If you do not own a vehicle, there is an auto insurance policy that a motorist can get to drive other people’s vehicles. This is called a non-owner car insurance policy. It is normally written when a person needs coverage for his or her personal operation of a vehicle not owned by him or a family member. An operator or non-owner policy is insurance where the driver is the only one covered, not the car.
If you, or someone in your household, own a vehicle, then the car would need to be on the insurance policy since the type of car you are driving is part of the rating process of an insurance company. The automobile itself, including its type, its safety features, etc., can make a difference in your insurance premiums.
Non-owner insurance provides a motorist liability protection when they are at fault in an accident but do not own a vehicle. Non-owner policies can typically include liability, medical payments and uninsured motorist coverage.
Non-owner policies generally do not include comprehensive coverage, collision, towing reimbursement, or rental reimbursement coverage. A non-owner policy of a driver would normally be secondary to the insurance put on the vehicle by the owner.
If you do not own a car, nor is there a vehicle owned by anyone in your household, and want to get a non-owners policy, you will need to find an auto insurance carrier that offers this type of policy. Then you will need to meet the underwriting criteria of that insurance provider.
Since insurance company’s guidelines and underwriting criteria can differ, you will need to find out the qualifications for obtaining a non-owners policy from the insurer that offers you this type of coverage. Usually, the criteria would at least include not owning a vehicle and having a valid driver’s license.
— Michelle Megna contributed to this story.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
Ask the Insurance Expert
John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.