Best Non-Owners Car Insurance in 2024

At first glance, it may seem silly or even comical to ask the question about auto insurance for non-owners. After all, what does someone who doesn’t own a car need with auto insurance? It seems silly to pay for something you’re not using a good amount of the time.

When you think about it, you come to realize that non-car owners still drive. They just don’t own a car. They still have to get around to places like work, errands, and other locations to do what they want or need to do.

So what we are talking about is finding insurance for non-car owners, not non-drivers. Those people who do not own a car but who still drive get around different ways:

• Rentals – This is the main way that individuals get around when traveling in a new area. They may drive their rental cars to various business activities, or they may use the rentals for personal use. Of course, rental company costs fluctuate widely. When you pick up a rental vehicle, they might ask if you want their insurance, which would let you off the hook if there was an accident. If you rent on a regular basis, the extra costs of this insurance adds up quickly.
• Carpooling – This is another way that people who are non-car owners get around. They may bum a ride with co-workers, a boss, or their friends. Whatever the case, they get around by sharing rides with other people as a passenger to get to where they need to be.
• Taxis – Another way people get around when they do not have their own car is with a taxi. This can become quite costly, but the good thing about a taxi is that you don’t need insurance if you are the passenger. The taxi companies pay for their drivers’ insurance to protect themselves from liabilities.
• Friends’ cars – Perhaps the most common way that people get around who do not own a car is by borrowing their friends’ cars. The problem with this is that the insurance follows the car, not the driver, in most cases.

Compare car insurance companies today to make sure you have the best rate for your unique coverage needs.

Do You Know Your State Rules?

It is important that you know what your state insurance laws are regarding insurance. You need to know whether certain coverages follow the driver or the car, as well as the different types of coverage that you are required to carry within that state. Whatever you’re driving, you should always be sure your coverage limits meet state minimum requirements.

 In every state except two (New Hampshire and Virginia), you have an obligation to carry car insurance at all times.

The types of coverage that are needed in these forty-eight states are:

Bodily Injury Liability

Liability coverage is required in every state that requires auto insurance among car owners. Liability covers both bodily injury liability for individual incidents, as well as the entire total of injuries sustained in an auto accident.

The litmus test for legal liability is whether it was your fault in an accident. In no-fault states, the person’s individual insurance will pay regardless of fault. In fault states, the liability solely rests on the shoulders of the person at fault. Fault is generally determined by police reports. Bodily injury liability is only meant to cover liability. So it does not cover the driver who holds it and their injuries.

Property Damage Liability

Like bodily injury liability, property damage liability is designed to protect other parties who might suffer property damage due to the acts of the covered driver..

The list of state-by-state insurance requirements for various coverage types is listed here.

Should You Upgrade Your Auto Insurance with Additional Coverage?

Remember that just following the law for the mandatory requirements may not be enough. If you are a non-car owner you can still get insurance to cover the times that you drive others’ cars, use a rental car, or other rental situation. If you get liability-only insurance and you get in an accident with a rental car, the other driver would be covered if it was your fault. But the rental car company could still come after you for the cost of the car and their lost business expenses.

The following companies offer car insurance to non-car owners:

• State Farm Insurance – State Farm offers a variety of non-car owner insurance products. Your eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Geico – Geico offers non-owner insurance for people who use rental cars. This coverage is limited to liability insurance. But feel free to ask if they offer any other type of coverage for non-car owners.
• Nationwide – Nationwide offers non-car owner insurance that can be purchased either locally from a local agent or over the phone. Online quotes are not available for this type of insurance. Contact a representative to find the best options.

There may be other car insurance companies that offer car insurance to non-owners. Shop around and ask questions when you compare the various policies to find out who offers non-car owner insurance.

The three companies listed above all offer some types of insurance, mostly liability, for non-car owners. If you want other optional coverages, you may have to do your homework to determine what may be available for you.

When Does Non-Owners Auto Insurance Make Sense?

Why would someone be a non-car owner, to begin with? There are some reasons for this including:

• Drivers’ license suspension –  If you have lost your license due to too many traffic violations or other situations, contact a criminal defense attorney to get your driving privileges restored as soon as possible. If your car was totaled after a related accident, it may not make sense to buy a new one.
• Frequent renter – Even if you do own a car but frequently rent cars for business or other purposes, you may need to secure some additional non-car owner insurance.
• Car sharing or carpooling – People who often share others’ cars or ride with friends or associates will want to get non-car owners’ insurance to cover the times you are carpooling. Your regular insurance will not cover this in most cases.
• Borrow others’ car often – If you borrow others’ cars often you may need this type of insurance to cover the times you are using someone else’s car.

Sometimes people are between cars, shopping for a new car, or their car has been totaled, and they cannot afford to get it fixed.

There are numerous reasons that someone may need non-car owners’ insurance, but don’t assume that you are covered just because the person whose car you are borrowing says they have insurance. Unfortunately, if you get in an accident in someone else’s car, it could be very costly for them too. In the event that the accident causes serious injuries, not having sufficient coverage limits for liability coverage could lead to you being sued. If you total a friend’s car and they don’t have rental reimbursement coverage, they might expect you to help, even if that means paying out of pocket. Having the right insurance company in your corner can take care of things like this and problems you might not even think of.

That’s why we try to inform you on this blog regularly so that you will know the importance of knowing the laws that apply to you and how to avoid paying large fines or losing your driving privileges altogether.

How Can You Find Car Insurance for Non-Car Owners?

If you are between cars or have to borrow others’ cars for any particular reason, keep in mind that you are still responsible for making sure you have adequate coverage. You are required to follow the state laws regarding the amounts and types of liability insurance.

Also, you may want to add other coverages such as medical coverage or collision and comprehensive insurance to protect you from other unforeseen situations.

If you’re renting a car, credit card companies may offer some coverage. Rental car companies also offer their own insurance. Drivers who are only renting once may be fine using a temporary solution. If you rent cars with any frequency, a non-owners auto policy could save you quite a bit compared to the rental company’s coverage.

Here are a few tips to follow when you are in this situation to protect yourself from having to pay out-of-pocket expenses for accidents or mishaps.

• Check your state requirements before purchasing a policy.
• Find out if your current insurance covers your rental car use or the times when you are driving another car.
• See if you can get an add-on policy for when you carpool or use others’ cars.
• Do your homework by comparing rates and ask the right questions.
• Find out how much personal injury protection and other coverage insurance companies are offering
• Ask if you get things like rental care insurance
• Compare at least 3 insurance policies side by side to compare options
• Make sure to call the police after an accident and file the paperwork for any covered claim quickly

Doing a little research now can save you a big headache later, especially if it means choosing the right insurance providers. Remember, you can get insurance if you’re between cars so check around and compare companies and policies to find the best one for your needs. And drive safely, no matter whose car you are in!

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