Cheapest and Best Non-Owner Car Insurance in Washington, D.C. (2024)


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Updated: May 20, 2024

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Non-owner car insurance offers liability coverage to individuals who do not own a vehicle but need financial protection while driving rentals, borrowed cars or rideshares. This type of policy provides coverage for third-party injuries and property damage in case of an at-fault accident.

Non-owner car insurance can also be a good option for drivers with violations, such as DUIs, who need to get their licenses reinstated after a suspension.

MoneyGeek’s analysis found that the cheapest non-owner car insurance in Washington, D.C. is offered by GEICO, which has the lowest rates for drivers with clean records as well as those with violations. GEICO is also the best company overall, offering a combination of affordability and quality service.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek sourced Washington, D.C., data from Quadrant Information Services and examined customer and claim satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

120Plans Analyzed
 
5Providers Compared

Cheapest Non-Owner Car Insurance in Washington, D.C.

The cheapest company for non-owner auto insurance in Washington, D.C., is:

  • Drivers with a clean record: GEICO ($22 per month)
  • Drivers with violations: GEICO ($34 per month)

GEICO is the best option for cheap non-owner auto insurance for both drivers with clean records and those with violations. However, rates for drivers with a poor record are $12 more per month, on average, compared to rates for a clean record.

Cheapest Non-Owner Car Insurance With a Clean Driving Record in Washington, D.C.

For drivers with a clean record, the most affordable options for non-owner car insurance in Washington, D.C., are:

If you have a military background, USAA is one of the cheapest providers, with an average rate of $26 monthly.

The cheapest average rate for non-owner car insurance in Washington D.C., is $22 per month, which is lower than the national average of $43 per month.

GEICOCheapest Annual Premium$267Cheapest Monthly Premium$22
ProgressiveCheapest Annual Premium$467Cheapest Monthly Premium$39
State FarmCheapest Annual Premium$488Cheapest Monthly Premium$41
NationwideCheapest Annual Premium$1,005Cheapest Monthly Premium$84
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WASHINGTON, D.C. MINIMUM INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Washington, D.C., minimum car insurance requirements apply to both standard car insurance and non-owner car insurance. The minimum limits are:

  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability
  • $25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
  • $10,000 uninsured motorist property damage liability

While minimum coverage insurance satisfies the legal requirements in Washington, D.C., it's important to also assess how much coverage you need based on your individual circumstances before purchasing a policy.

Cheapest Non-Owner SR-22 Car Insurance in Washington, D.C.

The most affordable companies for non-owner SR-22 car insurance in Washington, D.C are:

USAA is among the best options for low-cost SR-22 car insurance for non-owner drivers in D.C at $38 per month, but only individuals with a military background are eligible for its policies.

Serious violations like DUIs that require the filing of an SR-22 form, which could lead to increased car insurance rates since insurers will consider you a high-risk driver.

The cheapest average rate for non-owner SR-22 insurance in Washington, D.C., is $34 per month, which is significantly cheaper than the national average cost of non-owner SR-22 insurance of $59 per month.

GEICOCheapest Annual Premium$404Cheapest Monthly Premium$34
State FarmCheapest Annual Premium$540Cheapest Monthly Premium$45
ProgressiveCheapest Annual Premium$894Cheapest Monthly Premium$74
NationwideCheapest Annual Premium$1,198Cheapest Monthly Premium$100
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WHAT IS SR-22 INSURANCE?

While often called "SR-22 car insurance," SR-22 is not a type of insurance policy. Rather, it is a form submitted by your insurance provider to verify that you have the required liability coverage mandated by the state.

The purpose of SR-22 in Washington, D.C., is to provide proof of compliance with state insurance requirements and may be required following severe driving violations such as a DUI.

What Is Non-Owner Car Insurance?

Non-owner car insurance is a type of insurance that offers liability coverage for individuals who don't own a vehicle but drive frequently. For example, those who frequently borrow or rent cars can purchase non-owner car insurance in Washington, D.C., to get coverage for property damage and bodily injury caused to others in an at-fault accident. Coverage for personal injury and damage to the borrowed or rented vehicle are not included in the coverage.

You can use the table below to understand the coverage differences between non-owner and standard car insurance.

Policy Coverage
Full Coverage
Non-Owner

Liability insurance

Medical payments

Personal injury protection

Uninsured/underinsured motorist

Rental car liability

Average Cost of Non-Owner Car Insurance in Washington, D.C.

The average cost of Washington, D.C., non-owner car insurance is $42 per month, which is in line with the national average of $43 per month.

While location can be a determining factor in the average cost of car insurance, factors such as driver age, driving history and coverage needs tend to have more of an impact on costs.

Non-Owner Car Insurance Cost Comparison: National vs. State

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National Average Cost

Monthly Premium

$43
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Washington, D.C. Average Cost

Monthly Premium

$42
On average, non-owner car insurance in Washington, D.C. is:$1 saved

This is 2% less expensive.

Best Non-Owner Car Insurance in Washington, D.C.

The best companies for non-owner auto insurance in Washington, D.C., are:

  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score 74 out of 100 ($22 per month)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score 68 out of 100 ($41 per month)
  • Progressive: MoneyGeek score 66 out of 100 ($39 per month)

MoneyGeek ranked the best companies in Washington, D.C., based on several factors, including J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings, AM Best financial stability ratings and affordability.

We reviewed the best providers in the highlights below to help you choose the best insurer.

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Third Place
GEICO

GEICO stands out as the top provider overall based on its affordable rates and strong customer satisfaction record. GEICO is a good choice if you are looking for savings as it offers various discounts, including multiple-car and bundling discounts. Having safety equipment like airbags in your vehicle also makes you eligible for a discount.

Apart from standard coverages, you can opt for additional coverages like roadside assistance and accident forgiveness. GEICO also offers mechanical breakdown insurance, which is ideal if you have a new car.

Read the full GEICO car insurance review.

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MoneyGeek Top Pick
State Farm

State Farm is a reputable option for non-owner car insurance, backed by a strong financial standing. While its rates are generally moderate, State Farm provides opportunities for savings through discounts such as bundling, anti-theft system and defensive driving discounts.

State Farm also offers common add-on coverage like roadside assistance and rental car or travel reimbursement. However, it may not have as many unique add-ons as some of its competitors.

Read the full State Farm car insurance review

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Runner-Up
Progressive

Progressive offers competitive rates and a wide array of coverage options to help you customize your policy to suit your needs. You can save on your premiums by taking advantage of discounts such as bundling, multiple-car and pay-in-full discounts.

In addition to its standard coverages, Progressive offers optional add-ons like gap insurance, deductible modification and accident forgiveness. Common add-ons like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement are also available to give you peace of mind on the road.

Read the full Progressive car insurance review.

Should You Get Non-Owner Car Insurance in Washington, D.C.?

Non-owner car insurance can be beneficial for certain types of drivers who do not own a car but still need occasional coverage. This includes individuals who frequently rent cars, borrow cars from others or those seeking to reinstate their driver's license.

If you fall into any of the categories below, a non-owner car insurance policy could provide you with the coverage you need.

Who Should Consider Non-Owner Car Insurance?

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    Car borrowers

    If you frequently borrow cars from others, a non-owner car insurance policy will ensure that you have liability coverage in case you cause an accident while driving the borrowed car. It will cover third-party bodily injuries and property damage, protecting you from financial liability up to the policy limits.

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    Occasional renters

    If you frequently rent cars for short periods, a non-owner car insurance policy will protect you from potential liability for damages or injuries caused while driving the rented vehicle. In case you are at-fault for an accident, the policy will cover third-party bodily injury and property damage.

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    Drivers between cars

    If you're in the process of selling your car, waiting for a new vehicle to arrive or taking a break from car ownership, a non-owner policy ensures that you have continuous coverage. Lapses in your coverage history can result in premium hikes, so a non-owner policy will help you avoid this by maintaining coverage when you do not have a vehicle.

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    License reinstatement seekers

    If you're seeking to reinstate your driver's license after a suspension or revocation, having proof of liability coverage is often a requirement. A non-owner car insurance policy can help you meet this requirement and provide the necessary proof of coverage.

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ONE-DAY CAR INSURANCE

Be cautious of offers for “one-day insurance” as this is not an actual policy type available in Washington, D.C., and could be an insurance scam.

If you only need short-term coverage, such as if you're going on a road trip, it is best to purchase rental car insurance from the car rental company. This will ensure that you have legitimate coverage for the length of time that you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Owner Car Insurance in Washington, D.C.

We answered commonly asked questions to help you learn more about Washington, D.C., non-owner auto insurance.

Which company offers the cheapest non-owner car insurance in Washington, D.C.?
Which companies offer non-owner car insurance with the best mix of quality and affordability in Washington, D.C.?
How much does non-owner car insurance cost in Washington, D.C.?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.