As a driver in Massachusetts, having car insurance is mandatory even if you don’t own a vehicle. Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage for those who frequently borrow or rent cars. For some drivers, it can also help reinstate a suspended license.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll break down everything you need to know about getting non-owner auto insurance in Massachusetts
- Average costs compared to national rates
- Minimum state requirements
- The cheapest providers
- Factors that impact your premium
- Who needs non-owner insurance
- Frequently asked questions
Armed with this information, you can make an informed decision about whether non-owner car insurance fits your situation in Massachusetts.
Average Monthly Cost in Massachusetts vs Nationally
On average, non-owner car insurance costs $49 per month in Massachusetts. That’s $6 higher than the national monthly average of $43.
Several factors account for the above-average rates in Massachusetts:
- Massachusetts is the second most densely populated state, leading to more accidents and claims.
- The average cost of vehicle repairs and medical care is high.
- Uninsured motorist rates are above the national average.
While not the cheapest, non-owner insurance still provides affordable liability protection at under $50 monthly for Massachusetts drivers who don’t own a car.
Minimum Requirements for Massachusetts
The state of Massachusetts mandates the following minimum liability limits for non-owner policies:
- $20,000 bodily injury per person
- $40,000 bodily injury per accident
- $5,000 property damage per accident
- $20,000/$40,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury
Meeting these minimums satisfies the state’s compulsory insurance laws. However, these limits may not fully cover injuries or property damage you cause in an at-fault accident. Higher limits can provide greater protection.
The Cheapest Providers in Massachusetts
For drivers with clean records, State Farm offers the cheapest non-owner insurance in Massachusetts at $26 per month on average.
If you have violations and need to file an SR-22, State Farm remains the most affordable option at $43 monthly.
Military members may want to consider USAA’s low rates, averaging just $37 per month for clean drivers.
While cheap, State Farm’s claims process garnered low satisfaction scores. Progressive provides a better balance of competitive pricing and top-rated claims handling.
What Impacts Costs for Non-Owner Insurance?
Your personal factors as a driver have the biggest impact on non-owner insurance premiums in Massachusetts:
- Age – Rates are highest for drivers under 25. Premiums start dropping after that, bottoming out around age 60.
- Location – Urban areas like Boston cost more than rural parts of the state.
- Driving Record – Speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, DUIs all raise rates significantly.
- Credit History – Drivers with poor credit pay higher premiums.
- Prior Insurance – Gaps in coverage lead to higher rates.
Also, your desired liability limits affect costs. Minimum state requirements provide the cheapest rates, while higher limits cost more.
Who Needs Non-Owner Car Insurance?
Non-owner policies work well for certain Massachusetts drivers:
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Frequent borrowers – Provides liability protection when regularly using someone else’s car.
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Occasional drivers – Maintains continuous coverage for those not owning a vehicle. Prevents gaps that increase future premiums.
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License reinstatement – Satisfies insurance requirements to restore a suspended or revoked license. Also provides proof when filing an SR-22.
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Car renters – Liability supplement for rental cars to avoid buying expensive coverage from rental companies.
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Teen drivers – Affordable way to follow graduated licensing requirements before they own a car.
For most drivers who own a car, a standard auto insurance policy makes more sense than non-owner insurance.
Common Questions about Non-Owner Insurance in Massachusetts
How much does non-owner insurance cost for an 18-year-old?
For an 18-year-old with a clean driving record, the cheapest rates for state minimum non-owner insurance average about $100 per month. USAA offers the most affordable rates at around $85 monthly.
Can I insure a car I don’t own in Massachusetts?
You cannot purchase physical damage coverage like collision or comprehensive for a car you don’t own. But non-owner insurance does provide liability protection when driving a car you don’t own.
Is non-owner car insurance required in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts law requires all drivers to maintain auto insurance, even if they don’t own a car. Non-owner insurance meets the state minimum liability requirements for those who drive but don’t own a vehicle.
Can someone else insure a car for me in Massachusetts?
No, the policyholder must have an insurable interest in the vehicle, meaning they own it or are related to the owner. Insurance follows the car rather than the driver. You cannot insure a car purely for another driver.
How long is a non-owner policy good for in Massachusetts?
Non-owner insurance policies are typically written for a term of 6 months. You must renew the policy to maintain ongoing coverage. There is no “one-day insurance” that provides short-term coverage.
Non-Owner Car Insurance for the Occasional Driver
You use public transportation for most of your commuting, so you have no reason to own a car. However, every now and then you drive a car that you don’t own. If you get into an accident while driving that car, non-owner car insurance will cover you.
Non-owner car insurance covers any injuries or property damage you cause as a result of the accident. However, keep in mind that it does not cover damage to the borrowed car or medical bills you may have, like a normal car insurance policy would. If something goes wrong, it might be cheaper to just buy insurance at the rental counter or rely on a friend’s insurance. The policy might not be worth the money, but you should definitely have it before you drive any car.
If you need to travel for work and rent cars in a new city, having non-owner car insurance will cover the things that the rental car company’s standard policy doesn’t take care of. On top of that, if you often go on weekend trips to places where a car is the best way to get around, a non-owner insurance policy will protect you if you hurt or damage another driver or car.
- You frequently rent cars
- You use a car-sharing service
- You use a business vehicle for personal errands
- You want to maintain continuous coverage
- You need proof of insurance but don’t own a car
A non-owners insurance policy isn’t for anyone who doesn’t own a car. If you borrow a car from a family member or friend often, you should usually be added as a covered driver on their car insurance policy instead of getting non-owner insurance. That’s because, depending on where you live and the insurance company, coverage may not be given if not all driving-age family members are listed on the policy. Being a non-owner may not be worth the money if you don’t rent cars or borrow them from friends very often. If something goes wrong, it might be cheaper to just buy insurance at the rental counter or rely on a friend’s insurance. The policy might not be worth the money, but you should definitely have it before you drive any car.
- You frequently borrow your friend’s car
- In the house where you live, a car is usually parked.
- You drive a company car, but only for work purposes
- You own a car
Keeping you protected in any car you choose to drive
Injury damage and liability protection are covered even when you drive a car that’s not owned by you.