Progressive and most other insurers will not sell you a new policy while your license is suspended, but the rules depend on your state and why your license was suspended
If your license is currently suspended, Progressive will not write you a new auto insurance policy. Most major insurers — State Farm, Geico, Allstate, and others — have the same rule. The reason is straightforward: insurance companies see a suspended license as a sign you cannot legally drive, and they will not insure illegal driving.
However, the situation is more complicated if you already have an active policy with Progressive when your license gets suspended. Whether that policy stays in force depends on your state's laws and whether you tell Progressive about the suspension. Some states require insurers to cancel policies when they learn a driver's license is suspended. Others do not. And some insurers will keep your policy active as long as you do not make a claim — though this varies.
The practical question most people face is different: what do you do if you need to drive before your suspension ends? The answer depends on whether your state offers a hardship license, a work permit, or a restricted license that lets you drive to specific places like work or school.
Key Takeaways
- Progressive will not sell you a new policy while your license is suspended, and neither will other major insurers.
- If you already have a Progressive policy, whether it stays active depends on your state's law and whether Progressive learns about the suspension.
- Some states issue hardship licenses or work permits that let you drive during a suspension, and you can insure a car under those permits.
- Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles can tell you whether you are may be able to access for a restricted license and what it costs.
- If you need to drive during a suspension and cannot get a restricted license, driving without insurance is illegal and leaves you liable for any accident.
Why insurers will not cover a suspended license
A suspended license means a state's Department of Motor Vehicles has taken away your right to drive. The suspension is a legal penalty — usually for unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, unpaid court fines, a DUI conviction, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. When your license is suspended, driving is illegal.
Insurance exists to cover the cost of accidents you cause while driving legally. If you are driving illegally — which you are with a suspended license — the insurer has no obligation to pay a claim. In fact, paying a claim for an accident caused by someone driving on a suspended license could expose the insurer to fraud liability. That is why they will not insure you in the first place.
This is different from a revoked license, which is permanent or nearly permanent, or a license that has straightforward expired. A suspended license is temporary — it ends on a specific date or when you meet certain conditions, like paying fines or completing a DUI program.
What happens to your current Progressive policy
If you have an active Progressive policy and your license gets suspended, Progressive may or may not cancel it when ready. The answer depends on your state. Some states require insurers to cancel a policy within a set number of days after learning the driver's license is suspended. Other states do not have this requirement, and the insurer's own policy determines what happens.
Progressive will definitely learn about your suspension if you are involved in an accident and make a claim. At that point, the insurer will check your license status as part of the claims process. If your license is suspended, Progressive can deny the claim and may cancel your policy.
If you do not make a claim and do not tell Progressive about the suspension, the policy may remain active on paper. However, if you drive and cause an accident, you are in a much worse position: you have no coverage, you are liable for all damages, and you may face fraud charges if the insurer believes you hid the suspension to keep the policy active.
The safest approach is to contact Progressive directly and tell them about the suspension. Ask what your state's law requires and what your options are. Some states allow you to keep a policy active if you are not the one driving the car — for example, if a household member with a valid license is the primary driver.
Hardship licenses and restricted driving permits
Many states offer a hardship license or work permit that lets you drive during a suspension. These are not full licenses, but they allow you to drive to specific places: your job, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs like DUI classes. The rules vary widely by state.
To find out whether your state offers a hardship license, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. You will need to show that the suspension is causing genuine hardship — usually meaning you cannot get to work or school without driving. Some states require you to prove you have no other transportation options. Others require you to pay a fee, which ranges from $50 to $200 depending on the state.
If you get a hardship license or work permit, you can insure a car under that permit. You will need to tell the insurer that you have a restricted license and explain what driving it allows. Progressive and other insurers will write a policy for a restricted license, though the premium may be higher than a standard policy because the insurer sees you as a higher risk.
How to learn about you are may be able to access for a restricted license
Start by going to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or calling their main number. Search for "hardship license," "work permit," or "restricted license" — the term varies by state. You can also search "[your state] hardship license" online.
When you contact the DMV, have your driver's license number and the reason for your suspension ready. The DMV staff can tell you whether your state offers a restricted license for your type of suspension, what you need to prove, what it costs, and how long it takes to get one.
Some suspensions do not may have access to for a hardship license. For example, if your license was suspended for a DUI conviction, your state may require you to wait a certain amount of time before you can request a hardship license. If your suspension is for unpaid child support or court fines, you may need to show proof that you have made a payment plan or paid part of what you owe.
Driving without insurance during a suspension
If you drive without a valid license and without insurance, you are breaking two laws at once. If you cause an accident, you are personally liable for all damages — medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The other driver can sue you directly, and a judgment against you can follow you for years, affecting your ability to get credit or a job.
You also face criminal penalties: fines, a possible jail sentence, and a longer suspension. If someone is injured or killed, the penalties are much more severe. Insurance does not cover accidents caused by unlicensed drivers, so the other driver's insurer will pursue you for their costs.
If you cannot get a hardship license and your suspension is not yet over, the only legal option is not to drive. This is hard, but it is the only way to avoid compounding your legal problems.
What to do before your suspension ends
Before your suspension ends, contact your state's DMV to confirm the exact date it will be lifted. Some suspensions end automatically on a certain date. Others require you to take an action — like paying a fine, completing a DUI program, or passing a written test — before the suspension is actually removed from your record.
Once your suspension is lifted, you can contact Progressive or another insurer and request a new policy. You will need to disclose the suspension on your process. Most insurers will write a policy for someone with a past suspension, though your rates may be higher than they would have been without the suspension. The length of time the suspension stays on your record varies by state and by insurer, but it typically affects your rates for three to five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my Progressive policy if I do not drive during my suspension?
This depends on your state's law and Progressive's policy. Some states require insurers to cancel policies when a license is suspended. Others do not. The safest approach is to contact Progressive and ask whether you can keep the policy if you are not the one driving the car. You may need to name a household member with a valid license as the primary driver.
Will Progressive insure me if I have a hardship license?
Yes. If you have a hardship license or work permit, you can get a Progressive policy. You will need to tell them you have a restricted license and explain what driving it allows. Your rates may be higher than a standard policy because the insurer sees you as higher risk.
How long does a suspension usually last?
Suspension length varies by state and by the reason for the suspension. A suspension for unpaid tickets might last 30 days to a year. A suspension for a DUI can last several months to several years. Contact your state's DMV to find out the exact end date of your suspension.
What if I move to a different state while my license is suspended?
Most states share suspension information through a national database. If you move, your new state will likely see the suspension and may not issue you a new license until it is lifted in your original state. Contact the DMV in both states to understand how the suspension transfers.
Does a suspension stay on my record forever?
No. After your suspension ends, it remains on your driving record, but the length of time it affects your insurance rates varies. Most insurers consider a suspension for three to five years when calculating your rates. After that period, it may have less impact, though some insurers keep longer records.