You usually take the bus to work, but you’re running late and borrow a friend’s car instead. One quick glance at a text message from your boss, and suddenly you’ve rear-ended an SUV in front of you. This is going to be worse than being late for work.

Beyond not driving while distracted, something else could have led to a happier ending. It’s called non-owner insurance.

What’s nonowner insurance and who’s it for?

Non-owner car insurance protects you in the event you’re found to be at fault in an accident while driving a vehicle not owned by you. It’s a secondary coverage that pays for damages above and beyond what might be covered through the car’s primary insurance.

Non owner, nonowner, non-owner, non owners: Is this the same?

Yes. Some companies refer to this coverage as non owner car insurance, non owners car insurance, non-owner insurance, or a non-owners auto insurance policy. It can be spelled or said differently, but all of these talk about the same coverage.

When should I have nonowner car insurance?

Non-owner car insurance is geared toward those who:

• Don’t own a car
• Need an SR-22 filing
• Don’t have regular access to a car
• Primarily take public transportation, yet occasionally drive as well

When is nonowner car insurance not right for you?

A nonowner insurance policy may not be the correct one for you if you:

• Own a car—you’ll want a policy that covers you when driving your car or when you lend it to someone else
• Share a household with someone who owns a vehicle, which you sometimes drive

That last bullet point needs a little explanation. If someone in your household owns a vehicle—spouse, parent, sibling, child, etc.—chances are you’ll be required to be listed on that car owner’s policy.

What does a nonowner auto policy cover?

If you cause an accident while borrowing a vehicle, a non-owner policy would cover damages to other people’s vehicles and property. The largest limitation is you wouldn’t have coverage if you were driving a vehicle you own or use often.

What doesn’t a nonowner policy cover?

Non-owner car insurance doesn’t cover damages to the vehicle you’re driving. Typically, non-owner car insurance also doesn’t include coverage for your property or injuries you might suffer in an accident. Also, if you’re driving a car you own but you just have a non-owner policy, coverage would not apply here either.

What does nonowner car insurance cost?

A non-owner policy is a cheap car insurance alternative to a regular car insurance policy. The cost depends on factors such as how much coverage you’d like, and your driving history. Non-owner policies usually don’t carry a deductible and will have coverage limits.

Keep in mind, nonowner policies are purchased on a per-driver basis, so each person obtains his or her own insurance.

Is a nonowners policy available in my state?

State requirements for car insurance vary depending on where you live. Some states offer a non owners policy. Others don’t. States also have different minimum requirements for car insurance. See what the car insurance requirements and options are for your state. 

Can you help with a DUI or DWI?

Yes, we can. If your state requires insurance coverage for drivers who don’t own a car but have incurred major violations such as DUI or DWI, a non-owner policy is an affordable, responsible way to satisfy that requirement. Learn more about what happens when you get a DUI/DWI and what to do if you need to get an SR22 and an FR44 in Florida or Virginia.

Can you help me avoid a lapse in coverage?

Yes. Many insurance companies consider drivers without six months of continuous coverage to be high-risk drivers, which leads to higher rates and/or surcharges. With continuous coverage, you might qualify for additional discounts.

Even though car insurance might not be required in your state, it’s always a good idea to check out what options are available. A non-owner car insurance policy can help you protect yourself against possible financial hardship if you were to cause an accident.

Questions about nonowners car insurance coverage? Give us a call at 864-845-7500. We can provide a fast, accurate quote, providing you with the coverage you need.