Do you ever have to borrow a vehicle from a friend or family member in order to get around? If so, do you know if you are actually insured to drive anyone else’s vehicle? Some people do carry insurance that allows others to drive their vehicles, but you should never rely on this. Instead, it is a lot easier, and safer, to have your own non-owner auto insurance. This way, no matter whose vehicle you are driving, you know that you are covered if you happen to get into an accident.
What Is Non-Owner Car Insurance? 
Basically, non-owner car insurance is exactly what it sounds like: insurance for those who drive frequently but do not actually own a vehicle of their own. It protects you if you are driving another person’s vehicle, which could even be a company vehicle, if you are at fault in an accident. It ensures that you will not have a lot of out-of-pocket expenses resulting from an at-fault accident.
What Does It Cover?
Having non-owner auto insurance is not going to cover everything, but it will provide adequate coverage and peace of mind while you are driving. It is your responsibility to make sure that you are covered if you are a driver, no matter whose vehicle you are driving, and coverage for non-owners is a good way to go if you want to drive and don’t actually own a car. You can expect non-owner insurance to cover the following:
- Liability
- Medical/Injury Protection
- Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage
If you have a non-owner’s insurance policy, there are certain things that are not going to be covered. These include:
- Comprehensive Coverage
- Collision Coverage
- Rental Coverage
If the vehicle you are driving is insured, the insurance that covers that vehicle is going to be first to pay out any liability damages. Your non-owner insurance will pay for secondary coverage. Even if you are driving an insured vehicle, it is a good idea to also have your own non owner auto insurance, just to be on the safe side and make sure that you have plenty of coverage should anything happen. After all, you don’t always know how much insurance a vehicle has, or even if the owner has let the policy lapse.
What Is SR-22?
If you have had tickets for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or you have had previous auto accidents while not carrying enough or any insurance, you are required to have an SR-22 insurance filing with the state. This shows your financial responsibility if you do have an accident, and it is often necessary for those who are trying to get their drivers licenses reinstated. Having non-owner insurance coverage can help those who need to have an SR-22, but do not actually have a vehicle of their own. You can purchase your non-owner insurance and attach the SR-22 filing to it.
How Much Does Non-Owner Insurance Cost?
We all think of auto insurance as being quite expensive, but when compared to traditional auto insurance, non-owner insurance is affordable. The cost to have this type of coverage is usually similar to what it costs to have the minimum liability coverage that is required by the state. Remember, you may not be able to get multi-policy if this is the type of auto insurance you choose to carry.
Getting Quotes
Just like with any other type of insurance policy, it is best to shop around for the best rates for non-owner auto insurance. Different insurance providers have different rates for different products, and if you don’t get quotes from at least a few companies, you may not be getting the best prices available. You can call insurance companies to speak with representatives to get quotes, or you can go online and get them without ever having to speak with anyone. You will not have to provide any personal information, and you will not be contacted by sales representatives until you are actually ready to make your purchase.
Whether you own your own vehicle, rent vehicles, use a company vehicle or borrow from friends and family members, you need to know that you are properly insured. Enter your zip code today and see what the different insurance companies have to offer and make sure that you have the non-owner insurance coverage that will save you a lot of money in the event of an accident where you are at fault.
