Can I Get Car Insurance without a Car?

Last Updated on January 27, 2026

Yes—it’s possible to carry car insurance even if you don’t own a vehicle. The most common option is a non-owner auto policy (sometimes called a “driver” policy). It can help protect you when you rent or borrow cars, especially because auto insurance usually follows the car first.

Important: Coverage rules vary by state and insurer, and the owner’s policy is typically primary. A non-owner policy is designed to help fill gaps and provide an extra layer of liability protection when you’re driving a vehicle you don’t own.

What Non-Owner Car Insurance Is

A non-owner policy is liability-focused auto insurance for licensed drivers who don’t own a car but still drive occasionally. It’s often a smart fit for city drivers who rent cars, borrow cars, or want to maintain continuous insurance history. For a New York-focused overview, see non-owner auto insurance in New York State.

What a Non-Owner Policy Usually Covers

Most non-owner policies center on liability coverage—the part of auto insurance that pays for other people’s injuries and property damage if you cause a crash.

• Bodily injury liability: Helps pay medical costs, lost wages, and legal expenses for others if you’re at fault.
• Property damage liability: Helps pay for damage you cause to another vehicle or property (like a fence or building).
• Sometimes available: Depending on the insurer and state, you may be able to add certain protections (availability varies).

Non-owner policies typically do not include collision or comprehensive coverage for the car you’re driving, so they generally won’t pay to repair the borrowed/rented vehicle itself.

When Non-Owner Insurance Makes Sense

Frequent Rentals and Work Travel

If you rent cars regularly, a non-owner policy can give you consistent liability protection beyond what you might buy per trip. Your rental company may offer coverage at the counter, but it can be pricey and may vary by location—see how rental car insurance typically works.

Borrowing Cars Occasionally

If you borrow cars from friends or family, the owner’s policy usually responds first (assuming permissive use). But if their limits are low—or if the insurer expects you to be listed on the policy—your own non-owner policy can help reduce your personal financial exposure. If you borrow a specific person’s vehicle often, it may be safer to talk through options like adding a driver to an insurance policy.

Staying Continuously Insured Between Cars

Many insurers consider “continuous coverage” during underwriting. If you’re between cars for a while, a non-owner policy can help you avoid a long gap that could lead to higher rates later (insurer rules vary).

How Coverage Works in a Claim

In many situations, the vehicle owner’s policy is primary and your non-owner policy (if you have one) may act as secondary coverage. If you’re involved in a crash, the facts of the loss matter—especially who is at fault, how the vehicle is insured, and whether you were permitted to drive. If you’re trying to understand liability and claims scenarios, this overview may help: not-at-fault car accident.

Options Compared

Option	What It Typically Covers	Best For	Key Limitations
Non-Owner Auto Policy	Liability for injuries/property damage you cause (optional add-ons may be available depending on insurer/state).	People who rent or borrow cars, but don’t have regular access to a household vehicle.	Usually no coverage for damage to the car you’re driving; often not intended for vehicles “furnished/available for regular use.”
Rental Company Coverage	Varies by package (liability supplement, damage waiver, personal accident effects, etc.).	Occasional renters who prefer convenience at the counter.	Can be expensive; terms and limits vary by location and product.
Being Listed on the Owner’s Policy	Coverage under the owner’s policy while driving that vehicle.	Regular access to a spouse/partner/roommate/family car.	Must be approved by the insurer; may raise the owner’s premium.
Credit Card/Travel Benefits	Often covers certain physical damage to the rental car (depending on the card and how you pay).	Renters looking for extra protection on the rental vehicle itself.	May exclude liability and many situations; strict rules for eligibility and claims.

New York-Specific Rules to Know

If you drive in New York, you’ll want to understand the state’s required coverages and registration rules. This guide to insurance requirements in NY is a good starting point, and the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) and New York DMV provide the official details.

As summarized by DFS, New York’s required minimums for registered vehicles include liability, uninsured motorists protection, and no-fault (PIP). You can confirm current minimums here: NY DFS: What auto coverages do I need?.

• Minimum liability: $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury and $10,000 property damage per accident (plus uninsured motorists protection at the same BI minimums).
• No-fault (PIP): $50,000 per person (basic no-fault), for medical and certain related expenses regardless of fault.

If you own a car and want to register it in New York, the DMV requires New York State-issued liability insurance and can suspend registrations/licenses for lapses. See: NY DMV insurance requirements.

For the official plate process, see: NY DMV: surrender (turn in) plates and registration.

How Much It Costs and What Affects Your Rate

Non-owner insurance is often less expensive than a standard policy on a personally owned vehicle because it’s typically liability-focused and doesn’t insure a specific car’s physical damage. Pricing still depends on underwriting factors such as:

• Your driving history (tickets, accidents, prior claims)
• How often you drive and what types of vehicles you typically use
• Your location and garaging/primary driving area
• Your age and other rating factors (learn how auto insurance rates can change with age)
• Whether you’re considered higher-risk based on violations or prior lapses (see high-risk driver insurance)

Avoid anyone promising a “one-size-fits-all” price—rates vary widely by carrier and individual risk profile.

How to Buy a Non-Owner Policy

• Confirm eligibility: You generally must not own a vehicle and typically shouldn’t have regular access to a household car.
• Choose limits: Consider limits above the state minimums if you want stronger financial protection.
• Be upfront about usage: Tell the agent how often you rent/borrow and whether you use car-share or drive for work.
• Compare quotes: Ask what’s included (and excluded), plus whether any optional coverages are available in your state.

Alternatives If You Drive Often

• Get added to the household policy if you frequently drive a spouse/partner/family member’s vehicle.
• Consider a standard policy if you’re about to buy a vehicle soon (it can simplify registration and coverage continuity).
• Check employer coverage if you drive as part of work duties (personal policies may not cover all business use).

Final Thoughts

You can absolutely get car insurance without owning a car—non-owner coverage is built for that situation. The key is matching the policy to how you actually drive (rentals, borrowing, frequency) and understanding what the policy does not cover. When in doubt, verify requirements with your state DMV/insurance department and review the policy exclusions before you buy.

Educational note: For a broader overview of common coverages and insurance terms, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has a consumer-friendly explainer here: NAIC auto insurance basics.

FAQs on Car Insurance Without a Car