What Is Non-Owner Auto Insurance?
Non-owner auto insurance, also called named non-owner coverage, provides liability protection when you drive a car you don't own. If you don't have a vehicle but still get behind the wheel occasionally — whether borrowing a friend's car, renting vehicles, or using car-sharing services — this policy keeps you covered in Myrtle Beach and throughout South Carolina.
This type of policy is also commonly required if you need to file an SR-22 but don't currently own a car. It's a practical, affordable way to maintain liability coverage and meet state requirements without insuring a vehicle that's in your name.
Why You Might Need Non-Owner Auto Insurance
Non-owner auto insurance isn't for everyone, but it fills an important gap for people who drive regularly without owning a vehicle. If any of the following apply to you, this coverage is worth considering.
- You need to file an SR-22 to reinstate your license after a DUI, driving without insurance, or other serious violation
- You frequently borrow cars from friends or family members
- You rent vehicles often for work or travel
- You use car-sharing services like Zipcar or Turo
- You recently sold your car but want to maintain continuous insurance coverage
- You're between vehicles and plan to buy a car in the near future
Maintaining continuous auto insurance coverage — even when you don't own a car — can help you avoid higher premiums when you do buy a vehicle. Insurance companies often charge more to drivers with gaps in their coverage history.
What Does Non-Owner Auto Insurance Cover?
A non-owner auto insurance policy in South Carolina provides liability coverage when you're driving a vehicle you don't own. Here's what's typically included:
Bodily Injury Liability: Pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and legal costs if you injure someone while driving a borrowed or rented vehicle. If you cause an accident in Conway while driving a friend's car and the other driver is hurt, this coverage helps pay their bills and protects you from a lawsuit.
Property Damage Liability: Covers the cost of damage you cause to someone else's property while driving. If you rear-end another car or hit a fence while driving a rental in Myrtle Beach, this coverage pays for the repairs.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (Optional): Protects you if you're hit by a driver who doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough coverage to pay for your injuries. This is an optional add-on but worth considering given the number of uninsured drivers on the road.
Medical Payments Coverage (Optional): Pays for your own medical expenses if you're injured in an accident, regardless of who's at fault. This can help cover hospital bills, ambulance fees, and other medical costs.
What Non-Owner Auto Insurance Doesn't Cover
Because you don't own a vehicle, non-owner auto insurance doesn't include certain coverages that come with a standard auto policy. Common exclusions include:
- Collision coverage — damage to the car you're driving is not covered
- Comprehensive coverage — theft, vandalism, or weather damage to the vehicle is not covered
- Damage to vehicles you have regular access to, like a car owned by someone in your household
- Vehicles used for business purposes, like delivery driving or rideshare
- Any vehicle registered in your name
Non-owner coverage acts as secondary insurance. If you cause an accident while driving someone else's car, the vehicle owner's insurance pays first. Your non-owner policy kicks in if the damages exceed their limits or if they don't have enough coverage.
Non-Owner Auto Insurance and SR-22 Requirements
If you've had your license suspended in South Carolina due to a DUI, driving without insurance, or accumulating too many violations, you may be required to file an SR-22 before your license can be reinstated. An SR-22 is a certificate proving you carry the minimum required liability coverage.
If you don't own a car but still need to file an SR-22, a non-owner auto insurance policy is the solution. It satisfies the state's proof-of-insurance requirement without requiring you to insure a vehicle. Moore & Associates can help you get a non-owner policy with SR-22 filing so you can get back on the road legally.
Keep in mind that SR-22 requirements typically last three years in South Carolina. If your policy lapses during that time, your insurer is required to notify the DMV, and your license could be suspended again.
Who Should Consider Non-Owner Auto Insurance?
Non-owner auto insurance makes sense for a variety of situations. You may benefit from this coverage if you:
- Live in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, or Surfside Beach and rely on borrowed vehicles
- Use public transportation most of the time but occasionally rent cars
- Recently moved to South Carolina and haven't purchased a vehicle yet
- Need to satisfy SR-22 requirements after a license suspension
- Want to avoid a gap in your insurance history before buying your next car
- Use car-sharing services frequently and want extra liability protection
If you have regular access to a household member's vehicle, non-owner insurance typically won't cover you. In that case, you'd need to be added to their policy instead.
How Much Does Non-Owner Auto Insurance Cost in South Carolina?
Non-owner auto insurance is generally more affordable than a standard auto policy because it doesn't include collision or comprehensive coverage. Your premium depends on factors like your driving record, age, location, and coverage limits.
If you need an SR-22 filing, expect to pay more than someone with a clean record. However, non-owner coverage is still one of the most cost-effective ways to meet SR-22 requirements if you don't own a vehicle.
Moore & Associates shops multiple carriers to find you competitive non-owner auto insurance rates in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas. We'll help you get the liability coverage you need at a price that fits your budget.
Non-Owner Insurance vs. Rental Car Insurance
When you rent a car, the rental company will offer you insurance coverage at the counter. While this can be convenient, it's often expensive and may duplicate coverage you already have. A non-owner auto policy can serve as a more affordable alternative if you rent vehicles frequently.
That said, non-owner insurance only covers liability — not damage to the rental car itself. If you want coverage for damage to the rental vehicle, you may still need to purchase the rental company's collision damage waiver or pay out of pocket for repairs.
Our agents can help you understand how non-owner coverage works with rental cars so you're not paying for protection you don't need.
Why Work With Moore & Associates?
As an independent insurance agency in Myrtle Beach, SC, we work with multiple carriers to find the right non-owner auto insurance policy for your situation. Whether you need basic liability coverage or an SR-22 filing, we can help you get covered quickly and affordably.
Moore & Associates has served South Carolina drivers since 1979. We understand local requirements and know how to navigate SR-22 filings and reinstatement paperwork. When you call, you reach a local agent who knows Myrtle Beach, Conway, Georgetown, Pawleys Island, and Murrells Inlet — not an out-of-state call center.
Get a Non-Owner Auto Insurance Quote in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Our non-owner auto insurance agents serve Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and surrounding areas including North Myrtle Beach, Atlantic Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield, Pawleys Island, and Georgetown. Contact Moore & Associates today for a free quote.
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