Updated: July 3, 2025
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Non-owner insurance offers liability coverage for drivers who rent or borrow cars. It's useful if you're between cars, reinstating your license or want to avoid a lapse in coverage.
If you regularly drive the same car, adding yourself as a driver to the owner's existing policy is a better option.
If you rarely drive, you can still have coverage through the permissive use clause, which covers licensed drivers who borrow the insured's car with permission for infrequent, short trips.
You can get car insurance 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.
Non-owner car insurance is useful if you frequently rent cars, borrow vehicles, need to reinstate a suspended license or want to maintain continuous coverage between vehicles. It's a flexible and cost-effective way to stay insured, even when you're not behind the wheel every day.
Getting car insurance without owning a vehicle involves straightforward steps. Being familiar with these can help ensure a smooth application process.
Before contacting insurers, collect these essential documents:
Having this information ready speeds up the quote process. Most insurers can provide an initial quote within 10 to 15 minutes when you have all the required details.
Contact at least three insurers that offer non-owner policies. Not all companies provide this coverage, so call each company directly or visit their website. Online quote systems for non-owner insurance are limited, so phone applications often work better. When requesting quotes, specify that you need "non-owner" or "named non-owner" coverage.
Non-owner policies include:
Review each quote carefully. The cheapest option isn't always the best car insurance if coverage limits are too low.
Once you've chosen a provider, complete the full application. This often involves:
Most insurers require payment before issuing your policy. You can pay by credit card, debit card or electronic bank transfer.
Your insurer will email or mail your insurance ID card. Some companies provide digital proof immediately after payment. Keep this documentation with you when driving any vehicle, as it serves as proof of financial responsibility.
On average, a non-owner car insurance policy costs between $994 and $1,311 per year, depending on the level of coverage. Actual rates may differ due to various factors.
| Minimum Coverage | $83 | $994 |
| Full Coverage | $109 | $1,311 |
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.
| 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. Check the table below to see average rates for both minimum and full coverage in your state. These rates represent statewide averages and can help you set realistic budget expectations when shopping for non-owner 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 driver profile. Your actual costs may vary based on age, driving record, coverage limits, and specific location within the state.
Non-owner car insurance bridges coverage gaps for drivers who don't own vehicles but still drive regularly. 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.
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.
Scenario | How Non-Owner Insurance Helps |
|---|---|
You frequently rent or borrow cars | Provides consistent liability coverage that's often broader than rental company insurance. Acts as secondary coverage if the car owner's insurance limits are insufficient, giving you a safety net in case something goes wrong. |
You don’t currently own a car but want to maintain coverage | Maintains continuous coverage history, which prevents rate increases when you buy your next car. If you've sold your car or moved temporarily and left it behind, a non-owner policy helps you maintain continuous coverage. This can lead to lower rates in the future. |
You need to reinstate your license | Satisfies state requirements for proof of insurance to restore driving privileges after suspension. Some states require proof of insurance to reinstate a suspended license, and a non-owner policy can satisfy that requirement, even without a vehicle. |
You want better protection than rental insurance offers | Rental car insurance can be limited. A non-owner policy 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 | Ideal for people who only drive during certain months, like retirees who spend winters in different states or students who only drive during breaks. |
If you need an SR-22 filing but don't own a car, non-owner SR-22 insurance provides the required proof of financial responsibility. An SR-22 isn't insurance itself. It's a form your insurance company files with your state to prove you carry the minimum required coverage. Non-owner policies can fulfill SR-22 requirements in all states that mandate this filing, making them ideal for drivers whose licenses were suspended for violations like DUI, reckless driving or driving without insurance.
Most insurers that offer non-owner policies can add SR-22 filing for an additional monthly fee. Your insurer handles all paperwork and submits the SR-22 directly to your state's motor vehicle department.
Non-owner car insurance mainly provides liability coverage, which pays for injuries or property damage you cause while driving a borrowed or rented car. Depending on your state, some policies may include optional protections like uninsured motorist coverage or personal injury 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 doesn't have enough
Also optional; covers your medical expenses regardless of fault and may include lost wages.
Non-owner insurance follows you, not a specific car. That means it usually doesn't include collision or comprehensive coverage and won't pay for damage to the car you're driving.
If you frequently use a specific car, such as a family member's, it's best to be listed on that car's primary insurance, as non-owner policies aren't meant for regular use of the same vehicle.
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.
Non-owner policies don't include collision or comprehensive coverage. That means 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 due to an accident, a non-owner policy won't pay for a rental car for you to use in the meantime.
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 auto insurance covers your car and often includes extra protections, making it more expensive. In contrast, non-owner car insurance focuses on protecting the driver from damages to others and is cheaper.
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. |
While non-owner car insurance is a valuable tool for many drivers without cars, there are other ways to ensure you're protected 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.
If you regularly drive a family member's or roommate's car, it might make more sense to be added to their insurance policy as an occasional driver. This ensures you're covered whenever you use the vehicle and helps avoid potential claim issues.
It's a good option if:
Many insurance policies include a "permissive use" clause. This means 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 may offer full protection, while others provide limited liability only. Confirm with the vehicle owner's insurance company to avoid surprises.
When renting vehicles, you have coverage 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 regardless of your insurance for international travel or business rentals. Consider your rental frequency and destinations when deciding between non-owner and rental car insurance coverage options.
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. In this guide, we discussed ways to get a policy without a vehicle to help you understand your options and make an informed decision as to what is the best choice for you.
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.
Below are answers to common questions to help you better understand how you can get car insurance without a car:
Yes, getting car insurance without a car is possible. With a non-owner car insurance policy, you get liability-only coverage that pays for damages to the other driver if you're involved in an at-fault accident.
Non-owner car insurance is ideal for drivers who:
Generally, you can't insure a car that 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 insurance provides primary liability coverage when you rent a car, meaning it pays before the rental company's insurance. However, it 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.
Non-owner insurance can cover 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 be using the coverage for work-related driving.
Yes, non-owner 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, as some insurers may have specific exclusions for peer-to-peer car sharing.
Non-owner insurance follows you to any vehicle you drive, while 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, they should add you as a listed driver to their policy instead.
Non-owner car insurance averages $83 per month ($994 annually) for minimum coverage and $109 per month ($1,311 annually) for full coverage nationally. However, costs vary by state. Your driving record, age and coverage limits also affect your rates.
Yes, many insurers can add SR-22 filing to non-owner 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.
Yes, maintaining continuous coverage through non-owner 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.
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 coverage like 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.
