How Much Is Non-Owner Car Insurance in 2024?


Enter your ZIP code to get started

Shield

Free. Simple. Secure.

fact checked icon

Updated: May 20, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Non-owner car insurance costs around $414 a year for drivers with a clean record, but rates can jump to $576 after an at-fault accident.

This type of insurance is generally cheaper than standard policies because it usually includes only liability coverage and isn't tied to a specific car. Meanwhile, common rating factors like your age, driving history and location may also affect your premiums.

Across the country, the cheapest average providers of non-owner car insurance are GEICO and Travelers. You'll likely need to call insurance companies directly to get a quote, as they rarely advertise these policies online.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We ensure that MoneyGeek's content meets our highest editorial standards by carefully scrutinizing it. Throughout each stage, our team writes, checks facts, edits and reviews the content produced to generate accurate information.

10,736Quotes Analyzed
 
319Companies Compared
 
204ZIP Codes

Cost of Non-Owner Auto Insurance

With a clean record, you'll likely pay about $414 a year for non-owner car insurance. With an accident in your recent driving history, your costs may rise to an annual average of $576, a 39% increase.

For a liability-only policy, the average annual cost with a clean record is $488, or 18% more than a non-owner policy. A recent accident bumps that amount up to $741, making it 29% pricier than non-owner coverage.

Accident $1000-$1999 Prop DmgNon-Owner Annual Premium$576Car Owner Annual Premium$741
CleanNon-Owner Annual Premium$414Car Owner Annual Premium$488

Why Non-Owner Car Insurance Is Inexpensive

Non-owner car insurance policies are generally cheaper than policies for car owners because:

  • Non-owner policies are liability only
  • The policy isn't tied to a car

Unlike standard policies, non-owner insurance usually includes only liability coverage. And because a non-owner policy covers the driver instead of the car, you can't get a full coverage non-owner policy with collision and comprehensive insurance.

Much like standard auto insurance policies, your age, gender, driving history, credit record and where you live play a role in determining your non-owner insurance cost. If you need high-risk car insurance, you'll likely face higher premiums than a driver with a clean driving record.

How Much Non-Owner Car Insurance Costs by State

Non-owner car insurance costs vary significantly by state, and the most competitive provider at a national level may not be the best option in your area. As you make your insurer selection, consider regional providers who may specialize in specific states or locations and offer superior customer service at attractive prices.

The table below aims to help you identify your state's most cost-effective non-owner car insurance for a minimum liability-only policy. Explore the best non-owner insurance choices available in your location by finding your state, ensuring you get the right coverage at the right price.

Michigan has the highest average annual premium at $1,340, while Wyoming is the lowest at $112. High premiums often correlate with factors like heavy traffic and costly health care. Conversely, low premiums usually mean less congestion and lower health care costs.

AlabamaAnnual Premium$532Monthly Premium$44
AlaskaAnnual Premium$437Monthly Premium$36
ArizonaAnnual Premium$534Monthly Premium$44
ArkansasAnnual Premium$364Monthly Premium$30
CaliforniaAnnual Premium$492Monthly Premium$41
ColoradoAnnual Premium$517Monthly Premium$43
ConnecticutAnnual Premium$546Monthly Premium$46
DelawareAnnual Premium$622Monthly Premium$52

What Non-Owner Car Insurance Covers

Non-owner car insurance usually covers just the basic state minimum requirements. Depending on your state, it might include:

  • Bodily injury liability
  • Personal damage liability
  • Personal injury protection
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Because these policies are tied to the driver and not to one specific car, you can't stack collision or comprehensive insurance, and you also typically can't add extras like rental reimbursement, accident forgiveness or emergency roadside assistance.

Non-owner car insurance protects the other driver and their vehicle if you cause an accident. Suppose you're borrowing a car already insured and the owner's policy has a permissive use clause. In that case, your non-owner insurance serves as a backup, providing you with secondary coverage. In such cases, the owner's insurance would cover initial damages, and your non-owner policy would kick in to cover any remaining costs.

When to Get Non-Owner Car Insurance

A non-owner car insurance policy is best for drivers who don't own a car, frequently rent or borrow different vehicles, or are currently without a car. However, if you regularly borrow the same car or share a household with the car's owner, joining the owner's existing policy could be more suitable for you.

    travel icon

    You frequently rent cars for travel or business trips

    Non-owner insurance can offer liability coverage that the rental agency's basic insurance might not cover. The rental company may require you to purchase additional coverage, such as collision and comprehensive.

    coupleS icon

    You often borrow a friend's or family member's car

    This policy protects you and the car owner by acting as secondary coverage in case of an accident.

    rideshare icon

    You use car-sharing services regularly

    Non-owner insurance can provide additional liability protection over what the car-sharing service offers.

    ignition icon

    You're between vehicles but still need to drive occasionally

    Maintaining insurance coverage can help you avoid rate hikes when you eventually own a car again.

    carInsurance icon

    You want to maintain continuous insurance coverage to avoid higher rates in the future

    Gaps in insurance can lead to higher premiums; a non-owner policy helps you maintain continuous coverage.

    driverLicense icon

    You're required to have insurance to reinstate a suspended or revoked driver's license

    Some states mandate insurance coverage to restore your driving privileges even if you don't own a car. This is a requirement if you have to file an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate of financial responsibility.

When to Join an Existing Policy

    garage icon

    You move in with a spouse or partner who owns a car

    Joining a spouse or partner's policy can be more cost-effective and straightforward than maintaining separate ones. Car insurance companies often require all household members to be added to the policy. We recommend checking the policy to see if you're a listed driver already.

    car2 icon

    You frequently drive a specific family member's car

    Adding yourself to a family member's policy ensures adequate coverage without needing a separate non-owner policy.

    seatbelt icon

    You're an employee who regularly drives a company car

    In this case, adding yourself to the company's commercial auto policy is often more practical.

    shoppingCart icon

    You're a caregiver who uses a client's car for errands

    Adding yourself to the client's policy can provide better coverage and may be required by some staffing agencies.

Where to Get Non-Owner Car Insurance

Major insurers that offer non-owner car insurance include:

Insurers typically don't provide online quotes or display details about their non-owner car insurance policies on their websites. You'll likely need to call and speak with an exclusive or independent agent to get information as non-owner car insurance cannot be purchased online. Meanwhile, if you need help finding high-risk car insurance, an independent insurance broker can help you explore your options.

Cheapest Non-Owner Car Insurance

The cheapest average non-owner car insurance companies are:

  • GEICO: $463 per year, $39 per month
  • Travelers: $511 per year, $43 per month

GEICO and Travelers offer the most affordable non-owner policies. Note that GEICO does not advertise it on its company website, while Travelers promotes it as one of its coverage options. Regardless, the best way to get the non-owner coverage you need is to get in touch with a company agent on the phone.

GEICOAnnual Premium$463Monthly Premium$39
TravelersAnnual Premium$511Monthly Premium$43
State FarmAnnual Premium$525Monthly Premium$44
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$638Monthly Premium$53
NationwideAnnual Premium$698Monthly Premium$58
AllstateAnnual Premium$752Monthly Premium$63
FarmersAnnual Premium$801Monthly Premium$67

How to Buy Non-Owner Car Insurance

The most effective way to collect quotes for a non-owner car insurance policy is to get in touch with an insurance company or an agent directly. Extend your search to local car insurance companies to find the best deals.

1
Research providers

Investigate national and regional insurance companies, keeping in mind that insurers rarely advertise non-owner policies. Contact local exclusive and independent agents for quotes and coverage details.

2
Gather required information

Have your driving history and expected car usage details ready for a more accurate quote once you contact an insurer. You'll also need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, driver's license number, birth date and previous insurer.

3
Compare quotes

Evaluate the quotes you've received to identify the most cost-effective coverage that best meets your needs. If you receive two similar quotes, consider the companies' customer service records or convenience factors like the accessibility of their online platforms.

FAQ About Non-Owner Car Insurance Costs

Whether you're wondering, "How much is non-owner car insurance?" or have questions about policy options, we've got you covered. We have straightforward answers to your pressing questions.

Can you get insurance without a car?
Do you still need SR-22 insurance if you don’t have a car?
Can you get full coverage non-owner car insurance?
What is non-owner SR-22 insurance?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.