For drivers who borrow cars or rent cars regularly, non-owner auto insurance coverage provides additional liability coverage—which is especially helpful if the vehicle owner only holds state minimum limits on their primary policy.

Drivers in between cars

For drivers who recently got rid of a car, a non-owner auto insurance policy is an affordable way to maintain continuous coverage and avoid high rates in the future.

If you’re not planning to replace your car, you might not be worried about future insurance rates. But if you’re only temporarily without a car, the cost of non-owner insurance is usually worth it to avoid a premium increase when you get a new car.

When you sell your vehicle, ask your insurer to switch to a non-owner policy. Once you buy a new one, you can switch your existing policy back to standard insurance to ensure your new vehicle has the coverage it needs.

Being listed as a driver on someone else’s insurance policy counts as having active insurance. In this case, you won’t need a non-owner policy to avoid a coverage lapse.

Drivers with SR-22 requirements

If your driver’s license has been suspended due to a poor driving record or an offense like an at-fault car accident or DUI, you may need an insurance company file an

SR-22 form

to get your license reinstated.

A non-owners policy is the only way to comply with this requirement if you don’t own a vehicle.

Average cost of non-owner GEICO insurance

The average cost of a non-owner car insurance policy from GEICO will be similar to the

average insurance cost

of a basic liability policy from GEICO—around $46 per month or $554 per year.

When you compare a six-month non-owner policy to a six-month full-coverage policy, non-owner coverage is typically a little cheaper because it doesn’t include collision coverage or comprehensive coverage.

Of course, all auto insurance rates depend on various factors, from your driving history and gender to your location and credit score. For example, non-owner car insurance is typically more expensive in Florida than in California.

If you’re going to be driving your own car again soon, get back on a regular car insurance policy. Non-owner car insurance isn’t a cost-effective option over a longer period.

What GEICO non-owner car insurance covers

Basic non-owner car insurance policies from GEICO include

liability insurance

—that is, bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage to supplement the car owner or rental company’s coverage.

If your state required additional coverages, your non-owner policy will also include those:

Uninsured motorist coverage

/underinsured motorist coverage

Personal injury protection (PIP)

Medical payments

How to get a non-owner car insurance policy from GEICO

You’ll need a driver’s license to purchase a non-owner auto insurance policy. If you own a car, you can’t purchase this type of insurance—you’ll need a standard car insurance policy.

It’s probably easiest to call GEICO to get a quote for non-owner insurance, but you may try going online first. You’ll need to provide personal information, like your:

Driver’s license number

Home address

Date of birth

Social Security number

Driving history

Annual mileage

Be prepared to pay your first bill right away to lock in the coverage you need.

Other auto insurance companies that offer non-owner policies

GEICO car insurance is often one of the cheapest options for non-owner car insurance—and the provider has some of the best customer satisfaction ratings. But it’s not your only choice.

Most other trusted insurance providers sell non-owner car insurance, and depending on your profile, you might find better car insurance rates from a different company.

Some of the best car insurance companies for non-owner auto insurance include:

How to find the right non-owner car insurance company

Start by getting multiple car insurance quotes to find the best rate, coverage options, and car insurance discounts. Even if you’re pretty sure GEICO will give you the best rate, it’s worth comparing a few other options to be sure.

You can call one of Jerry’s licensed insurance agents to review multiple options for non-owner car insurance and get advice about which one best meets your needs.

FAQs

Does non-owner insurance cover rental cars?

Non-owner insurance covers rental cars, but you’ll need additional car insurance coverage (such as from the rental company or your credit card) to pay for any damages to the rental car itself. Non-owner insurance only provides liability coverage for damages you cause when driving a rental car. Depending on the state, additional coverage may be necessary.

How do I get non-owner insurance?

You’ll usually need to call an insurance agent directly to get quotes for non-owner insurance. Compare non-owner car insurance quotes from a few insurance providers to make sure you’re getting the best rate.

Can I buy a car if I have non-owner insurance?

Non-owner insurance will not cover your own car—if you have a non-owner policy and you buy a car, you’ll need to call your insurance company to switch to a standard insurance plan.

Can I insure a car that’s not in my name?

Typically, you’ll need to be the vehicle owner to purchase an insurance policy for that car. If you drive the car regularly, have the vehicle owner add you to their policy. You can also purchase a non-owner insurance policy that will follow you instead of the car.

Does non-owner car insurance cost less than regular insurance?

Non-owner insurance is usually cheaper than standard auto insurance—but not always. A non-owner policy includes basic property damage and bodily injury liability protection, plus required coverages like uninsured motorist and MedPay.

If your standard insurance policy includes additional coverages like collision and comprehensive protection, a basic liability policy is naturally going to cost less. That said, if you’re a high-risk driver, you’re going to see higher rates no matter what type of policy you choose.