The Basics of Non-Owner Auto Insurance

If you currently drive an insured car that doesn’t belong to you, buying non-owner car insurance might be an option to consider. Do you find yourself using your friend’s or family member’s car a lot? Have you ever thought about what would happen if you got into a severe wreck? The fact is, you can be held liable if something goes wrong. Your best bet is to get added coverage and protect yourself.

Think of non-owner coverage as a type of back-up plan in the event you use someone else’s automobile and get into a wreck. The owners’ policy is the primary insurance, while your non-owner policy serves as added protection. Even if you don’t own the car yourself, you still need to sign up for a viable plan to protect yourself if you were to get into an accident.

Non-Owner Auto Insurance Protects You when Driving Another Person’s Vehicle

There are car insurance policies specifically designed to insure you for the times you drive someone else’s vehicle. This coverage is put in place for those who don’t have their own car. If you are renting or borrowing a car owned by someone else, you need in the least state minimum liability insurance. If you’re looking for more information, Good to Go Insurance can explain your options and give you a hassle-free, no-obligation quote online or over the phone. Apply now and find cheaper rates in less than 5 minutes.

Some Carriers Extend Coverage to Rental Vehicles

There are insurance providers that will extend non-owner coverage to rental cars. If you travel frequently and often use rentals, this is an essential item worth considering adding. While many credit card companies have rental car insurance programs, they might not have high enough limits to protect you adequately. You should also note that rental firms are required to maintain state minimums for liability insurance for all their vehicles.

What Is Covered

Non-owner coverage provides liability insurance, up and to the limits of the policy. It also takes care of medical coverage for yourself and an uninsured motorist if you get into an accident. While it can depend on the insurer in certain areas, most states will cover medical bills if you are injured in an accident caused by someone without enough insurance to pay for it.

What is Not Covered

• Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
• Towing Reimbursement
• Rental Car Reimbursement

How Much Does A Non-Owner Policy Cost?

A non-owner policy can typically cost less than standard coverage, mainly because it covers less. Rates for good drivers start at about $39 per month. A non-owner policy’s cost also depends on your age, location, vehicle type, how much you drive, your driving record’s current status, and other factors. If you have multiple violations on your record, such as reckless driving, you may be considered a high-risk driver. You can expect to pay a lot more for coverage in this situation, sometimes twice as much as safer motorists. Below are two examples of the cost of standard insurance vs. a non-owner policy.

 Age                     Standard Policy                       Non-Owner Policy 

Single Male        25                              $548                                              $497

Single Male        40                              $516                                              $463 

When to Get Non-Owner Car Insurance

Some people who borrow cars may be wondering whether or not getting non-owner car insurance is the right idea. Typically, you will want to consider getting this type of ins if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• You have been convicted of a DUI or a severe violation in which your state requires you to fill out an SR-22 form. This is necessary to have your driver’s license reinstated. A non-owner ins policy can work well if you don’t own your own car.
• You rent cars often and frequently. Whether you rent vehicles for work or travel, having your own non-owner car insurance can be cheaper than paying for liability insurance each time you rent a car. This insurance policy will pay if you cause property damage or injure someone in an accident. However, it will not pay for damages to the vehicle you’re driving when the accident occurs. Make sure to get a collision damage waiver from your rental car company the next time you rent one out.
• You often borrow friends’ and family members’ automobiles. Non-owner policies give you liability protection and can make you feel safer when you share your car. It will also protect you if an accident victim decides to sue you.
• You use Zipcar or other car-sharing services. If an accident’s cost exceeds the owner’s liabilities, you might have to shell out the remainder. A non-owner policy can get you off the hook when it comes to paying out of pocket costs.
• You are interested in maintaining auto insurance coverage even if you don’t have your own car. Going without coverage can look risky on your profile and result in rate increases. Having continual insurance will mark you as a reliable, stable driver.

Remember that if you live at home with your parents and use one of their vehicles every day for work, you should not get non-owner car insurance. Instead, you should be added onto your parent’s auto insurance plan as an additional driver.

Optional Coverage Options

Unfortunately, non-owner policies do not have any optional coverage options. Most standard car insurance plans will allow for additional coverage, such as collision and towing.

Which Insurance Companies Offer Non-Owner Policies?

Shopping around for the best auto insurance is a simple process, thanks to the internet. Currently, seven companies offer non-owner car insurance policies across the nation:

• Geico
• State Farm
• Liberty Mutual
• Nationwide
• The General
• Titan
• Infinity

Each of these providers offers plans nationwide. If you already have a policy with one of these insurers, you can often save money when adding non-owner auto insurance.

Regional Carriers

Here are some regional carriers that offer non-owner liability policies:

• Direct General
• Dairyland
• Acceptance
• American Family

Buying Non-Owner Car Insurance

While many of the major companies offer non-owner auto insurance coverage, it isn’t the most popular and promoted product. Most people don’t even know that this kind of liability coverage is an option.

In reality, this insurance policy is an excellent alternative in the event you can’t get full coverage. While you may not be able to get a direct quote online through one of the company’s websites, you can easily get quoted with Good To Go Insurance. This type of insurance will give you peace of mind and save you money if you ever get into a significant crash using another person’s car. Start your free quote now and explore all your insurance options.