How to Get Car Insurance Without a Car

Getting 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 provides essential liability protection that follows you rather than a specific vehicle.

This guide covers key considerations, including when non-owner car insurance is needed, what it covers and doesn't, alternative car insurance options for drivers without a vehicle, and how much car insurance without a car 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. It's particularly valuable during life transitions when your transportation needs are temporary or changing.

Although non-owner insurance can protect you as a driver, it doesn't cover everything. Its limitations are important to understand, especially if you borrow the same car often or need broader protection.

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.

Non-owner car insurance is valuable for many drivers without cars, but other options exist to protect you on the road. Always assess your driving habits, frequency, how much car insurance you need and the vehicles you'll be using to determine the best coverage option for your situation.

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, there are other ways to stay insured without buying a separate non-owner policy.

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 due to various factors.

According to our analysis, 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 below to compare rates from different insurance providers.

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 non-car-owner coverage.

**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 to be 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.

Here are answers to common questions about getting car insurance without a car:

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:

• 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record
• 2012 Toyota Camry LE (for comparison purposes)
• 12,000 miles driven annually

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:

• $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person
• $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
• $100,000 in property damage liability per accident
• $1,000 deductible (the amount you'd pay before insurance covers the rest)

Data Sources

Our analysis draws from the following independent agencies and reputable authorities:

• AM Best: This company provides insurance companies with credit ratings and data analytics.
• J.D. Power: This firm specializes in insurance industry research, analytics and rankings.
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners: The NAIC serves as a regulator that protects consumer interests. Its key function is to provide data and analysis of insurance providers so consumers can make informed decisions.
• Quadrant Information Services: This industry leader offers car insurance pricing analytics and other services based on accurate comparative data.

Learn more about MoneyGeek's auto insurance methodology.