Car insurance policies are usually tied to a specific vehicle. But what if you need to drive regularly but don’t own your own car? Is borrowed car insurance coverage or non-owner coverage available? Yes, it is, and it’s called non-owner car insurance.
What is non-owner car insurance?
Non-owner car insurance is coverage designed for drivers who do not own a car but still need to drive regularly. It offers limited coverage that is usually less expensive than a traditional auto policy.
Who needs non-owner insurance?
This coverage generally will not apply to drivers who frequently borrow a vehicle from someone else in their own household. Many insurance carriers require all licensed drivers in the household to be covered under the vehicle owner’s policy.
Usually, non-owner insurance policyholders will fall into any of the following categories:
- Frequent car borrowers: These borrowed car insurance holders will borrow a vehicle from family or friends that they don’t live with.
- Car-share users: Not to be confused with rideshare services, this refers to drivers who frequently use a service that allows them to rent a car from a platform like Zipcar, Turo, or GetAround. While these services offer minimal coverage, adding non-owner insurance can offer additional benefits.
- Frequent car renters: This serves as additional rental vehicle insurance that kicks in after the basic protection offered by the rental car service company runs out. However, keep in mind that a non-owner policy will only provide liability protection so it typically will not cover any damage to your rental car.
How does non-owner car coverage work?
Review your auto insurance policy details for specifics, but in general, non-owner coverage will include:
- Property damage: If you cause damage to other people’s property because of a covered accident where you were at fault, this coverage will likely apply to these costs.
- Injuries to others: Non-owner coverage can pay for a third party's medical expenses because of a covered accident where you were at fault.
Other types of car insurance that are legally required by your specific state.
The average non-owner policy typically does not cover:
- Vehicle liability protection: While this coverage will generally pay for damage you cause to other people’s property after a covered accident, it will not cover damage to your vehicle.
- Your injuries: You may be able to upgrade your policy to cover injuries to you and your passengers via personal injury protection or medical payment coverage, but this coverage is generally not included in a non-owner's policy.
Discover coverage options with Infinity Insurance Agency
The best way to figure out your policy needs is to talk to an experienced agent. The professionals at Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. can discuss your options and help you make the right coverage choice for your unique needs—whether you own a vehicle or not. Call us today at 1-855-478-3705 for a free quote today.