Yes, you can get insurance on a suspended license, but insurers will charge more and limit what they offer

A suspended license does not automatically disqualify you from buying car insurance. However, most insurers will either refuse to cover you, charge significantly higher premiums, or require you to add an SR22 form (a certificate of financial responsibility) before they will bind a policy. The reason is straightforward: insurers see a suspended license as a sign you have already violated traffic laws or failed to meet a financial obligation, which makes you riskier to insure.

The catch is that you cannot legally drive on a suspended license, even with insurance. If you are caught driving, the insurance will not cover any accident or damage, and you will face criminal charges in addition to your suspension penalty. Insurance exists to cover accidents that happen during legal driving. If you need to drive before your suspension ends, you may be able to get a restricted license or hardship permit from your state's DMV, which allows limited driving for work or medical reasons.

Key Takeaways

  • Most standard insurers will not write a policy for someone with a suspended license, but high-risk insurers will, usually at rates 50% to 100% higher than standard rates.
  • An SR22 form is often required and must be filed with your state's DMV; it proves you have the minimum insurance required and stays on file for three years in most states.
  • Driving on a suspended license voids your insurance coverage, meaning any accident you cause will not be covered and you will face criminal penalties.
  • A restricted license or hardship permit from your DMV may allow you to drive for work or medical appointments during your suspension period.
  • Your suspension will eventually end, and once it does, you can switch to a standard insurer and lower your rates.

Why insurers treat suspended licenses differently

A suspended license tells an insurer that a court or the DMV has already found you violated the law or failed to meet a legal obligation. The most common reasons for suspension are unpaid traffic fines, driving under the influence (DUI), accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or failure to pay child support or court-ordered damages. From the insurer's perspective, you have already shown you do not follow rules or pay what you owe.

Insurers use suspension status as one of many risk factors. Someone with a suspended license is statistically more likely to drive illegally (which voids coverage), to cause an accident, or to fail to pay their insurance premium. Because of this, standard insurers straightforward decline these applications. High-risk insurers, sometimes called non-standard insurers, specialize in drivers with poor records and will take the risk—but they charge for it.

How to find an insurer willing to cover you

Your first step is to contact high-risk insurers directly. These companies include Acceptance Insurance, Bristol West, National General, and Infinity Insurance, though availability varies by state. You can also call your state's insurance commissioner's office or visit your state's insurance department website to request a list of insurers licensed to write high-risk policies in your state.

When you call, be honest about your suspension. Tell the insurer the reason (DUI, unpaid tickets, points, etc.), when the suspension began, and when it will end. Some insurers will quote you when ready; others will ask you to explore online or in person. Expect to pay higher premiums—often 50% to 100% more than a standard driver would pay for the same coverage. You may also face a waiting period before coverage begins, or the insurer may require you to pay the full premium upfront rather than in monthly installments.

Understanding the SR22 requirement

An SR22 is not insurance itself—it is a form your insurer files with your state's DMV proving that you have purchased the minimum liability insurance required by law. Most states require an SR22 for drivers with a suspended license, especially those suspended for DUI or unpaid fines. The form costs between $15 and $25 to file, though some insurers include this in your premium.

Once your insurer files the SR22, it stays on file with the DMV for three years in most states (some states require five years). If your insurance lapses or you cancel your policy during this period, the insurer must notify the DMV when ready, which can result in an extension of your suspension or additional penalties. This is why it is critical to keep your policy active and pay your premiums on time, even though they are expensive.

The SR22 requirement ends automatically after the filing period expires. You do not need to do anything—the DMV will straightforward remove it from your record. At that point, you can shop for standard insurance and usually see your rates drop significantly.

What coverage you can and cannot get

High-risk insurers typically offer the same types of coverage as standard insurers: liability (which covers damage you cause to others), collision (which covers damage to your car from an accident), and comprehensive (which covers theft, weather, and vandalism). However, some high-risk insurers may limit your options. For example, they might not offer collision or comprehensive coverage, or they might require you to choose a higher deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in).

Read your policy documents carefully. Some high-risk policies include restrictions such as a requirement to install an ignition interlock device (if your suspension was DUI-related) or a requirement to take a defensive driving course. These are conditions the insurer sets to lower their risk. Completing a defensive driving course can sometimes lower your premium by 5% to 10%, so it may be worth doing even if it is not required.

The critical rule: you cannot legally drive on a suspended license

Even with insurance, driving on a suspended license is illegal. If you are stopped by police, you will face criminal charges, fines, and possible jail time. More importantly, your insurance will not cover any accident you cause while driving illegally. If you hit another car, your insurer will deny the claim, and you will be personally liable for all damages. The other driver can sue you directly, and a judgment against you can result in wage garnishment or asset seizure.

If you need to drive during your suspension, contact your state's DMV about a restricted license or hardship permit. These allow limited driving for specific purposes such as work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs. The rules vary by state and by the reason for your suspension. Some states grant them automatically; others require you to petition the court. Your DMV website will have the process and requirements for your state.

What happens when your suspension ends

Once your suspension period is over, you must formally reinstate your license with the DMV. This usually involves paying a reinstatement fee (typically $100 to $300), providing proof of insurance, and sometimes passing a written or driving test. Check your state's DMV website for the exact steps and fees.

After reinstatement, you can when ready shop for standard insurance. Your rates will drop because you no longer have an active suspension on your record. However, the suspension itself will remain part of your driving history for several years (usually 3 to 7, depending on the state and the reason). This means standard insurers will still charge you more than a driver with a clean record, but significantly less than a high-risk insurer charges. After 7 to 10 years, most insurers will stop factoring the suspension into your rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my insurance cover an accident if I am driving on a suspended license?

No. If you cause an accident while driving illegally, your insurer will deny your claim. You will be personally responsible for all damages, and the other driver can sue you. You will also face criminal charges for driving with a suspended license.

Can I get a restricted license so I can drive legally during my suspension?

Many states offer restricted or hardship licenses for specific purposes like work, school, or medical appointments. Contact your state's DMV to learn about you may have access to and what the process process is. The rules vary by state and by the reason for your suspension.

How much more will insurance cost with a suspended license?

High-risk insurers typically charge 50% to 100% more than standard rates, though the exact amount depends on your state, the reason for the suspension, and the coverage you choose. Quotes vary widely, so contact multiple insurers to compare.

How long does an SR22 stay on my record?

An SR22 filing typically remains on file with the DMV for three years, though some states require five years. It ends automatically after the filing period expires. You do not need to do anything to remove it.

Can I switch to a standard insurer before my suspension ends?

No. Standard insurers will not write a policy for someone with an active suspension. You must wait until your suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated. Once that happens, you can shop for standard insurance when ready.