Can You Insure a Car Without a Driver's Licence?

15 May 2025

Own a car but don’t have a licence? It might sound a little unconventional, but there are plenty of reasons why a person might find themselves in this situation. Maybe you're a classic car collector, buying a special car for a loved one, or simply can’t drive for the time being due to health reasons. Whatever the case, you’ll still want to keep your vehicle protected.

In this guide, we’ll explain whether you can insure your car without holding a licence, as well as the options available to make sure your pride and joy stays covered.

Why someone without a driver's licence might want car insurance

While it may not seem all that common, there are many reasons why someone would insure their car without having a licence to drive it. For some, it’s about protecting their investment, while for others, it’s simply a practical thing to do. After all, just because you’re not currently driving the car, doesn’t mean it’s not at risk of theft or damage.

If you’re a classic car collector or enthusiast, you might own vehicles purely for display or as part of a collection. Though you may never plan to drive them, you'll still need insurance to protect their value. Standard car insurance policies might not fully account for the unique value and needs of such vehicles, making classic car insurance or vintage car insurance more suitable. Note there are age limits to this cover so do ensure to check before purchasing your policy.

Whatever your reason, having insurance means your car is protected against unforeseen situations no matter who’s driving.

Can you insure a car without a driver’s licence?

The short answer is yes, it’s possible to insure a car without a licence. However, it can come with some challenges.

Insurers tend to be cautious when offering cover to a car owner without a driver’s licence. A licence usually means you're the main driver, and without one, they may view it as a bit of a risk. This could mean you have to pay higher premiums or have extra conditions added to your policy.

If an insurer does agree to cover you, they'll want to know who will be driving the car. In most cases, you’ll need to name a primary driver who has a valid licence. They’ll also look at other details like how the car is used, where it’s kept, and whether you’ve held a licence in the past.

How to insure a car without a driver’s licence

If you don’t have a licence but still need to insure your car, there is a way get it sorted.

You can name someone else as the main driver. This could be a family member or friend who has a valid licence. The car stays in your name, but the insurance will be based on the person who’s driving it.

Car insurance without a licence - FAQs

How does classic car insurance work if I don’t have a licence?

Classic car insurance can actually be a little easier for non-drivers. These policies focus more on the car’s value and how it's used, like for shows or events, rather than your driving history.

Can I insure a classic car that’s just for display?

Absolutely. If your classic car is only used for display or kept in storage, you can get what's called laid-up insurance. It protects your car against damage or theft without needing full road insurance — perfect for that prestige vehicle that rarely leaves the garage.

Classic car insurance from Footman James

With Footman James you can get a classic car insurance online quotation instantly for your classic Land Rover, Jaguar, Mini, VW and more. You can also add FJ+ options to your quote such as agreed value and breakdown cover.

 

Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems we recommend that professional advice be sought.