Can I get an insurance quote without a car?

Who says you need to own a car to price the cost of car insurance?

With all of the advanced quoting systems that exist today, all you really need is basic information and a general idea of the kind of car that you want own to really budget for insurance expenses.

Since you can simply pick a year, make, model and sub-model as you are going through the quoting process, it has never been easier to decide which car you should buy before you even go for the first test drive.

Read this guide to car insurance quotes so that you are prepped for the process.

Start comparing car insurance rates now by using our FREE tool!

Understanding Non-owners Car Insurance

Just because you do not own a vehicle or have intentions of owning a vehicle does not mean you do not need liability protection.

Non-owners car insurance is a specialty insurance plan that is designed for people who do not own a car of their own but who do have a driver license and who do drive from time to time.

People who have their driving privileges but do not own a car are the perfect candidates for a non-owned car insurance plans.

Since non-owners insurance does not work like the standard policy, at first glance it can be very confusing. Some believe it provides full coverage and others believe it covers all vehicles regardless of the situation.

In actuality, a non-owners plan will provide liability protection and in some cases medical coverage when driving an eligible non-owned car.

Read more: Auto-Owners Car Insurance Review 

Reasons to Buy Non-owners Car Insurance

You might not legally be required to carry auto insurance when you have no insurable interest in a vehicle, but failing to carry liability coverage when you drive a borrowed or rented car can land you in hot water.

If you have an accident, you are liable for damages and injuries that you cause because it was your actions that led to the collision.

The owner’s policy might kick and cover you as a permissive user, but even with this permissive use coverage, the carrier might seek subrogation to collect from you the money that the insurer pays out to protect their client.

Read More: Buying Car Insurance for Your New Car

Scenarios Where Non-Owners is the Best Option

Protecting your assets and avoiding wage garnishments are the two biggest reasons why you should buy adequate liability insurance even when you do not own a car.

While these are important reasons that would drive any responsible driver to buy a policy immediately, there are other scenarios that you should know about that create a need for coverage.

Here are some common scenarios where non-owners insurance is required or strongly recommended:

— You Need Cover to Keep Your License

If you have a major infraction for reckless driving or DUI, the state may require you to prove that you have liability insurance at all times.

If you do not have a car but you do not want your license to be suspended, a specialty policy is best.

— You Are In Between Cars

Just because you do not own a car now does not mean that you do not plan on buying one when the right one is listed on the market.

If you want to keep coverage active to get a prior insurance discount, you can buy non-owners insurance after you cancel the insurance on your old car.

— You Are a Frequent Renter

Buying the supplemental liability coverage that is offered by rental car companies can get expensive.

If you rent cars for pleasure or for business on a regular basis, having a non-owners policy will help keep your rental costs manageable without compromising your protection.

— You Are Borrowing a Car From Someone In Your Home

People assume that they are covered when they borrow their family member’s or their roommate’s car.

Unfortunately, if you live in the same home and you are not listed on the policy, the insurer will not likely cover the damage.

This is because  permissive users are those who do not live in the home.

What do you need for a car insurance quote?

Getting a non-owners quote is a lot easier than getting a standard quote. You will only need to answer questions about you as a driver and not about a vehicle.

Here is a list of items you will need:

• A valid US driver license
• Dates of tickets
• Dates of accidents
• Limits of liability requested

Read More: How do you get car insurance for a car you don’t own?

Case Studies: Getting Insurance Quotes Without a Car

Case Study 1: No Car, but Need Liability Protection

Sarah recently moved to a city with excellent public transportation and no longer owns a car. However, she occasionally rents cars or borrows vehicles from friends. Sarah wants to ensure that she has liability protection when driving these vehicles. She decides to explore non-owner’s car insurance and requests insurance quotes without a car.

Sarah provides her driver’s license information and receives quotes from several insurance companies that offer non-owner’s car insurance. Based on the quotes, she selects a policy that fits her needs and budget, providing her with the liability coverage she requires.

Case Study 2: Keeping Coverage Active During Car Shopping

John sold his car and is currently in the process of looking for a new one. He wants to maintain continuous insurance coverage to qualify for a prior insurance discount when he purchases a new vehicle. Even though he doesn’t currently own a car, John decides to get insurance quotes without a specific vehicle.

He provides his driver’s license information and provides the details of the type of car he is interested in buying. John receives quotes from different insurance companies, allowing him to compare the cost of insurance for various car models. This information helps him make an informed decision when choosing his next vehicle.

Case Study 3: Frequent Car Renter Seeking Cost-Effective Coverage

Emily frequently rents cars for both personal and business purposes. She has been relying on the supplemental liability coverage offered by rental car companies, but she finds it expensive. Emily decides to explore alternative options and requests insurance quotes without a car.

She provides her driver’s license information and indicates her frequent rental car usage. Emily receives quotes for non-owner’s car insurance, which offers liability protection when driving rented vehicles. After comparing the quotes, she finds a policy that offers cost-effective coverage for her rental car needs.

Get a Car Insurance Quote for a Vehicle When You Are Car Shopping

If you are about to buy a car, it is best to price the cost of insurance for various cars to see which ones are expensive to insure.

If you do not have an exact vehicle but you have an idea of the model you are interested in, simply ask the agent for quotes on the specific models.

You should closely review the cost of insurance if premiums are what will help you make a car buying decision.

The average non-owner’s car insurance rates in the US are $39.50/mo. If you want to comparison shop for a non-owned policy or for a standard plan, you can start by entering your zip code in our FREE tool below!