Living in Los Angeles comes with its fair share of driving challenges—congested freeways, high insurance rates, and now, a growing number of residents asking: “Can I get car insurance without a driver’s license?”
It’s a valid question—and the answer might surprise you.
Whether you’re an undocumented immigrant, someone with a suspended license, or just a vehicle owner who doesn’t drive, there are many reasons why someone in L.A. might need car insurance without a valid driver’s license.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to get car insurance in Los Angeles without a license, who qualifies, which companies offer it, and what steps you need to take to stay legal and protected in 2025.
Can You Get Car Insurance Without a License in California?
Yes, but it’s not easy.
Most traditional insurance companies use your driver’s license number to verify your driving record, assign a risk profile, and calculate your rate. Without a license, this process becomes complicated—but not impossible.
In fact, some insurers in Los Angeles do provide coverage to unlicensed drivers under certain conditions.
Why Would Someone Need Car Insurance Without a License?
Here are some common scenarios:
1. You own a car but don’t drive
You may have a caregiver, employee, or family member who drives your car regularly. You still need insurance as the vehicle owner.
2. You’re an undocumented immigrant
Even if you don’t have a California license, you may still want to insure a vehicle in your name.
3. Your license is suspended
You may be required to maintain coverage for SR-22 purposes or while working toward reinstatement.
4. You’re buying a car for someone else
Parents often purchase cars for their teens, and businesses buy cars for employees. The owner may not be the primary driver.
5. You have a learner’s permit
You may be planning to get your license soon but want coverage in place now for a car you’re using to practice.
Challenges of Getting Insurance Without a License in L.A.
Although it’s possible, unlicensed drivers face more hurdles, including:
- Fewer companies willing to insure
- Higher premiums due to limited driving history
- Manual underwriting, which can delay approvals
- Ineligibility for certain discounts
Most insurance companies require a license number to check your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR), which contains your driving history. Without it, they see you as a higher risk.
Workarounds: How to Get Car Insurance Without a License
✅ List a Primary Driver With a Valid License
This is the most common solution. You can still own the vehicle and policy, but assign someone else—like a spouse, child, caregiver, or employee—as the primary driver.
Example:
Maria, an L.A. resident, owns a car but doesn’t drive. She lists her son, who has a valid California license, as the primary driver. Maria is still the policyholder and car owner.
✅ Use a Matricula Consular or Foreign License
Some insurers in California accept:
- A foreign driver’s license
- A matricula consular (Mexican ID card)
- A California State ID
These are especially helpful for undocumented immigrants or new residents.
✅ Apply Through a High-Risk or Specialty Insurer
Some insurance companies specialize in non-standard auto insurance, including for:
- Unlicensed drivers
- Drivers with suspended licenses
- Drivers requiring SR-22 filings
Examples of such providers:
- Dairyland
- The General
- Infinity Insurance
- Freeway Insurance (broker)
Which Companies Offer Car Insurance Without a License in Los Angeles?
Here are some providers and brokers that work with unlicensed drivers:
| Company Name | Accepts Unlicensed Drivers? | Notes |
| The General | ✅ Yes | Focuses on high-risk drivers |
| Dairyland | ✅ Yes | SR-22-friendly |
| Infinity | ✅ Yes | Works with undocumented drivers |
| Freeway Insurance | ✅ Yes | Broker with local offices |
| Baja Auto | ✅ Yes (select cases) | Specializes in L.A. market |
You can also compare quotes easily through Alias Insurance to find policies suited for unlicensed or high-risk drivers in your ZIP code.
Required Documents for Unlicensed Car Insurance
Even if you don’t have a license, most insurers will ask for the following:
- Proof of vehicle ownership (title/registration)
- Valid photo ID (passport, state ID, matricula consular)
- Address in California
- Name and license number of primary driver (if applicable)
Special Case: SR-22 Insurance Without a License
If your license was suspended due to a DUI, reckless driving, or lapse in coverage, the DMV may require you to file an SR-22 to reinstate your driving privileges.
Can you get SR-22 insurance without a license?
Yes, but only through insurers that offer non-standard policies.
You’ll need to:
- Purchase liability coverage
- Have the insurer file the SR-22 form on your behalf
- Maintain continuous coverage for 3 years (in most cases)
Tip: Alias Insurance can help connect you with SR-22 insurance providers in Los Angeles.
Cost of Car Insurance Without a License in L.A.
Insurance for unlicensed drivers in Los Angeles is typically more expensive due to the perceived risk and lack of driving history.
| Driver Situation | Avg. Monthly Cost (Estimate) |
| Owner w/ no license (listing primary driver) | $120–$180 |
| Suspended license (SR-22) | $180–$300 |
| Undocumented driver (foreign license) | $140–$220 |
| Learner’s permit holder | $100–$160 |
Legal Considerations in California
California law requires all vehicle owners to carry minimum liability insurance:
- $15,000 for injury/death to one person
- $30,000 for injury/death per accident
- $5,000 for property damage
Even if you don’t drive the car, you must insure it if it’s registered in your name. Failing to do so can lead to:
- Fines
- Registration suspension
- Towing and impoundment
Can You Register a Car Without a License in California?
Yes, you can register a car in your name without a valid license in California. However:
- You still need proof of insurance
- You’ll need a valid photo ID or other identification
- The DMV may require additional documentation
Important: Just because you can register a car without a license does not mean you can legally drive it.
FAQs: People Also Ask
Yes. Many companies accept foreign licenses or ID cards. You’ll need to list a licensed primary driver or provide your own foreign license.
Yes, but you’ll likely need SR-22 insurance, which proves you meet California’s minimum coverage requirements.
Some insurers allow this if you’re the owner of the vehicle. You can list another person as the primary driver.
Driving without a license in California is a misdemeanor. You can face:
- Fines up to $1,000
- Car impoundment
- Possible jail time (especially for repeat offenses)
Yes. The rate will be based on their driving history, not yours—so choose someone with a clean record.
Final Thoughts
Getting car insurance without a license in Los Angeles is absolutely possible—you just need to know where to look and how to structure your policy correctly.
Whether you’re undocumented, have a suspended license, or simply don’t drive, you can still protect your vehicle and stay legal. The key is to:
- List a valid primary driver
- Work with insurers who understand non-standard cases
- Shop around to find the best rate
Ready to get covered? Compare personalized quotes now with Alias Insurance—your trusted partner for flexible, affordable car insurance in L.A.
