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Not surprisingly, a license suspension can have a huge effect on car insurance. One, car insurance companies might cancel your policy before its end date, and two, you might decide to cancel it to save money. But there are more benefits to keeping your car insurance active than canceling it, even with a suspended license.
Yes, a license suspension does affect car insurance. Your insurance provider may cancel your policy mid-term. If it doesn’t, you may decide to cancel it yourself or leave it active.
Car insurance companies will run your license to see your driving record. Driver risk is one factor companies use to determine your auto insurance premiums. If your license is suspended, it indicates a higher driver risk and thus higher insurance costs.
Your car insurance rates will increase after a suspension, but the amount they’ll increase will depend on why your driver’s license was suspended and how long the violation will stay on your driving record.1
If your license was suspended without any restricted use (meaning you’re not allowed to drive at all), you do not need car insurance, as you won’t be driving. Many people with suspended licenses suspend car insurance temporarily. However, if you have a restricted license, you’ll need the minimum coverage your state requires.
Even though you don’t need insurance on a car you’re not driving, you should keep your policy active anyway.
Overall, maintaining an active insurance policy will keep your rates as low as possible when your license is reinstated.
Of course, a license suspension will result in higher insurance rates, but you can keep them as low as possible by following these steps:
Make sure you can afford to pay your deductible if you raise it; otherwise, you won’t be covered under collision or comprehensive claims.
You can get car insurance with a suspended license, but not all companies offer high-risk insurance. Here’s how to get auto insurance without a license:
High-risk car insurance is for people with SR-22s or FR-44s (state-mandated forms that prove insurance coverage following certain traffic convictions) and/or bad driving records, including DUIs, at-fault accidents, and tickets. Drivers with poor driving records are considered high risk, or more likely to file claims. Car insurance companies place higher premiums on these drivers to protect their financial interests.
Here’s what to do after your license has been suspended:
In games, points are usually a good thing. But when it comes to your driving record, points are bad. Different states give different amounts of points for certain actions. For example, New York’s point system is shown below.
Offense | Points |
---|---|
Speeding more than 40 miles over limit | 11 |
Speeding 31-40 miles over limit | 8 |
Speeding 21-30 miles over limit | 6 |
Reckless driving | 5 |
Failing to stop for a school bus | 5 |
Violationg a railroad crossing | 5 |
Speeding 11-20 miles over limit | 4 |
Tailgating | 4 |
Inadequate brakes | 4 |
Speeding 1-10 miles over limit | 3 |
Failure to yield right-of-way | 3 |
Violations involving a traffic signal, yield sign, or stop sign | 3 |
Improper passing, driving left of center, driving in the wrong direction, or unsafe lane change | 3 |
Leaving the scene of an incident involving property damage or injury to an animal | 3 |
Safety restraint violation involving a person under 16 | 3 |
Inadequate brakes while driving an employer’s vehicle | 2 |
Any other moving violation | 2 |
In New York, if you rack up 11 or more points within 18 months, the DMV will revoke or suspend your license.2 See below for your state’s minimum points for a license suspension.
State | Points resulting in license suspension | Time frame (in years) |
---|---|---|
Alabama | 12-14 | 2 |
Alaska | 12 | 1 |
Arizona | 8 | 1 |
Arkansas | 14 | 3 |
California | 6 | 1 |
Colorado | 12 | 1 |
Connecticut | 10 | 2 |
Delaware | 14 | 2 |
District of Columbia | 10-11 | 2 |
Florida | 12 | 1 |
Georgia | 15 | 2 |
Hawaii | No point system | N/A |
Idaho | 8-11 | 1 |
Illinois | 3 or more offenses | 1 |
Indiana | 2 or more offenses | 1 |
Iowa | 3 or more offenses | 1 |
Kansas | No point system | N/A |
Kentucky | 12 | 2 |
Louisiana | No point system | N/A |
Maine | 12 | 1 |
Maryland | 8-11 | 2 |
Massachusetts | 7 offenses | 3 |
Michigan | 12 | 2 |
Minnesota | No point system | N/A |
Mississippi | No point system | N/A |
Missouri | 8 | 1.5 |
Montana | 15 | 3 |
Nebraska | 12 | 2 |
Nevada | 12 | 1 |
New Hampshire | 12 | 1 |
New Jersey | 12 | 3 |
New Mexico | 7-10 | 1 |
New York | 11 | 1.5 |
North Carolina | 12 | 3 |
North Dakota | 12 | No time frame |
Ohio | 12 | 2 |
Oklahoma | 10 | 5 |
Oregon | No point system | N/A |
Pennsylvania | 11 | No time frame |
Rhode Island | No point system | N/A |
South Carolina | 12 | No time frame |
South Dakota | 15 | 1 |
Tennessee | 12 | 1 |
Texas | 4 offenses | 1 |
Utah | 200 | 3 |
Vermont | 10 | 2 |
Virginia | 18 | 1 |
Washington | No point system | N/A |
West Virginia | 12-13 | 2 |
Wisconsin | 12 | 1 |
Wyoming | No point system | N/A3 |
A license suspension is a temporary hold on your license that invalidates it, meaning you can’t drive legally.
What is the difference between a suspended and a revoked license? While suspended licenses are canceled for a finite period of time, revoked licenses are canceled permanently. People with suspended licenses can get their driving privileges back if they fulfill certain requirements, while people with revoked licenses may or may not be able to get new licenses, depending on the reason for the revocation.
There are a few reasons why a license would be suspended or revoked:
Once your license suspension period is over, it’s not reinstated automatically. Rather, you’ll need to fulfill your state’s DMV requirements, which may require you to take a defensive driving class, pay a fee, or obtain an SR-22.
Here is exactly what you’ll need to do to reinstate a suspended license in each state.
State | Requirements | URL of form | Mailing address | Fees and penalties |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alabama |
|
https://dmvconnect.com/al-alabama/alabama-suspended-license/ | Driver License Division
P.O. Box 1471 Montgomery, AL 36102 |
$175; $275 for DUI-related revoked license |
Alaska |
|
http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/akol/reinstate.htm | State of Alaska
Division of Motor Vehicles Driver Services 3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101 Anchorage, AK 99503 |
$100; $200 for DUI-related revoked license |
Arizona |
|
https://azdot.gov/motor-vehicles/driver-services/license-revocation-and-suspension | Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) Inquiries
P.O. Box 2100, MD 555M Phoenix, AZ 85001 |
$20 reinstatement fee; $10-$25 application fee |
Arkansas |
|
https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/driver-services/dui-dwi-information/dui-dwi-bui-bwi-offenses/ | Department of Finance and Administration
P.O. Box 1272 Room 1130 Little Rock, AR 72203-1272 |
$150 for DWI/BWI-related revocation |
California |
|
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/dl-id-online-app-edl-44/ | Driver’s License Inquiries
Department of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box 942890 Sacramento, CA 94290-0001 |
$55 |
Colorado |
|
https://dmv.colorado.gov/process-reinstate-driving-privilege | Colorado Department of Revenue
Driver Control/Reinstatements P.O. Box 173345 Denver, CO 80217-3345 |
$95 |
Connecticut |
|
https://portal.ct.gov/DMV/Suspension/Suspension/Resolving-a-Suspension | Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Driver Services Division 60 State St. Wethersfield, CT 06161-1013 |
$175 |
Delaware |
|
https://dmv.de.gov/DriverServices/driver_improvement/index.shtml?dc=dr_di_suspension | Delaware City Division of Motor Vehicles
2101 Mid County Drive New Castle, Delaware 19720 |
$200 |
District of Columbia |
|
https://dmv.dc.gov/node/1119132 | DC DMV Driver Improvement Office
P.O. Box 90120 Washington, D.C. 20090 |
$20 driver license fee |
Florida |
|
https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/driver-license-suspensions-revocations/other-suspensions-revocations/ | https://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/ | $75 |
Georgia |
|
https://dds.georgia.gov/georgia-licenseid/existing-licenseid/reinstate-license | Department of Driver Services (DDS)
Validation Unit P.O. Box 80447 Conyers, GA 30013 |
$25-$400 depending on the offense |
Hawaii |
|
https://www.dmv.org/hi-hawaii/suspended-license.php | Hawaii County:
Hilo Driver License Office 349 Kapiolani St. Hilo, HI 96720 Honolulu County: Mission Memorial Building 550 S. King St. Honolulu, HI 96813 Maui County: Maui Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing 110 Alaihi St. Suite 101 Kahului, HI 96732 Kauai County: County of Kauai Department of Finance Driver License Division 4444 Rice St., Suite A480 Lihue, HI 96766 |
$20-$50 |
Idaho |
|
https://www.accessidaho.org/itd/driver/reinstatement/index | Idaho Transportation Department
3311 West State St. Boise, ID 83707-1129 |
$15-$285 depending on the offense |
Illinois |
|
https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/BAIID/reinstate.html | Secretary of State
Traffic Violations Section 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway Springfield, Il 62723 |
$500 reinstatement fee; $50 filing fee when requesting formal reinstatement hearing |
Indiana |
|
https://www.in.gov/bmv/licenses-permits-ids/suspension-and-reinstatement/reinstating-your-driving-privileges/ | Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 100 Winchester, IN 37394-0100 |
Amount found in Official Driver Record account |
Iowa |
|
https://mymvd.iowadot.gov/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fCompliance | Iowa DOT
800 Lincoln Way Ames, IA 50010 |
$200 civil penalty for OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) |
Kansas |
|
https://www.ksrevenue.gov/dovsuspended.html | Driver Solutions Bureau
P.O. Box 12021 Topeka, KS 66612-2021 |
Amount found in the Official Driver Record account. |
Kentucky |
|
https://www.dmv.org/ky-kentucky/suspended-license.php | Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
200 Mero St. Frankfort, KY 40622 |
$40 |
Louisiana |
|
https://www.expresslane.org/drivers/driver-reinstatement/suspensions/ | Louisiana OMV Mail Center
P.O. Box 64886 Baton Rouge, LA 70896 |
Amount varies depending on reason for suspension |
Maine |
|
https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/licenses/suspension.html | Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Driver License Services Division 29 State House Station August, ME 04333-0029 |
Amount will be found on request form |
Maryland |
|
https://mva.maryland.gov/about-mva/Pages/info/26200/26200-01T.aspx | MVA
Driver Wellness and Safety Division 6601 Ritchie Highway Glen Burnie, MD 21062 |
Amount will be available at the MVA |
Massachusetts |
|
https://www.mass.gov/how-to/reinstate-your-drivers-license | RMV locations | $100-$1200 depending on the offense |
Michigan |
|
https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1627_8665_9074-32058–,00.html | Michigan Department of State
Special Services Branch 7064 Crowner Drive Lansing, MI 48918 |
$125 |
Minnesota |
|
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/Pages/dvs-content-detail.aspx?pageID=680&pageTitle=Driver%27s%20License%20-%20Class%20D%20%E2%80%93%20Resolve%20Revoked%20License | Driver and Vehicle Services
Customer Contact Unit 445 Minnesota St., Suite 170 St. Paul, MN 55101 |
$680 for alcohol/drugs/criminal vehicular operation; $30 for other offenses |
Mississippi |
|
https://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/DriverRecords/Reinstatement | Driver Records Division/Reinstatement
P.O. Box 958 Jackson, MS 39205 |
$25-$175 depending on the offense |
Missouri |
|
https://dor.mo.gov/driver-license/revocation-reinstatement/reinstatement-requirements.html#chart | Driver License Bureau
P.O. Box 200 Jefferson City, Missouri 65105-0200 |
$20-$45 depending on the offense |
Montana |
|
https://dojmt.gov/driving/driver-license-sanctions/ | Motor Vehicle Division
Records and Driver Control Bureau P.O. Box 201430 Helena, MT 59620-1430 |
$100 |
Nebraska |
|
https://dmv.nebraska.gov/fr/court-ordered-revocations | Department of Motor Vehicles
301 Centennial Mall South P.O. Box 94877 Lincoln, NE 68509-4877 |
$125 |
Nevada |
|
https://dmvnv.com/dlsuspension.htm | Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
555 Wright Way Carson City, NV 89711 |
$120 reinstatement fee for alcohol/drug-related revocations; $75 for other offenses |
New Hampshire |
|
https://www.dmv.nh.gov/tickets-accidents-or-restorations/suspension-and-restoration | NH DMV
Bureau of Financial Responsibility P.O. Box 3838 Concord, NH 03301 |
$25-$100 |
New Jersey |
|
https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/license/suspension.htm | New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
P.O. Box 165 Trenton, NJ 08666-0165 |
$100 |
New Mexico |
|
https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/nm-drivers-licenses-ids/drivers-license/reinstate-a-suspended-license/ | MVD locations | Amount will be available at the MVD |
New York |
|
https://dmv.ny.gov/tickets/how-request-restoration-after-driver-license-revocation | Driver Improvement Unit
NYS DMV 6 Empire State Plaza, Room 336 Albany, NY 12228 |
$100 |
North Carolina |
|
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/license-suspension/Pages/default.aspx | N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles
Fiscal Unit P.O. Box 29615 Raleigh, NC 27626-0615 |
$140.25 reinstatement fee for alcohol/drug-related offenses; $70 for other offenses |
North Dakota |
|
https://www.dot.nd.gov/divisions/driverslicense/recordservices-suspensions.htm | Drivers License Division
608 E. Boulevard Ave. Bismarck, ND 58505 |
$25-$100 depending on the offense |
Ohio |
|
https://publicsafety.ohio.gov/static/bmv2401.pdf | Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 16784 Columbus, OH 43216-6784 |
$15-$475 depending on the offense |
Oklahoma |
|
https://oklahoma.gov/dps/reinstate-driver-license.html | Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
3600 N. Martin Luther King Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73111 |
Amount will be available at the DPS |
Oregon |
|
https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/driverid/suspreasons.aspx | DMV Headquarters
1905 Lana Ave. NE Salem, OR 97314 |
$75 |
Pennsylvania |
|
https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Information-Centers/Suspensions/Pages/Restore-Driving-Privilege.aspx | Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
1101 S. Front St. Harrisburg, PA 17104 |
Amount will be available at the DMV |
Rhode Island |
|
https://dmv.ri.gov/licenses-permits-ids/drivers-licenses/reinstatement | Suspension/Reinstatement
600 New London Ave. Cranston, RI 02920 |
$62.50 for license renewal |
South Carolina |
|
https://www.scdmvonline.com/Driver-Services/License-Reinstatement | SCDMV
Driver Records P.O. Box 1498 Blythewood, SC 29016-0028 |
$100 |
South Dakota |
|
https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing/south-dakota-licensing-information/revoked-or-suspended | Driver Licensing Program
118 W. Capitol Ave. Pierre, SD 57501 |
$50-$100, depending on the offense |
Tennessee |
|
https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/reinstatements.html#Pay | Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
Attention to: Reinstatements P.O. Box 945 Nashville, TN 37202 |
Amount will be available at the Reinstatement Center |
Texas |
|
https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/reinstating-your-driver-license-or-driving-privilege | Compliance Documentation without Reinstatement Fees:
Texas Department of Public Safety Enforcement and Compliance Service P.O. Box 4087 Austin, TX 78773-0320 Compliance Documentation with Reinstatement Fees: Texas Department of Public Safety Central Cash Receiving P.O. Box 15999 Austin, TX 78761-5999 |
Amount found in License Eligibility account |
Utah |
|
https://dld.utah.gov/reinstatement/ | Driver License Division
P.O. Box 144501 Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4501 |
$85 reinstatement fee plus $255 administrative fee for alcohol/drug-related offenses; $40 for other offenses |
Vermont |
|
https://dmv.vermont.gov/licenses/suspensions | Vermont DMV
120 State St. Montpelier, VT 05603-0001 |
Amount will be available at the DMV |
Virginia |
|
https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/drivers/#reinstate.asp | Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 27412 Richmond, VA 23269 |
$145-$220 depending on the offense |
Washington |
|
https://www.dol.wa.gov/licenseexpress.html | Department of Licensing
P.O. Box 9030 Olympia, WA 98507-9030 |
$150 for alcohol/drug-related offenses; $75 for other offenses |
West Virginia |
|
https://www.acluwv.org/en/news/new-wv-law-addresses-suspended-drivers-licenses | P.O. Box 17030
Charleston, WV 25317 |
$25 |
Wisconsin |
|
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/teen-driver/teen-hw-aply/driver-fees.aspx | Wisconsin Department of Transportation
DMV Communication Center P.O. Box 7983 Madison, WI 53707-7983 |
$200 for OWI-related offenses; $60 for other offenses |
Wyoming |
|
https://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/driver_license_records/suspensionsignition-interlock/reinstatement.html | WYDOT-Driver Services
5300 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, WY 82009-3340 |
$50 |
Car insurance will be more expensive after your license is reinstated because you’ll be considered a high-risk driver. The more risk the insurance company takes on, the higher your premiums will be.
If you get caught driving with a suspended license, you’ll have to pay a fee, go to jail, or have your suspension period lengthened. Punishments vary by state, as shown in the chart below.4
State | Fine | Maximum imprisonment | Impoundment of the vehicle? | Extension of license suspension increase, if any | Other punishments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alabama | $100-$500 | 180 days | Yes | 6 months | None |
Alaska | None | Second offense: 10 days | Possible | 90 days | First offense: 80 hours of community service |
Arizona | None | 6 months | Possible | None | None |
Arkansas | $500 | 6 months | None | None | None |
California | First offense: $300-$1,000
Subsequent offenses: $500-$2,000 |
First offense: 6 months
Subsequent offenses: 1 year |
None | None | None |
Colorado | $500 | First offense: 6 months
Subsequent offenses: 1 year |
None | First offense: 1 year
Subsequent offense: 3 years |
None |
Connecticut | First offense: $150-$200
Subsequent offenses: $200-$600 |
First offense: 3 months
Subsequent offenses: 1 year |
None | None | None |
Delaware | First offense: $500-$1,000
Subsequent offenses: $1,000-$4,000 |
First offense: 6 months
Subsequent offenses: 1 year |
First offense: 90 days (possible)
Subsequent offenses: 1 year (possible) |
None | None |
District of Columbia | $2,500 | 1 year | None | None | None |
Florida | First offense: $500
Second offense: $1,000 Subsequent offenses: $5,000 |
First offense: 60 days
Second offense: 1 year Subsequent offenses: 5 years |
For third or subsequent offenses | None | None |
Georgia | First offense: $500
Second or third offense: $1,000-$2,500 Subsequent offenses: $2,500-$5,000 |
First offense: 1 year
Second or third offense: 1 year Subsequent offenses: 1-5 years |
None | 6 months | None |
Hawaii | First offense: $250-$1,000
Second offense: $1,000 Subsequent offenses: $2,000 |
First offense: 30 days
Second offense: 30 days Subsequent offenses: 1 year |
None | First offense: 1 year
Second offense: 2 years Subsequent offenses: permanent license revocation |
None |
Idaho | First offense: $1,000
Second offense: $1,000 Subsequent offenses: $3,000 |
First offense: 6 months
Second offense: 1 year Subsequent offenses: 1 year |
None | First offense: 180 days
Second offense: 1 year Subsequent offense: 2 years |
None |
Illinois | First offense: $2,500
Subsequent offenses: $25,000 |
First offense: 1 year
Subsequent offenses: 3 years |
Possible | None | None |
Indiana | No more than $10,000 | 2.5 years | None | None | None |
Iowa | $1,500 | None | None | 1 year | None |
Kansas | $100 | 5 days | None | 90 days | None |
Kentucky | None | First offense: 90 days
Second offenses: 1 year Subsequent offenses: 5 years |
None | First offense: 6 months
Second offense: 1 year Subsequent offenses: 2 years |
None |
Louisiana | Class D or E driver’s license: $500
Subsequent offense: $300-$500, potential civil fine of no more than $1,150 Class A, B, or C driver’s license: no more than $5,000 Subsequent offenses: $300-$500, potential civil fine of no more than $2,500 |
6 months | None | 1 year | None |
Maine | First offense: $250
Second offense: $500 |
None | None | 1 year | None |
Maryland | $1,000 | First offense: 1 year
Subsequent offenses: 2 years |
Possible | First offense: 1 year
Subsequent offenses: 2 years |
None |
Massachusetts | $500-$1,000 | First offense: 10 days
Subsequent offenses: 1 year |
None | 60 days | None |
Michigan | First offense: $500
Second offense: $1,000 |
First offense: 93 days
Second offense: 1 year |
None | Increase by like period | Cancellation of vehicle’s registration plates |
Minnesota | $1,000 | 90 days | None | None | None |
Mississippi | $200-$500 | 6 months | None | 6 months | None |
Missouri | None | First offense: 1 year
Second offense: 1 year Subsequent offenses: 4 years |
None | None | None |
Montana | $500 | Second offense: 6 months | None | Second offense: 1 year | None |
Nebraska | None | None | None | None | First offense: Unable to operate any motor vehicle for 1 year; license revocation for like period
Subsequent offenses: Unable to operate any motor vehicle for 2 years; license revocation for like period |
Nevada | $1,000 | 6 months | None | Increase by like period | None |
New Hampshire | $1,000 | 7 days | None | 1 year | None |
New Jersey | First offense: $500
Second offense: $750 Subsequent offenses: $1,000 |
Second offense: 5 days
Subsequent offenses: 10 days |
None | 6 months | None |
New Mexico | $1,000 | 364 days | Possible | None | None |
New York | First offense: $200-$500
Subsequent offenses: $500 |
First offense: 30 days
Subsequent offenses: 180 days |
None | None | None |
North Carolina | $200 | 10 days | None | First offense: 1 year
Second offense: 2 years Third offense: Permanent license suspension |
None |
North Dakota | First, second, or third offense: $1,500
Fourth or subsequent offenses: $3,000 |
First, second or third offense: 30 days
Fourth or subsequent offenses: 1 year |
None | None | Possible destruction of license plate |
Ohio | $1,000 | First offense: 500 hours community service
Subsequent offenses: 180 days |
None | None | Possible license plate impoundment |
Oklahoma | First offense: $100-$500
Second offense: $200-$750 Subsequent offenses: $300-$1,000 |
First or second offense: 30 days
Third or subsequent offenses: 1 year |
None | None | None |
Oregon | $220-$2,000 | None | Possible | None | None |
Pennsylvania | First offense: $200
Second offense: $1,000 Subsequent offenses: $2,500 |
Second offense: 90 days
Subsequent offenses: 6 months |
None | None | None |
Rhode Island | First offense: $250-$500
Second offense: $350-$500 Subsequent offenses: $500-$1,000 |
Third or subsequent offenses: 90 days | None | Third or subsequent offense: 90 days | None |
South Carolina | First offense: $300
Second offense: $600 Subsequent offense: $1,000 |
First offense: 30 days
Second offense: 60 days Subsequent offenses: 90 days |
None | None | None |
South Dakota | $500 | 30 days | None | None | None |
Tennessee | First offense: $500
Subsequent offenses: $2,500 |
First offense: 6 months
Subsequent offenses: 11 months, 29 days |
None | Increased by like period of time | None |
Texas | First offense: $500
Subsequent offenses: $2,000 |
Second or subsequent offenses: 180 days | None | None | None |
Utah | $1,000 | 6 months | None | None | None |
Vermont | $5,000 | 2 years | None | None | Seizure of license plates |
Virginia | $2,500 | 1 year | 90 days | None | None |
Washington | No more than $5,000 | 364 days | None | None | None |
West Virginia | $100-$500 | Third or subsequent offenses: 90 days | None | None | None |
Wisconsin | $50-$200 | None | Possible | None | None |
Wyoming | $750 | None | None | None | None |
If you get into an accident while driving with a suspended license, your car insurance company will only cover the accident if your policy is still active. If the insurance company canceled your policy when your license was suspended, you’ll be responsible for the damage and injury costs out of pocket.5
Here are a few strategies to keep a clean record and avoid getting a suspended license:
An SR-22 certificate is proof of minimum insurance. If you get a DUI, you might be required to carry an SR-22 for a period of around three years.
SR-22s are also known as Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificates.
Technically, you can buy a car with a suspended license. However, you won’t be able to drive it off the lot with a suspended license, so you’ll need a friend or someone listed on your policy to drive your car under your policy’s permissive-use clause, if any. Also note that if your license is suspended, you will probably encounter difficulty getting an auto loan, which makes buying a car difficult if you can’t pay for it upfront.
You won’t be able to rent a car with a suspended license. You’ll need an active, valid license to rent a car, according to the major rental car companies like Budget.6
In every state, you can technically register a car with a suspended license. However, some states ban you from adding yourself as an excluded driver on car insurance policies, so finding insurance will be more difficult, which may pose a problem for registering your vehicle. You may have to find a company that accepts SR-22s or people with suspended licenses. Then you will be able to register your vehicle.
State | Can you register a car with a suspended license? |
---|---|
Alabama | Yes |
Alaska | Yes |
Arizona | Yes |
Arkansas | Yes |
California | Yes |
Colorado | Yes |
Connecticut | Yes |
Delaware | Yes |
District of Columbia | Yes |
Florida | Yes |
Georgia | Yes |
Hawaii | Yes |
Idaho | Yes |
Illinois | Yes |
Indiana | Yes |
Iowa | Yes |
Kansas | Yes, but it will be harder to find insurance because you can’t list yourself as an excluded driver on a policy. |
Kentucky | Yes, but it will be harder to find insurance because you can’t list yourself as an excluded driver on a policy. |
Louisiana | Yes |
Maine | Yes |
Maryland | Yes |
Massachusetts | Yes |
Michigan | Yes, but it will be harder to find insurance because you can’t list yourself as an excluded driver on a policy. |
Minnesota | Yes |
Mississippi | Yes |
Missouri | Yes |
Montana | Yes |
Nebraska | Yes |
Nevada | Yes |
New Hampshire | Yes |
New Jersey | Yes |
New Mexico | Yes |
New York | Yes, but it will be harder to find insurance because you can’t list yourself as an excluded driver on a policy. |
North Carolina | Yes |
North Dakota | Yes |
Ohio | Yes |
Oklahoma | Yes |
Oregon | Yes |
Pennsylvania | Yes |
Rhode Island | Yes |
South Carolina | Yes |
South Dakota | Yes |
Tennessee | Yes |
Texas | Yes |
Utah | Yes |
Vermont | Yes |
Virginia | Yes, but it will be harder to find insurance because you can’t list yourself as an excluded driver on a policy. |
Washington | Yes |
West Virginia | Yes |
Wisconsin | Yes, but it will be harder to find insurance because you can’t list yourself as an excluded driver on a policy. |
Wyoming | Yes |
If your car insurance policy is still active even with a suspended license, then yes, someone else can drive your car legally as long as you have borrowed car insurance coverage. Most policies come with a permissive-use clause that says that your insurance will cover anyone who drives your car with permission. In other words, car insurance usually follows the car, not the driver.
If someone drives your car frequently, does not live in your household, and is not on your policy, consider non-owner car insurance. Non-owner car insurance is basic liability insurance and is normally cheaper than regular insurance. If your insurance has been canceled or not renewed, non-owner car insurance may cost less than car insurance with a suspended license.
Just because your insurance was canceled doesn’t mean your license was suspended, although that’s one of the possible reasons your insurance would be canceled. Car insurance companies can also cancel your policy mid-term if you misrepresented yourself on your application, committed fraud, or didn’t pay for your policy within a specific time period. Learn more about insurance policy cancellations and nonrenewals.
A suspended license doesn’t always mean a lapse in insurance, but it does lead to higher prices down the road. Your best bet is to avoid getting your license suspended, but if it has been, keep your policy active to avoid even higher premiums in the future.
Can you get car insurance with a suspended license? Progressive.
https://www.progressive.com/answers/car-insurance-with-suspended-license/.
A GUIDE TO SUSPENSION & REVOCATION OF DRIVING PRIVILEGES IN NEW YORK STATE. New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
https://dmv.ny.gov/brochure/c-12.pdf.
Driver’s License Points by State. FindLaw. (2016, Jun 20).
https://www.findlaw.com/traffic/traffic-tickets/state-specific-points-systems.html.
Driving While Revoked, Suspended or Otherwise Unlicensed: Penalties by State. National Conference of State Legislatures. (2021, Jul 7).
https://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/driving-while-revoked-suspended-or-otherwise-unli.aspx.
What If I’m At-Fault in an Accident With a Suspended License in Massachusetts? Sweeney Merrigan.
https://www.sweeneymerrigan.com/blog/what-if-im-at-fault-in-an-accident-with-a-suspended-license/.
Driver’s License Requirements. Budget.
https://www.budget.com/en/help/usa-faqs/license-requirements.