Can I Get Insurance With Only a Permit? A Complete Guide for New Drivers & Learners

If you’re learning to drive or starting the process of getting your license, you may be wondering:

“Can I get insurance if I only have a permit?”

The answer is:

Yes — you can get insurance with a permit, but the process depends on where you live, your age, and whether the insurance is personal or commercial.

This guide explains everything you need to know about getting insured as a permit holder.

 

Can You Get Auto Insurance With Only a Learner’s Permit?

Yes.

Most insurance companies do allow you to get car insurance with a permit, but the policy must be set up in specific ways.

Permit holders are typically:

• New drivers
• Teenagers learning to drive
• Adults earning their first license
• New U.S. residents beginning the licensing process
  
  

Many insurers are prepared for these situations and offer coverage to learners.

 

How Insurance Works for Permit Holders

1. You Can Be Added to Someone Else’s Policy
   
   

This is the most common option.

Parents, spouses, or guardians can add a permit holder as a listed driver on their existing insurance.
In some states, this is required once the permit is issued.

 

2. You Can Have Your Own Insurance Policy
   
   

Permit holders can often have their own insurance policy if :

• The car is registered to them or a household member
• A fully licensed driver is listed as the primary or supervising driver
• The insurer accepts permit-only applicants (many do)

This is common for:

• Adult learners
• Permit holders financing their first car
• Teen drivers with their own vehicle

 

3. Commercial or Trucking Insurance With a Permit
   
   

In almost every situation:

🚫 You cannot be insured as a commercial driver with only a permit.

To operate:

• A box truck
• A commercial vehicle
• A semi-truck

…you must hold a valid CDL.

However:

✔ You can own a trucking business
✔ You can insure the business
✔ Hired CDL drivers can operate your vehicles

This is common for trucking company owners who do not personally drive.

 

Is Insurance More Expensive With a Permit?

Generally, no.

Permit holders are usually priced similarly to new drivers once they get their full license.

However, keep in mind:

• Teen drivers often have higher rates
• Adult learners usually pay less
• Costs may increase once full driving privileges begin

 

What Insurance Companies Require From Permit Holders

Insurers may ask for:

✔ Permit number
✔ Issue date
✔ Proof of address
✔ Vehicle information
✔ A licensed driver listed on the policy
✔ Identification documents

Some carriers classify permit holders as “unrated” until they obtain their license.

 

When Insurance Companies Will NOT Insure a Permit Holder

You may be denied if:

✘ You cannot list a fully licensed driver
✘ Your permit is expired
✘ You’re trying to insure yourself to drive a commercial vehicle
✘ You have past license suspensions
✘ You’re under 18 applying alone

 

So, Can You Get Insurance With Only a Permit?

Yes.

Permit holders can be insured in several ways:

• Added to an existing household policy
• Insured with their own policy (with a licensed driver listed)
• Insured under a non-owner policy (in some cases)
  
  

Commercial insurance is available for business owners, but not for permit holders driving commercial vehicles.

 

Need Insurance With Only a Permit? Michaels Insurance Group Can Help

Whether you're a new driver, a parent, or an adult learner, Michaels Insurance Group can help you find insurance companies that allow permit holders.

We provide:

• Personal auto insurance
• Non-owner auto insurance
• Commercial auto & trucking insurance
• New driver assistance

Get a FREE quote today:

📞 (631) 629-2233
📞 (386) 274-8150

Our team will guide you through the process and make sure you’re fully protected — even with just a permit.