What is non-owner car insurance?
Non-owner car insurance is a liability-only auto policy for people who don’t own a vehicle but occasionally drive. It can help pay for injuries or property damage you cause to others while driving a borrowed or rented car.[1]
Non-owner car insurance differs from standard auto insurance because it usually follows the driver rather than a specific vehicle and generally doesn’t include collision or comprehensive coverage.
In this article, you’ll learn more about non-owner car insurance so you can determine if this unique coverage meets your needs.
The average monthly non-owner car insurance cost is about $46 per month, according to Insurify data.
A non-owner policy usually covers liability only — not damage to the car you’re driving.
Drivers who borrow or rent cars, or who want to maintain a continuous insurance record, commonly use non-owner car insurance. It can also be for drivers who need an SR-22 certificate, though not every insurer will provide coverage.
When you need non-owner car insurance
A non-owner policy makes the most sense if you drive often enough to need insurance, but not often enough, or not in the right circumstances, to justify a standard policy.
You may want non-owner car insurance if you:
Regularly borrow cars from friends or relatives: If you occasionally use someone else’s vehicle, this coverage can provide extra liability protection should you cause an accident.
Rent cars frequently: If you often travel for work or rent cars frequently, non-owner coverage may help you avoid repeatedly buying liability coverage at the rental counter.
Need a non-owner SR-22 certificate: Some drivers must provide proof of financial responsibility after a serious driving violation. In many states, insurers can file an SR-22 on a non-owner policy.
Want to maintain continuous coverage: Even if you don’t own a car right now, keeping insurance in place can help you avoid a gap in coverage that could cause higher rates later on.
When non-owner insurance doesn’t make sense
A non-owner policy isn’t right for every driver. You may not need a non-owner policy if:
You own a car, in which case a standard policy probably makes more sense.
You live with someone whose car you regularly drive. You should usually ask them to add you to their policy.
You need coverage for damage to the car you drive. You’ll likely need a standard policy with collision and comprehensive coverage.
How much does non-owner insurance cost?
Non-owner insurance is usually cheaper than a standard policy because it provides less coverage. A typical non-owner car insurance policy costs about $46 per month nationally, according to Insurify rate data. Just remember, non-owner coverage is often less expensive because it doesn’t insure a vehicle for physical damage.
Your exact rate depends on where you live, your age, driving record, how often you need coverage, and whether you need an SR-22 certificate.
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Cheapest non-owner car insurance
The average cost of non-owner car insurance is cheaper than typical car insurance. It’s about 37% less than liability-only insurance and 69% less than full-coverage car insurance, according to Insurify data.
Non-owner car insurance is cheaper because it covers only your liability for injuries and property damage you cause while driving. It doesn’t cover you or the vehicle you’re driving. These are the average monthly non-owner car insurance quotes for 11 major U.S. insurers.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $26 |
| State Farm | $27 |
| Allstate | $37 |
| GEICO | $37 |
| American Family | $40 |
| Nationwide | $47 |
| Progressive | $48 |
| Travelers | $49 |
| Liberty Mutual | $52 |
| The General | $53 |
| Farmers | $54 |
Best non-owner car insurance companies
State laws require drivers to have a minimum amount of liability coverage in every state but New Hampshire. The best companies for non-owner car insurance have competitive premiums, good customer satisfaction ratings, and multiple discount options.
Best insurer for discount seekers: American Family
| User Reviews | 4.5 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $80/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $160/mo |
American Family's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.6 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.9 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.6 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.5 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.2 | 2.9 |
Drivers appreciate the fast claims processing and good initial rates but dislike the consistent rate increases and poor communication from agents.
American Family offers the most discounts among national insurers, with diverse ways to save and lower your premiums. Its non-owner auto coverage rates are below average, and you can save more by enrolling in auto pay or paying your premium up front. You can access classic options like multi-vehicle, bundling, and good driving discounts, as well as discounts for loyalty and being a legacy policyholder. Young drivers can also save with good grades and volunteer work.
High customer satisfaction ratings
18 discounts
Numerous coverage options
Only available in 19 states
Moderate rates compared to other insurers
Some people report negative experiences with agents
Best insurer for drivers with an incident: State Farm
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $53/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $108/mo |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.3 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.7 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
State Farm has the most widely available competitive non-owner rate for drivers with an incident on their records, according to Insurify data. Even with State Farm’s average 55% rate increase following a DUI, its non-owner insurance rates are below the national average. State Farm can also file an SR-22 form on your behalf to help reinstate lost driving privileges. Higher-risk drivers can lower premiums by taking defensive driving courses and staying accident-free for three years.
High J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings
Personal mobility and rideshare insurance
More than 10 available discounts
May not be the cheapest option for drivers with poor credit
No gap insurance
Average credit and financial strength ratings
Best insurer for young drivers: GEICO
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.2 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $80/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $148/mo |
GEICO's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.8 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
Young drivers face higher premiums, but the percentage of GEICO’s rate increase for drivers in their teens and 20s is below average, according to Insurify data. That means GEICO’s non-owner rates for young drivers are still below the national average. The insurer offers 16 car insurance discounts, including driver’s education, good student, and good driver discounts. Drivers can also save by bundling auto and renters policies, and they can do it all using GEICO’s highly rated mobile app.
Available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
24/7 online customer service
Highest credit and financial strength ratings
No gap insurance
Limited agent network
Average J.D. Power claims satisfaction ratings
Best insurer for the military community: USAA
| User Reviews | 4.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.1 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $51/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $103/mo |
USAA's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.9 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.8 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.9 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
USAA has the cheapest non-owner insurance rates, but they’re not available to everyone. USAA exclusively insures members of the military and their immediate families in all 50 states. It ranks highly in customer satisfaction, financial strength, and credit ratings. USAA offers numerous types of insurance, so members can save by bundling multiple policies. Drivers can save with various discounts, including up to 15% for garaging your car on a military base.
Significant discounts for safe driving
Convenient, highly rated app
Consistently low rates
Only available to military members and their families
No 24/7 phone support
Mixed reviews for service and claims processing
What does non-owner car insurance cover?
Non-owner car insurance is liability car insurance that can provide important financial protection.
Most non-owner policies cover:
Bodily injury liability: Pays for injuries you cause to someone else in an at-fault crash.
Property damage liability: Pays for damage you cause to another person’s vehicle or property.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Included in some states or policies, depending on state rules. This coverage will pay for your medical bills if another driver who lacks any or enough car insurance causes an accident.
Medical payments coverage or personal injury protection (PIP): Sometimes included where required or offered by state law to help pay for medical bills following an accident.
SR-22 filing support: Available from many insurers if your state requires proof of insurance after a violation.
It’s important to remember that non-owner car insurance is usually secondary coverage when you borrow someone’s car. That means the vehicle owner’s insurance typically pays first, and your non-owner policy may kick in if the claim exceeds the limits of the car owner’s standard car insurance policy.
What non-owner car insurance doesn’t cover
The most important thing to remember about non-owner insurance is that it protects you, the driver, not the car itself.
As such, a non-owner policy generally doesn’t cover:
Collision damage to the car you’re driving
Comprehensive claims, such as theft, vandalism, hail, or fire
Repairs to a vehicle you own
Routine use of one specific car
Business use, such as rideshare or delivery driving, unless specifically allowed
Coverage required by a lender, since there’s no financed vehicle attached to the policy
If you regularly drive the same car, even if it belongs to someone else, purchasing a standard policy or having yourself added to the vehicle owner’s policy is often the better fit.
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Non-owner vs. standard car insurance
A non-owner policy versus standard car insurance comes down to whether you need coverage for a vehicle or just liability protection as a driver. Non-owner insurance follows you when you drive borrowed or rented cars and typically provides liability-only coverage.
A standard policy, by contrast, is tied to a specific vehicle and can include collision and comprehensive protection. If you drive the same car regularly, a standard policy is usually the better choice.
Here, you can see how the two coverage types differ in their offerings.
Feature | Non-Owner | Standard Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Covers vehicle | No | Yes |
| Liability | Yes | Yes |
| Required for a financed car | No | Yes |
How to get non-owner car insurance
Buying a non-owner policy is usually straightforward, but it helps to know what insurers will ask. Your path to a policy will likely include the following steps:
Confirm your eligibility. Most insurers won’t sell you non-owner coverage if you own a car or have regular access to one in your household.
Gather your information. Be ready with your driver’s license number, address, driving history, and SR-22 details if applicable.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers. Not every insurer offers this coverage in every state, and prices can vary a lot based on your unique circumstances. Keep in mind that not every insurer will quote this coverage online, so you may have to contact the insurers directly.
Choose your liability coverage limits. State-minimum coverage is the cheapest, but higher limits can offer better protection.
Ask about add-ons or filings. If you need a non-owner SR-22, make sure the insurer can file it in your state.
Buy coverage and keep proof handy. Once active, you’ll want to keep your insurance ID card accessible when driving.
Non-owner car insurance FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most common questions drivers have about non-owner car insurance.
How much does non-owner car insurance cost?
Non-owner insurance is usually cheaper than standard auto insurance because it doesn’t cover a vehicle, just liability for the person driving it. The nationwide average cost is about $46, but your costs will vary depending on your state, driving record, age, whether you need an SR-22 filing, and more.
Can you get non-owner insurance for SR-22 requirements?
Yes. Some insurers offer a non-owner SR-22 policy for drivers who need proof of insurance after a suspension, DUI, or other serious violation. The insurer typically files the SR-22 form with your state on your behalf.
Does non-owner insurance cover rental cars?
Non-owner insurance can usually provide liability protection when you rent a car, but it generally won’t cover damage to the rental vehicle itself. For that, you may need the rental company’s collision damage waiver or another form of protection.
How do you buy non-owner car insurance?
You can buy non-owner coverage from many major insurers. You’ll typically need your license information, driving history, and any SR-22 details if required.[2]
Do all states require non-owner car insurance?
No. States don’t generally require non-owner coverage specifically. But if you need to drive, satisfy an SR-22 requirement, or maintain proof of insurance, non-owner car insurance could make sense for you.
Can you insure a car that isn’t in your name?
Sometimes, but not always. If you regularly drive a household member’s vehicle, insurers often prefer you to be added to that policy instead. You should generally use a non-owner policy for occasional use of cars you don’t own.
Sources
- Kelley Blue Book. "If I Don’t Have a Car, Do I Need Auto Insurance?."
- NAIC. "Sharing a Ride, But Not Insurance: Protect yourself as a ridesharing passenger.."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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