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You Can Get Auto Insurance Without a Drivers License

You may not realize it, but you can get auto insurance without a driver's license, though the insurance companies in many states don't advertise it heavily. In fact, there are many good reasons that you might need car insurance even though you don't have a driver's license. Every state requires that all vehicles be insured if they're on a public road so if you own a car and someone will be driving it, your car must be insured. Finding auto insurance when you're not a licensed driver can be a little tricky, though.

If you shop for auto insurance quotes online, you may find that you can't get an insurance quote unless you provide a driver's license number. That's because auto insurers need your license number to get your driving record, which they use to determine how much they'll charge you for your insurance. If you don't provide a driver's license number, you can't get a quote at those websites. Other websites allow you to enter a 0 or to skip the driver's license number, but the auto insurance quote you get may not be as accurate.

Reasons for Needing Auto Insurance With No License

As noted, there are a number of reasons that you might need auto insurance without driver's license. One of the most common reasons is that you own a car but don't drive it. This is the case for many older adults or disabled adults who don't drive, but keep their car and have another person drive them. In that case, the auto insurance company will probably require the names and license numbers of one or more designated drivers in order to insure your car, and your auto insurance premium will depend on their driving record.

If your license has been suspended or has expired, your auto insurer will generally require you to renew your license or do whatever is required to have your suspension lifted within 30 to 45 days. If that happens and you're unable to fix the suspension before your grace period expires, you'll be in the position of having a suspended license and no auto insurance.

In some cases, particularly if you have been convicted of driving without a license, state law or a judge may require you to carry auto insurance even if you don't drive or own an automobile. The purpose of this is to protect others if you continue to drive without a driver's license. There are insurance companies that specialize in providing auto insurance for unlicensed drivers. Often, it's easiest to get a list of those insurance companies from the traffic court, but you can find them if you call around or check online auto insurance quotes.

If that's the case, you can expect to pay high premiums, though shopping around can help you find cheaper auto insurance for unlicensed drivers. Keep in mind that having auto insurance doesn't give you the right to drive without a driver's license. You're still required to follow the laws of your state. However, carrying auto insurance without a driver's license can help you establish your credibility and make it easier for you to recover your license eventually.