Non-Owner Car Insurance in Illinois

non-owner car insurance illinois

If you don’t own a car but occasionally drive a friend’s vehicle or a rental car, you may wonder how insurance works. Traditionally, rental car companies require you to purchase temporary insurance through them for the duration of your rental. Driving a friend’s car puts any damage or accidents you cause on their insurance. What if there was a better option for both forms of coverage?

Non-owner car insurance in Illinois is often a smart choice for drivers who don’t own primary vehicles and instead borrow cars from others. This insurance is cheaper than a traditional auto insurance policy and protects you when you operate someone else’s vehicle.

Let Insurance Navy walk you through a non-owner car insurance policy and find the best rates.

Non-Owner Car Insurance Explained

Non-owner car insurance protects you against liability when you operate a vehicle you do not own. You may consider this type of coverage if you do not own a vehicle but occasionally drive someone else’s.

If you live in an urban area like Chicago, you may not need a car to get around. You may also share a vehicle that is in your spouse’s name or primarily drive rental cars.

In these scenarios, purchasing traditional car insurance may not be necessary. You can instead invest in non-owner insurance at a more affordable rate.

Another common reason to purchase non-owner car insurance is to satisfy SR-22 insurance requirements. If the state of Illinois requires you to obtain an SR-22 certificate, you need to attach it to insurance.

Non-Owner Car Insurance vs. Standard Car Insurance

Unlike a standard car insurance policy, non-owner insurance attaches to your license instead of a vehicle. It follows you to whichever vehicle you drive.

A non-owner policy typically does not have as much coverage as a traditional auto insurance policy. These policies typically only include liability coverage and the occasional medical payments coverage.

While you can place additional coverage on a policy, it likely won’t be as comprehensive as a standard auto policy. Premiums are usually lower as a result.

Types of Coverage Offered

Our licensed insurance agents work with a range of insurance companies that offer various options for non-owner auto insurance. These are a few types of coverage you can obtain through such policies.

Liability Insurance

Standard non-owner insurance covers damages you cause to another driver while operating a vehicle you do not own. This typically includes at least the minimum liability coverage in Illinois, which is:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person in an accident
  • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $20,000 for property damage per accident

You can always increase liability coverage if preferred.

PIP or Medical Payments Coverage

A non-owner policy may also include personal injury protection (PIP) insurance or medical payments coverage. These coverage types would pay for your injuries in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

If you were driving another person’s vehicle at the time of the accident, the owner’s insurance may cover some of your expenses. You could use non-owner car insurance in Illinois as additional coverage.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage would pay for your damages in an accident with an uninsured driver. Underinsured motorist protection would do the same, but for accidents where the at-fault driver does not have sufficient insurance coverage.

Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance

If the Secretary of State has informed you that you need an SR-22 certificate to operate a vehicle legally, you must have an insurance policy. Non-owner SR-22 insurance may be a good choice if you do not own a vehicle yet still want to drive occasionally.

Illinois often requires high-risk drivers to hold SR-22 coverage for at least three years after a serious driving-related incident. This certificate shows proof of insurance that the driver meets the minimum coverage requirements.

Who Should Consider Non-Owner Car Insurance?

Non-owner car insurance in Illinois makes sense in a few specific cases. Our agents would be happy to explain this coverage and compare it to traditional auto insurance or another type of policy that may fit your situation.

  • Individuals without a vehicle: If you do not own a vehicle but occasionally drive someone else’s, a non-owner insurance policy can give you peace of mind. You won’t have to rely on the vehicle owner’s insurance after an accident and potentially increase their premiums.
  • Those needing SR-22 certification: If you need SR-22 certification but don’t have a traditional auto policy or own a vehicle, non-owner insurance can satisfy this requirement.
  • Occasional drivers: If you only drive every now and then, you likely don’t need full auto insurance coverage. Non-owner car insurance can provide you with the small amount of coverage you need.
  • Those who frequently rent cars: A rental company may want you to purchase its auto insurance during the rental period. Non-owner car insurance can pose a more affordable alternative for those who rent cars frequently.
  • Individuals between vehicle ownership: Perhaps you recently sold a vehicle and plan to go a few months or even years without purchasing another one. A non-owner policy can provide you with continuous insurance coverage. Auto insurance companies will see that you have maintained coverage, potentially lowering your rates once you return to a traditional policy.
  • Temporary residents: If you plan to live in Illinois for less than a year and won’t bring your own vehicle with you, non-owner car insurance can cover you during this temporary period.

Costs of Non-Owner Car Insurance in Illinois

Non-owner car insurance is usually more affordable than a traditional auto policy. Many factors can impact your premiums, such as:

  • The insurance company you choose
  • Your driving record
  • Your coverage limits
  • Your claims history

The average non-owner insurance rate in Illinois is around $279 per year, but your costs can vary. Trust our agents to match you with the cheapest non-owner insurance rates while meeting your coverage needs.

How To Obtain Non-Owner Car Insurance in Illinois

Are you interested in applying for a non-owner insurance policy? Our agents will guide you through the process. We will start by fully explaining this coverage and helping you determine whether it makes sense for your situation. If so, we will walk you through the application process and present you with several options for coverage.

Steps to Purchase a Policy

Follow these steps to apply for and purchase non-owner car insurance in Illinois:

  1. Contact Insurance Navy online, by phone, or via text. One of our agents will be in touch with you.
  2. Request a quote for non-owner car insurance. We will quote you with several companies to find the cheapest non-owner car insurance options.
  3. Review your options. We will review your affordable insurance options and walk you through how different types of coverage affect costs.
  4. Purchase a policy: Once you’ve decided on a dependable non-owner car insurance provider, we will set up the policy for you and let you know the start date.

Required Information and Documentation

We will likely ask you to provide the following information as part of your application:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Driver’s license number
  • Driving record
  • Past accident claims

Typical Coverage and Exclusions for Non-Owner Car Insurance in Illinois

Understanding what is and isn’t covered under non-owner car insurance in Illinois can help you make an informed decision about purchasing this type of policy. Our insurance experts will walk you through your policy so you understand exactly what non-owner auto insurance covers.

What Is Covered?

Different policies include different levels of coverage, so always refer to your policy documentation for specific information.

Non-owner insurance consists primarily of liability insurance coverage. This protects you when you are at fault in an accident and assume liability for damages.

Your policy may also include personal injury protection coverage and uninsured/underinsured driver coverage. Make sure you understand the following items within your policy:

  • Premium: The amount you pay every month/year to maintain the policy
  • Deductible: The amount you pay toward a claim before your coverage kicks in
  • Coverage limits: The maximum amount the policy will pay out toward a single claim

Common Exclusions

Non-owner car insurance typically does not cover damage to the vehicle you are driving, especially when you were at fault in the accident. It also may not cover:

  • Personal belongings
  • Business use
  • Intentional damages

Get a Free Non-Owner Insurance Quote in Illinois Today

Illinois is filled with tourist attractions, from Chicagoland to the beaches of Lake Michigan and natural attractions like Starved Rock State Park. Whether you’re traveling to Illinois for work or pleasure, or you simply don’t own a car as a resident, non-owner car insurance may suit your needs.

Insurance Navy offers the lowest insurance rates and best service in Illinois. We have over 25 Illinois locations, and our licensed insurance agents would be happy to set you up with this type of policy.

Contact us today by call, text, or online form to request a free quote for non-owner car insurance in Illinois. One of our industry professionals will reach out to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is non-owner insurance in Illinois?

Non-owner insurance in Illinois costs an average of $279 per year or just $23 per month. This is lower than the national average of $325 per year and significantly lower than the cost of traditional car insurance.

Can you get car insurance on a car you don’t own in Illinois?

You can get car insurance on a car you don’t own in Illinois. This is the primary purpose of non-owner car insurance in Illinois.

Can you legally drive a car you don’t own?

You can legally drive a car you don’t own, but if you cause an accident, it will go on the owner’s insurance. Non-owner car insurance in Illinois would offer protection in this scenario.