When you are not a car owner and are driving a car that you have either borrowed or rented, you may need non-owned car insurance. This policy covers third-party bodily injuries and damage to property that is caused accidentally. You are not covered by this policy and neither is the car that has been borrowed or rented. It is important to be listed on the car owner’s policy if you are borrowing it from a relative or family member.
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Not everyone has a car or needs one, but that doesn’t mean you won’t ever drive a vehicle (unless, of course, you don’t have a license). So, do you need auto insurance if you borrow a friend’s car?
If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, the good news is that there is an affordable insurance product called non-owner car insurance.
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Getting a quote for non-owner insurance is easy. To purchase coverage, basic personal information and your driver’s license number are required. We will recommend an affordable rate after a thorough comparison between a minimum of three to four quotes so that you can make a decision.
If you drive but don’t own a car, then non-owner car insurance is likely a great choice for you. This type of liability policy is ideal for people who often borrow or rent a vehicle—or have to apply for an SR-22 even though they don’t have a car.
Inexpensive and relatively easy to get, non-owner car insurance provides you with both bodily injury and property damage in the event you’re driving a vehicle that doesn’t belong to you.
Sounds great, right?
It is, but it’s not a solution for everyone. For instance, this policy is not for you if you live with someone who owns a vehicle and would otherwise be listed as a driver under that person’s policy.
Car insurance for non-owners is a specific kind of insurance for people in specific situations: people who drive but do not have regular, easy access to a vehicle.
With these specifications and caveats in mind, let’s dive deeper into non-ownership car insurance so you can understand if it’s right for you.
Here are some reasons why you should strongly consider taking out a non-owner car insurance policy:
If one of these situations applies to you, non-owner auto insurance might be exactly what you need.
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If you end up causing a car accident while driving another person’s vehicle, but you’re carrying non-owner auto insurance, then fear not; your coverage offers you some financial protection from having to pay out of pocket.
How the payout works is that the car’s owner or the primary insurance pays first, and when that runs out, non-owner’s insurance kicks in.
Here’s the rundown of what non-owner’s auto insurance covers:
Non-owner car insurance offers great coverage, and even though you don’t own a car, it can help you hit the road with peace of mind.
If you’re getting non-owner car insurance quotes before you lock into a policy, you also want to know what this policy does not cover. For instance, non-owners is secondary liability coverage that will help pay for damages you’ve caused to another driver (to the car and person). However, it will not pay for damages to the vehicle you were driving.
Here is what non-owner auto insurance won’t cover:
Non-owners car insurance has great coverage, but there are important exclusions that you need to be aware of (and financially prepared for) before getting behind the wheel.
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One of the benefits of getting non-owner’s car insurance quotes is that it’s more affordable than comprehensive car insurance. Keep in mind while shopping around for a non-owner car insurance quote that the price varies depending on the provider and your variables.
Non-owner car insurance rates depend on these factors:
Note: Insurance companies may not advertise or offer online quotes for non-owner car insurance. You may need to call or speak with an insurance specialist to help you find the right coverage.
If you don’t own a car and you’re not listed as a permitted driver but you drive a vehicle you’ve rented or borrowed, then yes, you should get non-owner car insurance (provided your state offers it. Not all states do).
If you have a lapse in coverage because you sold your car or are between vehicles, you can benefit from this kind of policy as well since it will help you avoid being classified as a risky driver.
Non-owner auto insurance is advisable since you get liability coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection in the event of an accident.
Certainly, with non-car owners’ insurance, you avoid costly insurance charges by the rental car company. The more frequently you rent cars, the greater the savings.
Jessica Fox Jessica Fox has been a freelance writer for five years, with a specialty in health, wellness, and insurance. During this time, she’s written for some of the biggest B2B and B2C brands from around the world. Jessica is also the mother of two young daughters and loves coffee, writing, and working out.
