How To Get Car Insurance Coverage With A Suspended License

Reasons for a Suspended Drivers License

First, the reason for your suspended license is important. It could mean the difference between getting and not getting coverage, as well as what kind of coverage you can get.

Reasons that your license could get suspended include:

• Driving under the influence (DUI) conviction, or refusing to take a breathalyzer or other DUI/DWI test.

• Accumulation of unpaid traffic tickets or driving record points.

• Reckless driving charges.

• Lapse in auto insurance coverage.

Getting Coverage With a Suspended Drivers License

It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a suspended driver’s license in most states. For this reason many providers will not offer you car insurance coverage while your license is suspended. However, if the reason for your suspended driver's license isn't extreme, you might be able to work with an auto insurance company.

Apply for a Hardship License

In some instances you might be able to contact your DOT and request a hardship driver’s license. The license allows you to drive your motor vehicle to and from work. The license can also be used to drive to and from school.

You must get written approval to carry the license from your state DOT or division of motor vehicles (DMV). Additionally, your state might require you to pay fines or fees to receive the hardship driver’s license.

Upon receipt of the hardship driver license, contact three or more car insurance companies to compare auto insurance rates and select a policy that gives you sufficient coverage at reasonable rates.

As soon as your regular driver’s license is restored, contact your car insurance company and alert them to the change. If your car insurance company does not lower your rates, check around online with other insurance companies so you can secure a policy that offers reasonably priced car insurance coverage.

File SR 22

Depending on the reason your license was suspended (say, you were caught driving without insurance or convicted of DUI or DWI), ask a DMV representative about filing an SR 22. An SR 22 form serves as proof that you have auto insurance. It also serves as a guarantee that you will maintain car insurance for a specific period of time (e.g. six months).

If all systems are go, contact your auto insurance agent and request an SR 22 form. Your car insurance agent can submit the form to your state DOT. You can also submit the form to your DOT yourself. Keep a copy of the form for your personal records.

If your driver’s license was suspended because you were convicted of driving absent car insurance, your license will likely be reinstated as soon as the department of transportation receives your SR 22 form. At the very least, you must keep required state DOT minimum levels of auto insurance on your car or truck.