Can You Get Car Insurance Without a Car in Georgia?
Yes, you can get car insurance even if you don’t own a vehicle in Georgia. This special type of coverage is called non-owner car insurance, and it helps drivers meet Georgia’s liability requirements while staying protected on the road. Non-owner policies provide essential protection for people who frequently rent or borrow cars, or who need to file an SR-22 to reinstate their driver’s license.
At Woodstock Car Insurance, we help Georgia drivers compare non-owner quotes from multiple insurance carriers so they can find affordable coverage that meets their needs. Whether you drive occasionally or just want to avoid a lapse in insurance, non-owner car insurance can be an excellent way to stay compliant and covered.
What Is Non-Owner Car Insurance in Georgia?
Non-owner car insurance is a liability-only policy designed for licensed Georgia drivers who don’t personally own a car. Rather than being attached to a specific vehicle, this policy follows you as a driver. It covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving a car you don’t own — such as a rental or borrowed vehicle.
In Georgia, non-owner insurance must meet the state’s minimum liability limits of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (often referred to as 25/50/25). These limits satisfy the state’s financial responsibility laws and help you stay legally insured when behind the wheel of someone else’s car.
How Does Non-Owner Car Insurance Work in Georgia?
A non-owner policy is driver-based, meaning it protects you, not the vehicle. This is different from a traditional policy that’s tied to a specific car by its VIN.
For example, imagine a driver borrows a friend’s car to run errands. While driving, they accidentally rear-end another vehicle at a stoplight. In this case, their non-owner insurance would pay for the other driver’s damages or injuries, up to the policy limits. However, it wouldn’t cover damage to the friend’s car — that would fall under the friend’s own policy.
This type of coverage provides peace of mind to Georgia residents who don’t own a car but still find themselves driving occasionally.
Who Should Get Non-Owner Car Insurance in Georgia?
Drivers Between Cars
If you recently sold your car or are waiting to buy another, non-owner insurance can help you avoid a lapse in coverage. Maintaining continuous insurance history prevents rate increases later and can make it easier to secure affordable premiums once you own a vehicle again.
Frequent Car Renters or Car-Sharing Users
Drivers who rent vehicles through services like Enterprise, Hertz, Zipcar, or Turo can benefit from a non-owner policy. It can be more affordable than purchasing daily rental coverage and ensures you’re still protected for liability, regardless of the rental company’s optional add-ons.
People Who Borrow Vehicles Regularly
If you often borrow a friend’s or family member’s car, a non-owner policy acts as secondary coverage — stepping in when damages exceed the car owner’s limits or in cases where the driver is not listed on the primary policy.
Drivers Requiring SR-22 or SR-22A Filings
Georgia allows SR-22 filings with non-owner policies. These certificates prove that you carry the state-required liability coverage and are often required after a DUI, license suspension, or lapse in insurance.
Occasional or Infrequent Drivers
Even if you only drive occasionally, a non-owner policy ensures that you remain financially responsible and legally protected anytime you get behind the wheel.
Who Should Get Non-Owner Car Insurance in Georgia?
Non-owner car insurance is not for everyone. You likely don’t need it if:
You own or lease a car.
You regularly drive a household member’s insured vehicle.
You don’t drive at all.
Insurers typically won’t issue non-owner policies to people who have regular access to household vehicles, since those vehicles must be listed on a standard auto policy.
What Does Georgia Non-Owner Insurance Cover (and Not Cover)?
Liability Coverage for Bodily Injury and Property Damage
All Georgia non-owner policies must include at least 25/50/25 liability coverage. This pays for injuries or property damage you cause to others while driving a car you don’t own.
Optional Add-Ons: Medical Payments and Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Drivers can also add Medical Payments (MedPay) and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. These options help pay for your own medical expenses or protect you if you’re hit by an uninsured driver.
What Non-Owner Insurance Does Not Cover
Non-owner insurance does not include:
Collision or comprehensive coverage for the vehicle you drive
Personal belongings inside the vehicle
Any household vehicle regularly available to you
For instance, if you borrow your roommate’s car and it’s damaged in an accident, your non-owner policy will not pay for repairs — it will only cover the other party’s losses.
How to Get Non-Owner Car Insurance in Georgia
Step 1 – Identify Insurers Offering Non-Owner Policies
Step 2 – Gather Documentation: You’ll need:
A valid Georgia driver’s license
Basic personal details (date of birth, address)
Driving history
Payment information
SR-22 or SR-22A request, if required
Step 3 – Choose Coverage Limits and Add-Ons: While Georgia’s minimum 25/50/25 coverage meets the law, higher limits (such as 50/100/50) provide better protection in serious accidents.
Step 4 – Apply and Obtain Proof of Insurance: You can buy a non-owner policy through a local independent agent like Woodstock Car Insurance. Our team compares multiple carriers and can also handle your SR-22 filing electronically if needed.
Step 5 – Keep Proof of Coverage in Your Wallet or Phone: Since Georgia’s GEICS database tracks insurance by vehicle VIN, your non-owner policy may not appear automatically. Always carry a printed or digital copy of your insurance ID card to avoid complications during a traffic stop.
Average Cost of Non-Owner Car Insurance in Georgia
Most non-owner policies in Georgia cost between $34 and $40 per month (or about $400–$480 per year) for drivers with clean records.
Factors That Affect Non-Owner Insurance Rates
Rates depend on your:
Age and gender
Location (Atlanta vs. Athens, for example)
Driving history or SR-22 requirements
Credit score
Coverage selections and limits
SR-22 Non-Owner Costs
If you need an SR-22 filing, expect monthly premiums around $60 and be prepared to pay your policy in full for the term.
Georgia Laws and Special Considerations for Non-Owner Insurance
State Minimum Liability Requirements
Every driver in Georgia — including non-owners — must maintain at least 25/50/25 liability coverage to meet legal requirements.
At-Fault System and Lack of PIP Requirement
Georgia is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who causes an accident must pay for resulting damages. The state does not require PIP (personal injury protection) coverage.
SR-22 and SR-22A Filings
If your license has been suspended or revoked, a non-owner policy can be paired with an SR-22 or SR-22A filing through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) to help you reinstate your driving privileges.
Georgia Electronic Insurance System (GEICS)
Since GEICS tracks policies by VIN, your non-owner coverage will not appear automatically. Always carry proof of insurance when driving.
Avoiding One-Day Insurance Scams
Georgia does not allow one-day or 24-hour car insurance. Only legitimate 6- or 12-month non-owner policies meet state requirements. Be wary of online “instant” coverage offers that sound too good to be true.
Final Thoughts — Driving in Georgia Without Owning a Car
If you live in Georgia and occasionally drive a borrowed or rented vehicle, you can absolutely get car insurance without owning a car. A non-owner policy helps you maintain liability protection, meet legal requirements, and avoid costly coverage gaps.
At Woodstock Car Insurance, we specialize in helping Georgia residents find affordable non-owner policies that fit their needs. Call us today at 678-761-5807 or request your Georgia non-owner car insurance quote online to stay protected wherever you drive.
How Woodstock Car Insurance Can Help You Get Covered
Woodstock Car Insurance is a local independent insurance agency that partners with multiple carriers to help Georgia drivers find the best non-owner car insurance rates. Whether you need an SR-22 filing, or coverage between vehicles, our experienced team can help.
Get a Non-Owner Car Insurance Quote Today — contact Woodstock Car Insurance to compare quotes and get back on the road with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. You only need a valid Georgia driver’s license to qualify.
Yes, it provides liability protection when driving rentals, though not for damage to the rental vehicle itself.
No, non-owner policies include liability coverage only.
Yes. Woodstock Car Insurance can file an SR-22 or SR-22A on your behalf.
Generally, yes — it’s often 40–60% less expensive since it excludes vehicle coverage.
No. If you have regular access to a household vehicle, you should be listed on that car’s policy instead.
