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. While there are some reasons why you could have your license suspended that aren’t related to your driving record, most of the reasons for a suspended license stem from driving infractions.

So if you find yourself in a situation with a suspended license but you need car insurance, here’s what to consider.

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. 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

A restricted license doesn’t necessarily have standard restrictions or conditions. Instead, these are generally determined on a case by case basis.

The restrictions 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. The reason for your application for the restricted license is also taken into consideration.

Purchasing car insurance with a suspended 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.

In some instances and states, you may be required to file an SR-22 because of your 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 provide you with SR-22 insurance.

See the best SR-22 insurance companies, according to consumers.

Why should I get car insurance with a suspended license?

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

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 a requirement in order to have your license reinstated.

Lowering your coverage to save money

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.

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.

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