Q: Can a non-car-owner buy auto insurance to drive any car (rental or friend’s)? How does one obtain it?
A named non-owners would suit, and in my experience they are relatively inexpensive. That being said, most companies will only knowingly write at least a 6 month policy. No comprehensive or collision is provided either, so truthfully it is of little use as you would still need to get insurance to cover the rental car should you wreck it. A friends car is a different matter, as insurance follows the vehicle. If using the friends car is the exception and not the norm (i.e. your not using it daily for the past month plus), your friends insurance will cover you.
The type of policy you are looking for is called a “Named Operator Only” policy, they can be more expensive to purchase but it will allow you to rent a car, now this type of policy is for liability only, you would still need to get the damage waiver from the rental company if you rented. When you are given permission to drive another person’s car their insurance should cover the vehicle in the event of any liability mishap while you are driving.
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