Can you get car insurance after not having insurance?

Asked by: Collin Vandervort  |  Last update: February 10, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (10 votes)

You can get car insurance after a lapse a few different ways. If your coverage lapsed because of a missed payment, you may be able to get your coverage reinstated if you pay your bill and your insurer had a grace period.

Is it hard to get car insurance after not having it?

Your options are limited right now. A lot of insurance carriers require you to have had six months prior auto insurance history before they will even consider you. So you are not eligible with a lot of insurance carriers until you get those first 6mo under your belt.

Can I get my car back with no insurance?

No, if your car gets impounded, you must present the necessary documentation, including your driver's license, the vehicle's vehicle identification number, and proof of auto insurance, to get it released. If you don't have proof of insurance, you'll need to buy a policy before you can get your car back.

Can you get car insurance if you don't have insurance?

Can I get car insurance with no insurance history? Obtaining a car insurance quote if you haven't previously had an auto insurance policy is possible — but your rates might be more expensive than average (which is about $1,093 for a six-month policy, as of 2025).

Can I get auto insurance after my policy lapsed?

You will likely be able to find car insurance after a lapse, but it will probably be more expensive than it would've been if coverage had been consistent.

Insurance Companies to AVOID!

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Can you get your insurance back if it is canceled?

If your car insurance was canceled because you didn't pay your premiums, you may be able to reinstate it. Many insurance companies offer a grace period after you've failed to make a payment. During the grace period, your car insurance can be reinstated once you pay the missed premiums and any fines, interest or fees.

How do I reinstate my lapsed insurance policy?

During the grace period, you can reinstate your life insurance policy simply by paying the outstanding premium and any associated late fees. Grace periods typically last around 30 days, depending on your policy. Under certain circumstances, some insurers may extend it up to 60 or 90 days.

What to do if no one will insure my car?

If you're denied insurance, the first step is to call another insurer—different companies have different parameters. However, if several insurers have denied you, you may need to consider these options: Join a state assigned risk pool – Auto insurers participate on a voluntary basis in state assigned risk pools.

Do insurance companies go after uninsured drivers?

If the at-fault party is uninsured, the insurer may pursue subrogation against the driver personally.

What happens if you get insurance after an accident?

Please understand that buying insurance after a crash will not help at all. Insurance policies only cover incidents that occur after the policy becomes effective.

How do I get my car insurance back?

To reinstate your coverage, you'll need to purchase another insurance policy. Failing to do so could lead to fines or even license suspension if you're pulled over. You may be able to reinstate your policy with your previous insurer, or you may need to shop around for coverage with another carrier.

How long after a repo can you get another car?

Rebuilding After Vehicle Repossession

As we mentioned, after 12 months, some lenders may be willing to work with you if you prove your ability to repay a loan and have maintained your credit score in the meantime. Subprime lenders often work with borrowers in tough credit circumstances, such as an old repossession.

Can police tow your car for no insurance?

Yes, the police can tow your car for not having insurance in many states.

How long does an insurance lapse stay on your record?

How Long Does a Lapse Stay on Your Record? An insurance lapse will stay on your record for between six months and three years, depending on your state. This means that you will pay a higher insurance premium on your car until the lapse is no longer on your driving record.

Why was I denied car insurance?

Reasons you may be denied car insurance

You have several moving violations and a less-than-perfect driving record. Your license has been suspended or revoked. You drive a fast, high-performance vehicle. You are too young to buy your own insurance policy.

Is it hard to get car insurance after non renewal?

Getting car insurance after non-renewal is easier than getting it after a cancellation. Many of the major insurance companies will accept customers whose previous insurer didn't renew their policy. Just be prepared for a higher rate than you were paying before.

How soon can I get a new car after a total loss?

After filing the claim, your insurance company might take several weeks or several months to issue a payout, depending on whether you have a loan. Once you receive the settlement, you can go out and purchase a new car.

Is it worth suing an uninsured driver?

Suing the uninsured driver might not be worth it unless they are financially capable of satisfying a judgment. After a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, contact a car accident lawyer about your legal options.

What happens if you crash with no license or insurance?

In California, drivers who cause accidents without valid driver's licenses or insurance coverage face substantial civil liabilities and risks that licensed and insured motorists are shielded from. Uninsured negligent drivers lack critical protections and become fully exposed to damage claims and lawsuits.

How long can you go without car insurance?

It is a crime to drive almost anywhere without car insurance coverage, even for a minute or just down the street. So, how long can you be without car insurance? If you're driving, you can't. Anytime you get behind the wheel as a licensed driver, you need insurance coverage or you'll risk incurring major consequences.

What makes a driver uninsurable?

Poor driving history is a top reason drivers can face challenges obtaining auto insurance. A track record of collisions, traffic violations, or DUI convictions can make getting coverage difficult and extremely costly. Insurers consider drivers with such records high-risk; some may deny coverage altogether.

How long can you have a gap in car insurance?

What is a car insurance lapse grace period? Your car insurance policy won't be cancelled immediately because you miss a payment. Auto insurance companies are required by state law to provide notice before cancelling your policy. Depending on the state, you'll usually have between 10 and 20 days.

How to get insurance after a lapse?

Ask if you can get your policy reinstated.

If the issue is because of non-payment, your insurance company may be able to reinstate your policy if it hasn't been too long after a missed payment. You may be able to reinstate your policy to have continuous coverage without a lapse.

How much does it cost to get car insurance reinstated?

You can reinstate your insurance, but it'll cost more depending on the length of the gap. If the gap is a month or less, you can pay about 9% more in premiums, or up to 48% more if the lapse is up to 60 days. If your lapse is over 60 days, you probably won't be able to reinstate your insurance.

Can I revive lapsed policy?

Ans: Yes, you can revive your lapsed life insurance policy within 3 to 5 years of the revival period. The applicable revival period may be different for different plans. Thus, you should check with your insurer about how and when you can revive your lapsed life insurance policy.