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Non-owner car insurance: What is it and who needs it?

Man handing car keys to someone elseMan handing car keys to someone else

What is non-owner car insurance?

Non-owner car insurance can help protect you by providing liability coverage (for others' injuries and property damage) if you cause an accident while driving a covered vehicle you don't own. Purchasing non-owner car insurance can be a good option for frequent car borrowers, as this secondary coverage can help pay for damages above and beyond what might be covered by the car owner's primary insurance.

Who needs non-owner car insurance?

You don’t own a vehicle, but you plan on getting behind the wheel from time to time. If that’s the case, a non-owner policy can help protect you. Here are some typical scenarios:

  • You borrow cars often
    If you plan to drive someone else’s car, you’ll want to have basic liability coverage in place. In fact, depending on where you live, basic liability coverage might be mandatory. Non-owner car insurance helps ensure those requirements are met.

  • You’re in between cars
    Let’s say you’re in between cars or you’re not in a financial position to buy a car right now. While you could cancel your previous auto insurance policy, swapping it for a cheaper non-owner car insurance policy keeps you under continuous coverage, helping you avoid lapses in coverage and potentially saving you money in the long run.

  • You need to provide proof of insurance
    If your state requires insurance coverage for drivers who don’t own a car but have incurred major violations such as DUI or DWI, a non-owner policy may be an affordable, responsible way to satisfy that requirement. Learn more about what happens when you get a DUI/DWI and what to do if you need to get an SR22 or an FR44 in Florida or Virginia.

Who doesn’t need non-owners car insurance?

  • You live in the same house as someone who owns a car

    If you live with someone who already owns a vehicle, you won’t be able to purchase named non-owner car insurance to cover that vehicle. The person who owns the vehicle needs to list all members of the household—including you—on their car insurance as secondary drivers.

  • You primarily use public transportation

    Buses, trains, taxis, rideshare programs, and even bike rentals can make vehicle ownership unnecessary for many of us. If you use these services most of the time, you likely don’t need a non-owners car insurance policy.

What non-owners car insurance covers

Required coverages for your state

With a non-owners car insurance policy, you meet your state’s minimum insurance requirements for liability insurance, which covers:

  • Injuries to others in an accident you cause

    If you’re at fault in a covered accident and motorists in the other vehicle are injured, bodily injury liability helps cover the costs related to their injuries, up to the amounts established on your policy.

  • Property damage to others’ vehicles in an accident you cause

    Property damage liability helps pay for damage you cause to another person’s property, including their vehicle, in a covered accident.

Optional non-owners coverage

  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
    Roughly one in eight U.S. motorists is uninsured,* and even more don’t have sufficient coverage. To help protect you if you’re involved in an accident with one of these drivers, you can add uninsured and underinsured motorists coverages to your non-owners policy. Without these coverages, you could be stuck paying these expenses out of pocket.

  • Personal injury protection (PIP)

    PIP can help pay for medical expenses you and your passengers face following an accident, regardless of who was at fault. Just keep in mind PIP coverage isn’t available in all states.

What non-owners auto insurance doesn’t cover

Non-owner car insurance doesn’t cover damages to the vehicle you’re driving, and it generally doesn’t include coverage for your property or injuries you suffer in an accident.

The cost of non-owner car insurance

A non-owner auto insurance policy can be a cheaper alternative to traditional car insurance. Just keep in mind that the cost of your insurance policy depends on several factors, including:

  • Your age

  • Your ZIP code

  • Your driving history

  • How much coverage you want to purchase

How to buy non-owners car insurance

To get a non-owner policy, work with your insurance agent or insurance provider. You typically can’t select this option during the online quote process.

You’ll want to gather some information to prepare for this discussion. Have your driver license and payment method accessible, along with information on your driving history and a general idea of how much coverage you want to purchase.

Questions about non-owner car insurance coverage? Give us a call at 888-344-4357 to speak to one of our knowledgeable agents.

Non-owner car insurance FAQs

Can you get car insurance without a car?

Yes—in fact, that’s exactly the scenario non-owner car insurance is designed for. This coverage can provide significant value if you don't own a car but occasionally drive vehicles owned by people who don’t share a household with you. It can also be a cost-effective way to stay compliant with a financial responsibility filing, such as an SR-22, if needed. Call us today at 888-344-4357 for a quote.

Besides liability insurance, what else does non-owners car insurance cover?

You may be able to add optional uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverages to your non-owners car insurance policy. These coverages can help protect you if you’re involved in an accident caused by a motorist who either isn’t insured or who doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for the resulting expenses.

Additionally, some states allow you to add personal injury protection (PIP) along with the other auto insurance coverages on our policy, which can help pay for medical expenses you and your passengers face following an accident.

How much does non-owners car insurance cost?

As is the case with most other car insurance coverages, this depends on you. Factors include:

  • Your driving history

  • Your age

  • Where you live

  • How much coverage you want

Your car insurance agent or company can break it all down for you. You can also work with your agent to determine whether you qualify for any money-saving discounts or find additional ways to get cheaper car insurance.

What is a non-owners insurance policy?

Non-owners auto insurance is a type of car insurance that may make sense for you if you don’t own a vehicle and don’t live with someone who owns a vehicle, but you borrow cars frequently or drive other people’s cars from time to time. Your non-owners policy helps protect you with liability coverage if you’re involved in a covered accident while driving a vehicle you don’t own.

Can you drive with non-owners car insurance?

Yes—just be aware your non-owners auto insurance policy doesn’t include collision or comprehensive insurance, so you’ll likely be responsible for any damages to the vehicle you’re driving if you’re in an accident.

Where can I get non-owner car insurance?

Assuming non-owner car insurance is available in your state, you’ll work with your insurance agent or directly with your insurance provider to set up your policy. Dairyland offers this coverage in states where it’s available—call us at 888-344-4357 today for an affordable non-owners insurance quote.

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