Can you insure a car without a driver's license in New York?

Asked by: Otha Mueller  |  Last update: September 14, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (11 votes)

Instead of using your driver's license on the application for an insurance policy, you may be allowed to apply for a policy using the name and license number of the primary driver of your car. This way, you are listed on the policy but not as a driver.

Can you get car insurance without a license in NY?

It's possible to get car insurance without a license; however, the process is more complicated than the traditional methods of obtaining auto insurance. Without a driver's license, it's harder for insurance companies to locate driving history records, which means you may be a high-risk driver.

What insurance company will insure an unlicensed driver?

Some insurance companies will cover you if you have a state-issued ID card. Popular car insurance companies like Commonwealth, Advantage Auto and Direct Auto will take a state-issued ID card and issue unlicensed drivers a policy.

Can you register a vehicle in New York state without a driver's license?

A NYS Driver License, Permit, or Non-Driver ID card that is current or not expired for more than 2 years can serve as proof of both identity and age. If you don't have one of these, see other kinds of proof.

What insurance can I use without a license?

Get Parked Car Coverage

You can purchase car insurance coverage without a driver's license by opting for parked car coverage. This type of insurance, which is essentially a storage policy, assumes that drivers don't use their vehicle regularly, so the car is protected from damage that occurs when parked.

Insurance360 | Can I Insure a Car Without a Driver's License?

24 related questions found

Can I get insurance if my license is suspended?

You can get car insurance with a suspended license, but it's expensive and takes time. The cost depends largely on the reason for the suspension and the amount of coverage you need. Full-coverage car insurance after a major violation costs an average of $470 a month, for example.

Will Geico insure someone without a license?

Geico is available to all drivers in every state and typically underwrites cheaper base quotes. Even though Geico is technically a car insurance company that does ask for a license, Geico also sells policies to unlicensed drivers, typically if the car is in storage.

Can you buy a car in New York without a driver's license?

You can typically buy a car without a license, which might make sense if you're a teen, parent, new driver, or business owner.

What documents do you need to register a car in NY?

There are six items needed to register your vehicle: 1) Proof of ownership, 2) Proof of NYS sales tax payment, 3) Proof of automobile liability insurance, 4) Completed E-ZVisit Form MV-82EZV, 5) Proof of applicant identity and birth date (the 6 points of identification, and 6) Sales tax and fee payment receipt.

What are 6 points of ID for DMV NY?

What are the six points of ID?
  • 3 points = Passport with Visa and valid I-94.
  • 2 points = US college photo ID with transcript.
  • 0 points = DMV letter from International Student Programs.
  • 2 points = Social Security card or letter (if you have one).
  • OR.
  • 0 points = Letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Office.

Do insurance companies need your driving licence number?

When buying car insurance for the first time, the insurer typically asks for your driver's license number so they can check your driving history— this helps insurers determine what your rate should be. If you don't have a license, the insurer may ask for the driver's license number of the primary driver instead.

Can I get car insurance with a temporary license?

Access auto insurance offers insurance policies to people with suspended licenses, temporary licenses, foreign licenses and no license at all. Note that getting auto insurance without a license through Access doesn't prevent you from being ticketed for driving without a valid license.

What is considered an uninsured driver?

An uninsured motorist is someone without auto insurance. Chances are about one in seven drivers in the U.S. is uninsured, according to a 2011 estimate by the Insurance Research Council. Uninsured motorist coverage helps you pay for damages caused by a driver who doesn't have car insurance.

What is the new law in NY about car insurance?

New Law: Auto Policies To Include Supplemental Spousal Liability Coverage. UPDATE: On March 24, 2023, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law a bill that made two changes to this law: The effective date is pushed back to August 1, 2023.

Can someone else insure my car if the title is under my name?

While the person who owns a car is usually the one who insures it, most states will allow policies to be paid by someone other than the owner. However, many will not insure a car if the policyholder and car owner are not the same.

Do I need a US driver's license to get car insurance?

As long as you have a valid license to drive in the United States, you can purchase car insurance. And you don't necessarily need to have a license issued in the U.S. Depending on where you're from and which states you'll be driving in, you may be able to use your foreign license after arriving in the United States.

Can you register a vehicle without a driver's license?

It can be tricky to register a car without a driver's license. Some states require a valid driver's license to register your vehicle. But since you don't need to have a driver's license to own a vehicle, some states don't technically require one to register it. Check with your state for details.

Can someone else register my car for me in NY?

Either the registrant or the owner can bring the registration and title application to a local DMV office. The person who applies must show the original proofs of identity and date of birth for both the registrant and the owner.

What documents do I need to transfer a car title in NY?

Two things are needed for most successful vehicle sales or transfers: proof of sale and proof of ownership. Proof of sale is the document used to document who sold and purchased the vehicle, when the vehicle was sold, and how much was paid for it.

Can I use my expired license to buy a car?

You're required to provide a valid driver's license to purchase and receive your car. This applies to all purchases regardless of state. Following the delivery of your vehicle, the majority of states also require a valid driver's license to complete vehicle registration.

Can you insure a car in New York without a driver's license?

Instead of using your driver's license on the application for an insurance policy, you may be allowed to apply for a policy using the name and license number of the primary driver of your car. This way, you are listed on the policy but not as a driver.

What is acceptable proof of residency in NY?

Examples of acceptable proof of residency are:

homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. driver's license or automobile registration certificate. bank statement. automobile insurance policy.

What happens if you don't add a driver to your insurance?

A driver who lives in your household and isn't listed on your auto policy may be denied coverage if they borrow your vehicle and are involved in an accident. Family members who live in your household and drive your vehicle, including a teenager or your significant other, should be listed as drivers on your policy.

Who typically has the cheapest car insurance?

Geico, Nationwide and Travelers are among the least expensive for car insurance. Americans are paying a lot for car insurance these days: Average annual rates for a full coverage policy are up to $2,638 per year, while minimum coverage averages $767 per year.

Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance GEICO?

Some states require the car owner's insurance to cover any accidental damage, so if they're not insured or don't have the right coverage, as the driver you may end up being liable.