What to know about non-owner car insurance in Michigan
Non-owner policies are for drivers without a car in Michigan. It provides liability-only coverage for property damage or injuries you cause while driving someone else’s vehicle.
For example, let’s say you borrow your friend’s car on a regular basis or use a car-sharing service. In these situations, non-owner auto insurance makes sense. But you won’t need it if you frequently borrow a vehicle from someone in your household, as they can just add you to their policy.
Here’s what you should know about non-owner car insurance for drivers without a car in Michigan.
Non-owner car insurance requirements in Michigan
Michigan doesn’t require drivers to buy a non-owner car insurance policy. But the state does require minimum liability insurance coverage to register a car.[1]
Minimum liability requirements in Michigan include $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage, plus $10,000 in property damage liability. You’ll also need personal injury protection (PIP) and property protection insurance (PPI).[2]
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Average liability quotes start at $69/mo.
Who should get non-owner car insurance in Michigan?
Even though Michigan doesn’t require drivers to have non-owner auto insurance, it’s a good idea for these types of drivers:
Drivers who borrow cars on a regular basis: If you drive your friend or family’s vehicle often, non-owner coverage is worthwhile. It can provide secondary coverage and extra protection if you have an accident while driving their car.
Drivers who rent cars frequently: If you rent vehicles a lot for work or personal reasons, non-owner auto insurance may eliminate the need to buy rental car insurance from the rental company.
Drivers who use car-sharing services: Shared vehicles usually have group insurance. But non-owner coverage can offer additional protection when you use car-sharing services.
Drivers who want to maintain continuous coverage: Insurance companies typically charge higher premiums if you have a gap in your coverage. With a non-owner policy, you can maintain continuous coverage even if you don’t own a vehicle.
Drivers who need an SR-22: If you need an SR-22 due to a serious traffic violation like an operating while intoxicated (OVI) conviction in your driving history, you might need a non-owner auto policy. It can meet the proof of insurance requirement for license reinstatement.[3]
SR-22 requirements in Michigan
Michigan law might require non-owner car insurance for drivers who need to meet an SR-22 requirement. An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurance company files on your behalf with the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office. It may be necessary after a serious traffic violation on your driving record, such as an OVI or driving without insurance.
If you don’t own a vehicle, you might need to purchase a non-owner insurance policy to fulfill the SR-22 requirement in Michigan. It serves as proof that you have the minimum liability insurance required by law. In most cases, you’ll need to maintain your SR-22 status for three years, and your insurance rates will likely increase since insurers will categorize you as a high-risk driver.
Cost of non-owner car insurance in Michigan
In Michigan, non-owner auto insurance costs $54 per month, on average. That’s more than the national average of $46 per month.
Non-owner insurance premiums in Michigan are higher than those in neighboring states like Ohio and Indiana, where the average monthly rates are $28 and $31, respectively. This is likely in part because of Michigan’s no-fault insurance system and its high vehicle theft rates in Detroit and other cities.[4]
The good news is that non-owner auto insurance in Michigan is usually cheaper than standard liability or full-coverage insurance, which includes collision and comprehensive insurance. That’s because it only provides liability coverage for the other driver’s accident-related medical payments and property damage. In Michigan, drivers pay an average of $129 per month for liability insurance and $225 for full coverage.
This table shows the average monthly cost of non-owner car insurance coverage in Michigan and the U.S., according to Insurify data.
Non-Owner Car Insurance | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Michigan average | $54 |
| National average | $46 |
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How to get non-owner car insurance in Michigan
Follow these steps to purchase a non-owner auto insurance policy in Michigan:
Research auto insurers. Not all car insurance companies sell non-owner insurance policies. Do some research to find a few insurers that do. If you need an SR-22, see if you can find companies that offer non-owner coverage and can file an SR-22 for you.
Compare quotes. Once you find Michigan auto insurance companies that offer non-owner coverage, get a few car insurance quotes. Use the quotes to zero in on the best deal.
Select coverage limits. After you choose an insurance company, pick your coverage limits. You may decide on Michigan’s 50/100/10 minimum limits or go with higher limits for additional protection from expensive property damage or high medical expenses.
Finalize your non-owner policy. Once approved, pay your premium to lock in your non-owner coverage.
Non-owner car insurance in Michigan FAQs
Here are some common questions about non-owner auto insurance policies in Michigan.
Can you insure a car not in your name in Michigan?
No. You can’t insure a vehicle that’s not in your name in Michigan. A vehicle’s registration and insurance must both be in the owner’s name. But you can buy a non-owner policy if you don’t own a car and need to maintain continuous insurance coverage.
Who needs non-owner car insurance in Michigan?
If you need an SR-22 in Michigan but don’t have a vehicle, you may need non-owner auto insurance to meet the state’s proof of insurance requirement. You might also consider a non-owner policy if you’re a Michigan driver who rents vehicles often, borrows a car frequently, or regularly uses car-sharing services.
Which company offers the cheapest non-owner car insurance in Michigan?
Auto-Owners offers the lowest auto insurance rates for non-owner car insurance in Michigan, with an average cost of $29 per month.
Sources
- Michigan Department of State. "Title transfer and vehicle registration."
- Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. "Choosing Bodily Injury Coverage."
- Michigan Department of State. "Financial responsibility restricted licenses."
- Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. "Auto Insurance."
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