Question 1

What does non-owner car insurance cover in California?

Accepted Answer

A California non-owner policy covers bodily injury and property damage liability—at least the state's 30/60/15 minimum—and typically includes uninsured motorist coverage. It does not cover collision, comprehensive, or any physical damage to the car you are driving, because you own no vehicle to insure. The policy sits secondary to any coverage on the car itself.

Question 2

Can I get an SR-22 without owning a car in California?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A non-owner SR-22 satisfies the California DMV's filing requirement without owning a vehicle. Five carriers write non-owner SR-22 policies in California: Dairyland, Geico, Progressive, State Farm, and The General. The DMV requires the filing for 3 years after a DUI or negligent operator suspension.

Question 3

Which carriers write non-owner insurance in California?

Accepted Answer

Five carriers write non-owner policies in California: Dairyland, Geico, Progressive, State Farm, and The General. All five also file SR-22 certificates on non-owner policies, so if the DMV requires a filing you have the same five options.

Question 4

How long does California require SR-22 filing on a non-owner policy?

Accepted Answer

California requires SR-22 filing for 3 years from the reinstatement date for most DUI and negligent operator suspensions. Any lapse in coverage during the 3-year period triggers immediate re-suspension, and the filing clock restarts from zero.

Question 5

Does a non-owner policy satisfy California's restricted license insurance requirement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. To obtain a California restricted license after a DUI suspension, you must file an SR-22 and maintain it throughout the restricted period. A non-owner SR-22 meets this requirement if you own no vehicle. The DMV application fee for a restricted license is $125, and under AB 91 first-offense DUI drivers can install an ignition interlock device and file an SR-22 immediately to bypass the 30-day hard suspension.

Question 6

What is California's minimum liability coverage for a non-owner policy?

Accepted Answer

$30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage—the 30/60/15 minimum under California Vehicle Code §16056. A non-owner policy must carry at least this floor, and you can select higher limits for more protection.

Question 7

Will a non-owner policy cover a rental car in California?

Accepted Answer

A non-owner policy provides liability coverage while driving a rental car, but it does not cover physical damage to the rental itself—you own no vehicle, so the policy carries no collision or comprehensive. Most rental companies offer a collision damage waiver to cover the car; your non-owner policy covers liability for injuries or property damage you cause to others.

Coverage	Minimum
Bodily Injury (per person)	$30,000
Bodily Injury (per accident)	$60,000
Property Damage	$15,000

Non-Owner Car Insurance — California

California Minimum Coverage

Get non-owner SR-22 coverage without owning a vehicle

Coverage Types

Non-Owner Liability Insurance

Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

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