For many drivers in the U.S., you may already be familiar with auto insurance. But what if you need coverage and don’t own your own vehicle? Can you get car insurance without a car? That’s where non-owner car insurance comes in.
Non-owner car insurance is a personal auto policy that may be able to provide certain coverage when you drive a vehicle you don’t own. This policy can typically help pay for injuries to others and damage to someone else’s vehicle that you cause in an accident. At Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA), we can help you locate non-owner car insurance quotes so you can pick the best option for you!
Get A Personal Auto Quote Now
Who needs non-owner insurance?
Non-owner car insurance is typically for people who drive but don’t own a car. Common scenarios may include:
- Borrowers: If you occasionally borrow a friend’s or family member’s car but aren’t a household driver, you may want a non-owner insurance policy.
- Frequent renters: If you rent vehicles a few times a month and want consistent liability coverage, non-owner insurance may be a good choice.
- Car-sharing: If you’re a car-share user, you may want a non-owner policy, since a car-sharing service’s liability coverage may be limited.
- Drivers needing proof of insurance: If you’ve been ordered by a court to obtain an SR-22 but don’t own a vehicle, you may need to get a non-owner insurance policy before you get your SR-22.
If anyone in your household owns a car, you may be expected to be added to their policy. This option may be available to you instead of getting your own non-owner car insurance policy.
How does non-owner car insurance work?
A non-owner car insurance policy typically can help you stay legally compliant with state laws as a driver, even when you don’t own your own vehicle. When you legally drive a car that’s not yours, this policy may help pay for:
- Injuries to others that you cause
- Damage to another person’s property that you cause
Depending on your state or carrier, you may also be able to add:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay: This can help pay for you or your passengers’ medical expenses after an accident.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM): This coverage may help pay for damages to your vehicle after an accident with an at-fault uninsured driver.
Though a non-owner car insurance policy may be crucial for you, it typically won’t cover:
- Damage to the car you’re driving from a collision
- Damage to the car you’re driving from non-collision events, like theft or vandalism
- Coverage for delivery or business-related driving
Non-owner SR-22 insurance
If you’re ordered by a court to obtain an SR-22 but you don’t own your own vehicle, you still can fulfill your insurance requirements. You typically can do this with a non-owner policy, often called non-owner SR-22 insurance. Though sometimes referred to as insurance, an SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you have the state’s minimum required liability insurance.
If you need an SR-22 but no longer own a car, you typically will need to purchase a non-owner car insurance policy before you can file for an SR-22. Our agents at IIA can help you tailor a policy that works for your situation, as well as help you file your non-owner SR-22 electronically the same day. Payment for your auto insurance policy will typically need to be issued first before you can proceed with your SR-22 filing.
Get A Personal Auto Quote Now
What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident?
If someone else drives your car with your permission and has an accident, your policy may be able to provide certain coverage. This may depend on a few factors, like a term called “permissive use.” For some states, carriers, and auto insurance policies, coverage may be extended to someone else driving your vehicle if you give verbal or written permission.
Though someone may have permission to drive your vehicle, some policies may only allow permissive use to those not listed on your auto insurance policy. If a friend or family member regularly uses your vehicle, it may be crucial to add them to your policy. To find out more about who is covered by your auto insurance, it may be helpful to review your policy or speak to an IIA agent about your concerns.
If you have a non-owner car insurance policy and you drive someone else’s vehicle and get into an accident you cause, your coverage will typically only cover the third-party property damage. If you’re driving a vehicle that’s titled in your household, your non-owner car insurance may not apply. In these cases, it may be useful to check the vehicle owner’s policy and your state’s rules to know how coverage may apply to you.
How to get non-owner car insurance
If you’re looking for a non-owner car insurance policy, here’s a quick guide that may help you navigate this process:
- Share your license and driving history: When getting an auto insurance quote, you may need to share personal details like your driver’s license or driving history. This may help you find a more accurate rate that aligns with your needs and budget.
- Pick your coverage: Though options are typically limited to liability coverage for non-owner car insurance, you may be able to purchase additional coverage like UM/UIM or PIP/MedPay, depending on your carrier.
- Start coverage and get your ID cards: Drivers may be able to activate coverage and receive proof of insurance the same day, after payment is issued. With IIA, we can help you compare rates so you can locate the right policy for your situation.
Have questions? Speak to an IIA agent at 1-855-478-3705.
FAQs
Does non-owner car insurance include full coverage?
No. Full coverage typically refers to a combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Non-owner car insurance usually has liability coverage only, and your carrier may not allow you to purchase additional coverage that can help pay for damage to your own vehicle.
Can I add an SR-22 to a non-owner policy?
Yes, you can! You can discuss navigating a non-owner SR-22 with an IIA agent.
Am I eligible if someone in my household owns a car?
Typically, no. Most insurers may require household drivers to be listed on an existing policy instead of buying non-owner insurance.
Get your non-owner car insurance quote
Ready to find coverage today? Call an IIA agent at 1-855-478-3705 or request a free personalized quote online!