Can I Insure a Car That Isn’t in My Name in Illinois?

If you live in Illinois, you may find yourself wondering, can I insure a car that’s not in my name? This thought process may occur if someone purchases a car for you but you want to insure the vehicle yourself. If you want to make sure the vehicle is covered, you may want to understand how to insure a vehicle that you don’t own.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the legal rules for insuring a vehicle you don’t own, your car insurance coverage options, and how Illinois Vehicle Insurance Agency, LLC (Illinois Vehicle) can help you through your insurance journey.

Can you insure a car not titled in your name?

In certain cases, you may be able to insure a vehicle that isn’t registered or titled in your name. A possible example may be if your family member or someone in your household buys a vehicle for you. You may be able to still get insurance for that vehicle, but the person who registered the vehicle in their name would also have to be on the policy.

You may also be able to insure a vehicle that’s registered to an excluded driver that lives in your household. Contact Illinois Vehicle and we can help you discuss insurance options that may be available to you!

Common situations for this may occur

Here are a few real-life examples where drivers may face trying to insure a vehicle that’s not in their name:

Family vehicles: If your grandparent buys you a vehicle, you may want to insure the car yourself.
Work vehicles: If you regularly drive a company car but need extra coverage beyond what your employer provides, you may try to purchase insurance though you don’t own the vehicle.
Household vehicles: If you live with a friend who purchases a vehicle for you, or you regularly borrow a housemate’s vehicle, you may also want your own insurance policy.

Tips for getting coverage when the car isn’t in your name

So, can you insure a car that’s not titled in your name? As stated above, you may be able to do so in specific situations. Here are some steps you may want to follow if you’re trying to insure a vehicle that’s registered in someone else’s name:

Be honest with your agent: Talk to an agent about your situation so that they can understand why you’re buying a policy for a vehicle you don’t own.
Gather documents: For finding coverage, your insurer will typically need documents that may include your driver's license (or foreign ID), address, and vehicle details.
Work with a flexible agency: Illinois Vehicle specializes in assisting drivers with unique needs. Whether you’re in the market for a non-owner car insurance policy or commercial auto insurance for your business, we work with over 20 insurers to help you find coverage that fits your requirements.

Illinois-specific rules to know

If you’re buying auto insurance in Illinois, here are some important details about driving in the state that you may want to know about:

Minimum liability coverage: Illinois law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. The limits are $25,000 for injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage per accident.
Uninsured motorist coverage: In Illinois, you’re also required to have uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage on your policy, which can help specifically pay for medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident with an at-fault uninsured driver.
Penalties: Driving an uninsured vehicle may lead to fines or license suspension. Especially if you’re a multiple offender, the penalties could escalate quickly, which may lead to your vehicle impoundment.

So even if your situation is complicated, Illinois Vehicle can help you locate a policy that works for your budget and situation.

SR-22 insurance in Illinois

What if you’re in a situation where you need to file for an SR-22 but you don’t own the vehicle you want to drive? This may occur if you’re ordered by a court to get an SR-22 after you’ve committed certain moving violations, or you were caught driving without insurance.

If you’re ordered by a court to file for this certificate of financial responsibility but don’t own a car, you can still file for a non-owner SR-22. To compare non-owner car insurance rates, you can contact Illinois Vehicle to help you locate a policy that aligns with your situation. Our agents can help you file for a non-owner SR-22 and receive same-day ID cards, once payment is issued.

How Illinois Vehicle can help

At Illinois Vehicle, we understand that residents may have unique circumstances or requirements. That’s why we can offer:

Spanish-bilingual agents: Our team can walk you through the insurance process without a language barrier.
Premium discounts: Our carriers have a variety of discounts you may be eligible for.
Experience with special cases: We can help find coverage that meets your needs whether you have a foreign license, an SR-22, or a limited driving history.
Access to a network of insurance carriers: We work with reputable carriers to help you compare rates for the best price for you.

Whether you’re dealing with shared ownership or attempting to insure a vehicle that your parent purchased for you, Illinois Vehicle can help you explore your insurance options, even when the car isn’t registered in your name.

Looking to buy a policy or update your coverage? Contact us today at 1-630-581-4805, visit one of our Chicagoland locations, or head to our website for a free personalized quote!

Disclaimer:
This material is for general informational purposes only. Products, services, and discounts referenced herein are not available in all states or in all companies. All statements are subject to the terms, exclusions, and conditions of the applicable policy. In all instances, current policy contract language prevails. Coverage is subject to individual policyholders meeting the insurer's underwriting qualifications and state availability. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply.