If you do not own a vehicle, there is an auto insurance policy that a motorist can get to drive other people’s vehicles. This is called a non-owner car insurance policy. It is normally written when a person needs coverage for his or her personal operation of a vehicle not owned by him or a family member. An operator or non-owner policy is insurance where the driver is the only one covered, not the car.
If you, or someone in your household, own a vehicle, then the car would need to be on the insurance policy since the type of car you are driving is part of the rating process of an insurance company. The automobile itself, including its type, its safety features, etc., can make a difference in your insurance premiums.
Non-owner insurance provides a motorist liability protection when they are at fault in an accident but do not own a vehicle. Non-owner policies can typically include liability, medical payments and uninsured motorist coverage.
Non-owner policies generally do not include comprehensive coverage, collision, towing reimbursement, or rental reimbursement coverage. A non-owner policy of a driver would normally be secondary to the insurance put on the vehicle by the owner.
If you do not own a car, nor is there a vehicle owned by anyone in your household, and want to get a non-owners policy, you will need to find an auto insurance carrier that offers this type of policy. Then you will need to meet the underwriting criteria of that insurance provider.
Since insurance company’s guidelines and underwriting criteria can differ, you will need to find out the qualifications for obtaining a non-owners policy from the insurer that offers you this type of coverage. Usually, the criteria would at least include not owning a vehicle and having a valid driver’s license.
— Michelle Megna contributed to this story.
