GEICO non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage for accidents you cause while driving a car that doesn't belong to you. This coverage pays for vehicle repairs and the medical bills of other people injured in the accident. Non-owner insurance also meets coverage requirements for drivers who don't own a vehicle but drive frequently.
Whether you're frequently borrowing a friend's car, renting vehicles regularly, or applying for your driving license for the first time, a non-owner car insurance policy is beneficial.
GEICO is one of the more popular non-owner insurance plan providers; it offers a selection of policy coverage options, including third-party liability claims.
The Need for Non-Owner Car Insurance
Non-owner insurance is helpful in many unique situations is you don't already have a personal car insurance policy. According to NerdWallet, you should consider a non-owner insurance policy if you do any of the following:
Frequently Rent Cars
Carrying an annual non-owner car insurance policy can be more affordable than purchasing rental car insurance from the rental company every time you hire a car. If you drive a rental car more than 50 days a year, rental car insurance will cost more than the annual price of a non-owner policy. Confirm that your non-owner policy covers rental cars. If your credit card company offers rental car insurance, it doesn't protect you from liability costs, but combining your non-owner liability policy with your credit card insurance amounts to comprehensive coverage.
Frequently Borrow Someone Else's Car
Non-owner car insurance is a good investment if you often borrow a friend's car. You don't have to worry about whether their insurance will cover you or their liability coverage is high enough to protect you from paying out of pocket. However, a non-owner car insurance policy usually doesn't offer insurance coverage if you borrow a car from someone you live with. If you frequently borrow a family member's or roommate's car, they should add you to their policy.
Don't Drive For an Extended Period
If you don't own a car or won't be driving for an extended period, a non-owner car insurance policy can provide continuous coverage in your insurance history. Even when not routinely driving, you should maintain insurance coverage because gaps in your history can trigger a rate increase. A non-owner car insurance policy is often a practical insurance option for members of the military on deployment.
Regularly Use Car-Sharing Services
While car-sharing services typically include the state's minimum liability coverage as part of the rental fee, drivers must often pay an additional damage fee for the coverage to take effect. You can save money by having a non-owner policy.
Go Without a Car for a Time
If you are temporarily between vehicles and plan on buying a new one, a non-owner policy is an affordable way to maintain your status as a long-term insurance customer, which will help you get lower rates when you buy owner's insurance. Non-owner car insurance will also cover you when you are test-driving vehicles.
Need Your Insurance Company to File an SR-22 Form
If you have a significant conviction on your driving record, such as a DUI, and want your driver's license reinstated, you need an SR-22 form from your insurance company. This proves that you have insurance. Purchasing a non-owner policy is an easier and more affordable way to meet your state insurance requirements.
Apply For a New Driver's License
Some states require you to have liability insurance when applying for a new driver's license or reinstating a lapsed one. A non-owner policy is a more affordable way to prove you have insurance.
How GEICO Non-Owner Car Insurance Supplements Your Existing Insurance
Most states require vehicle owners to carry liability car insurance that covers accidents caused by non-owners driving their vehicle.
GEICO non-owner insurance acts as a secondary insurance policy to cover additional costs if you cause an accident while driving someone else's car and the damage exceeds the coverage of the owner's liability policy.
The Basics of GEICO Non-Owner Insurance
While non-owner insurance provides liability coverage in an at-fault accident, you can add supplementals to your policy for more protection.
A non-owner car insurance policy can include the following:
- Rental Car Liability Coverage. Rental car liability coverage is similar to regular liability insurance but is only active when you drive a rental car.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage. If you sustain injuries in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, this coverage will pay for your medical care.
- Medical Payments Coverage. This will pay for your medical care if you sustain injuries in an accident.
How Much Does GEICO Non-Owner Insurance Cost?
A rate analysis by Insurance.com shows that the average annual cost of a non-owner car insurance policy is $474. GEICO typically charges $421 a year for a non-owner policy.
Factors Influencing Insurance Cost
Your individual rate may vary depending on your coverage limits, location, and how often you drive. If you have violations on your driving record, your insurance company may also require you to purchase a high-risk auto insurance policy. Insurance companies classify you as a high-risk driver if your driving record includes any of the following :
- A DUI/DWI conviction.
- Reckless driving citations.
- Multiple traffic offenses within a short period.
- Driving without insurance.
How Does GEICO Non-Owner Insurance Compare with Other Providers?
Compared with other providers, including State Farm, Farmers, Progressive, Allstate, and Nationwide, GEICO offers the most affordable non-owner insurance plans.
Advantages of GEICO Non-Owner Insurance
In addition to cost savings, holders of GEICO's non-owner insurance benefit from the company's reputation, instant policy management, and coverage options.
GEICO's Reputation
GEICO is a reputable car insurance company that has been in business since 1936 and currently insures over 28 million cars with over 17 million policies.
Over the years, GEICO has received favorable recognition for its insurance service. It's become well-known for being:
- A leader in ethical practices in the property and casualty industry.
- A part of one of the top three most admired companies in America.
- A top-performing insurer for 29 consecutive years.
- A financially strong company with a stable outlook.
Instant Policy Management
GEICO offers instant policy management through its telephone customer service, top-rated GEICO Mobile app, and user-friendly website with car insurance quote feature. Instant policy access makes filing and tracking claims and policy changes fast and simple.
Coverage Options
GEICO offers several non-owner policies that cover a range of needs. A basic non-owner insurance policy provides liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. Drivers may opt for additional coverage, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments, and personal injury protection.
GEICO also offers auto insurance to cover vehicles used for commercial purposes.
Disadvantages of Non-Owner Car Insurance
There are several factors you should consider when purchasing a non-owner car insurance policy.
ValuePenguin notes that a non-owner car insurance policy applies to the driver, not the vehicle. That means your policy won't cover any damage to the car you are driving.
Non-owner insurance also won't cover your medical care if you sustain injuries because it's a liability policy that only covers the other driver. You must add personal injury protection if you want injury coverage for yourself.
Non-owner insurance will not cover your spouse or other family members as it's issued per person.
Now that you know the benefits and shortcomings of GEICO non-owner car insurance, you can better decide whether it's right for you.
Idalia Garcia
Insurance Editor
Idalia Garcia is a licensed insurance agent with extensive knowledge of various insurance lines. She has more than 12 years of experience in auto insurance and 10 years in property insurance.
