If you occasionally drive cars that don’t belong to you, having a non-owner car insurance policy in Washington state can provide important liability protection. This type of insurance is ideal for people who regularly borrow vehicles, rent cars, or are in-between owning cars
At [Company], we want drivers to understand what non-owner insurance is, why it’s valuable, and how to find the best policy. This complete guide to non-owner car insurance in Washington will explain everything you need to know.
What is Non-Owner Car Insurance?
Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage for drivers who don’t own a personal vehicle. It protects you if you cause an accident while driving a rented, borrowed, or company car.
Specifically, non-owner insurance includes:
- Bodily injury liability coverage: Pays for injuries to other people caused by an at-fault accident.
- Property damage liability coverage: Covers damage to another person’s vehicle or property after an at-fault crash.
Non-owner policies do not include collision or comprehensive coverage Those protections only apply to damage to an owned vehicle
Liability-only non-owner policies are more affordable than full coverage insurance. They satisfy Washington state’s minimum insurance requirements at a lower cost.
Who Needs Non-Owner Car Insurance?
Non-owner car insurance is ideal for several situations:
Frequent Borrowers
Do you regularly drive vehicles owned by family or friends? Non-owner insurance protects you if you cause an accident in a borrowed car. It also gives the car owner peace of mind knowing you have coverage.
Occasional Renters
If you only rent a car every once in a while, non-owner insurance supplements the basic liability protection included in most rental agreements. The extra coverage provides an added layer of financial protection on the road.
In Between Cars
Are you transitioning between owning vehicles? Non-owner insurance bridges the gap, keeping you compliant with state insurance requirements. Maintaining continuous coverage also prevents rate hikes when you insure your next car.
License Reinstatement
In Washington, drivers who receive certain violations have to file an SR-22 form to prove they have liability insurance before their license is reinstated. Non-owner SR-22 insurance policies satisfy this requirement for unlicensed drivers.
Company Drivers
Some employers provide company cars for employees to drive for work purposes. Non-owner insurance fills in liability gaps left by corporate policies on these company vehicles.
Average Cost of Non-Owner Car Insurance in Washington
How much does non-owner car insurance cost per month in Washington? The state average is $44, compared to the national average of $43 per month. However, your personal rates depend on:
- Age: Young drivers under 25 pay higher premiums due to lack of experience. Over 25, premiums decline until middle age then rise again for seniors.
- Location: Insurance costs more in urban areas than rural due to higher accident rates and cost of claims.
- Driving record: Violations like DUIs or at-fault accidents drive up rates. Multiple infractions can increase premiums exponentially.
- Credit history: Drivers with poor credit scores tend to file more claims, incurring higher premiums.
The best way to find affordable non-owner insurance is to compare personalized quotes from multiple insurers. Rates can vary significantly from company to company.
The Cheapest Non-Owner Car Insurance Companies in Washington
We compared rates from major insurers to identify the most affordable options for Washington drivers. Here are the cheapest non-owner policies we found:
For Drivers with Clean Records
- [Company 1]: $28 per month
- [Company 2]: $35 per month
- [Company 3]: $41 per month
For High-Risk Drivers Needing an SR-22
- [Company 4]: $39 per month
- [Company 1]: $41 per month
- [Company 3]: $54 per month
As you can see, having recent violations leads to higher premiums. Still, Washington’s average SR-22 rates remain relatively low at $40 per month.
USAA also offers cheap non-owner car insurance for qualifying military members and families, as low as $23 per month.
Remember to compare personalized quotes, as your own lowest price depends on your specific risk profile.
Factors That Affect Non-Owner Insurance Costs in Washington
Many variables impact how much you’ll pay for non-owner car insurance in Washington:
Age
Teenage drivers pay the highest rates due to lack of driving experience. Premiums decrease through the 20s, hit their lowest point in the 30s and 40s, then begin increasing again after age 65.
Location
Urban areas like Seattle have higher premiums than rural farmland due to increased risks of accidents, vandalism, and theft.
Driving Record
Violations like speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUIs substantially increase rates. Multiple infractions can raise premiums exponentially.
Credit Score
Drivers with poor credit are deemed higher risk and charged higher premiums by insurers. Maintaining good credit saves money on car insurance.
Insurance Limits
Lower liability limits cost less than higher ones. However, we recommend 100/300/100 minimum coverage, which provides up to $100,000 per person for injuries, $300,000 per accident for injuries, and $100,000 for property damage.
Discounts
Take advantage of discounts like low mileage, defensive driver courses, and group membership to reduce premiums.
The Best Non-Owner Car Insurance Companies in Washington
The top insurers for non-owner car insurance in Washington offer affordable rates combined with strong financial standing, customer service, and coverage options. Here are our picks for the best choices:
[Company 1]
As the overall cheapest option in Washington, [Company 1] earns our top spot. It has an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best along with quality customer service and ample discounts. The main downside is its average claims process.
[Company 2]
With exceptional customer satisfaction ratings and good financial standing, [Company 2] is our choice for the best mix of affordability and service. The main drawback is fewer available discounts than some competitors.
[Company 3]
[Company 3] shines when it comes to discounts and coverage flexibility. It’s not the cheapest option, but extras like hybrid vehicle and loyalty discounts reward long-term customers. Claims handling garners low complaint levels but average satisfaction scores.
No matter which insurer you choose, comparing personalized quotes is the best way to find the most savings on non-owner car insurance in Washington.
Non-Owner Car Insurance FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about non-owner car insurance in Washington:
Does non-owner insurance cover rental cars?
Yes, non-owner insurance covers you when driving rental cars. It provides extra liability protection beyond the basic policies rental companies include in most agreements.
Can I insure a car I don’t own?
Yes, non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage when you drive a vehicle you don’t own. It’s mandatory for drivers who have to file an SR-22 in Washington.
Is non-owner car insurance required in Washington?
Non-owner insurance is not required for all drivers in Washington. However, it is mandatory if you need to file an SR-22 financial responsibility form with the DOL.
How much liability coverage is required in Washington?
Washington requires minimum 25/50/10 liability coverage:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 property damage
Higher 100/300/100 limits are recommended for better protection.
How long can I drive without insurance in Washington?
It is illegal to drive any vehicle without insurance in Washington, even for one day. The penalty for driving uninsured is a $550 fine.
Get the Coverage You Need
As a driver without a personal vehicle, non-owner car insurance provides essential liability protection whenever you get behind the wheel. Comparing personalized quotes ensures you find the most affordable rates.
Here at [Company], our licensed agents are ready to help you understand non-owner insurance and make sure you have the right policy to fit your needs. Get in touch today to review your options and costs. We look forward to helping you drive protected!
Non-Owner Car Insurance Requirements in Washington
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $10,000 in property damage liability coverage
Other types of coverage, like collision, comprehensive, and rental reimbursement, aren’t available with non-owner car insurance because the policy isn’t aimed at a specific vehicle.
Who Needs Non-Owner Car Insurance in Washington?
You may need a non-owner policy if you dont own a car and you:
- Want to avoid a lapse in coverage. When you cancel your car insurance, your insurance history goes blank, even if you don’t have a car to cover. If you don’t cancel your policy but instead switch to a non-owner policy, you can avoid gaps and be safe if you borrow a car.
- Need insurance to satisfy a court order. After getting a lot of traffic tickets, you might have to keep proof of insurance to get your license back, even if you don’t own a car. This happens a lot if you’ve been found guilty of things like driving without insurance or DUI/DWI.
- Rent cars regularly. It might be less expensive to get a non-owner policy than to pay the rental company for liability insurance. Some non-owner policies do cover rental cars, but not all do, so make sure your policy does cover rentals.
- Borrow cars regularly. Non-owner insurance can supplement the owners policy after an accident. Your non-owner policy will cover the costs if the damage is more than the owner’s policy limits. This way, you won’t have to pay for it yourself.
If you get into an accident while driving someone else’s car, non-owner car insurance can help you avoid losing a lot of money. Even though car insurance usually covers the car and not the driver, you might still have to pay if the damage is more than the owner’s policy covers. The right non-owner policy can give you the coverage you need whether you regularly rent or need cheap coverage while you’re between cars to avoid a gap in your insurance history.
Still, a non-owner policy wont always be the right fit.
You should NOT get a non-owner policy if you:
- Own a car. If you own a car in Washington, you have to have liability insurance. You might also want to think about other types of coverage besides collision and comprehensive, such as MedPay, gap insurance, and roadside assistance.
- Borrow the same car regularly. If you often use the same car, the owner’s insurance should list you as a driver. You should tell your spouse, parents, siblings, children, other family members, friends, neighbors, etc. If you often drive a car, you should be a listed driver.
- Cannot get a valid drivers license. You won’t be able to finally sign a policy if you don’t have a valid driver’s license or can’t give a valid license number.
- Use a borrowed car for work. In this case, a commercial non-owner policy might be a better fit. If you drive a company car, the insurance on the car should cover you. Before choosing a secondary non-owner policy, you should make sure that your primary coverage is still in place.