you consider when selecting a driver for insurance?
It’s important to carefully choose the primary driver listed on your policy. Factors such as driving record, accidents, violations, and convictions can impact your application and rates. Additionally, inexperienced drivers and teen drivers are considered high risk, which may affect insurance premiums.
How can you insure a car without naming a spouse as a named insured?
If you’re not married or your spouse doesn’t live in the same household, you’ll need to find an insurance carrier that allows you to be listed as a named insured. You’ll also need to select a primary driver for the policy, as it’s necessary for the insurance company to assign a driver to the vehicle.
What if your spouse has a license?
If your vehicle registration lists your name or your spouse’s name with an “or” between them, you can insure the car in your spouse’s name without naming yourself as a named insured. This can help you obtain liability coverage with an auto insurance company and stay in compliance with state laws and underwriting guidelines.
Can I get auto insurance if I have a learner’s permit?
Yes, many insurance companies offer coverage for drivers with learner’s permits. However, it’s important to check with your insurance provider to confirm their specific requirements and coverage options.
Does my credit score affect my auto insurance rates?
Yes, in many states, insurance companies consider credit scores when determining auto insurance rates. Studies have shown a correlation between credit history and the likelihood of filing insurance claims. Maintaining good credit can help you secure lower insurance premiums.
Can I switch auto insurance companies before my policy expires?
Yes, you have the freedom to switch insurance companies at any time. However, it’s important to consider any potential cancellation fees or penalties from your current insurer and ensure that you have a new policy in place before canceling the old one.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Eric Stauffer
Licensed Insurance Agent
Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.