Updated: October 14, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
You can get car insurance without a car, even if you don't own a vehicle, through a non-owner car insurance policy. This specialized insurance provides liability coverage that follows you, the driver, instead of a specific car.
If you regularly drive the same vehicle, ask the owner to add you to their policy rather than getting your own car insurance without a car.
If you rarely drive, you can still get car insurance coverage without a car through the permissive use clause, which covers licensed drivers borrowing the insured's car with permission for infrequent, short trips.
Getting car insurance without owning a vehicle involves five steps:
Before contacting insurers, collect documents to get liability insurance without owning a car. You'll need your valid driver's license number and Social Security number for identity verification. Insurers also want your current address and where you've lived for the past five years. Prepare details about your driving record, including any tickets or accidents from the last three to five years. If you've had previous coverage, gather that insurance information too. This preparation speeds up quotes for non-owner car insurance, with insurers providing initial pricing within 10 to 15 minutes.
Contact at least three insurers that offer non-owner policies. Not all companies provide coverage for drivers without a vehicle, so call each company directly or visit their website. Online quote systems for non-owner insurance are limited, making phone applications often work better. When requesting quotes, specify that you need "non-owner" or "named non-owner" coverage.
Non-owner car insurance policies include bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage. Some states also require uninsured and underinsured motorist protection.
Don't choose coverage based on price alone because low-cost policies may have insufficient liability limits that won't adequately protect you after a serious accident. Compare both premium costs and coverage amounts.
Once you've chosen a provider, complete your application online in 10 to 15 minutes. You'll verify personal information like your driver's license number, address and contact details. Then select your coverage limits and optional protections, such as uninsured motorist coverage. Most insurers require payment before issuing your policy, so have your credit card, debit card or bank account ready. Choose when you need coverage to start, and you'll receive digital insurance cards immediately for proof of coverage when borrowing or renting vehicles.
Your insurer will email or mail documentation for your policy. You can download digital ID cards right after paying your first premium, providing proof you have insurance without owning a vehicle.
Keep this paperwork with you when driving vehicles you don't own because police need to see proof of liability car insurance during traffic stops or accidents.
Car insurance when you don't own a vehicle provides liability coverage for vehicles you don't own. Whether you're between cars, frequently rent vehicles or need to reinstate your license, this coverage follows you rather than a specific vehicle.
You'll learn when non-owner car insurance is needed, what it covers and doesn't, alternative options for drivers without a vehicle and how much coverage costs.
Non-owner car insurance bridges coverage gaps for drivers who don't own vehicles but still drive regularly. Consider non-owner insurance if you drive at least once or twice per month, particularly during life transitions when your transportation needs are temporary or changing.
Scenario | How Non-Owner Insurance Helps |
|---|---|
You frequently rent or borrow cars | You get consistent liability protection that goes beyond what rental companies offer. If the vehicle owner doesn't have enough coverage, your non-owner policy kicks in to cover the gap and protects your finances. |
You don’t currently own a car but want to maintain coverage | Maintains continuous coverage history, preventing rate increases when you buy your next vehicle. After selling your car or moving temporarily without it, non-owner car insurance helps maintain continuous coverage. Your future premiums stay lower with an uninterrupted coverage history. |
You need to reinstate your license | Satisfies state requirements for proof of insurance to restore driving privileges after suspension. Some states require proof of coverage to reinstate a suspended license, and getting car insurance without a car can meet that requirement. |
You want better protection than rental insurance offers | Rental car insurance can be limited. Having car insurance without owning a vehicle often provides broader liability coverage than what rental companies offer. |
You use car-sharing services | Supplements the basic coverage provided by car-sharing services with additional liability protection beyond their standard policies. |
You drive company vehicles | Covers you when driving employer-owned vehicles for business purposes, filling gaps in company fleet policies that may not fully protect you personally. |
You're a seasonal driver | Perfect for people who drive only during certain months, like retirees spending winters in different states or students who drive during breaks. These seasonal drivers can get insurance without owning a vehicle, rather than maintaining year-round coverage. |
If you need an SR-22 filing but don't own a vehicle, you can get SR-22 insurance without a car to provide the required proof of financial responsibility. An SR-22 is a form your car insurance company files with your state to prove you carry minimum required coverage, not insurance itself.
These policies fulfill SR-22 requirements in all states that mandate this filing and are ideal for drivers whose licenses were suspended for violations like DUI, reckless driving or driving without insurance coverage.
Insurance designed for drivers without a car provides liability protection but doesn't cover everything. These limitations matter if you borrow the same vehicle often or need more than liability-only protection.
Covers medical bills, lost wages and related expenses if you injure someone in an at-fault accident.
Pays for damage you cause to someone else's property, such as their vehicle or a fence.
Optional in some states. Covers your costs if the at-fault driver doesn't have insurance or has insufficient coverage.
Also optional. Covers your medical expenses regardless of fault and may include lost wages.
Non-owner car insurance provides driver protection but excludes several coverage types you'd find in standard policies.
Non-owner policies don't include collision or comprehensive coverage, meaning they won't pay for repairs if the car you're driving is damaged in an accident, stolen, vandalized or affected by natural disasters.
A non-owner policy won't cover your personal belongings if they're stolen or damaged while inside the borrowed or rented car.
If the car you're borrowing is in the shop because of an accident, a non-owner policy won't pay for a rental car.
If you borrow a specific car regularly, like a family member's car, the car's primary insurance policy should list you as a driver. Non-owner insurance isn't designed for regular or daily use of the same vehicle.
Personal car insurance covers your vehicle and often includes extra protections, making it more expensive. In contrast, when you need car insurance with no car, it focuses on protecting you from liability to others and costs less.
Criteria | Non-Owner Car Insurance | Personal Auto Insurance |
|---|---|---|
Coverage | Primarily provides liability coverage. Covers damages to other people's property or injuries to others. | Offers comprehensive coverage, including liability, collision and more. Covers you and your own vehicle. |
Car Ownership | Designed for individuals who don't own a car but drive occasionally. | Tailored for individuals who own or lease a vehicle. |
Coverage Limitations | Doesn't cover damages to the car you're driving or personal items inside the car. | May cover damages to your own car and may also cover personal items. |
Cost | Generally less expensive due to limited coverage. | Can be more expensive due to broader coverage. |
Non-owner car insurance protects many drivers without cars, but other options exist. Consider your driving habits, frequency, how much car insurance you need and the vehicles you'll use to determine the best coverage option.
You don't always need your own policy to be covered. If you frequently drive a specific car or live with someone who owns one, other ways to stay insured exist without buying a separate non-owner policy.
If you regularly drive a family member's or roommate's car, adding yourself to their car insurance policy as an occasional driver makes more sense. This ensures you're covered whenever you use the vehicle and helps avoid potential claim issues.
It's a good option if:
Many car insurance policies include a "permissive use" clause, meaning that if you have a valid license and borrow someone's car with their permission for a short, infrequent trip, you may be covered under their policy even if you're not listed as a driver.
It could apply if:
Coverage under permissive use varies by insurer. Some offer full protection, while others provide limited liability only. Confirm with the vehicle owner's car insurance company to avoid surprises.
When renting vehicles, you have alternatives to non-owner insurance, though each has limitations:
If you rent cars more than a few times per year, non-owner insurance often costs less than purchasing daily rental company coverage. However, you may need additional local coverage for international travel or business rentals. Consider your rental frequency and destinations when deciding between non-owner and rental car insurance options.
On average, a non-car-owner insurance policy costs between $994 and $1,311 per year, depending on the level of coverage. Actual non-owner rates may differ because of various factors.
| Minimum Coverage | $83 | $994 |
| Full Coverage | $109 | $1,311 |
GEICO offers the cheapest car insurance for drivers who don't own a car. A minimum coverage policy from GEICO costs an average of $58 monthly. Use the table to compare rates from different insurance providers:
| Geico | $58 | $691 |
| National General | $68 | $814 |
| Travelers | $70 | $835 |
| State Farm | $80 | $963 |
| Amica | $89 | $1,070 |
| Kemper | $90 | $1,083 |
| Progressive | $91 | $1,092 |
| Nationwide | $91 | $1,095 |
| Chubb | $97 | $1,161 |
| AAA | $101 | $1,211 |
| Allstate | $104 | $1,242 |
| Farmers | $118 | $1,418 |
| AIG | $125 | $1,500 |
| UAIC | $163 | $1,960 |
Non-owner car insurance costs vary by state, as location affects your rates. The table below shows average rates for both minimum and full coverage policies for drivers who don't own a vehicle in their state. These rates represent statewide averages and can help you set realistic budget expectations when shopping for coverage.
| Alabama | $68 | $815 |
| Alaska | $57 | $683 |
| Arizona | $97 | $1,170 |
| Arkansas | $58 | $690 |
| California | $95 | $1,138 |
| Colorado | $78 | $938 |
| Connecticut | $119 | $1,434 |
| Delaware | $108 | $1,298 |
| District of Columbia | $95 | $1,141 |
| Florida | $152 | $1,821 |
| Georgia | $109 | $1,310 |
| Hawaii | $42 | $504 |
| Idaho | $45 | $534 |
| Illinois | $73 | $881 |
| Indiana | $54 | $643 |
| Iowa | $38 | $460 |
| Kansas | $56 | $667 |
| Kentucky | $98 | $1,182 |
| Louisiana | $157 | $1,888 |
| Maine | $39 | $467 |
| Maryland | $111 | $1,329 |
| Massachusetts | $82 | $986 |
| Michigan | $99 | $1,190 |
| Minnesota | $76 | $909 |
| Mississippi | $66 | $793 |
| Missouri | $96 | $1,156 |
| Montana | $51 | $608 |
| Nebraska | $66 | $791 |
| Nevada | $142 | $1,708 |
| New Hampshire | $60 | $721 |
| New Jersey | $173 | $2,075 |
| New Mexico | $65 | $777 |
| New York | $123 | $1,474 |
| North Carolina | $67 | $809 |
| North Dakota | $47 | $561 |
| Ohio | $57 | $683 |
| Oklahoma | $68 | $816 |
| Oregon | $83 | $1,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $93 | $1,117 |
| Rhode Island | $93 | $1,115 |
| South Carolina | $102 | $1,223 |
| South Dakota | $42 | $505 |
| Tennessee | $67 | $801 |
| Texas | $97 | $1,170 |
| Utah | $91 | $1,090 |
| Vermont | $36 | $430 |
| Virginia | $82 | $980 |
| Washington | $75 | $901 |
| West Virginia | $68 | $814 |
| Wisconsin | $53 | $632 |
| Wyoming | $28 | $342 |
**Note: Rates shown represent statewide averages for a sample non-owner driver profile. Your actual costs may vary based on age, driving record, coverage limits, and specific location within the state.
Non-owner insurance bridges the gap between needing coverage and not owning a car. If you drive borrowed or rented vehicles more than twice per month, this coverage protects your finances and maintains your insurance history for better rates later. This guide covered ways to get car insurance without a vehicle to help you understand your options and choose the best coverage for your situation.
Unlike personal auto insurance, which covers a specific vehicle, non-owner policies cover the driver, regardless of the car they're in. Another option for regular drivers is being added to a car owner's existing policy. If you rarely drive, you might not need a policy and may be covered by the permissive use clause.
We answer common questions about getting car insurance without a car:
Yes, you can get car insurance without a car. A non-owner car insurance policy provides liability-only coverage that pays for damages to the other driver if you're involved in an at-fault accident.
Non-owner car insurance works best for drivers who:
You can't insure a car you don't own, but you can get coverage through a non-owner car insurance policy.
Most states allow non-owner car insurance, but availability varies by insurer. New Hampshire doesn't require car insurance, so non-owner policies may be limited there. Check with insurers in your state to confirm availability and coverage options.
Non-owner car insurance provides primary liability coverage when you rent a car, meaning it pays before the rental company's insurance. But non-owner insurance won't cover damage to the rental vehicle itself. You'll still need the rental company's collision damage waiver or your credit card's rental coverage for vehicle damage protection.
You can get car insurance coverage for cars you don't own, including business use of employer-owned vehicles, but coverage varies by policy. Some insurers exclude commercial use or require additional coverage for business driving. Inform your insurer if you'll use the coverage for work-related driving.
Yes, non-owner car insurance can supplement coverage from car-sharing services. These services provide basic coverage, but non-owner insurance adds extra liability protection. Check your policy terms because some insurers have specific exclusions for peer-to-peer car sharing.
Non-owner car insurance follows the driver regardless of what vehicle they drive. Being added to someone's policy only covers you when driving their specific car. If you regularly drive the same person's car or live in their household, the car owner should add you as a listed driver to their policy instead of you getting your own non-owner insurance.
Non-owner car insurance averages $83 per month ($994 annually) for minimum coverage and $109 per month ($1,311 annually) for full coverage nationally. Costs vary by state, and your driving record, age and coverage limits also affect your rates.
Yes, many insurers can add SR-22 filing to non-owner car insurance policies. This is often the most affordable way to meet court-ordered insurance requirements if you don't own a car. Not all companies offer this service, so confirm availability when shopping for coverage.
Maintaining continuous coverage through non-owner car insurance prevents coverage gaps that can increase your rates. When you eventually buy a car and switch to a standard policy, insurers offer better rates to drivers with an uninterrupted coverage history. Non-owner insurance helps sustain low-cost coverage in the future.
Getting car insurance without owning a vehicle can be a smart financial move if you're between cars, borrowing vehicles regularly or about to purchase one. Since this situation requires specialized non-owner policies, we designed our research to find insurers that actually offer these products and price them competitively.
How We Gathered Rate Data
We analyzed 12,128 quotes from 319 companies across 204 ZIP codes to understand pricing patterns for drivers in this unique situation. Many insurers don't offer non-owner policies or make them difficult to find online, so our research team contacted companies directly to verify availability and gather accurate quotes.
For rate comparisons, we used a baseline profile:
We modified this profile based on different ages, locations and driving histories to see how rates change for various driver situations.
Coverage Standards We Used
When we reference "minimum coverage," we're talking about each state's required liability limits. Since requirements vary, our national recommendations average all state minimums, while state-specific advice uses only that state's actual requirements.
For full coverage comparisons, we used 100/300/100 liability limits with a $1,000 deductible. This means:
Data Sources
Our analysis draws from the following independent agencies and reputable authorities:
Learn more about MoneyGeek's auto insurance methodology.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
