Non-owner car insurance is a good option for California drivers who frequently rent cars or use car-sharing services and those who need proof of insurance for license reinstatement.
California drivers with a clean driving record could pay an average of $461 per year for non-owner car insurance. Meanwhile, those with a serious driving violation like a DUI spend an average of $932 annually for a similar policy.
MoneyGeek broke down average insurance costs from companies that offer non-owner car insurance in California and explained when drivers should and shouldn’t get this type of policy.
Cheapest Non-Owner Car Insurance Companies in California
Generally, non-owner car insurance is cheaper than a regular car insurance policy. You could save more money if you shop around and compare quotes between insurers.
On average, the top options for drivers looking for cheap non-owner car insurance in California are:
- Farmers: $295 per year
- Travelers: $445 per year
USAA, which offers the most affordable option in the state, has an average annual rate of $265. However, it’s only available for active duty and former military personnel, along with their spouses and children.
Meanwhile, GEICO has the state’s most expensive non-owner car insurance average rate at $664 per year.
The rates listed above are for a 40-year-old driver with a non-owner car insurance policy with limits detailed in MoneyGeek’s methodology.
Cheapest Non-Owner Car Insurance Companies in California
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- CompanyAnnual PremiumMonthly Premium
- USAA$265$22
- Farmers$295$25
- Travelers$445$37
- State Farm$635$53
- GEICO$664$55
How Much Is Non-Owner Car Insurance in California?
Across all California’s insurance providers, the average cost of non-owner car insurance is $461 per year. That is $381 cheaper than the $842 average annual rate for regular car insurance.
Drivers with a major traffic violation, like a DUI, pay more for a non-owner car insurance policy. Non-owner car insurance in California costs an average of $932 annually for drivers with a DUI. The average rate of regular car insurance for drivers with a DUI is $2,441 per year.
Cheapest SR-22 Non-Owner Car Insurance Companies in California
Drivers with a serious traffic violation, such as a DUI, will have to file an SR-22. You will need proof of insurance along with the SR-22 in California for the reinstatement of your license. If you do not own a car, non-owner SR-22 auto insurance is the ideal option for you.
On average, the cheapest widely available non-owner car insurance providers in California for those with a DUI are:
- Farmers: $498 per year
- Travelers: $801 per year
USAA is the second most affordable option in the state but is only available to military members and their families. A USAA non-owner car insurance policy for a driver with a DUI costs an average of $747 annually.
GEICO has an average rate of $1,587 annually and is the most expensive in the state.
Cheapest SR-22 Non-Owner Car Insurance Companies in California
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- CompanyAnnual PremiumMonthly Premium
- Farmers$498$42
- USAA$747$62
- Travelers$801$67
- State Farm$1,025$85
- GEICO$1,587$132
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What Is Non-Owner Car Insurance in California?
Non-owner car insurance is also called non-owner liability insurance. It includes liability coverage and the state’s minimum coverage requirements. It is the best option for drivers who do not own a car but need insurance coverage.
If you’re buying non-owner car insurance in California, you can add uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Unlike a full coverage policy, non-owner car insurance does not include comprehensive and collision insurance.
Non-owner car insurance in California must meet the state’s minimum coverage requirements, including:
- $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $5,000 property damage liability per accident
Who Should Get Non-Owner Car Insurance in California?
Non-owner car insurance is a good option for the following types of drivers in California:
- Those who need insurance to get their driver’s license reinstated. A serious driving violation in California could lead to a license suspension. For your license to be reinstated, you will have to submit proof of insurance. Non-owner auto insurance is the more affordable option for you compared to regular auto insurance.
- Those who frequently rent cars or use car-sharing services. A non-owner car insurance policy covers accidents that happen while you are driving a rented or borrowed car. This policy has liability insurance, which covers third-party injuries and property damage.
- Those who want to maintain insurance coverage but temporarily do not have a vehicle. If you currently do not own a vehicle but do not want an insurance lapse, non-owner car insurance is ideal for you.
Who Shouldn’t Get Non-Owner Car Insurance in California?
There are instances when non-owner car insurance is not necessary. If you are a Los Angeles resident borrowing a friend’s car, their car insurance policy should cover you if they say that you are allowed to drive their vehicle.
You also do not need non-owner car insurance if you do not rent a car frequently. For example, if you take trips outside of California once or twice a year, the insurance from the rental company is sufficient.
How to Get Non-Owner Car Insurance in California
MoneyGeek confirmed that all companies mentioned on this page provide non-owner car insurance policies. However, quotes for this type of insurance are typically not available online. To get a policy, call for a quote. You can use the contact information for the insurers offering non-owner car insurance in California from the list below.
Contact Non-Owner Car Insurance Companies in California
- CompanyContact Number
- USAA800-531-8722
- Farmers888-327-6335
- Travelers866-248-9970
- State Farm800-782-8332
- GEICO800-207-7847
Frequently Asked Questions About California Non-Owner Car Insurance
Non-owner car insurance is not the same as regular auto insurance. Here are some of the most common questions MoneyGeek answered to help you better understand non-owner car insurance in California.
Methodology
MoneyGeek gathered non-owner car insurance quotes across California in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. The policies used for this analysis are for a 40-year-old driver either with a safe driving record or a DUI. The policies listed here also meet the state’s minimum car insurance coverage requirement, with the exception of liability insurance policies, which have the following limits:
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 in property damage liability per accident
MoneyGeek used the same limits for the regular auto insurance policies.