Most states require that a car be insured, not a driver. As such, the owner of a vehicle is responsible for insuring their vehicle. But, if you are driving their vehicle, you may want more coverage than the owner has, or you may want to purchase coverage to cover any damages that occur while you are operating the car. Many auto insurance companies are beginning to offer non-owner personal auto insurance coverage, which covers a driver, not a vehicle. Here are some questions you may have about this type of insurance, and the answers. 

What Exactly Is Non-Owner Personal Auto Insurance Coverage?

Non-owner personal auto insurance coverage covers a driver, not a vehicle. This means that you, the driver and covered individual on a policy, are covered regardless of what type of vehicle you are driving in and who owns it. This means that you are covered when you borrow a car from a friend, when you rent a rental car, of if you use a vehicle share service that allows you to use a car for a few hours a week. 

What Are the Benefits of Having Non-Owner Personal Auto Insurance Coverage?

If you were to borrow a friend or family member's vehicle, who has the state minimum coverage for auto insurance, and you were to get in an accident, you can be responsible for any medical bills or property damage that the person you hit sustained that is not covered by the auto insurance policy. Minimum coverage is low and many not be enough. A non-owner personal insurance policy covers anything beyond the coverage on a vehicle, helping you to protect yourself against this very scenario. 

Who Should Consider Purchasing Non-Owner Personal Auto Insurance Coverage?

People who frequently rent vehicles and people who often drive the vehicles of friends or family members can benefit from owning this type of policy. Additionally, drivers who have been convicted of a DUI or reckless driving may be required to carry SR-22 insurance to operate any vehicle. If you do not own a vehicle, you will need to purchase an SR-22 non-owner personal auto insurance policy in order to show the courts proof of insurance and get your license back. 

If you rent or borrow vehicles often, are required to be insured as a driver, or want to carry more insurance than the car's owner may carry, personal auto insurance can provide you with the coverage that you need. Contact your preferred auto insurance company or an auto insurance broker today to learn more about this type of coverage and/or to begin the process of obtaining quotes and enrolling in a policy.