Do you need a drivers license to get car insurance?

In most cases, if you do not have a drivers license, it is virtually impossible to obtain car insurance. In fact, if you do not have a drivers license, you cannot legally drive a car.

So that means you have no need for car insurance, right? Well, not exactly. This is why a few exceptions to the rules have been implemented.

Let’s take a look at some of these unique situations in which you may be able to obtain car insurance without having a license.

Compare car insurance rates now by using our FREE tool! Enter your zip code above to get started!

No License Due to Disability or Other Valid Reason

If you cannot drive due to a disability, you can potentially obtain car insurance on a vehicle that you own without having a license.

You must first meet the following two qualifications:

• Prove that you will never drive the vehicle
• Assign a primary driver to the vehicle who does have a valid drivers license

The primary driver is not necessarily the policyholder in this case.

Even though the insurance and vehicle is in your name, the insurance company uses the driving record of the primary driver to help determine how high the premium will be.

Some states may require the disabled driver to be considered an excluded driver due to the fact that they are physically incapable of driving.

There are also other situations that apply to this same exception, such as those who are retired and have surrendered their license.

This allows caretakers and other people to use your vehicle even if you aren’t able to drive yourself.

Suspended License

If you have a suspended license, you are generally not authorized to drive a vehicle. For someone who once relied on driving, a suspended license can be quite an inconvenience, not to mention humiliating.

Here are some common causes of a suspended license:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or other impairing substances (DUI)
• Neglecting to pay traffic tickets that have accumulated
• Allowing auto insurance to lapse

If you have a suspended license, you may be able to obtain a temporary license, such as a hardship or restricted license, depending on which state you live in.

To get this license, you must prove that the lack of a driver’s license is causing a hardship for you and your family.

This type of license usually allows you to drive to and from work, school, as well as medical appointments.

Obtaining a hardship license does not get you out of any punishments, such as counseling programs, etc.

You must obtain car insurance in order to drive in with a temporary license.

After your license has been suspended, most insurers will move you up to a high-risk category, which can mean high insurance rates.

In some cases, your insurance company may even drop you altogether.

While many insurance companies are hesitant to insure those with a suspended license, there are some out there that will.

To ensure that you get the lowest possible rates, you may want to consider shopping around extensively, checking your eligibility for discounts, and think about the possibility of driving a less expensive vehicle.

Mexican ID Card

If you do not have a state-issued driver’s license, but you have a Mexican ID card or international drivers license, then you may be eligible to obtain car insurance. (For more information, read our “Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies That Accept International Licenses“).

Some states have regulations that allow insurance companies to accept foreign driver’s licenses. (For more information, read our “Can I get car insurance with a foreign driver’s license?“).

Because U.S insurance companies cannot verify Mexican driving records, there may be added surcharges for purchasing a car insurance policy in the United States.

Whether you are looking for liability insurance or full coverage, there is an insurance company out there that will most likely insure you.

The most important thing to remember is if you have no license, don’t drive. It is illegal and you could end up in some real legal trouble.

If you are disabled, have a suspended license, or only have a Mexican ID Card, remember that there are exceptions to the rules that may allow you to obtain car insurance without a drivers license.

Enter your zip code in our FREE tool below to start comparing car insurance rates now!