If your driver’s license has been suspended, it may affect more than just your ability to get around; you may have a more difficult time getting car insurance with a suspended license. 

Car insurance companies consider the risk of the driver when deciding whether to insure a driver, and if your license is suspended, you’re likely considered a high-risk driver. Once that happens, you’re then going to have to figure out how to properly acquire affordable car insurance.

Even though your license is suspended, you’re often required to have proof of insurance with your vehicle to show that there hasn’t been a lapse in your coverage. This can help your chances of reinstating your driving privileges without any penalties. 

While there are some reasons why license suspensions can occur that aren’t related to your driving record, most of the reasons for a suspended license stem from driving infractions. Reckless driving while under the influence of alcohol is one of the largest reasons. So if you find yourself with a license suspension, but you still need car insurance, there are a few things to consider that we’ll go over below. 

Plus, if your current insurer doesn’t offer any solutions, you may want to try looking at other sources for an auto insurance policy. We have an online, free tool that can help you with that. 

How do you go about getting a restricted license?

The best thing to do to get car insurance with a suspended license is to obtain a restricted license first. A conditional license reinstates your ability to drive but with certain restrictions.

So what exactly does a restricted license typically allow you to do? The idea is to let you drive when it’s imperative for you to do so. There are a few instances where it would be necessary to have your driving privileges even if they’re limited. So with your restricted license, you’ll likely be restricted to making trips to and from:

• Your workplace
• Your doctor’s
• The court
• Places where you have to take dependents relying on you

Going to work, maintaining your medical appointments, and taking your children to school if they aren’t able to take the bus are all valid reasons why someone may need limited driving capabilities while serving out their term with a suspended license. However, a restricted license doesn’t necessarily have standard restrictions or conditions. Instead, these are generally determined on a case by case basis.

The forms of restriction that apply to you may differ from those applying to someone else with a restricted license. Usually, the reason for the suspension of the license and your previous driving record play a big role in determining what kind of restrictions are imposed on you. Someone with minor traffic violations isn’t going to see as much of a restriction as someone who was convicted of a DUI for example. The reasons behind your application for the restricted license is also taken into consideration. This means that if you’re the primary driver for your children or someone who needs constant medical attention, you should include those details on your application. 

Are you able to purchase car insurance with a restricted license? 

Even with a restricted license, you should expect that you’ll have higher car insurance rates because of your suspended license. When buying car insurance with a suspended license, it’s best to shop around and do research to find a good fit for you. Not all car insurance companies are willing to sell to high-risk drivers. This includes the minimum coverage that you may be required to obtain. Rather than end up with a lapse in coverage, check out your options and stay protected. 

In some instances and states, you may be required to file an SR-22 because of the infraction that led to your suspended license. We’ve compiled a list of auto insurance companies that will file an SR-22 on your behalf and who will provide you with SR-22 insurance.

See the best SR-22 insurance companies, according to consumers. Auto insurers fluctuate in what they’re willing to provide, so knowing what your options are can be financially beneficial. 

Why should I get car insurance with a suspended license?

You may be wondering if it’s even worth having continuous coverage with a suspended license. The answer is that it is definitely worth it.

Even though you may not be driving for a stretch of time, you want to avoid any gaps in auto insurance coverage or letting your policy lapse. This will result in higher premiums in the future, and depending on why your license was suspended, maintaining car insurance may be one of the reinstatement requirements in order to have your license reinstated. A lot of people assume that there is just a reinstatement fee, but there can be other requirements as well. 

Is there a way to save money by lowering your coverage level? 

What you may be able to do to lower your auto insurance cost without compromising on your future ability to drive is to leave out the collision coverage component of your insurance policy. This covers damages if your car gets into a collision, and if your car won’t be driven at all during the suspension period, then collision coverage isn’t needed. Collision is usually good for covering repair costs and medical bills for injuries sustained during an accident. With your license suspended, there should be no reason why any traffic offenses should occur. 

If your car is under lease, however, then you likely won’t be able to tweak your coverage at all. Collision and comprehensive coverage is typically required by your lienholder. If this is the case, your best bet is to simply maintain your current car insurance coverage.

However, if you’re unable to do so through your current insurer, you can use our free online tool to check out other companies that may be able to help. 

The content on this site is offered only as a public service to the web community and does not constitute solicitation or provision of legal advice. This site should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an insurance company or an attorney licensed or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. You should always consult a suitably qualified attorney regarding any specific legal problem or matter. The comments and opinions expressed on this site are of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the insurance company or any individual attorney.