Home>Car Insurance>Texas

Non-Owner Car Insurance in Texas (2024)

Non-owner car insurance is a liability policy for Texas drivers who don’t own a car but drive other people’s cars or need an SR-22.

Janet Berry-Johnson
Written byJanet Berry-Johnson
Janet Berry-Johnson
Janet Berry-Johnson

  • 8+ years writing about insurance, taxes, and personal finance

  • Certified public accountant

Janet applies her experience in personal finance, taxes, and accounting to make complex financial topics accessible. Her byline has appeared on numerous web media.

Read Editorial Guidelines

View Full Bio

Featured in

media logomedia logomedia logomedia logo
Ashley Cox
Edited byAshley Cox
Headshot of Managing Editor Ashley Cox
Ashley CoxSenior Managing Editor

  • 7+ years in content creation and management

  • 5+ years in insurance and personal finance content

Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.

Read Editorial Guidelines

View Full Bio

Featured in

media logomedia logomedia logomedia logo

Updated September 10, 2024

Save up to $852 by comparing quotes from the top 100+ insurance companies

Excellent
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate
Advertiser Disclosure

At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.

We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.

Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.

Non-owner car insurance is a special type of car insurance designed for people who don’t own a car but frequently drive other people’s cars. This coverage is ideal for people who rent cars regularly, borrow vehicles from friends or family, or use a car-sharing service.

Non-owner car insurance provides liability protection to cover damages and injuries you may cause to others while driving a vehicle that isn’t yours. But it won’t cover your injuries or damage to the car you’re driving.[1]

Here’s what you should know about comparing quotes and finding a non-owner policy in Texas.

Quick Facts

  • A liability-only insurance policy in Texas costs an average of $119 per month. Non-owner car insurance could cost less than this, making it a cost-effective option compared to a standard liability policy.

  • A non-owner insurance policy includes bodily injury and property damage liability but not comprehensive or collision coverage.

  • Many major car insurance companies, like GEICO and Progressive, offer non-owner car insurance, making it accessible and easy to find.

What is non-owner car insurance in Texas, and who needs it?

In Texas, non-owner car insurance is insurance for drivers without a car. It provides bodily injury and property damage liability coverage for injuries or damage you cause while driving someone else’s car.

You might need non-owner car insurance if you often rent cars, borrow from a friend or family member, or use car-sharing services. For example, if you frequently rent vehicles for business trips, buying a non-owner car insurance policy might be more affordable than buying coverage through the car rental company every time you rent.

Texas law may require non-owner car insurance for people who need to file an SR-22 certificate. An SR-22 is a certificate that an insurance company issues confirming you have the minimum liability insurance required by law.[2]

Important Information

You may need to have an SR-22 if you’ve had your driver’s license suspended due to traffic violations, driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, and other serious infractions. If you need an SR-22 and don’t own a car, non-owner car insurance fulfills the proof of insurance requirement to reinstate your driving privileges.

Find Non-Owner Car Insurance in Texas

Check quotes from 100+ top insurance companies

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

Best non-owner car insurance companies in Texas

The cost of non-owner car insurance in Texas can vary based on your driving history, coverage limits, and your chosen insurance company. Here are three companies offering non-owner car insurance in Texas to help you find a policy that fits your needs and budget.

GEICO: Best for affordability

Compare personalized, real-time quotes
User Reviews
3.1
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.
9.0/10
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.
$55/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.
$121/mo

GEICO is well-known for offering reliable coverage. It offers affordable non-owner car insurance policies to help you save money while providing essential liability coverage. GEICO’s user-friendly website and mobile app make managing your policy and filing claims easy.

Pros

  • AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior)

  • Easy online quote process and policy management

  • 24/7 customer service

Cons

  • Limited coverage options compared to some competitors

  • May not offer the lowest rates for high-risk drivers

  • Limited local agents in Texas for personalized service

Read more driver reviews of GEICO
Darlene - September 10, 2024
Verified

Excellent

They said the rate would not go up, but it did.
Milo - September 10, 2024
Verified

Too Expensive

The premiums are too high.
Irene - September 10, 2024
Verified

They increased my rates even though I have never had an accident, drive less than 50 miles a month, and have the minimum coverage.

They increased my rates even though I have never had an accident, drive less than 50 miles a month, and have the minimum coverage.
…

Direct Auto: Best for high-risk drivers

Compare personalized, real-time quotes
User Reviews
2.4
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.
7.3/10
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.
$98/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.
$191/mo

Direct Auto is part of the Allstate family of companies. It specializes in providing coverage for high-risk drivers, making it a great option if you have trouble getting insured elsewhere. The company offers flexible payment options and provides SR-22 filings for drivers who need them.

Pros

  • Specializes in high-risk drivers

  • Offers flexible payment plans

  • SR-22 filings available

Cons

  • Higher rates for high-risk drivers

  • Parent company, Allstate, has a below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in Texas

  • Limited online tools and resources

Read more driver reviews of Direct Auto
Jesse - September 10, 2024
Verified

Increasing Prices

The prices keep going up every year, becoming unaffordable.
Ronald - September 10, 2024
Verified

Rates too high

The rates are too high.
Kamilia - September 10, 2024
Verified

Poor

There is no customer service.
…

Progressive: Best for a range of coverage options

Compare personalized, real-time quotes
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
819
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.
8.4/10
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.
$79/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.
$138/mo

Progressive offers a wide range of coverage options, including non-owner car insurance policies. It’s known for extensive discounts and the ability to customize policies to meet customer needs. Progressive also offers user-friendly online tools and resources that make getting a quote and managing your policy easy.

Pros

  • Competitive rates

  • Numerous available discounts

  • Excellent online tools and mobile app

Cons

  • Rates can be higher for some drivers

  • Some discounts aren’t available on non-owner policies

  • Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in Texas

Read more driver reviews of Progressive
Andrea - September 10, 2024
Verified

Excellent

It's great.
Michael - September 10, 2024
Verified

Shop Around

It's a good idea to shop around.
Brenda - September 10, 2024
Verified

Looking for Cheaper Insurance Rates

Insurance rates increase every 6 months.
…

What non-owner car insurance covers in Texas

Non-owner auto insurance offers liability-only coverage. Here’s a more in-depth explanation of the coverages included in a non-owner policy:[3]

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/4c9753bdbe/medical-payments.svg

    Bodily injury liability

    Bodily injury liability covers medical bills, lost wages, and legal fees if you’re at fault in an accident and injure someone else.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/d7333ddf2e/car-and-driving-96x96-orange_046-car-accident.svg

    Property damage liability

    Property damage liability pays to repair or replace another person’s property, like their car, if you cause an accident.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/5285c4cd74/uninsured-or-underinsured-motorist-coverage.svg

    Uninsured/uninsured motorist coverage

    Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who has insufficient or no insurance. It covers medical expenses and damages beyond what the other driver’s insurance can pay. Insurance companies must offer Texas customers this coverage, but you can decline it in writing if you don’t want it.

What non-owner car insurance doesn’t cover

Non-owner car insurance doesn’t include all the coverage a typical full-coverage car insurance policy provides. For example, non-owner policies don’t include the following:

  • Collision coverage: Collision insurance pays for damage to the car you’re driving if you get into an accident. The car owner’s policy will need to cover any repair costs for the vehicle.

  • Comprehensive coverage: Comprehensive insurance pays for non-collision-related losses, like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. These are usually the responsibility of the car owner’s insurance company.

  • Personal belongings: Non-owner car insurance doesn’t cover personal belongings stolen from or damaged in the car. You need separate coverage through your homeowners or renters insurance for these items.

Shop for Texas Car Insurance

See quotes from top insurance companies in minutes

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

How much does non-owner car insurance cost in Texas?

On average, non-owner car insurance costs around $795 per year nationwide, according to Insurance Business America. That’s roughly half the average cost for liability-only car insurance in Texas, which is $1,428 per year, according to Insurify data.

But keep in mind that your rates may vary depending on your driving record, insurance coverage limits, age, ZIP code, and the company you choose.

Non-owner car insurance in Texas FAQs

If you still have questions about non-owner insurance in Texas, these answers to a few frequently asked questions might clear up any confusion.

  • Can you get car insurance on a car you don’t own in Texas?

    Yes. You can get car insurance on a car you don’t own in Texas. A non-owner policy provides liability coverage for drivers who frequently use cars they don’t own. This insurance covers damages and injuries you may cause to others while driving a borrowed or rented car.

  • Do you need non-owner car insurance to rent a car in Texas?

    No. You don’t need non-owner car insurance to rent a car in Texas. But it can be a good option if you rent cars frequently, as it can provide liability coverage beyond what the rental company offers and potentially save you money on rental car fees.

  • Do you need car insurance to drive a friend’s car in Texas?

    Not legally, but it’s not a bad idea. If you occasionally drive a friend’s car with their permission, their insurance should cover you. But non-owner car insurance can provide additional liability protection, ensuring you have coverage if their policy limits aren’t sufficient.

  • Where can you buy non-owner car insurance?

    You can buy non-owner car insurance from many major insurers, including GEICO, Progressive, and State Farm. It’s a good idea to compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best rate and coverage for your specific needs.

Sources

  1. Texas Department of Insurance. "Auto insurance guide."
  2. Texas Department of Public Safety. "Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22)."
  3. Insurance Information Institute. "Auto insurance basics—understanding your coverage."
Janet Berry-Johnson
Janet Berry-Johnson

Janet Berry-Johnson, CPA is a freelance writer with a background in accounting and income tax planning and preparation. She's passionate about making complicated financial topics accessible to readers. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and son and their rescue dog, Dexter. Visit her website at www.jberryjohnson.com.

Learn More
linkedin
Ashley Cox
Edited byAshley CoxSenior Managing Editor
Headshot of Managing Editor Ashley Cox
Ashley CoxSenior Managing Editor

  • 7+ years in content creation and management

  • 5+ years in insurance and personal finance content

Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.

Read Editorial Guidelines

View Full Bio

Featured in

media logomedia logomedia logomedia logo

Compare Car Insurance Quotes Instantly

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate