Auto Insurance Without a Car: What You Need to Know

Auto insurance is something that most people have, whether they own a car or not. But what about those who don’t own a car? Is auto insurance still necessary? In this article, we’ll explore the world of auto insurance without a car and answer some frequently asked questions.

What is Auto Insurance Without a Car?

Auto insurance without a car is a type of insurance policy that covers you as a driver, even if you don’t own a car. This type of insurance is often referred to as non-owner car insurance, and it can provide coverage for liability, medical payments, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

If you frequently rent cars or borrow them from friends and family, non-owner car insurance can be a good idea. It can provide you with the same level of protection as a standard auto insurance policy, without the need to insure a specific vehicle.

When is Auto Insurance Without a Car Necessary?

There are several situations where auto insurance without a car may be necessary:

  1. If you frequently rent cars or borrow them from friends and family.
  2. If you’re required to have an SR-22 filing due to a previous driving offense.
  3. If you frequently use a car-sharing service like Zipcar or Car2Go.
  4. If you frequently use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft as a driver.

What Does Auto Insurance Without a Car Cover?

Non-owner car insurance typically provides liability coverage, which means it will cover the cost of damages or injuries you cause to others while driving a borrowed or rented vehicle. It can also provide medical payments coverage, which can help cover medical expenses if you or your passengers are injured in an accident.

Additionally, non-owner car insurance can provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which can help cover the cost of damages or injuries you sustain if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages.

How Much Does Auto Insurance Without a Car Cost?

The cost of non-owner car insurance can vary depending on several factors, including your driving record, age, location, and coverage needs. However, non-owner car insurance is typically less expensive than a standard auto insurance policy, since it only provides coverage for you as a driver and not a specific vehicle.

FAQ

Can I Get Non-Owner Car Insurance if I Have a DUI?

Yes, you can still get non-owner car insurance if you have a DUI on your record. However, you may be required to carry an SR-22 filing, which is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you have insurance coverage.

Can I Add a Non-Owner Car Insurance Policy to My Existing Auto Insurance Policy?

No, non-owner car insurance is a separate type of policy that provides coverage for you as a driver, not a specific vehicle. It cannot be added to an existing auto insurance policy.

Do I Need Non-Owner Car Insurance if I Only Rent Cars Once in a While?

It’s always a good idea to have some level of insurance coverage when driving a car, even if it’s just a rental. Non-owner car insurance can provide peace of mind and protection in case of an accident, so it may be worth considering if you rent cars even occasionally.

What Happens if I Have an Accident While Driving a Borrowed Car?

If you have non-owner car insurance, it can provide coverage for damages or injuries you cause while driving a borrowed or rented car. If you don’t have non-owner car insurance, the owner of the car’s insurance policy may provide coverage, but this can vary depending on the policy.

Is Non-Owner Car Insurance Required by Law?

Non-owner car insurance is not required by law in all states, but some states may require it if you’re required to carry an SR-22 filing due to a previous driving offense. Additionally, some rental car companies may require you to have non-owner car insurance before renting a car.

Conclusion

Auto insurance without a car may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can provide important protection in certain situations. If you frequently rent or borrow cars, or if you’re required to have an SR-22 filing, non-owner car insurance can give you peace of mind and protection in case of an accident.

Pros
Cons
– Provides liability coverage
– Often less expensive than a standard auto insurance policy
– May not be necessary if you don’t frequently rent or borrow cars
– May not be required by law in all states