Can You Get Car Insurance If You Do Not Have A Driver’s License?

It sounds like a trick question, but plenty of people ask it. Maybe you own a car and someone else drives it for you. Maybe you are buying a car for your teenager. Maybe your license has lapsed, or you have a learner’s permit and need the car insured before you start practising.

The short answer is yes, it can be done, but it is not as simple as buying a policy with a license. Many insurers will not sell one, and the ones that do usually have rules.

How It Usually Works

Most insurers want a licensed driver on the policy. If you do not have a license, you can often list yourself as an excluded driver, which means the car is insured but you are not covered if you drive it. You then name a licensed person as the main driver.

Online quote tools often ask for a driver’s license number, so you may need to speak to an agent or call the insurer directly. Consumer guides also note that some well-known companies will not write these policies at all, so it is worth asking more than one.

Get a free quote

Get Free Insurance

Quote online Now!

Quick
Easy
No Obligation

Compare quotes and see how much you could save.

Your privacy and security are important.

Common Ways To Set It Up

Exclude yourself
List yourself as an excluded driver so the policy only covers the licensed driver.
Name a licensed driver
The person who will really drive the car most often should be listed as the primary driver.
Talk to an agent
An agent can tell you which insurers accept this kind of policy in your state.
Compare insurers
Prices and rules differ, so request more than one quote.

Why Someone Without A License Might Need Insurance

You own a car that a family member, caregiver or hired driver uses.
You are buying insurance for a teenager who is licensed or about to be.
You have a learner’s permit and need cover before you start driving.
You own a classic or stored car that you want protected.
Your license is suspended and you want to keep the car insured.

The Honesty Rule

This is the most important part. Always tell the insurer who really drives the car. Listing a licensed person as the main driver when someone else actually drives it can count as misrepresentation, and it can lead to a denied claim or a cancelled policy. Progressive’s guidance also warns that if you cause an accident while driving without a license, your insurer may deny coverage. Keep it honest and everything works the way it should.

Risks Of Driving Without A License

Insurance does not make it legal to drive without a license. Penalties vary by state and can include fines and other consequences. If you need to get licensed, finishing that step first can open up more options and often lowers the price.

What About A Suspended License?

Some insurers will still write a policy, sometimes with an SR-22 filing. Read our guide to SR-22 insurance and our page on non-standard auto insurance for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy the car and insure it before I get licensed?

Often yes, but you will probably need a licensed driver listed, and some insurers will not agree. Ask before you buy.

Will I pay more?

Possibly. Prices depend on the licensed driver’s record, the car and the insurer, so compare quotes.

Related Guides

Non-owner car insurance for people who drive other people’s cars but do not own one
First car insurance if you are getting your first car and license
How to insure a teen driver if you are buying cover for a young driver
What happens if you drive without car insurance and why staying insured matters