Non-Owner Car Insurance in Wisconsin

Drivers who regularly borrow or rent cars but don't own one need non-owner car insurance to stay legal in Wisconsin. This liability coverage pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident. It won't cover damage to the vehicle you're driving, whether it's borrowed or rented.

Wisconsin requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of 25/50/10: $25,000 for injuries to one person, $50,000 for total injuries per accident and $10,000 for property damage. A non-owner policy meets these state requirements without needing a car registered in your name.

The coverage works differently depending on your situation. When you borrow someone's car, their insurance pays first if you cause an accident, and your non-owner policy covers damages that exceed their limits. With rental cars, your non-owner insurance becomes primary coverage and pays from the first dollar of any claim you're responsible for.

Wisconsin recognizes non-owner car insurance as legitimate liability coverage that meets the state's financial responsibility requirements. This type of policy works well for drivers who need to maintain continuous coverage without owning a vehicle, and it can fulfill SR-22 filing requirements if you've had license issues. Wisconsin fully allows these policies, though you'll find that not every insurance company offers them.

You'll need to contact insurers directly or work with an insurance agent to get non-owner coverage since most companies don't provide online quotes for this specialized policy type. MoneyGeek found average rates and phone numbers for insurers who offer a policy in Wisconsin to help streamline your search process.

Wisconsin drivers who regularly use vehicles they don't own benefit most from non-owner insurance. Whether you're borrowing family cars, renting frequently, or working toward license reinstatement, this coverage fills gaps that standard policies can't address.

• Frequent vehicle borrowing: Your policy acts as backup protection when driving someone else's car. The owner's insurance handles claims first, but your non-owner coverage picks up excess damages, preventing their rates from increasing after accidents you cause.
• Regular car rentals: Rental companies charge $15 to $30 daily for liability coverage. At $30 per day, a three-day rental costs $90 in insurance fees alone. Your non-owner policy becomes primary coverage for rentals, eliminating these per-trip charges.
• Maintaining continuous coverage: Insurance gaps can increase future premiums. If you're between vehicles but planning to buy later, non-owner coverage preserves your insurance history and keeps future rates lower.
• License reinstatement: Wisconsin requires proof of financial responsibility for license reinstatement after suspension. Non-owner policies satisfy this requirement without forcing you to purchase a vehicle you might not need.

Consider your alternatives before buying non-owner coverage. Standard auto insurance makes more sense if you own a vehicle. Usage-based insurance works better for truly occasional drivers. Skip non-owner insurance if you:

• Own your vehicle
• Borrow cars only a few times yearly
• Live with vehicle owners
• Need coverage for one upcoming trip

Non-owner car insurance rates in Wisconsin range from $28 to $42 monthly, creating a $14 savings opportunity for smart shoppers. GEICO offers the cheapest non-owner car insurance at $28 per month, while Auto-Owners charges $42 for the same coverage. MoneyGeek compared rates from five insurers willing to write these policies. Most companies require phone calls rather than online quotes for this specialized coverage type.

The rates above represent non-owner coverage meeting Wisconsin's 25/50/10 minimum requirements, covering injuries and property damage you cause to others. Since it excludes comprehensive and collision coverage for the vehicle you're driving, non-owner insurance ranks among the more affordable types of car insurance.

Wisconsin's average non-owner car insurance costs $632 annually or $53 monthly, which is $30 lower than the national average of $83 per month.

Several key factors determine what you'll pay for non-owner car insurance in Wisconsin. Your driving history, age, coverage choices and selected insurer all impact your final premium.

• Driving history: Past violations increase your rates. Drivers with a DUI pay around $48 monthly, while maintaining a clean record keeps premiums much lower.
• Driver age and experience: Young drivers pay higher costs at $33 per month compared to $49 for adult drivers. Less driving experience translates to higher premiums across all insurance types, including non-owner policies.
• Coverage limits: Choosing higher coverage limits increases your premium but provides more financial security.
• Choice of insurer: Provider selection creates substantial price differences. GEICO offers coverage for $28 monthly while Auto-Owners charges $42 for identical protection; that's a $14 difference worth shopping around for.

Here are answers to common questions about non-owner insurance costs and providers:

We compiled Wisconsin non-owner car insurance data by gathering information from the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services. Our analysis examined quotes from multiple providers to determine the most affordable options available in the state.

Coverage Levels

Our comparison used minimum coverage policies from companies in Wisconsin. Wisconsin requires minimum coverage of:

• $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
• $10,000 in property damage liability per accident
• $25,000/$50,000 Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM)

Sample Driver Profile

To find the best and most affordable companies for non-owner car insurance in Wisconsin, we used a sample driver profile with these characteristics:

• 40-year-old male
• Clean driving record

For comprehensive details, see MoneyGeek's car insurance methodology.