Non-Owner Car Insurance in California: The Cheapest Options and What You Need to Know

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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Cheapest Non-Owner Car Insurance
2. Cheapest Non-Owner SR-22 Car Insurance
3. What is Non-Owner Car Insurance
4. Who Should Get Non-Owner Car Insurance

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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• Company
  Annual Premium
  Monthly 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?

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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• Company
  Annual Premium
  Monthly Premium
• Farmers
  $498
  $42
• USAA
  $747
  $62
• Travelers
  $801
  $67
• State Farm
  $1,025
  $85
• GEICO
  $1,587
  $132

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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.

MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

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

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.

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

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.