Can I get car insurance with no license in California?

No, you cannot insure or drive a car with a salvage title in California, as salvage-titled vehicles are cars that have been declared a total loss. You can get coverage on a previously salvaged car if you have it repaired and inspected by a state-certified mechanic. If it’s declared safe to drive, the DMV will issue the car a revived title.… read full answer

Several insurance companies, including Allstate and Geico, sell policies to vehicles with a revived title.

How to Register a Car with a Revived Title in California

• Submit an Application for Title or Registration form to the California DMV
• Provide proof of ownership
• Provide a junk receipt issued by the DMV
• Provide proof of an inspection
• Provide brake and light adjustment certificates
• Pay all applicable title and registration fees (can vary from case to case)

Insurance Limitations for Cars with Revived Titles in California

Keep in mind that some insurers will only sell liability insurance for a car with a revived title, meaning they won’t pay for any physical damage to the vehicle. Additionally, insurance for a car with a revived title may be more expensive than insurance for a standard vehicle.

To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide to salvage titles.

Yes, you can get car insurance with a suspended license if you have a hardship license to drive to work, school, and medical appointments. Or, some car insurance companies may be willing to insure your car against non-collision damage —theft, fire, flood, vandalism, falling objects, etc.—if you turn in your plates and store the vehicle for as long as your driver's license is suspended.… read full answer

You may have to shop around for coverage. If your insurance company doesn’t issue high-risk policies, they may cancel or refuse to renew your coverage. Smaller, regional companies and insurers that focus on drivers other companies don’t like to cover, such as The General, are more likely to insure you while your license is suspended.

Before your suspension ends, you will need to have liability coverage and any other state-required insurance again, under your name. The court or state may require you to submit an SR-22 form certifying that you have at least the state’s minimum insurance requirements. Only an insurance company can submit this form, when you purchase insurance, and not all companies will. Once again, you may need to look around, but some major national insurers do offer SR-22 insurance and service, including State Farm, Progressive and GEICO.