Cheapest Non-Owner Car Insurance In California 2024

As a former Californian who lived in the Golden State for 16 years, I can empathize with you if you struggle to own a car and pay to insure it in California.

A growing number of Californians forgo owning or leasing a car and share one with someone else or simply rent a car when they need to drive a longer distance than mass transit can take them. Non owner car insurance provides them with both financial protection and peace of mind.

With 15 years of experience as a licensed insurance agent, 16 years living in California, and over 35 years as a car insurance buyer, I’m well-acquainted with all the insurance companies reviewed here, and I’ve been insured by several of them. Although they are all reputable providers, each has its unique strengths in helping Californians.

What Is Non-Owner Car Insurance?

If you often find yourself behind the wheel of a vehicle that isn’t yours, whether it’s a rental or a car borrowed from a friend or family member, you may want to consider non-owner car insurance.

Non-owner car insurance primarily offers liability coverage. If you’re responsible for an accident while driving a car that isn’t yours, your non-owner policy can cover the medical and repair expenses of the other party involved.

Some insurance companies may also provide additional options, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist protection and personal injury protection.

However, it’s important to understand that non-owner insurance usually doesn’t include comprehensive or collision coverage. This means the cost of any damage to the vehicle you’re driving may not be covered.

For individuals who frequently rent cars or borrow vehicles, non-owner car insurance can be beneficial. It provides an added layer of security on top of any coverage the vehicle’s owner might already have.

In many cases, it can be more economical than always opting for insurance from a rental company.

Additionally, having a non-owner policy helps maintain continuous insurance coverage, which could lead to lower premiums if you decide to buy a car in the future.

Average Cost Of Non-Owner Car Insurance In California

Navigating the landscape of non-owner car insurance can be a daunting task, with numerous providers and varying rates. It’s important to make an informed decision, understanding the cost implications of your choice.

To assist you in this process, we’ve created a comparison chart detailing the average cost of non-owner car insurance from five leading providers.

How Much Is Non-Owner Car Insurance In California – By Age?

Similar to full coverage car insurance rates, the price of non owner car insurance is highest for teen drivers and gradually decreases each year until age 55.

These are sample rates for non owner car insurance in California for 10 different ages

What Is SR-22 Insurance?

Technically, SR-22 isn’t an insurance policy. It’s a vehicle liability insurance document required by most state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices for “high-risk” insurance policies.

This form, filed by your insurance company, provides proof that you have the minimum required amount of liability insurance coverage for your state.

It’s often required for drivers who have had their licenses suspended due to traffic violations, DUIs, or other serious offenses.

The SR-22 form serves as a certificate of financial responsibility, indicating that the driver has purchased the necessary amount of auto liability insurance coverage. The primary purpose of this document is to verify that an individual is maintaining car insurance liability coverage.

It’s usually mandated by the state or court order, especially for drivers who are considered high-risk. The insurance company will file this form with the state, and if at any point the policy lapses, the insurer is obligated to notify the state.

Average Cost Of Non-Owner Car Insurance In California – By City

These are sample rates for five small cities in California:

How Much Is Non-Owner Car Insurance In California’s 10 Biggest Cities?

A city’s size is an important factor when insurers determine car insurance rate. Residents of larger cities with heavier traffic pay higher rates for car insurance:

How Non-Owner Insurance Rates In California Compare To Other States

Surprisingly, California’s average annual rate of $323 for non owner car insurance falls below the national average of $353. Non-owner rates in the 12 most populated states:

Should You Get Non-Owner Car Insurance In California?

Non-owner car insurance is a type of auto insurance policy designed for individuals who don’t own a car but still drive occasionally. It provides liability coverage if you cause an accident while driving a rented or borrowed vehicle.

In California, several types of individuals should consider purchasing non-owner car insurance.

Frequent Renters And Borrowers

If you frequently rent cars or borrow vehicles from friends or family, non-owner car insurance is an excellent consideration. Rental companies do provide insurance options, but they can be expensive if you rent regularly.

Similarly, while the owner’s insurance may cover some accidents, having your own policy ensures you’re protected without affecting the owner’s premium.

Public Transport Commuters With Occasional Driving Needs

Many Californians rely on public transport or rideshare services for their daily commute and only drive occasionally. You might belong to this category if you live in an urban area with good public transportation or if you prefer biking or walking most of the time.

However, there might be instances when driving is unavoidable. In such cases, having non-owner insurance gives you the financial protection you need.

Individuals Trying To Maintain Continuous Coverage

Insurance companies often view drivers without continuous coverage as high-risk, which could lead to higher premiums when you decide to purchase a car.

If you’ve sold your vehicle and plan to be without one for a while, a non-owner policy helps maintain continuous coverage, keeping your insurance history intact. This strategy can be particularly beneficial when you eventually buy a car and need regular insurance.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements In California

According to the State Of California’s DMV, these are the minimum liability requirements:

• $5,000 property damage per accident
• $30,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
• $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person.

This is otherwise known as 15/30/5

What Does Non-Owner Car Insurance Cover?

A non-owner car insurance policy primarily provides liability insurance, which covers the costs associated with bodily injury or property damage you may cause to others in an accident.

It’s essential to note that non-owner car insurance doesn’t cover damages to the vehicle you’re driving; this should be covered by the car owner’s insurance policy.

In addition to liability coverage, some non-owner car insurance policies offer optional medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP). These additions can cover your medical expenses following an accident, regardless of who was at fault.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection is another optional feature that protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who has insufficient or no insurance coverage.

However, it’s crucial to understand that non-owner car insurance does not include comprehensive or collision coverage.

This means damages to the vehicle you’re driving due to theft, vandalism, natural disasters, or collision are typically not covered.