Is a Driver’s License Required For Car Insurance?
No. While it is complicated, getting car insurance without a valid drivers license is legally permissible and common.
Usually this is done by getting a licensed driver as the primary driver on the auto insurance policy and having the unlicensed driver listed as an excluded driver.
It can also be done easier with non-standard insurance carriers who are willing to insure unlicensed drivers. These policies are usually very expensive because of the higher risk the unlicensed driver presents.
Every car insurance company looks at driver’s licenses to make sure they are active, United States-issued, and free of any moving violations.
However, many auto insurance companies will write a policy for a driver with an international license.
Car insurance companies also look for any lapses in car insurance coverage (as you should be carrying car insurance at all times you have a car) and any history of car insurance fraud.
Getting car insurance coverage is key in getting your car registered with your state’s DMV.
What do You do With an Expired License?
You renew an expired license at your States DMV office or online.
Driver’s licenses renewal periods are determined by state law and usually have a range from four to eight years. There are some state specific exceptions listed below.
Texas, New York and Florida offer 8 year renewal periods.
Arizona drivers licenses don't expire until the driver turns 65 years old.
Most opt to renew them beforehand because no one wants to celebrate a birthday with a trip to the DMV.
In-person visits consist of waiting in line, getting your picture retaken, then paying the renewal fee. It should take five minutes in theory but takes up to 45 in reality.
Some states allow the process to be done by phone or online. It couldn’t be any easier or quicker than it is now. Letting your driver’s license expire on its own and losing your driving privileges actually takes a bit of effort.
How Does a Car Insurance Company Find Out About an Expired Driver's License?
If you were to use a car insurance providers online quote calculator, they are able to pull your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) if you provide your drivers license numbers.
Some car insurance providers may do this as part of their quoting process. If you submit an application to purchase a policy an insurance carrier, they will always run your motor vehicle report.
What Happens When Your Expired Drivers License is Discovered?
There are severe financial and legal risks from letting your drivers license expire.
Insurers will most likely cancel your auto insurance policy. They must notify you in writing per state requirements. Usually requiring 10 to 30 days notice if they decide to terminate your coverage.
What if You Have an Active Car Insurance Policy And Your Driver’s License Expired?
You will also not be heavily penalized if your driver license expires while your car insurance coverage policy is active.
Again, your car insurance provider may be lenient and give you some time to renew your driver's license before they officially cancel your auto insurance coverage. At the end of the day, you can’t have one without the other.
Driving without a driving license can cause you to lose your car insurance coverage, and driving without car insurance coverage can cause you to lose your driving license in the worst-case scenarios.
Why do we Need to Renew Drivers Licenses?
Driver’s license expiration dates exist so DMVs can verify that the driver can physically and safely operate a motor vehicle. The reasons are listed below.
Pass a vision test so they know your vision is adequate to drive safely.
Update your photograph on your drivers license for identification purposes for law enforcement.
Verify your current legal residential address.
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