Can I Get SR-22 Insurance Without a Car?

What Is Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance?

Non-owner SR-22 insurance is a liability-only policy with an SR-22 filing for drivers who don't own a vehicle.

What it covers:

• Bodily injury liability: Medical costs for others if you cause an accident
• Property damage liability: Damage to others' property if you're at fault
• Legal defense costs: If you're sued after an accident

What it does NOT cover:

• Damage to the vehicle you're driving (that's covered by the owner's policy or rental insurance)
• Your own injuries or medical expenses (unless you add optional medical payments coverage)
• Comprehensive or collision coverage (since you don't own a vehicle)

How it works:

• You pay a monthly or annual premium
• Your insurance company files the SR-22 certificate with your state
• You receive proof of insurance (ID card)
• You're covered when driving vehicles you don't own (borrowed, rented, or company cars)
• Your SR-22 requirement is satisfied

Key point: Non-owner SR-22 provides secondary coverage. The vehicle owner's insurance is primary. Your non-owner policy only pays if the owner's coverage is insufficient or unavailable.

Who Needs Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance?

You need non-owner SR-22 if:

1. You're required to file SR-22 but don't own a vehicle

• Lost your car due to repossession, sale, or accident
• Use public transit, biking, or walking as primary transportation
• Live in an urban area without a car

2. You drive occasionally but don't own a car

• Borrow family or friends' vehicles
• Rent cars occasionally
• Drive employer-owned vehicles

3. You need to reinstate your license

• License suspended after DUI, reckless driving, or lapsed insurance
• State requires SR-22 to reinstate, but you no longer own a vehicle

4. You want to maintain continuous insurance coverage

• Prevents insurance gaps (gaps raise future rates)
• Keeps your insurance history active
• Easier to get standard insurance later

5. You plan to buy a car soon

• Non-owner SR-22 keeps your license valid until you're ready to purchase
• You can upgrade to standard SR-22 when you buy a vehicle

Real-world scenarios:

• John got a DUI and sold his car. He takes the bus to work but occasionally borrows his girlfriend's car. He needs non-owner SR-22 to keep his license valid.
• Maria had her license suspended for driving without insurance. She doesn't own a car but needs SR-22 to reinstate. She gets non-owner SR-22 for $450/year while she saves to buy a vehicle.
• David lives in NYC and doesn't own a car. After a reckless driving ticket, he needs SR-22. Non-owner SR-22 for $600/year satisfies the requirement while he uses rideshare and subway.

How Much Does Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance Cost?

Non-owner SR-22 insurance costs $300–$800 per year on average—50–70% less than standard SR-22 insurance.

Cost breakdown:

• SR-22 filing fee: $15–$50 (one-time or annual)
• Liability-only premium: $300–$800/year
• Total first year: $315–$850

Why it's cheaper than standard SR-22:

• No comprehensive or collision coverage
• Lower risk (no specific vehicle to insure)
• Liability-only coverage reduces insurer's exposure
• You're not driving daily

Cost factors:

• Your violation: DUI = higher rates, lapsed coverage = lower rates
• Your state: High-cost states (NY, MI, FL) = $600–$1,000/year; Low-cost states (NC, OH, IA) = $300–$600/year
• Your age: Under 25 = higher rates; Over 25 = lower rates
• Your driving history: Multiple violations = higher rates
• Coverage limits: Minimum liability = cheapest; Higher limits = more expensive

Comparison:

• Standard SR-22 insurance (with vehicle): $1,800–$5,000/year
• Non-owner SR-22 insurance: $300–$800/year
• Savings: $1,000–$4,200/year

Learn more: How much does SR-22 insurance cost?

Where to Buy Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance

Not all insurance companies offer non-owner SR-22. Shop with these insurers:

Major carriers that offer non-owner SR-22:

• Progressive: Available in most states, competitive rates
• The General: Specializes in high-risk drivers, including non-owner SR-22
• GEICO: Offers non-owner SR-22 in select states
• Direct Auto: High-risk specialist with non-owner options
• Acceptance Insurance: Focuses on high-risk and SR-22 drivers
• Safe Auto: Non-owner SR-22 available
• Dairyland: Non-owner SR-22 policies

Carriers that typically do NOT offer non-owner SR-22:

• State Farm (limited availability)
• Allstate (limited availability)
• Farmers (limited availability)

How to find non-owner SR-22 insurance:

1. Call multiple insurers

• Ask: "Do you offer non-owner SR-22 insurance in [your state]?"
• Get quotes from at least 3–5 companies

2. Use comparison tools

• Some online quote tools filter for non-owner SR-22
• Specify "I don't own a vehicle" when getting quotes

3. Contact an independent insurance agent

• Independent agents represent multiple carriers
• They can find non-owner SR-22 options quickly

4. Focus on high-risk specialists

• Companies like The General, Direct Auto, and Acceptance Insurance specialize in SR-22 and are more likely to offer non-owner policies

What to ask when calling:

• "Do you offer non-owner SR-22 insurance in [state]?"
• "What are the minimum coverage limits for non-owner SR-22?"
• "What is the SR-22 filing fee?"
• "Can I pay monthly or do I need to pay the full year upfront?"
• "How quickly can you file the SR-22 with the state?"

Step-by-step process:

Step 1: Determine your state's minimum liability requirements

• Check your state DMV website for minimum coverage limits
• Example: California requires 15/30/5 ($15k bodily injury per person, $30k per accident, $5k property damage)

Step 2: Contact insurers that offer non-owner SR-22

• Call or get online quotes from Progressive, The General, GEICO, etc.
• Specify you need non-owner SR-22 insurance

Step 3: Provide necessary information

• Driver's license number
• Social Security number (for credit check in some states)
• Driving history (violations, accidents)
• Court order or DMV notice showing SR-22 requirement

Step 4: Choose coverage limits

• Minimum liability: Cheapest option, meets legal requirement
• Higher limits: More protection, costs $50–$200 more per year

Step 5: Pay premium and filing fee

• First month or full year premium
• SR-22 filing fee ($15–$50)

Step 6: Insurer files SR-22 with the state

• Usually processed within 1–3 business days
• You receive confirmation and proof of insurance

Step 7: Monitor your policy

• Never let it lapse—set up automatic payments
• Keep proof of insurance with you

Timeline:

• Getting quotes: 1–2 days
• Purchasing policy: 10–30 minutes
• SR-22 filing: 1–3 business days
• License reinstatement: Varies by state (can be immediate after SR-22 is filed, or may require additional steps)

Non-Owner SR-22 vs. Standard SR-22: Key Differences

Comparison:

| Feature | Non-Owner SR-22 | Standard SR-22 | |---------|-----------------|----------------| | Cost | $300–$800/year | $1,800–$5,000/year | | Vehicle required | No | Yes | | Coverage type | Liability only | Liability, collision, comprehensive | | Who it covers | You when driving any car | Specific vehicle(s) you own | | Best for | Non-vehicle owners | Vehicle owners | | Can drive borrowed cars | Yes (with owner's permission) | Yes | | Covers rental cars | Yes (liability only) | Yes (full coverage if on policy) | | Covers vehicle damage | No | Yes (if full coverage) |

Important limitation: Non-owner SR-22 does NOT cover vehicles you own, regularly use, or have access to (like a household vehicle). If you buy a car or move into a household with vehicles, you must upgrade to standard SR-22 insurance.

Can You Switch from Non-Owner SR-22 to Standard SR-22?

Yes. You can switch anytime, and it's required if you buy a vehicle.

When to switch:

• You purchase a vehicle
• You move into a household with vehicles you might drive
• You need comprehensive/collision coverage

How to switch:

1. Contact your insurance company

• Notify them you're purchasing a vehicle
• Provide VIN, year, make, model

2. Add the vehicle to your policy

• Your non-owner policy converts to standard policy
• SR-22 filing transfers automatically (no new fee)

3. Update coverage

• Add collision/comprehensive if desired
• Adjust liability limits if needed

4. Pay additional premium

• Standard SR-22 costs $1,000–$4,000 more per year than non-owner SR-22

Important: Do not cancel your non-owner SR-22 policy before the new standard policy is active. Any gap in SR-22 coverage results in license suspension and resets the SR-22 clock.

Common Questions About Non-Owner SR-22

Does non-owner SR-22 cover rental cars?

Yes, it provides liability coverage when you rent a car. However, it does not cover damage to the rental vehicle itself—you'll need to purchase the rental company's collision damage waiver (CDW) or use a credit card that offers rental car coverage.

Can I use non-owner SR-22 if I live with someone who owns a car?

It depends. If you're listed as a driver on the household vehicle's policy, you may not qualify for non-owner SR-22. If you're explicitly excluded from the household policy (meaning you're not allowed to drive it), non-owner SR-22 may be acceptable. Check with your insurer and state DMV.

Will non-owner SR-22 cover me if I borrow a friend's car?

Yes, as long as you have the owner's permission. Non-owner SR-22 provides secondary liability coverage. The owner's insurance is primary, and your policy covers any gaps.

What happens if I drive without non-owner SR-22?

If your SR-22 requirement is active and you let your non-owner policy lapse, your license is immediately suspended. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in most states, carrying fines of $500–$2,000+ and potential jail time.

How long do I need non-owner SR-22?

Typically 3 years (varies by state and violation). The duration is the same as standard SR-22. Learn more: How long does SR-22 stay on your record?

Frequently Asked Questions