To legally drive a car, you need a valid driver’s license. But you might be surprised to learn that car insurance companies don’t usually require a driver’s license to issue a policy. If you don’t have a driver’s license but need to insure a vehicle that’s registered in your name, you can still purchase car insurance coverage.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about getting car insurance without a driver’s license, including how to purchase a policy and what type of coverage you need. We’ll also mention how getting car insurance without a driver’s license might affect the cost of your policy.
Our rates are based on public rate filings obtained by analytics company First Interpreter. While we may partner with some of the carriers you see on our site, we maintain editorial independence and it does not affect the rates you see. Read more about our rating methodology or see our rigorous editorial policy.
If you’re wondering, “Can you get car insurance without a license,” the answer is yes. You can get car insurance without a driver’s license. However, the process of buying car insurance might be somewhat more complicated.
Without having a driver’s license, car insurance companies might be hesitant to sell you a policy. After all, you can’t legally drive any vehicle without a license. Because of that, some car insurance providers might require you to add a primary driver to your policy who does have a driver’s license.
Ultimately, every car insurance company has different guidelines around issuing policies to individuals who aren’t licensed. If you’re in this situation, it might be helpful to call a few insurers and ask about their policies around selling coverage to unlicensed drivers.
Answer a few questions to compare personalized rates at a large list of car insurance providers
No phone or email required
"*" indicates required fields
30 Seconds | No Sign-Up | Reliable Results
If you don’t have a driver’s license, it’s safe to say you won’t be driving the vehicle you want to insure. But if the vehicle is registered in your name, and someone else will be driving it, you will need to purchase a car insurance policy.
Here are a few situations where you might need to get car insurance without a driver’s license:
If your driver’s license has been suspended, you will probably need to show proof of car insurance in order to reinstate your license. In this case, you would need to have an active car insurance policy, even though you can’t legally drive yet.
If you don’t have a driver’s license but your teen children are learning to drive, you might need to purchase a vehicle and an insurance policy. In some states, teenagers can’t purchase car insurance until they turn 18, so you could purchase the policy under your name and list one of your kids as the primary driver.
If you have a learner’s permit and are working on getting your driver’s license, you will need to get car insurance if the vehicle is registered in your name. However, you might need to list another licensed driver, like a parent or sibling, in order to get coverage.
If you own a classic car that sits in storage, it’s a good idea to purchase comprehensive insurance, which provides coverage against potential losses like theft and flood damage. Even if you don’t have a driver’s license, you can still buy car insurance, so the vehicle remains protected, even if no one drives it.
The process of purchasing auto insurance without a license is similar to the process of getting insurance with a license. You will need to apply for a policy and provide some information about yourself and your vehicle.
You will probably find that most car insurance applications ask for your driver’s license number. This is used to analyze your driving history, which can impact your premium. If you don’t have a license, you may need to list another licensed driver as the primary driver on the policy. If you run into any issues, it’s best to speak with an agent who can guide you through the process.
"*" indicates required fields
In most cases, you are not required to carry full coverage car insurance if you don’t have a driver’s license. You must meet your state’s requirements for minimum coverage car insurance, which usually includes liability insurance, as well as personal injury protection (PIP) if you live in a no-fault state.
However, you might need to carry full coverage with no license if you’re insuring a vehicle that is leased or financed. Your lender can explain the specific car insurance requirements if you are in the process of paying off the vehicle.
For auto insurance companies, it’s often riskier to insure a driver who does not have a license. However, it shouldn’t impact the cost of your policy.
If you purchase car insurance and don’t have a license, the insurance company may look at the driving record of the person who’s listed as the primary driver. If this person has a history of tickets and accidents, you can expect to pay a higher rate for insurance. If they have a clean record, your premium will probably be more affordable.
In addition to driving record, the insurance company will also consider your location, age, credit score, vehicle type, and coverage limits to calculate your premium. If you’re eligible for discounts, you might be able to save money on your policy.
Because car insurance rates are personalized, it’s a good idea to get a few quotes to see which insurer is the cheapest for your situation. You can use Rate Retriever to compare car insurance rates to find your best fit.
Compare how much insurance costs at the top insurance companies near you
30 Seconds | No Sign-Up | Reliable Results
At Rate Retriever, our mission is to make the way you shop for insurance transparent and fair through user-friendly tools that respect your privacy and deliver reliable, comprehensive results.
So we took everything we hated about comparing insurance quotes online – the spam, the long questionnaires, the limited choices, the inaccuracy of quote prices – and threw it out the window, favoring a short form that more accurately estimates what you’ll pay at each of the top insurance providers near you.
Rate Retriever is an independent company that is not owned by an insurance provider, nor do we provide insurance ourselves. This independence allows us to be your free and impartial insurance research tool, helping you make the best decisions for your insurance needs.
We may earn a commission when you click one of the links or call one of the providers listed on our site; however, we do not allow our partnerships to influence which information we provide.
Dig up the best insurance providers in seconds
Copyright © Rate Retriever Insurance Services LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Soleo Communications, Inc. 2024. All Rights Reserved. Use of Rate Retriever’s services is subject to our Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, and Terms and Conditions. Accessibility statement. Cookie policy.