Your driver’s license may get suspended for various kinds of reasons like continuous traffic infractions, driving without insurance, or getting a citation for driving while intoxicated. Regardless of why your license was suspended, most insurance providers will consider you as a higher-risk driver. Therefore, you should be ready to pay more insurance as your license is suspended.
However, most providers can grant you access to coverage if you are in search of insurance for a suspended license while you try to get your license back. To help you begin the procedure of getting it back, this article will support you in finding the best car insurance for a suspended license.
Can You Get Insurance with a Suspended License
Yes, you can get car insurance with a suspended license. If you intend to drive a vehicle without an insurance policy that is current and complies with state law, it’s illegal. Even though you are unable to drive right away, ensure you maintain insurance on any cars you own or rent. In other words, it’s simpler to keep coverage than letting it expire and then mandating to reapply for both driver’s license and insurance.
What is License Suspension
A license suspension is a brief suspension that keeps your license from being valid for driving. You have to meet the requirements set forth by the department or bureau of motor vehicles in your state to have your license suspended lifted. A DUI, driving without insurance, no proof of insurance, driving, and receiving numerous traffic tickets in a short period are some offenses that result in your license being suspended.
A license that is suspended differs from one that has been revoked. Your license has been permanently canceled if it has been revoked. Depending on the state and the grounds for your license revocation, you might not be able to obtain another one.
Reasons Why Insurance May Get My License Suspended
The ability to drive for a short moment leads to the period your driver’s license gets suspended. There are various reasons that your driver’s license might get suspended but it also differs by state. The following are the common ones including;
- Driving a vehicle under the influence (DUI) or while intoxicated (DWI).
- Careless driving.
- Accidents caused by fault.
- Unpaid traffic citations.
- Obtaining a significant number of points on one’s driver’s license.
- Driving a vehicle without insurance.
- Driving without insurance or a lapse in auto insurance coverage.
- Medical issues like epilepsy, dementia, or trouble with consciousness.
The requirements for license reinstatement and whether or not insurance costs will increase will be determined by the application of various state laws and the policies of the driver’s current insurer.
Penalties of a Suspended License
You might be able to drive while your license is suspended if you fulfill the state requirements, unlike irreversible revocation. In most states, suspended drivers must abide by the same insurance requirements. The following includes;
SR-22 requirements
An SR-22, usually known as a certificate of financial responsibility is a document that your provider files with your state to confirm that you have the minimum amount of liability coverage necessary by your state. You might have to file an SR-22 if your license is suspended. However, not all providers offer SR-22 filing, as you might require changing to a provider that offers this service.
FR-44 requirements
An FR-44 form is only necessary in some states to indicate that you have gotten and carry car insurance with higher liability limits than what the state mandates. If your license got suspended because of the involvement of drugs and alcohol, an FR-44 may be necessary. This is because it has much higher minimum liability requirements just like SR-22.
Insurance nonrenewal and cancellation
Most policies prohibit car insurance providers from canceling insurance unless criminal activity or inability to pay premiums occurs, but state laws differ. However, following a suspension, car insurance providers are free to decline a renewal request. Your provider might refuse to renew your policy at the end of the term even if it hasn’t been canceled. This is because nonrenewal is subject to less stringent requirements than cancellation.
How to Get Insurance with a Suspended License
A driver with a suspended license might get coverage from all insurance companies. If they do, you will be considered a high-risk driver, resulting in high premiums. Moreover, you will often get coverage from a non-standard car insurance provider.
The following are procedures to consider if you need to get insurance for your suspended driver’s license:
Apply for a hardship or limited license
If your license is suspended, most insurance companies won’t insure you. However, if you have a restricted or hardship license, they might. States have different laws about this. To see if you qualify to apply for a restricted or hardship driver’s license, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state.
Get affordable insurance
Average premiums for high-risk drivers are among the highest, and not all insurance providers will cover them. You can find the best deal on auto insurance with a suspended license by comparing quotes.
Get a FR-44 or SR-22
To demonstrate that you have the bare minimum of liability insurance, your state may require your insurer to submit a certificate of financial responsibility.
During the period that your license is suspended, you will be responsible for covering any repairs or replacements of the vehicle. Also, you will be breaking your lease or financing agreement if it mandates that you keep up with specific insurance coverage.
Final Thought
To get the common cost of car insurance after your insurance expires which could lead to a suspended license, researchers have gathered sample rates for drivers in New York and Pennsylvania from three major providers at three intervals. This may include no lapse in coverage, a short lapse (less than 30 days), and a long lapse (more than 30 days). Your rates will also be affected by the circumstances surrounding the suspension of your license.