Owning a car becomes trickier when your driver’s license is suspended, especially when it comes to securing reasonably priced insurance. Although you might be tempted to skip insurance while grounded, holding onto even a bare-bones policy can soften the blow a suspension deals to your long-term car expenses. During this period, specific filings like an SR-22 or FR-44 might be mandatory to maintain your auto coverage.
Can You Obtain Auto Insurance If Your License Is Suspended?
Getting car insurance with a suspended license isn’t off the table, but brace yourself—it often involves extra hoops. Insurance providers tend to shun applicants with suspended licenses, though some exceptions exist. You’ll likely need to submit a certificate of financial responsibility—commonly called an SR-22—which isn’t insurance itself but a formal statement your insurer files with your state to verify you meet minimum liability requirements. Since not all insurers handle SR-22 filings, switching providers might be necessary.
Understanding FR-44 and SR-22 Filings
FR-44 paperwork mirrors the SR-22 but usually accompanies stricter conditions and steeper premiums due to the elevated risks involved. These filings support drivers with serious infractions or suspensions, enabling them to legally regain or maintain car insurance.
For instance, Geico stands out as a high-risk-friendly insurer, offering SR-22 filings and catering to drivers with checkered records. Likewise, The General provides non-standard policies nationwide, including options for flexible payment schemes, easing the financial strain for those in challenging situations.
Will Suspension Impact Your Insurance Premiums?
Insurance companies price policies by betting on the chance you’ll file a claim. Since license suspensions often stem from serious violations, insurers classify such drivers as high-risk, spiking premiums accordingly. Below is a quick glance at typical hikes linked to common infractions and insurance lapses:
| At-fault accident | $3,857 | +44% |
| Driving under the influence (DUI) | $5,182 | +94% |
| Insurance lapse | $2,936 | +10% |
The duration and magnitude of premium bumps depend on variables like the nature of your suspension, your insurer’s policies, and personal factors. Repeat offenses generally provoke more severe increases. Starting with a clean slate—think creditworthiness and driving history—can help lower rates. For example, timeliness in bill payments and low credit utilization often translate into more favorable insurance quotes.
- Maintain a spotless driving record: Even a few black marks won’t doom your future quotes if you commit to safer habits and steer clear of tickets and collisions. Most insurers ignore minor infractions after three to five years when adjusting premiums.
- Sniff out discounts: Changing circumstances might unlock new savings. Signing up for telematics or “pay-how-you-drive” programs can yield perks, although privacy concerns sometimes lurk. Keep in mind that reckless driving monitored by these programs could backfire, hiking your rates.
- Tweak your coverage: Scaling back both coverage types and limits generally trims your premium. If your car sits idle during your suspension, consider shifting to comprehensive-only coverage to guard against theft, vandalism, or weather damage while lowering out-of-pocket costs. Experts advise keeping deductibles low enough to avoid financial strain in case the worst happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all insurance providers cover drivers with suspended licenses?
Not necessarily. Insurance companies carve out niches based on risk tolerance. While some chase high-risk business, many prefer clientele with squeaky-clean driving histories to avoid large payouts.
Will my insurance rates stay sky-high after my license is back?
Expect premiums to remain inflated until the penalty tied to your violation fades, usually between three to five years, varying by state and insurer. If your suspension lasts less than this penalty window, prepare for lingering high costs even after reinstatement.
What’s involved in getting my license reinstated?
The reinstatement route hinges on your state’s rules and suspension cause. Minor infractions—like unpaid tickets—might be resolved by paying fees. More serious offenses (DUI, reckless driving) often require waiting periods before you’re legally back behind the wheel. Contact your state DMV for precise steps.
Can authorities suspend my license if I drive uninsured?
Absolutely—several states, including California, New York, and Florida, enforce license suspension as a penalty for driving without coverage.
Is it necessary to keep insurance during the suspension?
While not always mandatory, maintaining at least minimal insurance coverage helps you dodge gaps that trigger higher premiums post-suspension. Lapses combined with the suspension offense can seriously bump up rates. Maintaining comprehensive coverage also shields you financially from damage or loss during this downtime. Partnering with an independent agent or non-standard insurer can uncover wallet-friendly options to soften the blow on your insurance record.
How Our Data Is Compiled
Bankrate’s analysis leverages Quadrant Information Services to capture March 2025 insurance rates across all U.S. ZIP codes and carriers, weighted by population density. Sample profiles include a 40-year-old male and female driver with clean records and good credit, driving a 2023 Toyota Camry 12,000 miles/year commuting five days a week. Coverage limits modeled are:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
Minimum coverage figures correspond to each state’s legal requirements. Note that these sample rates serve strictly comparative purposes.
The rate calculations consider several scenarios applied to our base profile, including a clean record, an at-fault accident, a single DUI, and an insurance coverage lapse.