Can you get car insurance with an expired license?
Though doing so may require more effort, you can get auto insurance with an expired license. Discover what options are available for those with expired licenses needing auto insurance.
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Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
UPDATED: Sep 19, 2024
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Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 19, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Despite popular belief, you can buy car insurance with an expired license. You can even get car insurance with no license at all. However, doing so may prove more difficult than if you have a valid license. If you shop for coverage with an expired license, it is important to know what types of insurance are available to you and how to present your situation on insurance applications.
- You can get car insurance with an expired license
- However, getting car insurance with an expired license may be more complex
- An unlicensed driver can get auto insurance in the form of SR-22, parked car, or excluded driver coverage
Purchasing Auto Insurance With an Expired License: What the Law Says
There is no law that states that you have to have a license to get insurance. However, despite this, most auto insurance companies will not provide car insurance for no valid license. In fact, the larger insurance companies, such as State Farm, Geico, Progressive, and Allstate, will not offer you an insurance quote without first receiving proof of your ability to drive.
There are a couple of reasons for this. First, unlicensed drivers pose more of a risk (read our “Compare Best Car Insurance Companies That Insure Unlicensed Drivers” for more information). If you do not have a current license, there is no way for the insurance company to know whether you currently pass the vision or driving tests, or whether you are familiar with the local rules of the road. Two, if your license has been expired for a considerable length of time, the insurance company may question your ability to drive in a safe or confident manner.
That said, you can get car insurance without a current license. You just need to know where to look and what type of policies to consider.
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How to Get Car Insurance Without a Valid Driver’s License
If you want to buy car insurance with an expired driver’s license, you must be careful in how you go about the search and application processes. Though you will unlikely qualify for traditional coverage, there are a few ways you can go about getting insurance with license expired.
Read more: How much does an expired license affect car insurance rates?
Look Into SR-22 Certificates
An SR-22 certificate is proof of liability insurance for drivers who the state deems “high-risk” and who possess suspended licenses. Whether the state suspended your license or your license merely expired, you may be able to purchase an SR-22 certificate by labeling yourself a high-risk driver. Not all auto insurance carriers offer this type of coverage, but enough do that you should be able to find it in your state.
List Yourself as an Excluded Driver
It is not uncommon for a vehicle owner and policyholder to be two different people. For instance, elderly persons often insure their vehicles via their own policies but list an adult child or caregiver as the primary driver. If you own a vehicle that another person plans to drive, you may be able to list yourself as an excluded driver and name the other person as the primary driver.
As with SR-22 certificates, not all insurance companies allow policyholders to include excluded drivers. However, if you can find one that does, this may be the simplest way to insure a car without a valid license until you renew it.
Bear in mind that if an officer catches you driving on an expired license and as an “excluded driver,” the state will treat you as both an unlicensed and uninsured driver. Both offenses come with fines and other penalties, such as vehicle impoundment.
Read More: Does car insurance cover excluded drivers?
Look Into Parked Car Insurance
Many people own vehicles they don’t drive but still want to insure in the event of accidental damage. To accommodate these needs, many insurance companies offer parked car insurance. So yes, you can get car insurance if your license is expired.
Parked car insurance, which some companies refer to as stored car insurance or comprehensive-only coverage, provides just comprehensive coverage. This means that it will cover only damage that occurs when the vehicle is in storage or while parked. This ultimate guide for comprehensive coverage will tell you more. Types of damage against which parked car insurance safeguards include:
- Flooding
- Fire
- Vandalism
- Theft
- Falling objects
- Wild animals or rodents
Because auto insurance companies do not intend for you to drive a parked vehicle, you do not need a valid driver’s license to obtain parked car coverage. Additionally, as the risk of the vehicle sustaining damage while parked is low, a comprehensive-only policy will likely cost you considerably less than a liability policy.
As with listing yourself as an excluded driver, however, know that driving on a comprehensive-only policy is equivalent to driving while uninsured. Moreover, if you get into an accident while driving the vehicle, your insurance policy will not pay for the damages.
List Someone Else as a Driver
Similar to listing yourself as an excluded driver, you may qualify for a policy if you list someone else as the primary driver of the vehicle you wish to insure. Most insurance companies require the primary driver to also have ownership of the vehicle. However, there are some situations in which a company may make exceptions, such as in the situation of a chauffeur or caretaker.
Change Your Vehicle’s Registration
If all else fails, consider adding another person’s name to your vehicle’s registration to establish co-ownership. You can then list the co-owner as the primary driver, which insures him or her and your vehicle.
Can you buy a car with an expired license?
If you plan to finance a vehicle through a dealership, you will likely need to present proof of insurance, which often requires a valid driver’s license. However, you may be able to get around this requirement if you plan to purchase the vehicle with cash. The same is true if you purchase a vehicle from a private party. If you need financing but do not have a current license or insurance, a local bank may be willing to extend you a loan.
Read More: What to Do if Your Car Insurance Expires
Do you need car insurance if you have a car but don’t have a current license?
Yes, if you own a vehicle you should purchase, at a minimum, a comprehensive policy or parked car policy. This will protect your parked vehicle against accidental damage, such as flood damage, falling objects, vandalism, and other unforeseeable events.
Read more: How do you get car insurance with no license?
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Find Car Insurance To Suit Your Needs With an Expired License
There is an auto insurance policy for just about every type of vehicle owner, even those whose licenses are currently expired. If you need auto insurance but do not have an up-to-date license, a bit of time and research will reveal the policy that is right for you.
Case Studies: Obtaining Auto Insurance With an Expired License
Case Study 1: The Responsible Driver
John, a responsible driver, had his driver’s license expire due to an administrative oversight. Despite having an excellent driving record, he struggled to find an insurance company willing to provide coverage with an expired license. Eventually, he discovered a small local insurance agency that specializes in high-risk cases.
The agency understood John’s situation and offered him an insurance policy at a slightly higher premium to account for the expired license. John was relieved to secure coverage and ensured he renewed his license promptly.
Case Study 2: The Parked Car Owner
Sarah owned a classic car that she rarely drove, keeping it parked in her garage most of the time. She wanted to protect her beloved vehicle from potential damage but didn’t have a valid driver’s license.
After researching her options, she found an insurance company that offered comprehensive-only coverage specifically designed for parked cars. She obtained this policy, which provided protection against theft, vandalism, and other non-driving-related damages, allowing her to safeguard her valuable car even without a current license.
Read more: Garaged Car Insurance
Case Study 3: The Temporary Driver
Linda recently moved to a new city and planned to rely on public transportation instead of driving. However, she occasionally needed to borrow her neighbor’s car for grocery shopping and errands. Linda didn’t have a valid driver’s license, but her neighbor agreed to list her as an excluded driver on the car insurance policy.
This arrangement allowed Linda to drive her neighbor’s car legally and with the necessary insurance coverage, understanding that any accidents or violations caused by Linda wouldn’t be covered by the insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get car insurance with an expired license?
No, typically, you cannot get car insurance with an expired license. Most insurance companies require a valid driver’s license to issue a policy.
Why do insurance companies require a valid driver’s license?
Insurance companies require a valid driver’s license because it is a legal requirement to drive a vehicle. The license serves as proof of your ability to legally operate a vehicle and demonstrates your driving history, which affects the insurance rates.
What should I do if my license is expired?
If your license is expired, you should contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent licensing authority to renew it. Once you have a valid license, you can proceed with obtaining car insurance.
Are there any exceptions or special circumstances where insurance companies may consider providing coverage with an expired license?
While it is uncommon, some insurance companies may offer temporary coverage or special arrangements for individuals with expired licenses, such as when the license renewal is in process. However, this varies between insurers, so it’s essential to inquire directly with the insurance company.
What are the consequences of driving without a valid license or insurance?
Driving without a valid license or insurance can have serious legal consequences. It may result in fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and even criminal charges. Moreover, if you are involved in an accident, you may be personally liable for damages and injuries.
Do you need proof of insurance to renew your license?
In many U.S. states, proof of insurance is required to renew your driver’s license.
Will insurance cover an accident with an expired license?
Whether insurance covers an accident with an expired license can vary depending on the circumstances and the insurance policy. However, driving with an expired license is generally considered a violation of the terms of most insurance policies, which could affect coverage.
Can I finance a car with an expired license?
It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to finance a car with an expired license, as lenders typically require a valid driver’s license to approve a car loan.
Can I get car insurance without a license?
If you need car insurance, you’ll need to get your license renewed because insurers require a license as part of the application process.
Can I get Geico insurance without a license?
Geico does not provide insurance with an expired license.
Does an expired driving license invalidate insurance?
Driving a vehicle with an expired license violates the terms of an insurance policy. An expired license could void insurance coverage.
Can you renew car insurance with an expired license?
Renewing car insurance with an expired license may be difficult, as insurance companies typically require a valid license to provide coverage.
Does an expired license affect insurance?
You cannot drive with an expired license as it can affect your coverage and may result in higher premiums or even denial of coverage in some cases.
Can you claim on an expired insurance policy?
You cannot make an insurance claim with an expired driving license or insurance policy. Any claims made after the policy or license expires, would not be covered because your insurance is not valid with an expired license.
Can you get car insurance without a license in Florida?
No, because insurance will not cover you if your license is expired in Florida.
Can you get car insurance without a license in Michigan?
No, you cannot get car insurance without a valid driver’s license in Michigan.
Does State Farm cover unlicensed drivers?
State Farm requires a valid driver’s license to provide coverage.
Will insurance pay if my driver’s license expired?
Insurance will not pay if your license has expired. Any claims related to incidents that occur while driving with an expired license may be denied.
If my insurance expires today, can I still drive?
It’s generally not advisable to drive without valid insurance. If your insurance expires, you should renew it before driving to ensure you’re properly covered.
Can you insure a car without a license in Massachusetts?
No, you cannot insure a car without a valid driver’s license in Massachusetts.
Can you get car insurance with an expired registration?
You cannot get car insurance with an expired registration as most insurance companies typically require a valid vehicle registration when you apply for coverage.
What happens if you get into an accident with an expired license?
If you get into a car accident with an expired license, you could face legal consequences such as fines, penalties, or even potential criminal charges.
Can you get car insurance without a license in PA?
Generally, it’s difficult to get car insurance without a valid driver’s license in Pennsylvania or any other state. Your insurance will not be valid if your licence has expired.
Do I need proof of insurance to renew my license?
The requirements for renewing a driver’s license vary by state. In some states, you may need to provide proof of insurance to renew your license, while in others, it may not be necessary.
Do you need car insurance to renew your license?
Generally, you don’t need car insurance to renew your driver’s license. However, you may need to provide proof of insurance if you plan to drive after renewing your license.
Does an expired registration affect insurance?
While an expired registration itself may not directly affect your insurance coverage, driving with an expired registration could lead to legal consequences and potentially affect your insurance rates.
Which car insurance companies require no license?
Car insurance with no license required can be difficult to obtain as most insurers require a valid driver’s license to provide coverage.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.