Progressive offers California's most affordable non-owner car insurance at just $37 a month, below the state average. The comparison table below provides a broader look at cost-effective options.
Cheapest Non-Owner Car Insurance in California
Updated: January 23, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Best Cheap Non-Owner Car Insurance in California: Key Takeaways
Farmers offers California's cheapest non-owner car insurance for drivers with a driving incident, averaging $62 monthly for SR-22 insurance.
Non-owner car insurance covers you when driving a vehicle you don't own, as long as you meet the state's minimum coverage requirements.
Non-owner insurance is ideal for drivers who often borrow or rent cars, or need to reinstate their license without a traditional policy.
Cheapest Non-Owner Car Insurance in California
| Progressive | $444 | $37 |
| Kemper | $446 | $37 |
| Travelers | $497 | $41 |
| GEICO | $497 | $41 |
| Farmers | $552 | $46 |
| Nationwide | $569 | $47 |
| State Farm | $603 | $50 |
Cheapest Non-Owner SR-22 Car Insurance in California
Farmers offers California's cheapest SR-22 non-owner policies at $62 monthly, lower than the state average. Use the table below to compare other providers for SR-22 insurance.
| Farmers | $748 | $62 |
| Travelers | $797 | $66 |
| State Farm | $806 | $67 |
| Progressive | $881 | $73 |
| Nationwide | $881 | $73 |
| GEICO | $885 | $74 |
| Kemper | $980 | $82 |
How Much Is Non-Owner Car Insurance in California?
In California, non-owner car insurance costs an average of $41 monthly, slightly less than the national average of $43. For SR-22 coverage, drivers pay about $71, while costs vary nationally depending on driving history.
Non-Owner Car Insurance Cost Comparison: National vs. State
National Average Cost
Monthly Premium
$43
California Average Cost
Monthly Premium
$41Non-owner car insurance cost in California is average:$2 saved
This is 5% less expensive.
California Non-Owner Car Insurance Buyer Guide
Our guide explains the basics and who it's for to help drivers decide if a non-owner insurance policy is the best option.
What Is Non-Owner Car Insurance?
If you often drive but don't own a vehicle, non-owner car insurance covers damage you cause in an accident. While less comprehensive than a standard policy, it’s ideal for renters or car-sharing users. Compare it to standard insurance below.
Policy Coverage | Standard Policy | Non-Owner |
|---|---|---|
✅ | ✅ | |
Medical payments | ✅ | ✅ |
Personal injury protection | ✅ | ✅ |
Uninsured/underinsured motorist | ✅ | ✅ |
✅ | ✅ | |
Collision | ✅ | |
Comprehensive | ✅ |
Does California Allow Non-Owner Car Insurance?
California permits non-owner car insurance for those who drive but don't own a car. If you must file an SR-22, you can still purchase this affordable coverage to meet state minimum requirements.
CALIFORNIA MINIMUM INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
California's minimum coverage requirements apply to non-owner car insurance and include:
- $15,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $5,000 in property damage liability per accident
Sometimes, the state minimums might not fully cover your needs. Consider how much coverage you need before purchasing a policy.
Should You Get Non-Owner Car Insurance in California?
California drivers who frequently drive but don’t own a vehicle can opt for non-owner car insurance. It covers injuries or property damage you cause and is ideal for renters or car-sharing users. This affordable option meets state minimum coverage requirements.
AVOID ONE-DAY CAR INSURANCE
Be cautious of "one-day insurance" offers in California, as they aren't legitimate and may signal fraud. For temporary coverage, like during a move or road trip, buying insurance directly from car rental companies is safer.
Who Should Consider Non-Owner Car Insurance?
The following types of drivers should consider a non-owners car insurance policy:
Car borrowers
You may not own a vehicle but drive one belonging to friends or family. Non-owner car insurance covers damage you might cause while driving a borrowed car.
Occasional renters
Occasional renters without cars can benefit from non-owner insurance, an affordable alternative to rental company coverage that provides liability protection for occasional rentals.
Drivers between cars
Drivers without a car but plan to own one again may purchase non-owner insurance to maintain continuous coverage, which can help lower premiums.
License reinstatement-seekers
Those seeking to reinstate their driver's license after a suspension may be required to show proof of insurance. Non-owner car insurance fulfills this requirement without requiring vehicle ownership.
WHAT IS SR-22 INSURANCE?
An SR-22 is a form that insurance companies send to your state's DMV to show you have the required minimum coverage. Often called a Certificate of Financial Responsibility, the SR-22 is necessary for some drivers to keep or regain their driving privileges after incidents like a DUI or driving without insurance.
Cheap Non-Owner Car Insurance in California: Bottom Line
Non-owner car insurance, including for drivers who need an SR-22, is available in California. Progressive is the most affordable option, followed by Kemper and Travelers. To get the best deal, compare quotes from multiple providers.
Non-Owner Car Insurance in California: FAQ
Get answers to frequently asked questions about non-owner car insurance in California below.
Which company offers the cheapest non-owner car insurance in California?
Progressive offers California's cheapest non-owner car insurance at $37 monthly. Farmers provides the most affordable rate for SR-22 insurance at $62.
How much does non-owners car insurance cost in California?
In California, non-owners car insurance typically costs around $491 annually or about $41 monthly. For drivers who require an SR-22, the average cost increases to $853 annually or around $71 monthly.
California Non-Owner Car Insurance Ratings: Our Review Methodology
MoneyGeek compiled California auto insurance rates by collecting relevant data from the California Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services. We examined 240 quotes from five providers to identify the state's best and most affordable car insurance companies.
Coverage Levels
We used minimum coverage policies to compare non-owner car insurance rates from companies in California. California’s required minimum coverage car insurance limits include:
- $15,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $5,000 in property damage liability per accident
Drivers and Cars in California
To find the best and most affordable auto insurance companies for non-owner car insurance in California, we used a sample driver profile with the following characteristics:
- 40-year-old male
- 2012 Toyota Camry LE
- Clean driving record
- Good credit score
- 12,000 miles driven annually
Learn more about MoneyGeek's car insurance methodology.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a 5-time Jeopardy champion!
He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.