{"id":383599,"date":"2025-10-16T16:02:19","date_gmt":"2025-10-16T21:02:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=383599"},"modified":"2025-10-16T15:57:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T20:57:35","slug":"what-happens-if-an-unlicensed-driver-hits-my-car","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-happens-if-an-unlicensed-driver-hits-my-car.html","title":{"rendered":"What Happens If an Unlicensed Driver Hits My Car?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Happens If an Unlicensed Driver Hits My Car?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

When an unlicensed driver<\/span> hits your car, you can still seek compensation through their insurance (if they have it), your own uninsured motorist coverage<\/span>, or by suing them directly. The driver’s lack of a license doesn’t automatically prevent insurance coverage<\/span> or make them liable for the crash. However, unlicensed drivers<\/span> are less likely to have insurance, making recovery more challenging.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

When you’re driving to work or school, you typically assume that the other motorists sharing the highway with you have a valid <\/span>driver’s license<\/span>. However, that isn’t always the case. Some people have no qualms about getting behind the wheel regardless of whether they have a license. For the most part, it\u2019s not your problem. Unfortunately, when that unlicensed driver<\/span><\/a> crashes into your car, it becomes your problem.<\/p>\n

If you’re in a car accident<\/span> with someone who doesn’t have a license, you may worry about whether they have insurance. After all, you shouldn’t be the one left holding the bag if the unlicensed driver<\/span> was at fault. They should have to pay for any damages<\/a> you suffer.<\/p>\n

In this article, we’ll explain how insurance claims<\/span> work in an accident with an unlicensed driver<\/span>. We will also discuss your legal options<\/span> regarding your car accident<\/span> claim<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind that insurance and liability rules vary by state. If you’ve been in an accident involving an unlicensed driver<\/span>, consider contacting a local car accident<\/span> attorney<\/span><\/a> for advice specific to your situation. They can review your case and explain how best to proceed.<\/p>\n

Who Qualifies as an Unlicensed Driver<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

When we refer to an “unlicensed driver<\/span>,” we aren’t just talking about people who never had a driver’s license<\/span> or teenagers with a learner\u2019s permit. Some people drive on a revoked or suspended license<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

At the scene of the accident, police will speak with both drivers to gather their accounts of what happened. They will also request copies of both parties’ driver’s licenses<\/span> and insurance information.<\/p>\n

If the other driver doesn’t have a valid <\/span>driver’s license<\/span>, the officer will likely issue them a traffic ticket<\/a>. They may even arrest the unlicensed driver<\/span> and file criminal charges<\/span><\/a> against them. Depending on the specific charges, the other driver may face jail time<\/span> and fines. It depends on the status of their license at the time of the collision and the particular facts of your accident case.<\/p>\n

Any criminal charges<\/span> the unlicensed driver<\/span> faces are separate from civil liability for damages. Their criminal penalties don\u2019t affect your right to seek compensation (although it can make things harder from a practical standpoint).<\/p>\n

It’s important to understand that an unlicensed driver<\/span> facing criminal penalties for driving without a license is a separate matter from whether insurance coverage<\/span> exists for your accident. The driver’s lack of a license doesn’t automatically mean insurance won’t cover your damages, nor does it automatically make them liable for the crash. These are distinct legal issues that should be evaluated separately.<\/p>\n

Does Insurance Cover Crashes with an Unlicensed Driver<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

One of the most frustrating things about being in a car accident<\/span> with an unlicensed driver<\/span> is that there’s a good chance they don’t have car insurance<\/span>. If they do (or the owner of the car does), whether the insurance will cover your damages depends on the specific policy terms, not necessarily their license status.<\/p>\n

Some insurance policies<\/span> will still provide coverage for accidents caused by unlicensed drivers<\/span>, especially if:<\/p>\n