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Are Unlicensed Drivers Covered by Insurance?

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Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C.

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Written/Reviewed By:

Barry S. Kantrowitz, Esq.

Last Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Read Time: 3 mins

In New York and New Jersey, car insurance attaches to a vehicle and not to the person driving it. An auto insurance policy may, therefore, cover an injured party’s damages even if the at-fault driver was unlicensed or uninsured.

The car accident lawyers at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. help our clients to navigate the often-confusing language in insurance policies to recover the compensation they deserve when an unlicensed driver is a party to an accident.

Which Persons Are Typically Covered by an Auto Insurance Policy?

Every auto insurance policy is a contract that defines the persons who are entitled to the benefits of insurance coverage. In general, that definition will include the policy owner and members of his or her immediate family, and other drivers that the owner allows to operate the insured vehicle.

Insurance companies frequently require a car owner to identify the members of his or her household who will be allowed to drive an insured car. An owner’s failure to list known authorized drivers in a policy may cause the insurer to deny coverage for auto accident claims, particularly if the person that caused the accident did not have a valid license.

The final answer to whether a licensed or unlicensed driver is covered by insurance will always depend on policy language.

Are You Liable if You Loan Your Car to an Unlicensed Driver?

Even if an insurance policy states that its coverage extends to persons that you allow to use your car, if you loan your car to an unlicensed driver, your insurer will likely look for ways to deny coverage if that driver causes an accident. Insurance policy language, for example, might specify that a driver will not be covered if the policyholder knows that the driver does not have a valid license. Under these circumstances, the policyholder might be deemed to be negligent and responsible for all damages caused by the unlicensed driver.

Will You Be Excused from Liability if You Cause an Accident with an Unlicensed Driver?

Liability for damages in automobile accidents will always depend on which party was negligent and caused the accident. The status of someone’s license and authority to operate a vehicle will not, in itself, create or excuse that person’s liability.

Can You Own a Car and Procure Auto Insurance if You Do Not Have a Driver’s License?

Auto insurers are generally unwilling to insure a vehicle if its owner does not have a valid driver’s license, and no auto dealer will allow a purchaser to drive a car away from a dealership without proof of a license. An insurance company might make an exception to this rule where, for example, an unlicensed purchaser is buying the vehicle for a licensed member of his or her household, or the vehicle is an antique or a collectible car that will be stored on the unlicensed party’s property.

Call Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C.

The car accident attorneys at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. have a long track record of success in recovering maximum damages for car crash victims. Please call us to schedule a private and confidential consultation with one of our car accident lawyers as soon as possible after your automobile accident. We will help you to understand your insurance coverage and the insurance reimbursements that may be available from the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage.

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Client Reviews

    
 
 
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   LWelsh 
 23 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Clever and efficient.
  
 
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   Kenny Perlow 
 44 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. KGG Law, and Barry Kantrowitz in particular, set the bar high for what a thorough, practical, strategic, compassionate and smart lawyer can be. Everything about Barry's advice and representation was exemplary and the stress mitigation that resulted was invaluable. On top of that, the ultimate result Barry achieved was beyond what was reasonable to expect and we are forever grateful. Often, people say that you hire a lawyer to prevent a problem. Sometimes, unfortunately, you need an attorney to solve a problem and I could not recommend Barry and his firm any more highly in that regard.
  
 
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   Aliza Ali 
 108 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My dad had a great experience with this law firm. From the very beginning, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to answer our questions. They kept us informed throughout the entire process and made what could have been a very stressful situation much easier to handle. We truly appreciated their dedication, honesty, and hard work. Thanks to their support, my dad felt confident every step of the way. We are very grateful for everything they did and would highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for reliable legal representation.
  
 
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   Jana Montero 
 111 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful experience working with Sam Smith. He was very responsive, thorough, and easy to work with from start to finish. He walked me through everything clearly and made what started as a very stressful situation for me into something completely manageable. I would not hesitate to recommend him and the firm!
  
 
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   Mike Sakmann 
 117 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I sought legal advice regarding an employment matter and had an excellent experience working with Sam Smith, Esq. at KGG Law. Sam was thorough, attentive, and took the time to listen carefully to my concerns before providing clear, thoughtful guidance. I appreciated the professionalism and care shown throughout the process, and I would confidently recommend KGG Law to anyone in need of legal assistance.
  
 
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   Liz Hecker 
 123 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't say enough about this firm. They manage to comfort you during the whole legal process while staying professional and doing what is right. I would recommend them to anyone and also hire them again if I need legal help.
  
 
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   Brandy Miller 
 146 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate is the best. She helped me very quickly, and was very attentive with all of my needs. So thankful for her
  
 
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   Mike Greenspan 
 159 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate Carballo is a dedicated, passionate, and creative attorney whom I had the pleasure to lecture with at a state trial lawyer's conference. Kate's lecture demonstrated how she uses her innovative and "out-of-the-box thinking" to achieve outstanding results for her injured clients. That Kate is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney is a testament to her skills, experience and commitment to excellence.
  
 
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   Jonathan Sampson 
 166 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was referred to KGG law by a friend and could not have asked for better legal representation. They walked me through every step of the process after my accident and began every call with “ how are you feeling” which was just one example of how much they care about their clients. They handled my case very efficiently, professionally and courteously. My attorney Kate Carballo was a rock star! So clearly experienced, she consistently made me feel at ease with the process. Highly recommend
  
 
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   Vinnie Kung 
 169 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with the team at KGG Law. While it was a traumatic time for our family, they made it very easy for us and explained all of our options. They even performed due diligence to make sure that after our settlement, there would be no further issues which I think is even more important than the settlement itself. Thank you!

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Are Unlicensed Drivers Covered by Insurance?

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