The basics of non-owner car insurance

You usually take the bus to work, but you’re running late and borrow a friend’s car instead. One quick glance at a text message from your boss, and suddenly you’ve rear-ended an SUV in front of you. This is going to be worse than being late for work.

Beyond not driving while distracted, something else could have led to a happier ending. It’s called non-owner insurance.

What’s nonowner insurance and who’s it for?

Non-owner car insurance protects you in the event you’re found to be at fault in an accident while driving a vehicle not owned by you. It’s a secondary coverage that pays for damages above and beyond what might be covered through the car’s primary insurance.

Non owner, nonowner, non-owner, non owners: Is this the same?

Yes. Some companies refer to this coverage as non owner car insurance, non owners car insurance, non-owner insurance, or a non-owners auto insurance policy. It can be spelled or said differently, but all of these talk about the same coverage.

When should I have nonowner car insurance?

Non-owner car insurance is geared toward those who:

• Don’t own a car
• Need an SR-22 filing—learn about our SR22 insurance
• Don’t have regular access to a car
• Primarily take public transportation, yet occasionally drive as well

When is nonowner car insurance not right for you?

A nonowner insurance policy may not be the correct one for you if you:

• Own a car—you’ll want a policy that covers you when driving your car or when you lend it to someone else
• Share a household with someone who owns a vehicle, which you sometimes drive

That last bullet point needs a little explanation. If someone in your household owns a vehicle—spouse, parent, sibling, child, etc.—chances are you’ll be required to be listed on that car owner’s policy.

What does a nonowner auto policy cover?

If you cause an accident while borrowing a vehicle, a non-owner policy would cover damages to other people’s vehicles and property. The largest limitation is you wouldn’t have coverage if you were driving a vehicle you own or use often.

What doesn’t a nonowner policy cover?

Non-owner car insurance doesn’t cover damages to the vehicle you’re driving. Typically, non-owner car insurance also doesn’t include coverage for your property or injuries you might suffer in an accident. Also, if you’re driving a car you own but you just have a non-owner policy, coverage would not apply here either.

What does nonowner car insurance cost?

A non-owner policy is a cheap car insurance alternative to a regular car insurance policy. The cost depends on factors such as how much coverage you’d like, and your driving history. Non-owner policies usually don’t carry a deductible and will have coverage limits.

Keep in mind, nonowner policies are purchased on a per-driver basis, so each person obtains his or her own insurance.

Is a nonowners policy available in my state?

State requirements for car insurance vary depending on where you live. Some states offer a non owners policy. Others don’t. States also have different minimum requirements for car insurance. See what the car insurance requirements and options are for your state. 

Can I buy my Dairyland® nonowners insurance online?

Given some of the unique aspects of the policy, we prefer to discuss it with you over the phone. We would be happy to find the right policy for you. Simply call 888-344-4357.

Can you help with a DUI or DWI?

Yes, we can. 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 is 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 and an FR44 in Florida or Virginia.

Can you help me avoid a lapse in coverage?

Yes. Many insurance companies consider drivers without six months of continuous coverage to be high-risk drivers, which leads to higher rates and/or surcharges. With continuous coverage, you might qualify for additional discounts.

Even though car insurance might not be required in your state, it’s always a good idea to check out what options are available. A non-owner car insurance policy can help you protect yourself against possible financial hardship if you were to cause an accident.

Questions about nonowners car insurance coverage? Give us a call at 888-344-4347. We can provide a fast, accurate quote, providing you with the coverage you need.