Best Car Insurance For No-License Drivers
Car insurance is available for those without a driver’s license. Among the top providers are Progressive, The General, Dairyland, Direct Auto, and SafeAuto.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $600 per year on their car insurance.
While it’s legal to purchase car insurance without a valid driver’s license in many U.S. states, driving without one is always illegal. People without a driver’s license shop for coverage for reasons like suspended licenses, classic cars in storage, or needing SR-22 filings.
While it’s sometimes difficult to find and obtain, insurance for unlicensed drivers exists.
Key Takeaways
You can insure a vehicle without a valid license, but you can’t legally drive it.
Most insurers require listing a licensed primary driver while excluding the unlicensed person.
SR-22 filings or non-owner policies are common solutions for unlicensed applicants.
Nonstandard insurers offer flexibility but often at higher premiums.
Always verify exclusions in writing before binding coverage.
Best Car Insurance For Drivers Without A License, 2025
Quick Tip: When applying for insurance without a license, list a trusted licensed household member as the primary driver and request that you be excluded in writing.
Compare The Best Car Insurance For No-License Drivers
| Overall Rating | Best Suited For | Availability / Reach | SR-22 / High-Risk Support | Handling of Unlicensed Drivers | Get A Quote | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive |
|
Most flexible, SR-22 & multi-driver households |
50 states, strong digital tools |
Excellent |
Allows excluded driver policies |
Instant Quote |
| The General |
|
High-risk or suspended licenses |
47 states, broad SR-22 reach |
Excellent |
Accepts with exclusions |
Instant Quote |
| Dairyland |
|
Nonstandard & no-license drivers |
37 states, nonstandard markets |
Strong |
Commonly insures non-drivers Instant Quote |
Instant Quote |
| Direct Auto |
|
Minimal coverage & budget shoppers |
20+ states |
Moderate |
Often flexible with alternate IDs Instant Quote |
Instant Quote |
| SafeAuto |
|
Affordable state-minimum coverage |
20+ states |
Moderate |
May accept exclusions on a case-by-case basis Instant Quote |
Instant Quote |
Best Car Insurance Companies For No-License Drivers
Best Overall for Flexibility and SR-22 Support
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Progressive leads the mainstream market in accommodating complex driver situations. It’s among the few top carriers that will insure someone who doesn’t personally drive but owns a car. You can list a licensed household member as the primary driver and exclude yourself. Progressive also supports SR-22 filings, non-owner coverage, and storage policies, all valuable for people between licenses or waiting for reinstatement.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Offers SR-22 and non-owner policies nationwide.
- Accepts excluded drivers on many personal auto policies.
- Strong digital tools, easy quotes, and a broad agent network. ✓
- Slightly higher premiums for high-risk profiles.
- May require a co-driver with a good record.
- Coverage rules vary by state, requiring manual review. ✘
Best for High-Risk and Suspended Drivers
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅The General caters to people who’ve been denied elsewhere. Their policies are built for high-risk scenarios, including suspended or revoked licenses. Their SR-22 filing support is excellent, and they often issue policies even when you’re currently unlicensed, provided a licensed driver is listed as primary. The company’s appeal lies in its accessibility: you can often quote, bind, and get proof of insurance online in minutes.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Fast SR-22 processing and electronic filing.
- High acceptance rate for nonstandard drivers.
- Clear and simple online quote process. ✓
- Rates trend higher than standard carriers.
- Limited discount opportunities.
- Customer service consistency varies by region. ✘
Best for Nonstandard and No-License Drivers
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Dairyland is a top pick for drivers in unusual situations. Known for flexibility, it routinely issues policies for suspended licenses, non-owner coverage, and even people without valid IDs (depending on state regulations). Its claims team is strong, and it’s one of the few carriers that openly advertises willingness to insure non-drivers who need SR-22 or vehicle-in-storage coverage.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Broad acceptance of suspended or no-license applicants.
- Competitive rates in high-risk segments.
- Excellent claims responsiveness and reputation in niche markets. ✓
- Coverage is limited in some states.
- Online quoting isn’t as smooth as some larger carriers.
- Some agents require in-person documentation. ✘
Best for Minimal Coverage and Budget Shoppers
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Direct Auto specializes in the nonstandard market, providing minimal-limit liability coverage. While its underwriting varies, it’s known for working with applicants who list another licensed primary driver. Direct Auto is also an option for people who only need coverage to maintain registration or keep a car legally parked on public property.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Often approves applicants that other carriers reject.
- Offers monthly payment flexibility and easy renewals.
- Available in many nonstandard insurance states. ✓
- Basic coverage, few comprehensive options.
- Customer service scores are average.
- Limited discounts and digital convenience. ✘
Best for State-Minimum and Low-Income Drivers
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅SafeAuto has built its reputation on affordability. It caters to drivers who only need to meet their state’s minimum requirements. While SafeAuto won’t write every unlicensed applicant, it often works with those excluded from driving but listed as policyholders. Its flexibility and low down-payments make it an accessible choice.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Low minimum-limit liability options.
- Works with high-risk and excluded drivers.
- Simple policy setup and quick ID card issuance. ✓
- Sparse optional coverage, like comprehensive or collision.
- Limited digital features.
- Some negative claims satisfaction ratings. ✘
Why You Might Need Car Insurance Without A License
Here are common scenarios where you might need coverage despite being unlicensed:
- Suspended or revoked license: Maintaining continuous coverage helps avoid registration lapses and rate spikes.
- Non-driver car owner: You own the vehicle, but someone else drives it.
- Learner’s permit holder: You may need to list yourself with a supervising driver.
- Classic or stored vehicle: You want theft or damage protection for a car that isn’t being driven.
- Planning for reinstatement: Securing insurance early helps restore driving privileges.
- State or court SR-22 requirement: Many states require proof of financial responsibility even before reinstating your license.
Quick Tip: If your license is suspended, keep continuous insurance coverage; a lapse can raise your rates by 25–50% once your license is reinstated.
How To Get Car Insurance Without A License
Follow these steps to get insured legally and efficiently:
Identify your scenario
Are you an owner, non-owner, or someone storing a vehicle? Policy type depends on your situation.
Gather documentation
Collect VIN, garaging address, any licensed driver’s information, and details about prior coverage.
Name a licensed primary driver
Insurers usually require a licensed person as the rated driver.
Request to be excluded
You’ll remain the policyholder, but can’t drive the insured vehicle.
Compare at least three quotes
Rates vary significantly across nonstandard markets, so shop carefully.
Bind coverage
Confirm ID cards, verify exclusions in writing, and ensure SR-22 filings (if applicable).
Our Methodology
To determine the best car insurance companies for drivers without a license, we evaluated each provider across five core criteria: availability, flexibility, policy options, customer experience, and transparency. We looked at how many states each insurer operates in and how willing they are to write policies for unlicensed or excluded drivers.
Flexibility mattered most, particularly whether the company allows a licensed primary driver while excluding the unlicensed applicant. We also considered the availability of SR-22 and non-owner policies, both of which are must-haves for people working toward license reinstatement or maintaining continuous coverage. Customer experience factored in heavily, including how easy it is to get quotes, bind coverage, and access digital tools.
Finally, we assessed transparency and fairness in underwriting, favoring insurers that clearly explain their rules and don’t overpromise rates. Each company received a score for affordability, customer satisfaction, claims performance, and coverage quality, based on a mix of consumer reports, regulatory data, and verified customer reviews.
Quotes Analyzed
Years Of Experience
Brands Reviewed
Research Hours
FAQs
Who should be listed as the primary driver?
A fully licensed household member or whoever drives most often.
Can I be the policyholder with no license?
Yes, most insurers allow it if you’re excluded from driving.
Can I get comprehensive coverage if I’m unlicensed?
Yes, for parked or stored vehicles, depending on the insurer.
Will a claim be denied if an unlicensed person was driving?
Yes, if that person was excluded or not listed on the policy.
Do all states allow unlicensed car owners to buy insurance?
Most do, but exact rules vary. Always confirm with your state’s DMV.
About Bob Phillips
