Methodology: Jerry researched a number of insurance companies to calculate the average cost of minimum insurance for an individual driver with one car and a good driving record in Florida, as well as the average cost for non-owner insurance versus a non-owner SR-22 policy in Florida.

Non-owner insurance rates are cheaper than standard insurance on average

Why it’s less:

You’ll usually pay less for non-owner insurance coverage because it only covers liability costs.

Liability-only auto insurance coverage

only pays for damage to the other driver’s auto, so it’s less expensive than a

full coverage policy

that also covers the cost of damages to the policyholder’s vehicle.

Non-owner premiums often cost less than a standard liability-only policy, partially because they are considered low risk. With limited access to a vehicle, non-owners usually don’t drive as often as someone who owns a car.

As with any insurance policy, your actual rate depends on things like where you live, how much coverage you get, and your driving history.

Compare rates for at least 3–5 companies before you sign up for this type of insurance so you find the best option for you. Another option is working with a

trusted car insurance broker

Jerry

and their licensed agents!

7 of the top 10 biggest auto insurers in Florida offer non-owners insurance

Some of the biggest companies and insurance are popular for a reason, though that doesn’t mean they are a good fit for your needs, especially when it comes to non-owner insurance. If you want to

compare rates

for the top companies in Florida, seven of the ten big-name brands Include that option:

(only available to veterans and current members of the military and their families)

Kemper

Farmers

Travelers

Need to know: If you need a non-owner auto insurance policy, contact the company or an insurance broker directly—they usually won’t let you purchase that option through a website.

Note: You only want to check with USAA about insurance if you are a veteran, currently in the military, or a family member due to eligibility restrictions.

Do you need non-owner car insurance?

You might need it if you:	You may not need it if you:
Sometimes borrow cars from people you don't live with Rent cars frequently Often use car-sharing services Want to avoid a lapse in car insurance coverage Need an SR-22 certificate but don't have a vehicle Are getting your license in a state with an insurance requirement	Live with someone who owns a car Rent cars infrequently Have your own car Don't plan to own a car any time soon

Learn More

Florida non-owner insurance is a supplemental liability policy

Florida is unusual since it’s a

no-fault state

, which complicates things. Your insurance policy is responsible for covering your own medical bills, at least initially, but you also need property damage coverage to pay for repairs, which includes damage to non-vehicle property (like buildings) and the damage to the other driver’s vehicle.

Non-owner insurance is a liability-only policy, so it only pays the other driver’s damages and medical costs if you cause an accident.

If you don’t have a vehicle to assign the policy to, you won’t be eligible to buy extras available for traditional car insurance, like collision coverage or comprehensive coverage.

Depending on where you live, non-owner policies might include mandatory protections like

underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage

medical payments coverage (MedPay)

, and

personal injury protection (PIP)

. Florida requires $10,000 in PIP for minimum coverage, so your policy will include it.

Need to know: Be aware that a non-owner insurance policy doesn’t pay for medical costs for you or your passengers or repairs for the vehicle you are driving. It is also only valid for the policyholder and can’t be transferred to another driver.

A supplemental policy pays out after the primary coverage limits are met

If you plan on driving a vehicle, whether it’s rented or borrowed, that car will be attached to the owner’s insurance coverage, either a personal or a

rental car insurance

policy. If you get into an accident while driving, that policy is considered the primary insurance and will be billed first for any claims.

However, that policy’s claims payout can be used up pretty quickly, so you’ll be personally responsible for any remaining costs. You could have thousands to pay out of pocket for repairs or medical bills.

This is where non-owner insurance steps in. You’ll have coverage based on the state minimum liability requirements. The non-owner policy helps with remaining repair or medical costs after the primary policy takes care of its share of the bills.

The

minimum liability limits in Florida

are:

$10,000 in property damage liability

$10,000 of PIP coverage

Since Florida is a no-fault state, the PIP covers your medical bills, but the property damage liability part is for the other driver’s repairs, not the vehicle you were driving at the time.

Let’s check out an example:

Let’s say you have to run errands and borrow a friend’s car, which is covered by Florida’s minimum liability insurance. While driving, you accidentally rear-end another car at a stoplight.

Your friend’s auto insurance policy would pay out $10,000 for the initial cost of repairs, but if the repairs total $15,000, you’ll be responsible for $5,000 in damages. Fortunately, a non-owner policy helps cover that remaining $5,000, plus it gives you $10,000 in coverage for your own medical expenses (PIP).

You can increase the coverage limits for a non-owner policy, and since Florida has some of the highest rates of accidents in the entire U.S., it’s not a bad idea. Even though the primary insurance pays out first, you could still be looking at owing a lot of money after your non-owner policy kicks in, especially since your own insurance is responsible for paying your medical bills.

Upping your coverage often doesn’t cost much, but it could save you thousands of dollars in the future.

Note: Most liability-only policies, such as non-owner auto insurance, usually don’t require a deductible.

Non-owner SR-22 insurance in Florida

In Florida, the average cost of non-owner SR-22 insurance is $4277.

If you must

file a Florida SR-22 certificate

but don’t have a car, you can get a non-owner policy and have your insurer file the SR-22 form. Check with an insurance agent first to see if they have what you need since not every insurance company carries both non-owner policies and SR-22s.

The state of Florida requires an SR-22 for high-risk drivers whose license has been suspended for the following reasons:

Driving

Driving with a

At-fault accident without insurance

License suspension after failing to pay child support

In addition to filing an SR-22, you’ll still need proof of insurance coverage to avoid things like fines or having to start the SR-22 period over again. A non-owner SR-22 policy is a good option if you don’t own a vehicle. It also allows you to have continuous coverage so you don’t run into problems later on.

MORE:

Everything you need to know about non-owner SR-22 insurance

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FAQs

Who should get non-owner insurance in Florida?

If you don’t own a vehicle, but you often borrow other people’s cars or rent them on a regular basis, or use car-sharing services, you’ll want to get non-owner auto insurance. In Florida, your auto insurance PIP coverage is responsible for paying your medical bills if you get into an accident—not the other driver’s insurance. While the car owner’s insurance is the first stop for covering costs, you’ll be responsible for the remaining bills, so things like PIP help you out.

Florida is different from other states since it is a no-fault state, so you won’t have bodily injury coverage (payment for the other driver’s medical bills) as part of the minimum coverage. This means you need to have your own backup to get help with medical bills if you are injured in an auto accident.

Do you need insurance to drive someone else's car in Florida?

Technically, no, but it’s a very good idea to have it available. If the vehicle owner gives you permission to use their car, then the owner’s insurance would be the first policy to be used to pay for damages if you get into an accident, and your policy covers the remaining costs.

Accidents are very expensive. If the car’s owner only has the minimum coverage, you are personally liable for any costs that go beyond the $10,000 in damages, and it’s easy to exceed that amount even in a fender bender. You could be looking at a lawsuit, wage garnishment, and other problems if you don’t have insurance coverage–and keep in mind that Florida ranks third in the nation for fatal car accidents!

Can someone else insure my car in Florida?

Usually, no–a person must be listed on the vehicle title to insure it. If you plan on sharing a vehicle with someone else, look at adding both people to the title as co-owners.

Will insurance cover me if I drive someone else’s car?

If you have their permission to drive the vehicle, then that person’s insurance usually covers you when driving someone else’s car. For example, if you are driving your parent’s car to the auto shop for them, their insurance should cover you. Your insurance would be the backup insurance that helps with any remaining bills.

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