Can I Insure a Car Not in My Name or Registered to Me? 2024

If you drive someone else’s car frequently, you might be asking, “Can I insure a car not in my name?” You may indeed be able to insure a vehicle that you don’t own or isn’t registered to you, but it might not be easy. Here are a few options to consider.

Coverage Options for a Car You Don’t Own

Generally, you can’t buy auto insurance for someone else’s car. However, it is technically possible. Insurance requirements vary from state to state. You also may need to prove you have an insurable interest in the car you drive, as most insurers will want to see that you’re committed to taking care of the vehicle.

You might consider the following options to get coverage when driving someone else’s vehicle:

• Buy non-owner car insurance

• Add the car owner to your auto insurance policy

• Ask to be added to the car owner’s policy

• Have the vehicle registration transferred to you

• Get added to the car’s title

Deciding which of these scenarios works best for you will depend on your situation, the insurance companies’ policies, and what your state permits.

What Is Non-Owner Car Insurance?

Non-owner car insurance is a type of liability policy that can pay for damages or injuries to a vehicle you hit while driving someone else’s car. It’s not the same thing as collision insurance, so the owner must fix any damage to the vehicle you borrowed.

You might consider taking out a non-owner car insurance policy if you frequently drive a vehicle that belongs to a family member or friend. It can also be a good idea if you regularly rent vehicles or use a car-sharing service.

If you borrow a friend’s car occasionally, their auto insurance may cover you, which means you won’t need to worry about having a policy for yourself. However, if you borrow their vehicle frequently, a non-owner insurance policy might be the right fit.

What a Non-Owner Auto Insurance Policy Covers

A named non-owner policy can cover damages and injuries you cause in an accident when driving another person’s vehicle. It won’t pay for damage to the vehicle or any injuries you or others might sustain. Some states may require you to add personal injury protection to your policy.

Non-owner insurance is secondary liability coverage, meaning the car owner’s liability insurance pays first, and your non-owner policy picks up costs above the primary policy’s limits up to your own limits.

Your state may have other minimum legal requirements. For instance, you might need to add medical pay or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to your non-owner policy.

How to Get Non-Owner Car Insurance

Of all the options for getting insurance coverage for a car you don’t own, non-owner car insurance may be the simplest.

All it takes to be eligible is to have a driver’s license and not own a car. If that describes you, you can buy non-owner auto insurance by following these steps:

• Contact several insurance companies to talk about coverage and get quotes

• Give the insurance agent your driving history

• Choose the best quote from the most reputable company

• Provide your driver’s license details, address, and contact information

• Pay your premium to kick off your coverage

• Confirm that your coverage is active before hitting the road

Non-owner car insurance isn’t available online. You must contact an insurance agent by phone or in person to apply.

How Much Does Non-Owner Car Insurance Cost?

The cost of non-owner car insurance will vary based on your state, insurance company, driving record, and age.

Typically, you’ll pay less for non-owner car insurance than you would for a policy on a car you own. You might also be able to save by avoiding the largest insurers and working with (reputable) no-name insurance companies.

An average non-owner auto insurance policy can run between $200 and $500 per year. If you’re thinking about taking out a policy because you often rent vehicles, the monthly cost for non-owner insurance can be less than what you might pay at the rental counter.

Alternative Options

If non-owner car insurance isn’t the right choice for you, you might consider the following options instead:

Add the Car Owner to Your Policy

You can add a car owner to your existing policy as an additional interest. The additional interest on your policy won’t change the ownership of the car but will indicate to the insurer that you have an insurable interest in the car and are the primary driver.

Get Added to the Car Owner’s Policy

If you're driving someone else’s vehicle, ask to be added to the owner’s car insurance policy. If you live in the same home, you may be able to do this easily. Otherwise, some insurers may be resistant. It will help to try to prove that you have an insurable interest, such as needing the vehicle to get to work or school.

Have the Vehicle Registration Transferred to You

Depending on what’s permissible in your state, you can seek to have your name added to the car’s registration and then have the registration transferred to you.

Get Added to the Car’s Title

You and the car’s owner can also agree to have you added to the vehicle’s title. Typically, this can only be done if there’s no loan on the car. Once you’re on the title, you’re part owner of the car and can obtain auto insurance.

Note that getting added to someone else’s car insurance, transferring the registration, and co-titling a vehicle can all increase the associated insurance premiums.

Discuss Your Options With an Insurance Professional

If you’ve recently found yourself wondering, “Can I insure a car not in my name?”, your best bet is to consult an insurance professional. At ConsumerShield, we help consumers safeguard their interests by providing trustworthy information. Contact us today to learn more.