Will my insurance cover me if my license is suspended?

Asked by: Mr. Chadrick Franecki III  |  Last update: July 16, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (9 votes)

Some insurance companies refuse coverage to drivers with suspended licenses. Others will reduce a driver's coverage. In these cases, the driver in question may face significant expenses should they get into an accident without their license.

Does insurance still cover you if your license is suspended?

A suspended license does not necessarily mean that a driver can not obtain insurance. Although you may not be able to drive, you will likely still need to maintain insurance on your vehicle to avoid a lapse in coverage. However, it may be more difficult to find insurance, especially at an affordable rate.

How long does a suspension affect insurance?

In most cases, a license suspension will only affect your insurance rate for 3-5 years. During that time, there are steps that you can take to lower your premium. For example, you can check to see what discounts your insurer offers, like a pay-in-full or defensive driving discount.

What happens if you get in an accident with a suspended license in California?

For your first conviction, you can be imprisoned in county jail for anywhere between five days and six months. You can also be fined anywhere between $300 and $1,000. For second and third offenses, you can go to county jail for up to one year and pay a fine of up to $2,000.

Does insurance cover suspension?

While coverage does not exist for damage to your tire if it is caused by the road's surface (i.e. potholes, buckled pavement, etc.), there is, however, coverage* for the resulting damage to your rims, suspension components, and steering alignment.

Can Car Insurance Suspend Your License | Auto Insurance Without Drivers License Solution

28 related questions found

How much is car insurance after suspended license?

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.

What is a suspended insurance policy?

For Car Insurance Customers. Policy suspension, or putting your car policy on hold, allows you to reduce your policy cover for a period of time while your car is not in use, for example if you leave the country on a long stay holiday.

Does a suspended license stay on your record?

Traffic violations and points can stay on your driving record or license for three to ten years. In some states, some markups are permanent. You can resolve a suspended license by taking steps to reinstate it. However, there may still be a mark of the driver's license suspension.

How do I Unsuspend my California license?

After having your driver's license suspended for any reason in California, you will need to apply for reinstatement upon completion of the suspension period. This entails paying the reinstatement fee, producing proof of auto insurance coverage, and filling out the necessary forms for the California DMV.

What happens if you get pulled over with a suspended license in California?

In California, this offense is often classified as a misdemeanor. The severity of the charge depends on the reason for the suspension and whether it's a repeat offense. Penalties can include fines ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, and in some cases, you might face jail time.

Does a suspension affect your future?

Researchers have documented that suspensions have a negative impact on academic development, increase likelihood of dropping out of school, and are associated with a stronger likelihood that students will be involved in the legal system.

Can you get insurance with an expired license?

The good news is that there are no harsh penalties from the car insurance company if they find that your drivers license is expired. Most insurers are actually quite personable when it comes down to it –allowing you up to a month to have it resolved before they sign you on an auto insurance coverage policy.

How long does vehicle suspension last?

While the longevity of a suspension system can vary based on many factors, including driving habits or road conditions, it typically lasts for 50,000 to 100,000 miles. For many drivers, it's time to replace the suspension system's shocks or struts after seven or eight years of use.

What happens if you have a flag on your license?

This tells police that your ID has been compromised or stolen. So if the criminals get pulled over with your driver's license number, law enforcement will see the flag on your record and ask for two or more pieces of identification to prove that they're you.

What happens if you drive without insurance and get into an accident in California?

Even if you can't pay the money right away, the other driver could sue you and have your wages garnished until they get the amount you owe in full. On top of that, getting into an accident without insurance or the ability to provide evidence of financial responsibility puts you at risk of license suspension.

Do you need to be on the insurance to take a driving test in California?

Financial Responsibility

You must show that your vehicle is properly insured before the drive test begins (or the test will be postponed) by providing one of the following: A document with a liability insurance policy or surety bond number.

How much does it cost to unsuspend a license in California?

The standard administrative cost for a suspended or revoked license is $55 and can be higher in the case your license was suspended for DUI violations. The CA DMV also charges the following reinstatement fees: Drug suspension: $24. Adding a court restriction: $15.

Can insurance tell if your license is suspended?

In most cases, the policy will not be issued in the first place; insurance companies can run motor vehicle records pretty quickly and will find out that your license is suspended. It may be instant or a matter of days.

How long can California suspend your license?

The length of a license suspension depends on the reason for the suspension. Here are a few examples: Up to six months for failing to stop after an accident. Six months for a first DUI conviction; two to four years for additional convictions.

Can cops tell if you have a suspended license?

The officer will only be able to see the driver's driving record. So, if someone drives your car and a cop runs your plates, your driving record will not pop up showing that your license is suspended. However, if the driver does not have a valid license, they may be cited or arrested.

How do I reinstate my suspended license in California?

How To Get Back
  1. Step 1: Serve Your Suspension. ...
  2. Step 2: Complete Required Programs. ...
  3. Step 3: Pay Fines and Fees. ...
  4. Step 4: Obtain SR-22 Insurance. ...
  5. Step 5: Check Your Traffic Violation Points. ...
  6. Step 6: Visit the DMV and Take Required Tests. ...
  7. Step 7: Await Reinstatement Approval.

How can I clean my driving record?

Not all infractions can be removed from your driving record, but most minor offenses can be removed in one of the following ways.
  1. Take a defensive driving course. ...
  2. Dispute errors on your driving record. ...
  3. Contest your ticket. ...
  4. Fix minor issues immediately. ...
  5. Expunge your record. ...
  6. Seek a deferment.

Can I cancel car insurance if not driving?

Depending on your state's rules and insurer, you may be able to pause your car insurance if you won't be driving for an extended period. If putting a pause on your car insurance isn't possible, you can reduce your coverages or cancel your policy for the time you don't need it.

Does insurance fix suspension?

Your comprehensive car insurance does not cover any regular wear and tear of any suspension parts or puncture and repair costs of tubes and tyres. Here are a few ways how you can reduce the impact of damage on your car from general wear and tear. Avoid hard brakes: Do not slap on your brakes hard unless it is urgent.

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

You can not drive a vehicle in California without insurance, and you or the person you're borrowing from must have insurance to drive legally. Your regular auto insurance policy in Los Angeles tends to follow the car instead of the person who has paid for the insurance. The same applies to when you borrow a car.