If you drive a car you don’t own in Virginia, having non-owner car insurance is a smart idea. This policy provides liability coverage when operating a vehicle that doesn’t belong to you – whether borrowing a friend’s car, renting a vehicle, or using a car share service.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about getting non-owner auto insurance in Virginia You’ll learn what it covers, average costs, eligibility requirements, tips for finding the cheapest rates, and more
What is Non-Owner Car Insurance?
Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage for when you drive a car that doesn’t belong to you. It protects you if you cause property damage or injuries to others, paying for their losses up to the policy limits.
Unlike regular car insurance non-owner policies only include liability coverage not collision or comprehensive. And they don’t cover damage to the non-owned car itself.
Non-owner policies are ideal for those who:
- Frequently borrow vehicles from friends/family
- Rent cars for trips or business
- Drive for a rideshare service
- Are between vehicles and need temporary coverage
In Virginia, liability insurance is required any time you drive. Having a non-owner policy ensures you stay legal on the road without owning a car.
Do You Need Non-Owner Insurance in Virginia?
Virginia law requires drivers to carry at least 30/60/20 liability coverage whenever operating a motor vehicle. This coverage can be met through
- The car owner’s insurance if you have permission to drive their vehicle
- A rental car company’s insurance if you rent the vehicle
- Your own non-owner car insurance policy
Without proper liability coverage, you could face fines, license suspension, and civil lawsuits in the event of an at-fault accident. That’s why non-owner insurance is recommended if you drive cars not registered to you in Virginia.
It provides affordable, continuous protection that travels with you, keeping you legally insured no matter whose vehicle you drive. For peace of mind on the road, non-owner insurance is a smart choice.
What Does Non-Owner Car Insurance Cover in Virginia?
A standard non-owner policy in Virginia includes these core liability coverages:
Bodily Injury Liability: Pays medical bills for others if you injure them in an accident. Virginia requires minimum limits of 30,000 per person and 60,000 per accident.
Property Damage Liability: Covers repairs to other vehicles or property you damage in a crash. Minimum limit is $20,000 in Virginia.
Uninsured Motorist: Protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance (up to $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident).
Medical Payments (MedPay): Optional coverage that pays small medical bills for passengers in your vehicle, regardless of fault.
That’s the basic protection under a Virginia non-owner policy. Additional coverages like rental reimbursement may also be available. But collision and comprehensive are not included, since those cover damages to your own car.
Average Cost of Non-Owner Insurance in Virginia
The average cost of non-owner car insurance in Virginia is around $220 per year, or about $18 per month. Rates can range from as low as $160 annually to over $300 depending on your:
- Age and gender
- Location in Virginia
- Driving record and history
- Selected liability limits
For comparison, regular car insurance in Virginia averages around $830 per year for minimum coverage. So non-owner policies provide big savings, since you aren’t insuring an actual vehicle.
We recommend getting quotes from 3-5 insurers to find the best non-owner car insurance rate for your situation. Be sure to ask about any available discounts too.
Eligibility for Non-Owner Car Insurance in Virginia
To qualify for a non-owner car insurance policy in Virginia, here are the basic requirements:
- Valid Virginia driver’s license
- Meet the minimum age to legally drive in Virginia
- Have no vehicle registered in your name
- Have no regular access to a vehicle you could insure
- Pay applicable premiums on time
As long as you are licensed to drive and don’t own a car, you can purchase Virginia non-owner insurance. Teen drivers can get non-owner policies with parental consent.
Those with poor driving records may pay higher rates or be deemed ineligible by some insurers. Maintaining a clean history helps keep your non-owner premium affordable.
How to Get the Cheapest Non-Owner Insurance in Virginia
The cost of non-owner car insurance can vary drastically by provider. Here are some smart tips to score the lowest possible rates:
Compare quotes from at least 5 insurers. Rates for the same driver can differ by $500+ between companies. Check companies like Geico, Allstate, State Farm, and more.
Ask about all available discounts. Savings like multi-policy discounts, pay-in-full discounts, and defensive driver discounts can lower your premium.
Consider usage-based non-owner insurance. If you’ll drive infrequently, mileage-based plans like Metromile charge based on actual miles driven.
Raise liability limits cautiously. Higher limits cost more but may be worth it depending on your assets and income. Review this with your agent.
Maintain a clean driving record. Speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUIs can raise non-owner insurance rates significantly. Drive responsibly.
Check rates regularly. As you gain driving experience and age, better rates may be available. Shop around every 6-12 months.
With a little research, you can find affordable Virginia non-owner insurance tailored to your unique needs.
Top Non-Owner Car Insurance Providers in Virginia
Nationwide insurers like Geico, State Farm, and Allstate offer competitively priced non-owner policies in Virginia. But smaller regional and local companies are worth checking too.
Here are a few top picks for non-owner car insurance in Virginia based on customer satisfaction, affordability, and coverage options:
- Auto-Owners Insurance
- Virginia Farm Bureau
- GEICO
- Progressive
- USAA (for military members)
- Erie Insurance
- State Farm
- Allstate
To find your best match, get free quotes from multiple providers. Make sure to compare the same liability limits and coverage when pricing non-owner insurance in Virginia.
Can Someone Else Insure a Car I Drive in Virginia?
If you primarily drive a car owned by someone else in Virginia, you can be covered as a driver under the owner’s insurance policy, with their permission.
This option requires adding you as a named excluded driver on their policy. It provides coverage when you operate their vehicle, without you having to purchase your own policy.
However, this only covers you while driving that one vehicle owned by that policyholder. Any time you drive other non-owned cars, you’d need your own non-owner insurance in Virginia.
So for the most flexible protection, purchasing your own separate non-owner policy is usually the best approach. That covers you in any non-owned vehicle, borrowing different cars as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Non-Owner Insurance in Virginia
Here are answers to some common questions about getting non-owner car insurance in Virginia:
How long can I keep a non-owner insurance policy?
You can keep non-owner insurance indefinitely as long as you don’t purchase a vehicle. Once you buy a car, you’ll need to switch to a regular car insurance policy to meet state minimums.
Does non-owner insurance cover rental cars?
Yes, a non-owner policy covers you when driving rental cars. It provides liability protection that may exceed a rental company’s minimum state required limits.
Can I insure a car I don’t own in Virginia?
No, you cannot purchase physical damage coverage like collision or comprehensive on a vehicle that is not registered in your name. Liability-only non-owner policies are your option.
Is non-owner car insurance required in Virginia?
There is no law specifically mandating non-owner insurance. But you must carry state minimum liability coverage whenever driving in Virginia, which non-owner policies satisfy.
How much non-owner coverage do I need in Virginia?
At minimum, you need 30/60/20 liability limits. But higher 100/300/100 limits are recommended for better protection. Discuss appropriate limits with your insurer.
The Bottom Line on Non-Owner Insurance in Virginia
Driving without insurance in Virginia can lead to legal trouble and financial risk. That’s why having a non-owner policy makes sense if you ever operate vehicles not registered in your name.
Non-owner insurance provides essential liability protection at an affordable cost. Per mile driven, it can be much cheaper than regular car insurance for some drivers.
To get properly covered on the road without owning a car, compare quotes online and speak with local agents about non-owner options. Then you can find the right Virginia policy at the best available price.
So drive smart, drive legal, and make sure you have non-owner car insurance when driving non-owned vehicles in Virginia
Companies With Non-Owner Auto Insurance
The average cost of a non-owner auto insurance policy in Virginia is $336 per year. For comparison, an owners policy with minimum liability coverage costs an average of $603 per year in Virginia. Your rate will change based on how much liability coverage you want and any other types of coverage you want, such as uninsured motorist or personal injury protection.
Coverage for people who don’t own a car is cheaper than coverage for a car, but since there’s no car to insure, your rate is based mostly on you. If your credit isn’t great, you have a bad driving record, or you are a high-risk driver, you will still pay more for the same policy than someone with great credit and a clean driving record. Other factors, like your age, marital status, and neighborhood are also considered.
To learn more, check out WalletHubs complete guide to non-owner car insurance. This answer was last updated on 03/01/24 and it was first published on 10/18/23. For the most up-to-date information on a financial product, you should always check with the bank that is offering it to make sure it is correct. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.
WalletHub , Financial Company
Non-owner car insurance is the bare minimum in Virginia for people who drive a lot but don’t own a car. Non-owner insurance in Virginia will cover injuries and property damage you cause to other people, but not for damage to a borrowed car or your own medical bills. If you need insurance to get your license back but don’t own a car, a non-owner policy can also meet the SR-22 requirement.