Non-owner car insurance

Who it actually fits

• You regularly borrow or rent cars but don't own one
• You use car-sharing services
• You need an SR-22 or FR-44 filing but don't own a vehicle
• You've sold your car and want to avoid a gap in coverage history
• You drive a company vehicle and want personal liability coverage beyond it

What it typically does not cover

This is where expectations go wrong, so be clear before buying.

• Damage to the car you're driving — there's usually no collision or comprehensive
• A vehicle available for your regular use, such as a housemate's car
• Vehicles you own, which need their own policy
• Commercial or delivery use, generally

The continuous coverage argument

This is the reason people most often wish they'd bought it. Many insurers rate on continuous coverage history, so a gap between selling one car and buying the next can raise the premium on the next policy.

A non-owner policy during that gap keeps the history intact, and it's typically inexpensive because it covers no vehicle.

Where it interacts with rentals

If you rent frequently, non-owner liability can be an alternative to buying the counter's liability product every time. It generally won't cover damage to the rental itself, so check what your credit card provides before declining anything.