Non-Owned Car Insurance: What You Need to Know

When it comes to car insurance, most people think of insuring the car they own. However, there are situations where you may need insurance coverage for a car you don’t own. This is where non-owned car insurance comes in. In this article, we will discuss what non-owned car insurance is, when you need it, and where you can purchase it.

What is Non-Owned Car Insurance?

Non-owned car insurance is a type of liability insurance that provides coverage for drivers who don’t own a car. This type of insurance is typically purchased by individuals who frequently drive rental cars, borrow cars from friends or family members, or use car-sharing services. Non-owned car insurance provides liability coverage for damages or injuries you may cause while driving a car that you don’t own.

It’s important to note that non-owned car insurance does not provide coverage for the car itself. If you are involved in an accident while driving a car that you don’t own, the insurance policy of the car owner will typically provide coverage for damages to the car. Non-owned car insurance only provides liability coverage for damages or injuries you may cause to other people or property.

When Do You Need Non-Owned Car Insurance?

There are several situations where you may need non-owned car insurance. Here are some examples:

Scenario
Do You Need Non-Owned Car Insurance?
You frequently rent cars for business or personal use
Yes
You borrow a friend or family member’s car on a regular basis
Yes
You use a car-sharing service like Zipcar or Car2Go
Yes
You occasionally drive a friend or family member’s car
No – their insurance policy should cover you as a permissive driver
You frequently drive your employer’s car for business purposes
No – your employer’s commercial auto insurance policy should cover you

If you are unsure whether you need non-owned car insurance, it’s best to speak with an insurance agent or broker to discuss your specific situation.

Where Can You Purchase Non-Owned Car Insurance?

Non-owned car insurance is typically an add-on to an existing auto insurance policy. If you have an auto insurance policy, you should contact your insurance provider to see if they offer non-owned car insurance as an add-on. If they do not offer this type of coverage, you may need to purchase a separate non-owned car insurance policy.

There are several insurance companies that offer non-owned car insurance, including Geico, State Farm, and Progressive. It’s important to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to make sure you are getting the best coverage at the best price.

FAQs

What does non-owned car insurance cover?

Non-owned car insurance provides liability coverage for damages or injuries you may cause while driving a car that you don’t own.

Does non-owned car insurance cover the car itself?

No, non-owned car insurance only provides liability coverage for damages or injuries you may cause to other people or property. The insurance policy of the car owner will typically provide coverage for damages to the car.

Do I need non-owned car insurance if I have a personal auto insurance policy?

It depends on your specific situation. If you frequently drive rental cars, borrow cars from friends or family members, or use car-sharing services, you may need non-owned car insurance. If you are unsure whether you need this type of coverage, it’s best to speak with an insurance agent or broker.

How much does non-owned car insurance cost?

The cost of non-owned car insurance varies depending on the insurance provider, your driving history, and other factors. It’s important to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to make sure you are getting the best coverage at the best price.

Can I purchase non-owned car insurance without an auto insurance policy?

Yes, there are some insurance companies that offer standalone non-owned car insurance policies. However, it’s generally more cost-effective to add non-owned car coverage to an existing auto insurance policy.

Conclusion

Non-owned car insurance is an important type of coverage for individuals who frequently drive cars they don’t own. This type of insurance provides liability coverage for damages or injuries you may cause while driving a car that you don’t own. If you think you may need non-owned car insurance, it’s best to speak with an insurance agent or broker to discuss your specific situation and determine the best course of action.