Car insurance after a gap in coverage or with no prior insurance

Maybe you sold your car, moved, lost a job or just could not keep up with payments for a while. Or maybe you have never had a policy in your name. Either way, you can get car insurance after a gap in coverage or with no prior insurance. This guide explains why insurance companies ask about your past coverage, how a gap can affect your price, what to bring and how to get covered again.

Can you get car insurance after a gap in coverage?

Yes. A gap in coverage does not stop you from buying a policy. Some insurance companies may charge more or ask more questions, but many will insure you. The sooner you get covered again, the better, because the gap usually stops growing the day your new policy starts.

If you have never had insurance, that is common too. First-time buyers, young drivers, drivers new to the country and people who used to be listed on a family member's policy often start with no insurance history in their own name. See our page on insurance with no prior coverage.

Why do insurance companies ask about prior insurance?

When you get a quote, you will usually be asked if you had insurance before and whether there were any breaks. Here is why:

• It helps them predict risk. Many insurance companies see a steady history of coverage as a sign of a lower-risk driver.
• It can affect discounts. Some companies offer a lower price to drivers who can show continuous coverage.
• It shows whether you drove uninsured. Driving without insurance is against the law in Texas, California and Arizona, and some companies treat it as a serious risk.

Every company weighs this in its own way. That is why one company may quote you much higher than another for the same coverage.

How long does a gap in coverage affect your price?

There is no single rule. Each insurance company decides how much a gap matters and how far back it looks. In general:

• A short gap usually has less effect than a long one.
• A gap where you were not driving, like when you had no car, may be treated differently than driving with no insurance. Ask your agent how each company handles it.
• The effect usually gets smaller over time once you keep a policy active with no breaks.

The best thing you can do is start a policy now and keep it going. Each month of steady coverage builds a better history for your next renewal.

How do you get covered again? 5 steps

1. Find out if you need an SR-22. If you were caught driving without insurance, the state may require one. Check any notice you received. Our guide What is an SR-22? explains how it works.
2. Decide how much coverage you need. At a minimum, you need your state's liability limits: 30/60/25 in Texas, 30/60/15 in California and 25/50/15 in Arizona. Our guide to liability car insurance explains what those numbers mean.
3. Gather your documents. See the list below.
4. Compare quotes. Prices for drivers with a gap can vary a lot from one company to the next. An agent who works with more than one company can do the shopping for you.
5. Pick a payment plan you can keep. A plan that fits your budget helps you avoid another gap. If you are unsure how often to pay, read our guide on monthly, 6-month or yearly payments.

What should you bring to get a quote?

• Your driver license. A foreign license or other ID may work with some insurance companies.
• Your address, where the car is kept.
• Your car's year, make, model and VIN.
• The names and birth dates of drivers in your home.
• Your last policy's declarations page, if you had insurance before. It shows your past coverage and dates.
• Any SR-22 notice or court paperwork, if you have one.
• A way to pay your first payment.

Tips to avoid another gap in coverage

• Set up autopay or payment reminders.
• If you sell your car, ask about a non-owner policy so you stay insured while you are between cars.
• Before you cancel a policy, have the new one ready to start the same day.
• If a payment will be late, call your agent before the due date.

Rules vary by state

Each state has its own rules about insurance and what happens when coverage stops.

• Texas: Minimum liability is 30/60/25. Texas DPS says a second or later conviction for driving without liability insurance requires an SR-22, kept for 2 years from the conviction date. Source: Texas DPS, Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22).
• California: Minimum liability is 30/60/15. Insurance companies report coverage to the DMV electronically. The DMV says that if it does not receive proof of insurance, the vehicle's registration will be suspended, and you should notify the DMV before you cancel your insurance. Source: California DMV, Insurance Requirements.
• Arizona: Minimum liability is 25/50/15. Insurance companies report cancellations and new policies to ADOT, and ADOT can suspend your license and registration if your car does not meet the insurance requirement. Sources: Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), and Arizona Revised Statutes 28-4009, 28-4148 and 28-4144.

If you received a notice from the state, follow it. Your court order or the state can require steps or time periods different from the ones shown here.

How A-MAX can help

At A-MAX, a gap in coverage or no prior insurance is not a reason to turn you away. For over 20 years, we have helped drivers others judge get back on the road. We shop multiple insurance companies and explain your options in plain language. If you need an SR-22, we file it for you, usually the same day. We shop. You choose.

Walk into one of our 240+ offices in Texas, California and Arizona, call 1-800-921-AMAX, or start a quote online. Our licensed agents speak English and Spanish. A-MAX Has Your Back.