Can You Get Car Insurance with a Suspended License?
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A suspended driver’s license doesn’t mean you’re off the hook when it comes to car insurance. In fact, you usually still need coverage to protect your vehicle or get your license reinstated. Maintaining insurance during a license suspension can also help prevent future rate increases.
But can you get car insurance with a suspended license? How does a suspended license affect insurance eligibility and rates? This guide will break down when coverage is required, policy options for suspended drivers (including high-risk car insurance), and how to find the best rates.
When You Need Car Insurance With a Suspended License
Even with a suspended license, there are many circumstances in which maintaining car insurance isn’t just the safe thing to do — it’s a legal requirement.
Here are some reasons you might still need car insurance without a license:
- State liability requirements: Many states require you to maintain minimum liability coverage while your license is suspended, especially if your car is registered or you plan to get your license reinstated in the future.
- SR-22 or FR-44 filings: If your suspension was due to a serious traffic offense, you might have to file an SR-22 or FR-44 form to prove you meet coverage requirements.
- Maintaining car registration: If you have a registered vehicle, you may need to maintain insurance to avoid penalties or registration suspension, especially if someone else ever drives your car.
- Loan or lease agreements: If you lease or finance your car, your lender will typically require you to maintain consistent coverage, even with a suspended license.
How SR-22 and FR-44 Filings Work
If your license was suspended because you were convicted of a serious violation, such as DUI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance, you might be required to file an SR-22 or FR-44 form:
- SR-22: An SR-22 form is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you carry your state’s minimum liability insurance. It’s required for 3 years after a suspension in most states for high-risk drivers.
- FR-44: An FR-44 form is similar to an SR-22 but comes with much higher liability limits. It’s only required in Florida and Virginia for serious offenses.
Both certificates are used to prove you have coverage. But can you have car insurance with a suspended license that resulted from a serious offense? Will insurance companies deny you coverage or charge you higher rates? Let’s take a look at your options.
Policy Options for High-Risk Drivers
So can you get car insurance with a suspended license? Yes, but your options may be limited. You'll likely be classified as a “high-risk driver” by most auto insurance companies. This can impact your policy options, but it doesn’t mean you can’t get coverage.
Many insurers offer non-standard policies, which typically come with higher premiums. If you own a car but plan to keep it in storage throughout your suspension, you may be able to get a “parked vehicle policy.”
If you own a car but plan to have someone else drive it, then you can typically get a “non-owner policy.” This allows you to name a primary driver and list yourself as an excluded driver.
If you’re unable to get insurance on the regular market, some states also have an assigned-risk pool that provides minimum coverage. However, these plans are often expensive and don’t offer comprehensive car insurance coverage or discount options.
What Is a High-Risk Driver?
Insurance companies typically conduct risk assessments to evaluate coverage options and pricing. Factors that increase your risk level include:
- A suspended or revoked license
- Several traffic violations
- Several accidents
- Serious violations
Driving with a suspended or revoked license is different from simply not having your ID on you. If you forget your wallet at home and are pulled over, you may face a ticket, but you likely won’t be classed as a high-risk driver. Learn more about driving without a license and insurance.
Cost and Premium Considerations
Non-standard policies are almost always more expensive than standard coverage. You'll typically face higher rates and fewer discount offerings. Fortunately, there are ways to limit your cost burden.
Here are some ways to potentially reduce your premiums:
- Shop around: Don’t just take the first policy rate you qualify for. Get quotes from several companies to find the best one for your specific circumstances and needs.
- Enroll in a telematics program: Some companies offer app-based programs. These monitor your driving and (if you maintain good driving habits) may lead to discounts over time.
- Take a defensive driving course: A defensive driving course can help reduce points on your driving record and potentially help you reinstate your license.
- Bundle policies: Bundling your auto and home insurance policies can offer significant cost savings.
Steps To Get Covered During a Suspension
So how can you get insurance with a suspended license? Follow these steps.
1. Determine the Reason for Suspension
The cause of your suspension can have a big impact on your insurance options and your path to reinstatement. You can contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to inquire about your suspension.
2. Compare Quotes and Purchase a Policy
It’s always a good idea to shop around for different quotes before making a final decision. Consider bundling options when possible and get quotes from both major providers and specialized insurers.
3. Secure the Right Filing (If Necessary)
If required, have your insurance company file an SR-22 or FR-44 with your DMV as soon as possible.
4. Maintain Continuous Coverage
Once you have insurance, be sure to maintain continuous coverage. This is vital even if you’re not driving, as a policy lapse can trigger penalties and increase the length of your suspension.
Compare Quotes To Find the Right Policy
Getting car insurance with a suspended driver’s license can be more complicated, but it’s far from impossible. Make sure you understand your state’s requirements and shop around to find the best rates.
EverQuote makes it easy to compare competing quotes and find the right combination of coverage and affordability to meet your needs. Compare auto insurance quotes side by side and get the best deal.
FAQs
How can you get insurance with a suspended license?
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Premiums are sourced from over 30,000 zip codes across 200 insurance companies. We estimate premiums based on public filings for policies seeking 50/100 in liability with $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage. Estimated rates are based on a 35-year-old single female with a good credit score and no history of accidents or violations driving a 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE. We partner with Quadrant Information Services to source our data and assume no unique benefits or discounts are applied for these rates (unless otherwise stated). Your own rates may be different.