NON-OWNER AUTO INSURANCE IN CHARLOTTE, NC
Is it possible to buy auto insurance even if you don’t have a vehicle? Absolutely! For those rare -- but important -- occasions, your best option is a non-owner car insurance policy.
What is Non-Owner Car Insurance?
In Charlotte, non-owner auto insurance coverage is a special auto insurance policy for drivers who don’t own a vehicle or don’t live in a household with someone who owns a vehicle. It provides liability coverage when you rent a vehicle or borrow one. Liability coverage only covers you in an accident when you’re at fault and damage or injury is done to the other driver or passengers.
These policies do not include comprehensive or collision insurance coverage. Because you’ll be driving less often than someone who owns a vehicle, the cost of a policy is generally lower than standard auto insurance. The price is based, in part, on your age, driving record, and how often you plan to drive while you’re covered.
Coverage generally includes:
- Liability insurance
- Medical coverage for yourself
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
When Do You Need Non-Owner Car Insurance?
There are several situations where this type of coverage is needed.
- Getting a new driver’s license in North Carolina: North Carolina law states that anyone who wants to get their driver’s license needs proof of insurance first. If you don’t have a vehicle and aren’t listed on another driver’s policy (like a parent or spouse), a non-owner auto insurance policy will meet this legal requirement.
- Getting your license back after a DUI conviction: If you’re convicted of a DUI, you’ll need to file a SR-22 form with the state to get your license back. To do that, you have to be able to show that you have auto insurance. For drivers who don’t own a vehicle, this can be achieved through a non-owner policy.
- Making frequent car rentals: Whether for work or for pleasure, if you’re consistently renting vehicles, you may be spending too much on liability coverage from the rental company. A non-owner car insurance policy will only cover liability, though. You’ll still need coverage for any damage you do to the rental vehicle.
- Using car-sharing services: If you’re a frequent user of car-sharing services, a non-owner policy could protect you if you’re in an accident and the other party gets hurt. The car-share company should have enough liability coverage, but your policy will act as a supplement if you’re named in a lawsuit after the accident.
- Driving a company vehicle: Your employer may allow you to drive a company vehicle for work as long as you have your own auto insurance. When you own a vehicle, this is easy to do, but when you don’t, it can feel impossible. With a non-owner auto insurance policy in place, you’ll be in compliance with company policy.
- Maintaining continuous auto insurance coverage: Any interruption in your auto insurance coverage can be seen as a red flag to potential insurers. By maintaining coverage with a non-owner policy when you have no vehicle, you’ll pay less for auto insurance when you buy a new car.
- Borrowing vehicles from other people: When you borrow a friend’s vehicle, their auto insurance should cover you in an accident. But if you’re at fault, and it’s a big accident, a non-owner policy will offer supplemental liability coverage.
How Do You Get a Non-Owner Car Insurance Policy?
Non-owner policies aren’t quite as simple as buying standard auto insurance. Not all carriers offer this kind of coverage. The easiest way to get a quote and find the right policy for you is to talk to a local independent insurance agent like ours.
Contact us at Charlotte Insurance today! We’ll get you a free quote and help you through the process from start to finish.