Find Cheaper Non-Owner Car Insurance Rates in 2024

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Written by:

Jeffrey Johnson

Insurance Lawyer

Jeffrey Johnson is a legal writer with a focus on personal injury. He has worked on personal injury and sovereign immunity litigation in addition to experience in family, estate, and criminal law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and has worked in legal offices and non-profits in Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina. He has also earned an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman Univer...

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Written by Jeffrey Johnson

Insurance Lawyer

UPDATED: Jun 6, 2023

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Illustration for non-owner car insurance

Non-owner car insurance covers people who may occasionally drive a car, but do not own one. Normal car insurance covers drivers when they borrow someone else’s car, but if you do not own a car, you may not have enough liability insurance when driving.

Non-owner coverage is secondary coverage, which means it will apply on top of any other primary liability insurance. When the limits of the primary policy have been exhausted, your non-owner policy will kick in and provide additional coverage.

A normal non-owner policy consists of bodily injury and property damage liability coverage, and some companies may also offer medical and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as well.

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Situations when Non-owner Insurance Makes Sense

Not everyone needs a non-owner policy, but if you do not have regular access to a vehicle and do not live with the person providing the vehicle, then the following situations may be good candidates for a non-owner policy.

You live in an apartment and work three blocks away and parking is non-existent at best. It just doesn’t make sense to own a car. But you occasionally borrow your best friend’s vehicle to drive upstate for the weekend.
If you rent a car or use a car-sharing service like Zipcar or car2go, you may need to have your own liability coverage.
If you were previously convicted of a DUI or other serious violation that requires an SR-22 or FR-44 filing and you don’t own a car, you will need a non-owner policy in order to satisfy the financial responsibility filing.
If you no longer own a car, it’s still a good idea to maintain coverage by purchasing a non-owner policy. Having a lapse in coverage may cost you more the next time you buy a policy.
If you are provided a company vehicle and do not own another car, you may not have coverage when using your company car for personal reasons.

It’s important to note that drivers may have liability coverage when renting a car or using a car-sharing service, so it’s important to read the fine print and see exactly what coverage is already provided.

In situations where you live with the person whose car you borrow, or if you have regular access to a vehicle, it’s better if you are added as a driver on their auto insurance policy rather than buying your own non-owner policy.

What Does Non-Owner Insurance Cover?

Non-owner insurance covers bodily injury and property damage that you are legally responsible for. For example, if you cause a four-car pile up while driving your friend’s car, your non-owner policy would pay for damages after his or her liability insurance limit has been reached.

If your friend forgot to pay their insurance bill and allowed their coverage to lapse, then your non-owner policy would be primary coverage for the damages.

Liability insurance covers not only property damage to other vehicles, but also pays medical bills, legal bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. These can easily add up in a severe accident, and many states do not require drivers to carry high limits of liability.

In California and Arizona for example, drivers are only required to have 15/30 limits, which means $15,000 in bodily injury coverage per person or $30,000 per occurrence. These low limits can easily be exhausted in even a minor accident. And if you do not know what the liability limits are on the vehicle you are driving, it could be financially disastrous.

If your non-owner policy also offers medical and UM/UIM coverage, then you will have coverage for your own medical bills in the event of an accident, as well as coverage if other drivers do not have adequate liability limits on their own policy.

Which Companies Sell Non-owner Car Insurance?

Not every car insurance company offers non-owner insurance, so it’s not quite as easy to compare quotes for it. The companies listed below offer some form of non-owner coverage and can be visited for more information.

You can also use our FREE quote tool to compare insurance rates now!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is non-owner car insurance?

Non-owner car insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides liability coverage for individuals who frequently drive vehicles they do not own. This coverage typically helps pay for damages or injuries you may cause to others while driving a rented, borrowed, or employer-provided vehicle. It does not provide coverage for damages to the vehicle you are driving.

How can I find cheaper non-owner car insurance rates?

To find cheaper non-owner car insurance rates, consider the following steps:

Shop around: Obtain quotes from multiple insurance companies that offer non-owner car insurance policies. Compare their rates to find the most affordable option.
Evaluate coverage needs: Determine the amount of liability coverage you require. Keep in mind that higher coverage limits may result in higher premiums. Adjusting your coverage limits accordingly can help lower your rates.
Maintain a clean driving record: Having a history free of accidents and traffic violations can positively impact your insurance rates. Safe driving habits can lead to lower premiums.
Bundle insurance policies: If you have other insurance needs, such as renter’s or homeowner’s insurance, consider bundling them with the same insurer. Many insurance companies offer discounts for bundling policies.
Inquire about discounts: Ask insurance providers about any available discounts. Some companies offer discounts for being a safe driver, completing defensive driving courses, or maintaining continuous insurance coverage.
Consider raising deductibles: Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premium, but be sure you can afford to pay the deductible if you need to file a claim.

Are there any specific insurance providers known for offering cheaper non-owner car insurance rates?

Insurance rates can vary significantly among providers, so it’s always recommended to obtain quotes from multiple insurers. However, some insurance companies may have a reputation for offering competitive rates on non-owner car insurance. Examples of such companies include GEICO, State Farm, Progressive, and Allstate. Remember to compare quotes and policies to find the best option for your specific needs and circumstances.

Are there any limitations or exclusions with non-owner car insurance?

Non-owner car insurance typically provides liability coverage but does not include physical damage coverage for the vehicle you are driving. Additionally, there may be limitations or exclusions regarding the types of vehicles covered, such as vehicles used for business purposes or vehicles owned by members of your household. It’s important to carefully review the policy terms and conditions to understand the specific limitations and exclusions.

Who should consider purchasing non-owner car insurance?

Non-owner car insurance is typically beneficial for individuals who frequently drive vehicles they do not own. This may include individuals who frequently rent cars, borrow cars from friends or family, or use employer-provided vehicles. If you do not own a car but require liability coverage while driving, non-owner car insurance can provide you with the necessary protection.