When Should You Get Non-Owner Car Insurance?

Dec 01, 2023 By Triston Martin

Non-Owner Car Insurance: What Is It?


Liability coverage for bodily harm and property damage when operating a vehicle that you do not personally own is provided by non-owner insurance, often known as non-drivers insurance. As with a standard liability policy, your non-owners insurance will protect you from litigation if you are judged to be at fault in an accident with another driver.



If you're in an accident and are found at fault, your non-owner auto insurance policy will pay for the other party's medical bills and property damage as well.


  • Coverage for medical expenses or personal injury compensation
  • Motorist Liability Insurance for Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists
  • Liability Insurance for Rental Cars


Non-owner auto insurance policies do not provide comprehensive or collision coverage because no individual vehicle is assigned to the policy. Because of this, if you're in an accident and your car is damaged, or you incur medical expenses or other charges as a result of your injuries, your insurance won't pay.


Exactly How Do Non-Auto Owner's Insurance Policies Work?


A non-owner automobile insurance coverage will not protect your spouse or anyone else because it is purchased per person.


There is typically no deductible for non-owner insurance, which means that you don't have to pay anything out of your pocket before your coverage begins. It is because non-owner insurance is typically used only when the primary insurance of the car owner does not cover all damages.


Get a Non-Owner Policy at a Low Price


Non-owner insurance quotes and purchases require only a few pieces of basic personal information, your driver's license number, and a method of payment to be completed (such as a credit card).


Non-owner insurance rates are not available online from major auto insurance companies. Even Geico, a company known for its user-friendly website, requires a phone contact to obtain a quote. In the following table, you'll find the phone numbers for numerous reputable insurance companies where you may request a quote.


Your driving record and other personal information will play a role in determining the cost of non-owner auto insurance, so it's essential to shop around. Many insurance companies do not cover non-owners in some states. Before purchasing automobile insurance, we recommend contacting multiple insurance companies and comparing their rates. This information should be brought up when chatting with the insurance company.


After purchasing a non-driving insurance policy, your insurance company will provide you with actual proof of coverage. If you're in a pinch, you can typically promptly get a copy emailed to you. If you need an SR-22 form, your insurance can take care of it for you.


Is Non-Owner Car Insurance Necessary?


If you don't own a car, you don't have auto insurance. However, there are several good reasons to go with non-owners auto insurance instead.


  • You frequently rent automobiles.
  • You're constantly swiping other people's automobiles.
  • There is a good chance that you have either sold your car or will not be able to use it for an extended period.
  • An SR-22 or FR-44 must be obtained if you've been charged with a DUI or a major traffic violation.


Rental Cars Are Something You Do Regularly



In the long term, non-owner coverage may be more cost-effective than purchasing rental car insurance every time you rent a vehicle. A non-insurance owner's policy may cost more than a rental automobile insurance policy because the insurance from the rental company typically costs at least $20 a day. Take care of this:


When renting a car, check with the insurance company to see if the non-owner policy will cover you in the event of an accident.


Check to see if your credit card's rental car insurance covers damage to a rented vehicle. A collision damage waiver, available from the rental business, is an option if you don't have insurance.


If you damage someone else's automobile while renting it, your credit card's rental car insurance won't protect you. Rental car damage is the only benefit of this complimentary card. Combining credit card rental insurance with non-owners liability insurance would offer you the most comprehensive coverage outside of owning a vehicle, as your car's insurance also covers a rental automobile.


You're A Frequent User Of Other People's Vehicles


Non-drivers insurance is an option to consider if you frequently use the vehicles of others, such as acquaintances or family members. There is no need to worry about the owner's insurance policy covering you or the liability limitations being too low when you drive with it.


Adding yourself to the owner's insurance policy is usually required for primary insurance coverage when borrowing someone else's automobile. It includes cars owned by your roommate or roommate's roommate, as well as borrowing the same car again and over again. The business issuing your non-owner policy may not cover you at all if you have an accident, even if you have one.


You've Gotten Rid Of Your Car Or Won't Be Able To Drive For A While


As the term "lapse in coverage" suggests, almost every insurer will boost rates for clients who've gone an extended period without obtaining auto insurance. Because of your lack of insurance, you will be considered high risk and will not qualify for the best rates, even if you never drove a vehicle.


The cost of non-owner motor insurance costs is lower than standard coverage, so it may be a good idea to keep yourself protected even if you don't intend to use it. When driving a high-end automobile, this is especially true. A non-owner policy may also be your most cost-effective alternative if you're in the military and on active duty, even though firms like USAA and Geico give discounts for time spent away from home. If that's the case, it's a good idea to compare prices from several insurance providers.

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