Yes, you can get car insurance with a suspended license, but the process is harder and more expensive
Insurance companies will write a policy for you even if your license is suspended. They do this because suspension is temporary — your license will come back once you meet the requirements to restore it. However, insurers treat a suspended license as a high-risk situation. You will pay more for coverage, some companies will refuse to insure you at all, and you may have to prove you are not driving the car while your license is suspended.
The real barrier is not whether insurance exists — it does — but finding a company willing to take you on, and affording what they charge. This section walks you through what to expect and where to look.
Key Takeaways
- Standard insurance companies often decline drivers with suspended licenses, but specialty insurers and high-risk pools will write policies for you.
- You will pay significantly more than drivers with valid licenses — sometimes double or triple the standard rate.
- You must prove the car will not be driven by you while your license is suspended, or the insurer may deny claims.
- Some states run assigned risk pools that may provide you access to insurance even if private companies refuse.
- Your best option is to contact a local independent insurance agent who works with multiple companies and knows which ones accept suspended-license drivers.
Why insurance companies charge more for suspended licenses
A suspended license signals to insurers that you have broken a traffic law or failed to meet a legal requirement — unpaid tickets, DUI conviction, too many points, or failure to maintain insurance itself. From the insurer's perspective, you are statistically more likely to cause an accident or file a claim.
Beyond statistics, insurers worry about fraud. If your license is suspended and you get into an accident, they need proof you were not the one driving. If you were driving illegally, the claim may be denied entirely because you violated the law. This uncertainty costs them money, so they pass the cost to you in the form of higher premiums.
Standard insurers versus high-risk insurers
Most major insurance companies — Geico, State Farm, Allstate, Progressive — have underwriting rules that automatically decline drivers with suspended licenses. They do this to keep their customer base low-risk and their payouts predictable.
High-risk insurers specialize in drivers that standard companies reject. They include companies like Acceptance Insurance, Bristol West, National General, and SafePoint. These companies expect to pay more claims and price their premiums accordingly. You will pay more, but you will get coverage.
Some states also run assigned risk pools — a last-resort insurance option run by the state. If every private insurer declines you, you can be assigned to a pool and forced into a policy. The premium is set by state regulators and is usually the highest option available, but it guarantees you have insurance.
How to find an insurer that will take you
Start with an independent insurance agent in your area. These agents work with multiple companies and know which ones will insure suspended-license drivers. They can shop your case across five or ten insurers in one conversation, rather than you calling each company separately and getting rejected repeatedly.
You can find independent agents through the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America website or by searching "independent insurance agent near me." Tell them upfront that your license is suspended and ask which of their carriers will write a policy for you.
If independent agents in your area cannot help, contact your state's insurance commissioner's office or department of insurance. They can tell you which companies are licensed to write high-risk policies in your state and whether your state has an assigned risk pool.
What you will need to prove when you explore
When you explore for insurance with a suspended license, the insurer will ask why your license is suspended. Be honest — they will find out anyway through a background check. Explain the reason: unpaid tickets, points accumulation, DUI, failure to maintain insurance, or whatever applies to you.
The insurer will also require proof that you are not driving the car. This might mean:
- A statement from you that another licensed driver will be the primary driver of the vehicle.
- Proof that the car is parked and not in use — some insurers ask for a photo or a statement that it is stored in a garage.
- Documentation that you have a household member or spouse with a valid license who will operate the vehicle.
If you cannot prove the car will not be driven by you, some insurers will still write the policy but will exclude you as a driver. This means if you are caught driving and cause an accident, the claim will be denied.
How much more you will pay
Premium increases for suspended-license drivers vary widely depending on the reason for suspension, your age, your driving history, and your location. There is no single number — but expect to pay 50% to 200% more than a driver with a valid license would pay for the same coverage.
A driver with a valid license might pay $100 to $150 per month for basic coverage. A driver with a suspended license through the same insurer might pay $200 to $300 per month. Through an assigned risk pool, you could pay $400 or more.
The cost is temporary. Once your license is restored, you can shop for standard insurance again and your rates will drop back to normal levels — though it may take three to five years for the suspension itself to stop affecting your rate.
Steps to restore your license and lower your insurance costs
While you are insured, focus on meeting the requirements to restore your license. The steps depend on why it was suspended — you may need to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, serve a waiting period, or pass a written test.
Once your license is restored, contact your insurance company and ask them to update your record. Then shop around for standard insurance. You do not have to stay with the high-risk insurer. Many drivers find that switching to a standard company when ready after restoration saves them hundreds of dollars per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive the car if I have insurance but my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal, even if you have insurance. If you are caught, you face criminal charges, additional fines, and license suspension extensions. Your insurance will likely deny any claim from an accident you caused while driving illegally.
Will my insurance company cancel my policy if they find out my license is suspended?
Not if you disclosed the suspension when you applied. If you hid it and they discover it later, they may cancel. Always tell the truth on your process — lying to an insurer is insurance fraud and can result in denial of claims and criminal charges.
What if no insurance company will take me?
Contact your state's insurance commissioner or department of insurance and ask about the assigned risk pool. Every state has a mechanism to may support drivers can get insurance, even if private companies refuse. The pool will assign you to a carrier and set your premium by state formula.
Do I need full coverage or can I get liability only?
That depends on your state and whether you own the car outright. If you have a loan or lease, the lender requires full coverage (collision and comprehensive). If you own the car free and clear, you can choose liability only, which is cheaper. Check your loan or lease agreement to be sure.
How long does it take to get insurance after my license is suspended?
Most high-risk insurers can issue a policy within one to three business days if you explore online or by phone. Assigned risk pools may take longer — up to two weeks in some states. Start the process as soon as you know your license will be suspended, not after.