How to Get Auto Insurance Without a License in 2026 (Follow These 5 Steps)

You can learn how to get auto insurance without a license by taking key steps, these include obtaining an SR-22, adding a primary driver, including an excluded driver, adding a co-owner, or opting for parked car coverage.

While finding coverage without a license is challenging, there are insurers willing to work with you. Learn more in our resource titled “Auto Insurance for Different Types of Drivers.”

To find out if you can get cheaper auto insurance rates, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool above to instantly compare prices from various companies near you.

Secure Valid Car Insurance With No Driver’s License in 5 Steps

Step #1: Obtain SR-22

One of the most common reasons you might need to buy car insurance without a license is if your license gets suspended. You could get a driver’s license suspension for many reasons, usually due to bad driving habits.

In this case, you may need to file an SR-22 form proving to the state that you carry liability insurance before they reinstate your license. Some insurance companies offer SR-22 certificates to high-risk drivers, but not all. If the state requires you to have an SR-22 certificate, ensure each insurance company you consider offers this form.

Step #2: Add Primary Driver

Let’s say you own a vehicle, but someone else usually drives it, like a family member or friend who chauffeurs you around because you can’t drive. You could list that person as the primary driver on your auto insurance policy.

You can also list them as a joint driver, but some insurers require them to be a part of your household. Contact your insurance agent to add another driver to your policy. The representative will need the driver’s personal information and driver’s license number. Remember that you must be on the policy as the car owner, but you can ask to list yourself as an excluded driver.

Step #3: Excluded Driver

It can be difficult to buy auto insurance if you don’t have a valid driver’s license. If you lost your driver’s license, you could ask an insurance company to exclude you as a driver on the policy. Again, you’ll need to add someone else as a primary driver. Not all insurance companies allow drivers to do this, so ask up front when speaking with a representative.

If you already have insurance, call your agent and ask if you can exclude yourself and set someone else as a primary driver. The excluded driver is not allowed to operate the vehicle in any way and isn’t covered if an accident occurs. Check out our ranking of the top providers: Cheap Auto Insurance After an Accident

Step #4: Add Co-Owner

You could also add a co-owner to your vehicle. When you add a co-owner to your vehicle, you should also add them to your insurance policy. Once you get your driver’s license back, contact your insurance company to have the exclusion removed. Then, you can drive the vehicle again with a valid license. Expand your knowledge with our guide, “How to Check if a Vehicle Has Auto Insurance Coverage.”

Step #5: Parked Car Coverage

If you own a vehicle parked in storage, you’ll need insurance for it. Parked car coverage, also known as stored car insurance, only provides comprehensive coverage.  Comprehensive auto insurance covers vehicle damage in a non-collision-related event. Some common incidents where comprehensive coverage kicks in are as follows:

• Fire: Damage caused by accidental fires, electrical malfunctions, or external sources of combustion that impact the vehicle.
• Flood: Water damage resulting from heavy rain, flash floods, hurricanes, or other natural disasters, which can harm the vehicle’s electrical systems, engine, or interior.
• Vandalism: Deliberate acts of damage or destruction to the vehicle by others, such as broken windows, slashed tires, or graffiti.
• Theft: The complete theft of the vehicle or the stealing of specific parts, such as wheels, stereo systems, or catalytic converters.
• Damage From Rodents or Wild Animals: Harm caused by animals, including rodents chewing through wires or interior parts, and collisions or encounters with wild animals that cause damage to the exterior or mechanical systems.

Leaving your vehicle parked in a garage for a long time can be risky, and comprehensive coverage gives you peace of mind knowing that if anything happens, you’re covered. Insurance companies don’t typically require a valid driver’s license for parked-car insurance since the vehicle won’t be on the road.

In addition, if you take the car for a drive, it won’t be covered by insurance if you get into an accident.

Reasons You Might Need Auto Insurance Without a Driver’s License

There are more reasons than you might think for needing car insurance when you don’t have a driver’s license. Whether you can’t drive due to age, a health reason, or bad driving choices, you’ll still need insurance if you own a vehicle. Explore our list of top providers: Cheap Auto Insurance for a Bad Driving Record

You Can’t Drive Due to Health Reasons

Some health conditions leave people unable to drive, either permanently or for a period of time. Car owners should still consider protection, even if their car remains parked.

Even if health issues prevent you from driving, maintaining insurance on a parked car is crucial to avoid rate increases and protect your vehicle.

If you allow your insurance policy to lapse, you might see a rate increase when reinstating your policy. It’s important to keep insurance for any vehicle you own, even when not in use. For a comprehensive analysis, refer to our detailed guide titled “What are the benefits of auto insurance?”

Someone Else Drives You Around

Another common reason someone may not drive is due to age or a suspended license. A younger relative or caregiver often drives them around. Even if you’re not the primary driver, you still need car insurance. You may also notice a rate increase once you turn 65 years old. Take a look at the table below for average annual rates for seniors.

Senior Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider, Age, & Gender

Listing another person as the vehicle’s primary driver may lower your rates, but it may not be an option with every insurance company. Always check with your insurer to see if adding another person will help lower your premium.  For detailed information, refer to our comprehensive report titled “Auto Insurance Premium Defined.”

Student Drives, You Don’t

It’s also tradition to gift a vehicle to your teenager on their 16th birthday. Often, this vehicle is purchased before that birthday so that the teen can practice driving in it, or it’s sitting somewhere waiting to be a surprise. To enhance your understanding, explore our comprehensive resource on insurance titled “How to Help Teen Drivers Get Their First License.”

Even if no one is driving the vehicle, it still needs insurance. Almost every state requires drivers to show proof of insurance before registering the vehicle at the Department of Motor Vehicles. If your teenager isn’t old enough to be on their own policy, add them to yours, or someone else’s who is 18 or older.

You Have a Suspended Driver’s License

As stated earlier, if your license gets suspended or revoked due to a DUI or bad driving habits, you might be required to show proof of insurance through an SR-22 certificate. Your insurance company issues this form to prove to the state you have the minimum amount of insurance required by law.

If you can’t drive due to a suspended driver’s license, but someone else is driving your vehicle, ensure you still have insurance on it. You also want to avoid any lapse in insurance coverage.

Your Own a Vehicle You Don’t Drive

Even if your classic car stays in the garage, insurance is essential to protect its value. Comprehensive insurance covers any damage to your vintage vehicle while sitting idle. It also covers the vehicle if it gets stolen. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed resource titled “Classic Car Insurance.”

Even without a driver’s license, there are several situations where you might still need auto insurance. Whether due to health reasons, a suspended license, or owning a vehicle that others drive, maintaining coverage can help protect you from legal and financial risks. This guide highlights the key reasons why you may need car insurance even if you’re not the one behind the wheel.

Navigating Auto Insurance Without a License: Essential Strategies

Even without a driver’s license, you can still obtain auto insurance by listing someone else as the primary driver or obtaining specific coverage like parked car insurance. In cases of a suspended license, you may need an SR-22 certificate to prove you have insurance.

Options like excluding yourself as a driver or adding a co-owner to your policy can help navigate these challenges. This guide outlines five steps to secure coverage and explains common situations where unlicensed individuals may need car insurance. To gain profound insights, consult our extensive guide titled “Full Coverage Auto Insurance.”

You can find affordable auto insurance no matter what your driving record looks like by entering your ZIP code below in our free quote comparison tool.