Your Guide to Non-Owner Car Insurance in Illinois

If you don’t own a car but still need to drive occasionally, non-owner car insurance can provide affordable coverage. Non-owner policies are ideal for situations like borrowing a friend’s car, renting vehicles, or reinstating a suspended license.

Non-owner insurance is required in some cases in Illinois. Understanding the state’s regulations and top providers can help you find the right non-owner policy.

In this complete guide to non-owner car insurance in Illinois, we’ll cover:

• What is non-owner car insurance?
• When is non-owner insurance required in Illinois?
• What does non-owner insurance cover?
• How much is non-owner car insurance in Illinois?
• Can SR-22 be purchased without owning a car?
• Finding the best non-owner insurance providers
• Non-owner policy exclusions to know
• Alternatives like short-term insurance

Let’s start by looking at what non-owner car insurance entails.

What is Non-Owner Car Insurance?

Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage to drivers when operating a vehicle they don’t own. It can insure:

• Borrowed cars
• Rental cars
• Company cars
• Other non-owned vehicles

Unlike regular car insurance, non-owner policies only provide liability protection. They do not cover damage to the non-owned car itself.

Non-owner policies are priced based on your personal details, like age, driving record, and location. The type of car driven is not a factor.

This flexibility makes non-owner insurance affordable for those who only need to drive occasionally. But state laws dictate when it’s required.

When is Non-Owner Insurance Required in Illinois?

Illinois has several situations where non-owner car insurance is mandated:

Reinstating a Suspended License

If your license is suspended, the state may require a non-owner SR-22 policy to have your driving privileges reinstated. SR-22 provides proof of insurance to the DMV.

Driving Without a Car

Illinois drivers without their own vehicle must carry non-owner insurance when operating non-owned cars. This includes borrowing a friend’s vehicle.

DUI Convictions

A DUI conviction in Illinois results in mandatory non-owner SR-22 coverage for 3 years to keep your license.

At-Fault Accidents

Being deemed at-fault in an accident while driving another person’s car may lead the state to require non-owner insurance for a set time period.

Check with the Illinois DMV to see if a non-owner policy is necessary in your situation. The consequences of driving without insurance can be severe.

What Does Non-Owner Car Insurance Cover in Illinois?

Non-owner insurance only includes liability coverage for damage you cause to others. This includes:

• Bodily injury liability: Covers injuries to other parties in an at-fault accident.

• Property damage liability: Covers damage to another vehicle or property in an at-fault accident.

Liability example: You borrow a friend’s car and cause an accident that injures the other driver and totals their vehicle. Your non-owner insurance pays for their medical bills and car repairs.

Non-owner policies do not cover:

• Damage to the non-owned car itself
• Your medical bills
• Your injuries
• Comprehensive and collision damage

Coverage gaps example: You rent a car on vacation and accidentally back into a pole, damaging the rear bumper. Your rental car damage and the cost to repair the pole would not be covered by a non-owner policy.

That’s why it’s critical to research rental car insurance options and coverages before driving a rental. In some cases, your own car insurance policy may cover rental cars and fill this non-owner gap.

How Much is Non-Owner Car Insurance in Illinois?

Non-owner car insurance costs much less than regular car insurance since it only includes basic liability protection. Average costs run:

• Minimum coverage: $150 to $300 per year

• State minimum coverage: $300 to $500 per year

• SR-22 coverage: $500 to $1,000 per year

Factors that increase your non-owner insurance premium include:

• Poor driving record and accidents
• Very young or very old age
• High-risk hobbies
• Location in urban areas

Purchasing only the state-required minimum liability limits keeps costs low. But it’s risky to rely solely on minimum coverage.

Can I Get Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance Without a Car in Illinois?

Yes, SR-22 requirements can be met through a non-owner policy in Illinois.

A non-owner SR-22 policy provides the state with proof of liability insurance when your license was suspended. It costs more than a standard non-owner policy.

The SR-22 form is submitted by your insurer directly to the Illinois DMV. There’s no special application – just purchasing a non-owner policy that meets state minimum requirements.

Maintaining continuous non-owner SR-22 coverage is mandatory during the reinstatement period, typically 3 years. Gaps in coverage can lead to another license suspension.

Where to Find the Best Non-Owner Insurance Providers

Most major insurers like Geico, Allstate, and State Farm offer non-owner policies. Direct insurance providers allow quick online quote comparisons.

Independent agents are another option to shop multiple carriers. Local agents provide personalized service and advice finding affordable coverage.

Here are some top non-owner car insurance picks in Illinois:

• Geico: Discount eligibility and mobile app claims
• Allstate: Local agent support and accident forgiveness
• State Farm: Bundling options and student discounts
• Progressive: Usage-based SmartDrive program
• American Access Casualty: Specializes in SR-22 and high-risk drivers

Get quotes from a few leading insurers before deciding. Also compare costs to regular car insurance if you expect to drive frequently.

Key Exclusions and Limitations on Non-Owner Policies

While non-owner insurance meets state requirements, be aware of key gaps in protection:

• No coverage for damage to the non-owned car
• Minimal liability limits unless increased
• No medical payments or personal injury protection
• Typically no rental reimbursement or roadside assistance
• No uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage
• Exclusions if driving for a fee like food delivery

Consider additional coverages like rental car insurance when driving a non-owned vehicle. Understand all exclusions before relying solely on a non-owner policy.

Alternatives Like Short-Term Insurance

Beyond a non-owner policy, short-term insurance is another option for temporary needs.

Short-term plans last between 1 day and 6 months. They can insure:

• Recently purchased vehicles until permanent insurance starts
• Students home from college for summer break
• Contractors using company vehicles
• Other short-term coverage needs

Short-term insurance is not the same as non-owner insurance. But both provide affordable insurance options for Illinois drivers without their own cars.

Get the Right Non-Owner Insurance for Your Situation

Driving without insurance in Illinois can lead to car impoundment, fines, and license suspension. For those who occasionally need to operate a non-owned car, non-owner insurance allows you to drive legally at the lowest cost.

Review state requirements to determine if a non-owner policy is mandatory. Compare quotes from leading insurers to find competitive pricing. Understand limitations and consider extras like rental car coverage for maximum protection.

With the right non-owner insurance policy, you can focus on the road ahead rather than worrying about accidents and license issues down the line. Drive safely!