An SR-22 is a form that shows a driver has enough car insurance to meet the requirements of their state. People who have been caught driving without insurance or a valid license often need to fill out this form. If the court tells you to file an SR-22 form but you don’t own a car, you’ll need one for your non-owner car insurance policy.
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If you find yourself needing to drive a car you don’t own in Oregon, non-owner car insurance can provide you with liability protection. This type of insurance is ideal for those who frequently borrow vehicles, rent cars, or have a suspended license but need to drive occasionally
I’ll explain what non-owner car insurance entails, who needs it, how much it costs in Oregon and tips for finding the best policy. Read on to learn all you need to know about getting non-owner auto insurance coverage in the Beaver State.
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 financially if you cause an accident while driving a car you’ve borrowed or rented
Specifically, non-owner insurance includes:
- Bodily injury liability coverage: Pays for injuries to others caused by an at-fault accident
- Property damage liability coverage: Covers damage to another person’s car or property after an at-fault collision
Non-owner policies do NOT include:
- Collision coverage: For damage to the car you’re driving
- Comprehensive coverage: For damage to the car from theft, vandalism, weather, animals, etc.
- Medical payments coverage: For injuries to yourself or passengers
- Uninsured motorist coverage: For injuries from an uninsured driver
So non-owner insurance only pays for damage and injuries you cause to others – not to yourself or the car you’re driving. It’s meant to provide basic liability protection when you don’t have regular car insurance.
Who Needs Non-Owner Car Insurance in Oregon?
Here are some situations when getting non-owner auto insurance makes sense:
You frequently borrow vehicles – If you often drive your friend’s or family member’s car, non-owner insurance can protect you if you get in an at-fault accident. This coverage ensures the liability doesn’t fall back on the car’s owner.
You occasionally rent cars – Rental car companies provide basic liability insurance when you rent. But it may not meet Oregon’s minimum requirements. Purchasing a non-owner policy guarantees you have adequate coverage when driving a rental.
You sold your car or let your policy lapse – Having non-owner insurance can prevent gaps in your insurance history if you go without a car temporarily. This keeps your rates from skyrocketing when you buy another policy.
Your license was suspended or revoked – Those with a suspended or revoked license due to DUIs or other violations may need to get non-owner insurance and file an SR-22 form with the DMV to reinstate their driving privileges.
You drive for rideshare companies – Rideshare drivers are sometimes required to carry their own supplemental liability coverage. Non-owner insurance can provide this extra protection.
You’re a young driver on your parents’ policy – Teen drivers on their parents’ policy often need their own non-owner liability supplement when borrowing other vehicles.
As you can see, non-owner car insurance fills an important gap for many drivers in Oregon. Even if you don’t own a car, it’s wise to have liability protection for the times you do need to drive.
How Much Does Non-Owner Car Insurance Cost in Oregon?
Car insurance rates vary a lot by person, but here are some average monthly costs for non-owner policies in Oregon:
- Clean driving record – $50
- With speeding ticket – $65
- With at-fault accident – $85
- With DUI – $135
As you can see, violations like DUIs, accidents, and tickets raise rates significantly. But even for drivers with a perfect record, expect to pay around $50 per month.
That’s slightly higher than the national average of $43 per month for non-owner car insurance. Oregon’s minimum liability requirements are higher than most states, which accounts for the above-average costs.
The vehicle you drive also impacts your rate. For example, insuring a sports car will be pricier than a sedan. And rates are higher in cities like Portland versus rural areas.
Your age is another big factor. Teen drivers pay exponentially more for car insurance of any type. Seniors can qualify for discounts that make non-owner policies more affordable.
How to Find the Best Non-Owner Insurance in Oregon
Here are my top tips for getting a great non-owner policy in Oregon:
Compare quotes from at least 3 companies – Rates vary a lot between insurers, so get several quotes to find the best deal. I recommend starting your search with big names like State Farm, GEICO, and Progressive.
Ask about discounts – Most insurers offer discounts that can reduce your premium. Look for savings opportunities like insuring multiple cars/drivers, bundling home or renters insurance, taking a defensive driving course, and maintaining a good driving record.
Raise liability limits carefully – Oregon requires relatively high liability coverage minimums. Don’t skimp here or you’ll risk insufficient coverage. But also don’t overbuy limits you don’t need.
Get quotes regularly – Car insurance rates change all the time. It’s wise to reassess your options every 6 months by comparing new quotes. This ensures you still have the best value.
Maintain a good credit score – In Oregon, insurers can use your credit-based insurance score to determine rates. Keeping your credit strong often leads to lower premiums.
Ask about SR-22 requirements – If your license was suspended or revoked, make sure to inquire with agents about Oregon’s SR-22 requirements. Not every non-owner insurer will file this mandatory form.
Consider usage-based programs – Some insurers like Progressive offer apps that track your driving habits and reward safe behavior with policy discounts. This can be a great way for infrequent drivers to save.
Finding the right non-owner insurance policy takes a bit of effort. But following my advice will ensure you get adequate coverage at a reasonable price in Oregon. Don’t wait until the last minute to get insured – having continuous coverage is essential to keeping rates low.
Frequently Asked Questions about Non-Owner Insurance
Here are answers to some common questions about non-owner car insurance policies in Oregon:
Who has the cheapest non-owner insurance in Oregon?
For drivers with clean records, State Farm typically offers the lowest rates in Oregon at around $36 per month. GEICO and Progressive are also very affordable options to insure vehicles you don’t own.
What is an SR-22?
An SR-22 is a form that proves you have liability insurance, even if your license is suspended or revoked. Insurers file this with the DMV on your behalf to help reinstate driving privileges after certain violations.
What vehicles can I insure with a non-owner policy?
Non-owner policies cover any non-commercial passenger vehicle you drive that belongs to someone else. This includes cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and motorcycles. Rental cars and borrowed vehicles are often insured this way.
Does non-owner insurance cover all drivers of the car?
No, non-owner insurance only covers the specific person named on the policy. It does not extend coverage to other drivers of the same vehicle. So anyone else you let drive a car you’ve insured with a non-owner policy would need their own insurance.
Can I insure multiple borrowed vehicles with a non-owner policy?
A single non-owner policy will cover you when driving any non-owned car, with no need to list each vehicle. As long as you have active coverage, you’re insured to drive any car that doesn’t belong to you.
Can you get SR-22 insurance without a vehicle?
Yes, you can meet SR-22 requirements without owning a car. There are forms called SR-22 that drivers who have been found guilty of serious traffic offenses like DUI, DWI, or driving without a license can fill out. An SR-22 may also be required for repeat traffic offenses in a short amount of time. For these type of offenses, part of regaining driving privileges may require you to file an SR-22 form.
You can buy a non-owner car insurance policy if you need to file an SR-22 but don’t own a car. Non-owners insurance will provide liability coverage that meets your states requirements.
Pro tip:
It’s important to call your insurance company ahead of time to see if they offer SR-22 filings for standard or non-owner car insurance policies.
How does a non-owner SR-22 work?
All drivers who have an SR-22 must have a certain amount of liability insurance for injuries and property damage per person and accident. These minimum coverage requirements will vary by state. The rules don’t change based on whether or not you own a car, so you have to have the same amount of coverage even if you don’t have a car. In most states, a driver must keep an SR-22 on file for at least 3 years. In some states, the time frame may be longer.
Tell your insurance company that you need an SR-22 when you buy non-owners car insurance. They will file the form with your state’s department or bureau of motor vehicles. If you don’t keep your insurance during that time, you’ll have to re-file the SR-22 form, and the clock will start over. This means you’ll have to keep the form on your policy for a longer time.