Non-owner car insurance is a valuable type of coverage for individuals who frequently drive cars but do not own one, such as those who borrow or rent cars. It can also help you reinstate your driver’s license if you have a severe violation on your record.
In North Carolina, Nationwide is the cheapest provider, with an average rate of $22 per month for drivers with clean records and $34 per month for those with an at-fault accident. The company also offers a good balance of quality and affordability, making it the best provider overall in the state.
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Cheapest Non-Owner Car Insurance in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the most affordable non-owner car insurance is available from the following insurers:
- Drivers with clean records: Nationwide ($22 per month)
- Drivers with an at-fault accident: Nationwide: ($34 per month)
Rates for drivers with violations are typically higher than rates for those with clean records. In North Carolina, there is an average difference of $12 per month between the cheapest insurer for drivers with a violation and the cheapest insurer for those with a clean driving history.
Cheapest Non-Owner Car Insurance With a Clean Driving Record in North Carolina
For North Carolina residents with clean driving records, the most affordable non-owner car insurance options are:
- Nationwide: $22 per month
- Progressive: $45 per month
The cheapest non-owner car insurance in North Carolina costs around $22 per month, which is lower than the national average of $43 per month.
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The minimum coverage requirements for non-owner car insurance in North Carolina are the same as those for regular car insurance:
- $30,000 for bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 for property damage liability
Although these limits fulfill state obligations, they may not offer adequate coverage for everyone. It’s a good idea to estimate your auto insurance coverage needs before choosing a policy.
Cheapest Non-Owner SR-22 Car Insurance in North Carolina
For North Carolina drivers violations, the most affordable SR-22 insurance options are:
- Nationwide: $34 per month
- Progressive: $61 per month
If you have a driving offense such as a DUI or at-fault accident on your record, you might be required to file an SR-22, which can lead to higher insurance costs. The cheapest non-owner SR-22 insurance in North Carolina costs around $34 per month, which is significantly lower than the national average of $59 per month.
SR-22 is not a type of insurance but rather a document that serves as proof that you have the minimum required liability insurance coverage in your state. It is filed by your insurance company with the state DMV to demonstrate your financial responsibility.
North Carolina does not require drivers with violations to file an SR-22, but insurance companies will still generally charge higher rates for coverage for high-risk drivers.
What Is Non-Owner Car Insurance?
Non-owner auto insurance in North Carolina offers financial protection for property damage and bodily injury caused to others in accidents where you are at fault. However, it does not cover damages to the vehicle you are driving.
To understand the differences between non-owner car insurance and a full coverage policy, refer to the table below.
Policy Coverage | Full Coverage | Non-Owner |
---|---|---|
Liability insurance | ||
Medical payments | ||
Personal injury protection | ||
Uninsured/underinsured motorist | ||
Rental car liability | ||
Collision | ||
Comprehensive |
Average Cost of Non-Owner Car Insurance in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the average monthly cost of non-owner car insurance is $52, which is $9 higher than the national average of $43 per month.
While location influences insurance rates, factors such as your age, driving history and the car's make and model have a bigger impact on insurance costs.
Non-Owner Car Insurance Cost Comparison: National vs. State
Monthly Premium
$43Monthly Premium
$52This is 21% more expensive.
Best Non-Owner Car Insurance in North Carolina
Based on MoneyGeek's study, the best North Carolina non-owner car insurance companies are:
- Nationwide: MoneyGeek score 79 out of 100 ($22 per month)
- Progressive: MoneyGeek score 64 out of 100 ($45 per month)
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score 60 out of 100 ($48 per month)
MoneyGeek considers various factors when evaluating car insurance companies, including J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings, financial stability ratings from AM Best and affordability. The brief overviews of the top companies below will help you find the best fit for you.

Nationwide is MoneyGeek’s top-rated insurer for North Carolina non-owner car insurance, thanks to its high rankings in affordability and customer satisfaction.
The company offers plenty of ways to save, including discounts for good students, safe drivers and those who opt for paperless billing. In addition to common coverage options like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement, Nationwide offers more unique add-ons like identity theft coverage and total loss deductible waiver.

Progressive is our runner-up provider for non-owner car insurance in North Carolina. This provider is financially stable and offers a range of discounts to help policyholders save on premiums.
While its customer satisfaction score is average, Progressive offers various ways to save, including discounts for bundling policies, insuring multiple cars, maintaining a safe driving record and paying in full. Additionally, Progressive provides unique coverage options like custom parts and equipment coverage, which can be useful for those who have made modifications to their vehicles.

GEICO is known for its affordability and offers a broad range of discounts for non-owner auto insurance in North Carolina. What sets GEICO apart is its commitment to convenient online solutions, including a mobile app, online calculator, bill payment and claims filing.
The company offers discounts for bundling, insuring multiple cars and completing defensive driving courses. GEICO also offers accident forgiveness, which means that your insurance rate won't increase after your first at-fault accident.
Should You Get Non-Owner Car Insurance in North Carolina?
If you often drive cars that you don't own, or if you need to reinstate your driver's license, non-owner car insurance may be a great fit for you. Here are some types of drivers that may benefit from getting a non-owner car insurance policy in North Carolina.
Who Should Consider Non-Owner Car Insurance?
Car borrowers
If you often borrow cars from friends or family, a non-owner car insurance policy can give you peace of mind knowing that you're covered in case of an accident. Non-owner policies provide liability coverage for third-party injuries and property damage.
Occasional renters
If you only rent a car occasionally, a non-owner car insurance policy can be an affordable way to make sure you're financially covered against liability claims if you;re at-fault in an accident.
Drivers between cars
If you no longer have a car but are actively looking for a new one, it's important to maintain continuous insurance coverage to avoid a premium increase when you go back to regular coverage. A non-owner car insurance policy can help you avoid a lapse in coverage in these situations.
License reinstatement seekers
If your driver's license has been suspended and you're working towards reinstatement, non-owner car insurance can help you meet the state-mandated insurance requirements to regain your license.
Beware of any providers offering "one-day insurance" in North Carolina, as it isn't a legitimate type of insurance and may be a scam. If you need temporary coverage, such as for a road trip, it is safer and more reliable to purchase temporary auto insurance directly from your car rental company.
Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Owner Car Insurance in North Carolina
To help you find the most suitable non-owner car insurance coverage in North Carolina for your needs, we have compiled answers to some frequently asked questions.
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