Yes, you can absolutely get liability insurance without owning a car. This type of policy is known as Named Non-Owner Car Insurance. It provides state-mandated bodily injury and property damage liability coverage when you occasionally drive a vehicle you don't own, such as a rental car, a friend's car, or a car-sharing service vehicle. It does not include comprehensive or collision coverage, as there is no specific vehicle to insure.
Non-owner insurance is a smart solution for several types of people. It's ideal for frequent renters, city dwellers who use car-sharing services like Zipcar, individuals who borrow cars from friends or family regularly, and those who need to maintain continuous insurance coverage to avoid high-risk premiums after selling a car or during a lapse. The cost is generally lower than a standard auto policy because you're not insuring a specific vehicle full-time. However, if you have regular access to a vehicle in your household, the insurer will likely require you to be listed on that vehicle's policy instead.
Liability requirements vary by state, but non-owner policies are designed to meet these minimums. It's crucial to understand that this insurance follows you, not a car. If the car owner's policy has low limits, your non-owner policy can act as secondary coverage.
| Factor | Details | Key Consideration |
|---|
| Primary Use Case | Renting cars, borrowing cars, car-sharing services. | Not for regular use of a single vehicle you have access to. |
| Coverage Included | Bodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability. | No Comprehensive, Collision, or Medical Payments. |
| Average Annual Cost | $200 - $500. | Generally cheaper than standard insurance, but varies by driving record. |
| State Availability | Available in most states. | Mandatory minimum coverage levels differ (e.g., California 15/30/5). |
| Ideal For | Drivers without a car needing continuous insurance history. | Prevents being classified as a "high-risk" driver after a coverage lapse. |
To get a quote, you'll need to provide your driver's license number and details about your driving history. It's best to shop around and compare quotes from different insurers that offer this specific product.
