Having car insurance is mandatory in most states if you want to drive legally But what if you don’t have a social security number (SSN)? Typically, insurance companies require an SSN to underwrite and issue auto insurance. So how can you get coverage if you don’t have this key piece of identifying information?
While it can be more challenging, there are still options for non-citizens and others without an SSN to get insured and stay compliant with the law Here’s what you need to know about buying car insurance without a social security number.
Do You Legally Need Insurance Without a SSN?
In all but one state (New Hampshire), liability auto insurance is required. So most drivers without an SSN still need to carry minimum required car insurance in order to drive legally. The minimums vary by state but commonly include:
- Bodily injury liability coverage
- Property damage liability coverage
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage
Some states also require:
- Underinsured motorist coverage
- Personal injury protection or medical payments coverage
So check your state laws to confirm the precise minimum coverages and limits you’ll need Having the minimum required insurance is critical for all drivers to avoid fines and penalties in an accident, regardless of immigration status
Challenges of Getting Insured Without an SSN
Most major insurance companies ask for a valid SSN in order to underwrite and issue an auto insurance policy. Why is this required? There are a few key reasons:
-
Identity verification – The SSN helps confirm the applicant’s identity and check for any aliases.
-
Driving and credit history checks – Insurers use the SSN to pull motor vehicle records and credit reports, which are factored into pricing.
-
Insurance database reporting – Claims and policy information is shared with industry databases via the SSN.
-
Premium installment payments – If paying in installments, withdrawals often require account linkage via SSN.
So applicants without an SSN will have a much more difficult time going through standard insurance application and underwriting processes. But that doesn’t mean coverage is totally unattainable.
4 Ways to Get Car Insurance Without a Social Security Number
If you don’t have an SSN, here are some potential options to explore for meeting state minimum auto insurance requirements:
1. Insure through an international insurance company.
Some carriers that focus on insuring foreign drivers may offer policies without requiring an SSN. These specialty insurers have underwriting procedures designed for non-citizens. Policies are often pricier than standard companies and may have fewer discounts available. But international focused companies can be one of the few ways to get a standard auto policy without an SSN.
2. See if any national carriers offer exceptions.
A small number of major insurance providers will insure drivers without SSNs in certain scenarios. This may include:
- Non-citizens with permanent residency/visas
- Applicants with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Previous customers who’ve had a change in immigration status
It’s rare, but some big insurance companies like State Farm, Allstate, and Geico may insure without an SSN on a case-by-case basis if identity can be confirmed through other means.
3. Obtain state minimum coverage through an assigned risk plan.
Assigned risk plans, sometimes called shared markets, are state-run programs that provide minimum liability insurance to high-risk drivers unable to obtain coverage on the open market. These plans don’t require an SSN and will assign you to an insurance company that must provide state minimum liability coverage. However, the insurance can be very expensive.
4. See if you qualify for your state’s low-income auto insurance program.
Some states offer special low-cost auto insurance programs for low income residents. To qualify, you’ll need to meet certain income thresholds. These programs may offer liability coverage without needing a valid social security number, making insurance attainable for non-citizens with low incomes. Availability varies by state.
What Documentation Will You Need Instead of a SSN?
When applying for car insurance without an SSN, companies will still require paperwork to confirm identity and eligibility. Some commonly requested alternatives include:
- Passport or acceptable visa/work permits
- International or foreign driver’s license
- Matrícula consular ID card
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Prior insurance declarations page
Without standard driving history reports, insurers may also request records directly from your previous country of residence showing your motor vehicle record.
Tips for Getting the Best Rate Without a Social Security Number
Policy options will be much more limited without an SSN. But here are some tips that may help you get the lowest price possible:
- Compare quotes from international focused insurers
- See if any national companies offer exceptions
- Consider getting a non-owner’s policy if you primarily drive others’ vehicles
- Ask about discounts like multi-policy, paid-in-full, and more
- Maintain good driving habits to build up years of experience
- Provide as much alternative documentation as possible
The bottom line is that insurance without a social security number is very challenging but still attainable in most states if you put in some extra legwork. With persistence, non-citizens should be able to find a policy that satisfies their state’s minimum requirements. Maintaining good driving records over time can then help unlock additional policy options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance Without an SSN
Can I get car insurance with just an ITIN?
Some insurance companies will issue a policy if you have an ITIN instead of an SSN. This happens most frequently for Drivers who previously had policies prior to lapsing immigration status. Some insurers may also accept ITIN holders who have valid visas/work permits.
How much is car insurance without a license?
Insurance without a valid driver’s license will be extremely expensive. Premiums can be 3-5 times higher than normal since unlicensed drivers are very high risk. A non-owner’s policy is a more affordable option if you aren’t the primary driver.
Can I drive an uninsured car if I’m insured as a driver?
No, per state laws you must maintain auto liability insurance in your name on any vehicle you regularly drive. Having a non-owner’s policy only covers you when driving someone else’s car occasionally.
Can I register a car without insurance?
Most states require you to provide proof of minimum required insurance coverage in order to legally register a vehicle. You’ll need a valid policy in your name before you can properly register a car.
The Takeaway
Obtaining auto insurance without a social security number is much more difficult but still possible in most states. Non-citizens unable to provide an SSN will need to be persistent in searching for companies that can accommodate international drivers. Applicants should be prepared to provide alternative forms of identification and possibly higher rates. But with effort, satisfying minimum state insurance requirements is an attainable goal for unlicensed motorists.
#7 – Nationwide: Big Safe-Driving Discount
- Safe-Driving Coupon: Nationwide has one of the best coupons for good drivers, with a discount of 200% off. Check out our review of Nationwide auto insurance to learn more ways to save money on your policy.
- “Vanishing Deductible”: With Nationwide’s “vanishing deductible,” your deductible goes down by $100 every year you drive safely. This feature costs extra, though.
- Good Customer Satisfaction: Nationwide carries a 0. There were 41 complaints to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and the average score was 1. 00. So generally, customers are satisfied with their Nationwide insurance.
- Not Many Local Agents: Nationwide doesn’t have a lot of local agents.
- Nationwide: Even though it has a national name, Nationwide car insurance isn’t available everywhere in the U.S. S. state, including Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.
Reasons Why Someone Might Need Car Insurance Without an SSN
A driver might want to know if they can get car insurance without a Social Security number for more than one reason. Here’s a list of certain drivers who may be looking for coverage with an SSN:
- Undocumented Immigrants: Undocumented immigrants who don’t have a Social Security number (SSN) need car insurance in order to legally drive, but they can only get a license in some states.
- International Residents: International residents living in the U. S. temporarily, including students or workers, might need auto insurance.
- People Worried About Their Privacy: Some drivers might not want to give their Social Security number because they are worried about their privacy or have bad credit.
No matter what the reason is, you can be sure that many of the best car insurance companies will sell you a policy without taking your SSN.