According to data, there are about 282 million vehicles on U.S. roads. The law in most states requires these cars to have some form of auto insurance. However, not all owners are licensed drivers.
How is it possible, then, to get auto insurance without a driver's license?
You can get auto insurance without a driver's license by filing an SR-22 form if your license is suspended, buying a policy with someone else listed as a driver, adding a co-owner, or listing yourself as an excluded driver on the policy.
Here's how to get auto insurance without a license and why you should do it.
Why Do You Need Car Insurance if You Don't Have a Driver's License?
It's possible to own a car but not be the one driving it. Here're several reasons why you may want to buy auto insurance despite lacking a driver's license.
Your Status as an Unlicensed Driver is Not Permanent
You must get auto insurance if you want to get behind the wheel of a car as an unlicensed driver with a learner's permit while working towards getting your license.
Alternatively, if you stopped driving due to a treatable health condition or any other temporary situation, maintaining your coverage will keep you eligible to get behind the wheel later.
Your Child Drives, but They're Under 18
Insurance policies are legally binding contracts between the policyholder and the insurer. Therefore, most states require that you're at least 18 years old to sign an insurance contract.
If your child is below 18, has a driving license, and can drive, you can buy an auto insurance policy and list them as a licensed driver.
You Have a Classic Car
Auto insurance insures against theft and vandalism. These can affect a classic car you rarely drive but often have in storage in your garage. You can pair your auto insurance coverage with classic car insurance since you won't necessarily need medical payments or collision coverage since the vehicle rarely drives out.
You're Unable to Drive Yourself
Age and medical conditions can prohibit you from being able to drive your vehicle. Alternatively, you may prefer being chauffeured to driving your vehicle.
Regardless of the condition, if someone else offers you transportation in your car, you must obtain auto insurance and list them as the primary driver.
What Level of Coverage Do You Get Without a License?
You can get various types of auto insurance coverage without a driver's license. Here're the most common ones:
Bare-bones liability coverage – This coverage ensures you're compliant with state laws
Additional liability coverage – This coverage protects you against lawsuits
Comprehensive coverage – This coverage protects you against damage and theft
Collision coverage – This coverage covers car replacement and repair after an accident
Some states mandate that before getting coverage, you must list a family member or friend as the primary driver in the policy and name yourself as an excluded driver.
Most policies get billed based on the primary driver's records. Moreover, you must not drive the car if the insurance policy excludes you as a driver.
You'll most likely pay more for the insurance coverage than someone with a valid driver's license.
Can You Get Auto Insurance with a Suspended License?
If you received a suspended or restricted license because of a DUI, a poor driving record, or an at-fault accident where you didn't have car insurance, you must obtain auto insurance to have your license reinstated.
The department of motor vehicles will require proof that you've purchased the minimum required coverage before issuing a license reinstatement. The auto insurance minimum coverage requirements vary across states.
Your insurance carrier may also have to submit an SR-22 form to confirm your coverage. This form is also known as the "certificate of financial responsibility."
How You Can Buy Auto Insurance Without a License
It is possible to get auto insurance as an unlicensed driver. However, most insurance companies don't offer auto insurance under these circumstances. Those that do require a few extra steps to grant coverage.
For those that offer such coverage, here're the typical steps you'll have to take to obtain auto insurance.
Buy a Policy with Someone Else Listed as the Driver
Most auto insurance policies require someone to be listed as a primary driver. This person owns or jointly owns the vehicle and will drive it the most.
Therefore, if you own a car but don't drive it, you can list someone else as the primary driver and obtain auto insurance. Some carriers may require that the primary driver is a member of your household. Speak with your agent to ensure you know the requirements of each carrier.
You'll often need the driver's license number and identifying information with you, as the car owner, also listed in the policy.
Add a Co-Owner
Most insurance companies will make obtaining auto insurance without a valid driver's license hard unless you add a co-owner or household driver to the policy. This person must also be the primary listed driver on the policy.
The premium charged on your policy will depend on the co-owner's driving and claims history.
List Yourself as an Excluded Driver
An excluded driver is someone who the auto insurance policy will not cover behind the vehicle's wheel. Some insurance companies may list you as an excluded driver before giving you an auto insurance policy. However, not all insurers accept this provision.
If you obtain your license later, you can talk to the insurance agent or company to remove the exclusion and allow you to have valid insurance when behind the wheel.
Get Parked Car Coverage
If you collect cars or own a classic car you don't drive, you can opt for parked car coverage, also known as storage coverage. This cover protects against theft, fire, floods, or any other insured incident.
Get an Auto Insurance Policy from a Reputable Insurer
Nothing prevents you from owning a vehicle without a driver's license. Despite the more complicated process, you can obtain adequate auto insurance to protect your car and the driver. Get in touch with a reputable insurer and get the right coverage for your needs.