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Getting a car insured even if you don’t have a driver’s license can make sense in many situations. Whether you’re learning to drive, taking a temporary break, have never driven in your life, or never plan to drive again, a vehicle is not only a valuable asset, it’s also heavy machinery whose operation can lead to costly incidents.
Here’s what you need to know to buy car insurance without a license:
Can you buy auto insurance without a license?
Yes, you can insure a car you own even if you don’t have a driver’s license. Instead of a driver’s license, you can use another form of photo identification, such as an ID card, passport or consular matrícula to prove your identity for insurance purposes.
If you’re looking for an auto insurance policy that meets your needs, be sure to shop around and compare rates from multiple providers. This will help you get the best coverage at the right price.
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What level of auto insurance coverage can you get when you don’t have a license?
You can buy one or more of these types of coverage when you don’t have a valid driver’s license:
- Minimum liability insurance to meet state requirements
- Additional liability insurance to better protect you against lawsuits
- Comprehensive coverage to protect against damage and theft
- Collision insurance for car repair or replacement after an accident
Advice: If you’re having trouble getting coverage, an option available in some states is to name a friend or family member as the primary driver on your policy and name yourself as an excluded driver. The policy will be priced based on the primary driver’s record and you don’t have to drive the car at all.
How to buy car insurance without a license
To purchase an auto insurance policy without a license, you will need to follow these steps:
- Find auto insurers that offer it. You may need to look for a non-standard insurance provider, which insures drivers that other carriers won’t. A local insurance broker who sells policies from multiple insurance companies may be able to help you identify your options. And some major insurers offer this coverage, including The Hartford.
- Talk to an insurance agent. Without a valid driver’s license, you may not be able to purchase a policy online, but an insurance agent may be able to accept your application in person or over the phone.
- Choose the types and amounts of coverage you need. If no one is driving your car, you may only need comprehensive coverage. If someone else will be driving your car, you need at least the minimum amount of liability insurance required by your state. You will probably also want collision coverage.
- Pay the premium. Opting for automatic monthly payments instead of paying for six months or a year of coverage up front can help make premiums manageable. Another option is to increase your deductible.
Is it more expensive to insure a car without a licence?
Yes, it can be more expensive to insure a car if you don’t have a valid driver’s license. If you lack driving experience, your insurer will consider you a higher risk customer and will likely charge you a higher rate.
Likewise, if you don’t have a license due to a poor driving record, you may also see your car insurance costs increase. The main offenses that can lead to the revocation of your license include:
- Driving a dangerous vehicle
- Speeding
- cause an accident
- Commit a hit and run
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Check: How long after a car accident can you file a claim?
Why you might need car insurance without a license
Even if you don’t have a license, you might need car insurance for a number of reasons, such as:
- You must register your car. Your state may not allow you to drive or park on public roads if your car is not registered, and your state may not allow you to register your car without insuring it.
- You have a learner’s permit. If you are learning to drive, the vehicle you drive must be insured. You may also need proof of insurance to take a road test, although the insurance does not have to be in your name unless you own the vehicle.
- You don’t drive, but your child does. Your child may not be able to sign an insurance contract until they turn 18. If you do not have an active auto insurance policy, you can purchase a policy in your name with your child listed as the driver of the vehicle.
- You collect cars, but you don’t drive. Maybe you love fixing cars and admiring them in your garage. You might want to protect your collection (and your hard work) with insurance.
- You have a revoked, suspended or canceled licence. This may be the case if you have developed a medical condition or disability that no longer allows you to drive safely, or if you have been caught driving while intoxicated.
When should you insure a car that you don’t know how to drive?
It might seem like an unnecessary expense to pay insurance premiums on a vehicle you won’t be using, but here’s when you might still want a policy:
- You want protection against physical damage and theft. Maybe you store your car while living abroad or own a classic car. Comprehensive coverage can protect you from the risk of paying out of pocket to repair or replace your vehicle.
- Someone else is driving your car. Maybe you can’t drive due to a medical condition, but you want a sitter to drive you to your doctor’s appointments and pick up your groceries.
- You have a suspended license. A DUI conviction will prevent you from driving for several months. However, someone else may still need to drive your vehicle and you may still want comprehensive coverage. Maintaining continuous insurance coverage can also help you with price and availability when you next renew your policy. Your state might even require you to purchase SR-22 insurance.
- You want to park your car on the public road. You need proof of insurance to register your vehicle, and you must register your vehicle if you want a licensed driver to park your car on the street.
- You want to avoid any interruption in your vehicle’s coverage. You could face higher premiums later if you don’t maintain continuous coverage. Your condition can also penalize you.
Keep reading: Medical payment coverage: what is it and how does it work?
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about insuring a car without a driver’s license.
Can you get a license plate without a license?
You don’t need a driver’s license to get a license plate. However, you will need proof of insurance or financial responsibility to register your vehicle with the state. Your vehicle registration is required to have a valid license plate.
How to register a car without a licence?
Check with your state department of motor vehicles for instructions. You’ll likely need valid photo ID, proof of liability insurance, and other documents (like a smog inspection certificate) that meet or exceed state minimum requirements .
Why do insurers prefer licensed drivers?
A licensed driver has a documented driving history. This history helps the insurer assess the driver’s risk profile and price their policy accordingly.
Can you buy auto insurance with a suspended license?
Not only can you obtain insurance with a suspended license, but you may be required to do so under your state’s SR-22 laws.
After a serious incident like a DUI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance, your state may ask you to prove your financial responsibility. Your insurer will complete this form on your behalf.
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