Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

Should I buy non-owner car insurance if I move abroad for a year?

I currently have a lease on a car, but I'm returning it to the dealership as I'm moving abroad for a year. I heard that my car insurance will technically "lapse" as I won't have a car. Should I buy non-owner car insurance to cover the "lapse" period and maintain decent rates when I return?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“If you’re turning your leased car back in and canceling your existing insurance, you’re correct. Your insurance will lapse.
You present a valid point by questioning whether or not to buy
non owners car insurance
. It can be a good way to avoid higher rates in the future for not having continuous coverage.
The longer your lapse, the more your rates may rise. Going a full 12 months without coverage could result in drastically higher premiums when you return to the US. Some insurers won’t even sell policies to drivers who don’t have six months of prior coverage.
Since non owners car insurance costs significantly less than a standard auto policy, it may be a good option for you. To get the best rate possible, shop around and get quotes from mulitple carriers.
If you’d rather leave the hard work of gathering quotes to someone else, use
Jerry
. This free app can collect quotes from up to 45 top insurance companies in seconds!”
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings