Yes, you can get car insurance without a license in Texas. Whether your license is suspended, you have a learner's permit or you are registering a car with a state ID, you still have options. A-MAX helps Texas drivers find affordable coverage and file necessary SR-22 forms to get back on the road legally.
Texas Requirements for Insuring a Vehicle Without a License
Texas law requires that every registered vehicle has proof of financial responsibility, regardless of who owns it. The good news is that you do not need a valid driver's license to buy a policy or register a car in the Lone Star State — a valid Texas identification card is often sufficient for the TxDMV.
To legally insure a vehicle in Texas, your policy must meet the state's minimum liability limits, often called 30/60/25 coverage:
$30,000 for bodily injury per person
$60,000 for bodily injury per accident
$25,000 for property damage
Why Texas Drivers Need Insurance Without a License
There are many reasons you might need to insure a car before you have an active license. In Texas, where public transit isn't always an option, keeping a vehicle insured is vital for your household. Common scenarios include:
License Suspensions: Texas has strict laws regarding DWI and driving without insurance. If your license is suspended, you still need insurance to prevent a lapse in coverage.
SR-22 Filings: To reinstate a suspended license with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), you often need an insurance company to file an SR-22 certificate for you.
Unlicensed Owners: You might own a car that a caregiver, spouse or child drives.
Classic Car Collectors: You may own a vintage vehicle for show that needs protection against theft or weather damage.
Teen Drivers: Parents often insure vehicles for teens who only hold a learner's permit.
Texas SR-22 Requirements
If your license was suspended due to a DWI, driving without insurance or too many traffic violations, Texas DPS will likely require you to file an SR-22. An SR-22 isn't actually insurance; it is a certificate your insurance carrier files with the state to prove you have the minimum liability coverage.
Triggers and Duration
In Texas, you typically must maintain an SR-22 on file for 2 years starting from the date of your conviction or judgment. If you cancel your policy or let it lapse during this time, A-MAX is required by law to notify the state, which may result in your license being suspended again.
Filing with A-MAX
We make this process easy. A-MAX files the SR-22 directly with Texas DPS for you. While there is usually a small filing fee, the most significant cost comes from the underlying insurance premium. We shop 35+ carriers to find you the lowest possible rate for your situation.
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Finding coverage without a license requires the right strategy. Here are the most common ways we help Texas drivers get covered:
List a Different Primary Driver
If you own the car but can't drive it, you can buy a policy and list a licensed friend or family member as the "primary driver." You would be listed as an "excluded driver," meaning the car is covered when they drive it, but not when you do.
Parked Car Insurance
If your car is sitting in a garage while you wait for license reinstatement, you might only need "comprehensive-only" coverage. This protects against non-driving perils like theft, vandalism, fire or hail (a common Texas threat!).
Non-Owner Insurance
If you do not own a car but need an SR-22 to get your license back, a non-owner liability policy is your best bet. It meets the state's requirements for reinstatement and is often cheaper than standard auto insurance.
How Much Does It Cost in Texas?
Insurance rates for unlicensed drivers are generally higher because carriers view them as higher risk. However, costs vary wildly based on your zip code, vehicle type and coverage history.
To save money, look for:
Bundling: Combine your auto policy with renters or home insurance.
Continuous Coverage: Avoid gaps in your insurance history to keep rates low.
Comparison Shopping: Since we work with over 35 carriers, we do the hard work of comparing prices for you.
Common questions about unlicensed driver insurance
Can I register a car in Texas without a license?
Yes. According to TxDMV requirements, you can title and register a vehicle using a valid government-issued photo identification, such as a Texas state ID card or a US passport, instead of a driver's license.
Does Texas require an SR-22 for all license suspensions?
No, not every suspension requires one. An SR-22 is typically required for suspensions related to driving without insurance, DWI convictions or civil judgments resulting from a crash. Check your eligibility status on the Texas DPS website to be sure.
Can I get insurance in Texas with a Mexican driver's license?
Yes. A-MAX helps many international drivers. We can usually find you a policy using a valid foreign license, including a Mexican driver's license (matricula), or an international driving permit.
How do I get my Texas license back after a suspension?
You generally need to file an SR-22 with the state, pay a reinstatement fee (typically around $100) and resolve any outstanding tickets or legal requirements. A-MAX can handle the SR-22 filing to help speed up this process.
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Ready to get legal? Visit one of our 200+ Texas locations to chat with an agent in person. We are here to help you navigate Texas insurance laws without the stress.