​What is a non owners SR22 auto insurance policy? If you had your license suspended and are getting close to having your license reinstated, one of the last steps you will probably have to do is buy some type of auto insurance policy with an SR22 filing attached to it.


   But what do you do if you need an SR22 filing but do not own a car? Regular auto insurance policies always insure at least one vehicle, so that option won't work for you. Fortunately there are other types of auto insurance policies that you can get coverage for without owning a vehicle which will satisfy the SR22 filing.


     However it can be frustrating. Because not all auto insurance agents sell these type of nonowner auto insurance policies. It can also be frustrating because the type of coverage you need varies from state to state. So much of the information about this type of coverage seen online can be inaccurate due to state differences.


    This article aims at helping you find out what you need to know, exactly what type of policy to look for, and the best place to look for them.  I will cover the states that I sell these types of policies in; which are Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.


As I said before, policies and requirements vary from state to state. But they're all similar enough that a lot of it is repetitive, so you only need to look up the state below that you live in.

Ohio


Unlike the other states, Ohio gives you more than one option to have liability auto insurance coverage on yourself without owning or insuring a vehicle. The three types of policies are a financial responsibility bond, a named operators policy, or a broad form named driver policy. Here are some similarities and differences between the three types of policies:

• All three policies only cover one person driving: the person listed on the policy (named insured).
• All three policies can have an SR22 filing attached to it to reinstate your license.
• All three policies are secondary policies. This means that if there is an accident, the vehicle owner's regular auto insurance policy pays first. If that doesn't cover all the damages (injury or property damage), then these policies kick in as secondary coverage. This policy will also kick in if the vehicle owner was negligent in carrying auto insurance coverage like they're supposed to.
• None of the three policies offer comprehensive or collision coverage. In other words, if you wreck, none of the policies will pay for damages to the car you're driving. They only cover the other guy's car if you hit them and you're at fault.
• Of the three policies, the financial responsibility bond is usually the cheapest. This is mainly because of two reasons:
  • Financial responsibility bonds only offer state minimum liability coverage and nothing else.
  • Financial responsibility bonds don't use credit as a rating factor like the other two policies do.
• Named operator policies and Broad form named driver policies offer higher liability coverage, medical payments coverage, and uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage.
•  A Named operator policy will not cover you in a vehicle that you own or have registered in your name! Never select this type of policy if you own a vehicle (unless you have a separate active auto insurance policy insuring that vehicle). If you buy a vehicle later on, let your agent know before you drive off with it. A named operator policy can easily be converted or re-written to a regular auto policy once you buy a vehicle. But it's very important that you let them know beforehand.
• Both the financial responsibility bond and a broad form named driver policy will cover you in a vehicle that you own. But it is NOT a good idea to insure yourself with either policy if you own a vehicle, because it is lousy coverage for a vehicle owner. (main reason: if you let someone borrow your car and they get a ticket or wreck, you will be screwed!)

 Click here to get a quote for an Ohio Financial Responsibility bond.


Click here to get a quote for a Broad Form Named Drivers Policy.


Click here to get a quote for a Named Operator Policy




Michigan


  If you need an SR22 but don't own a vehicle, your only option is a Named Operator's Policy. But you'll be happy to know that the cost of a named operator's policy (aka non owners policy) is far less expensive than a regular auto insurance policy that vehicle owners are required to have. Here are the major points regarding a Michigan named operator policy:
A named operator policy does not require medical benefits coverage like regular auto insurance does (regular auto insurance requires 530K in medical benefits coverage.

• A named operator policy only charges a small fraction for Michigan's mandatory MCCA fee ($17 per year vs. $186 per year per vehicle that regular auto insurance charges).
• If you own a vehicle, DO NOT select a named operator policy unless you have an active separate regular auto policy covering the vehicle!
• Named operator policies are secondary policies. This means that if there is an accident, the vehicle owner's regular auto insurance policy pays first. If that doesn't cover all the damages (injury or property damage), then these policies kick in as secondary coverage. This policy will also kick in if the vehicle owner was negligent in carrying auto insurance coverage like they're supposed to.
• Unlike named operator policies in most states, Michigan's policies do not offer medical coverage or uninsured motorist coverage. This is because the vehicle owner is required to carry unlimited lifetime medical benefits coverage on the vehicle. This creates a big risk for you if you borrow someone's car and get injured. So before you borrow a car, make sure the vehicle owner has active coverage on that vehicle.
• A named operator policy does not offer comprehensive or collision coverage. In other words, if you wreck, none of the policies will pay for damages to the car you're driving. They only cover the other guy's car if you hit them and you're at fault.

 Click here to get a quote for a Michigan Named Operators (non owner) policy






Pennsylvania

• PA is one of the few states that do not have SR22 filings.
• PA does offer Named Operator policies for those who don't own vehicles.
• If you live in PA but need an SR22 filing in another state but don't own a vehicle, a named operator (non owner) policy will work for you. However, this will take a little more shopping around for the best rate. That is because many auto insurance companies will not write out of state SR22's. But there are companies that do. It just takes a little longer to find them. I can help you with that.
• If you own a vehicle, DO NOT select a named operator policy unless you have an active separate regular auto policy covering the vehicle!
• A named operator policy does not offer comprehensive or collision coverage. In other words, if you wreck, none of the policies will pay for damages to the car you're driving. They only cover the other guy's car if you hit them and you're at fault.
• Named operator policies are secondary policies. This means that if there is an accident, the vehicle owner's regular auto insurance policy pays first. If that doesn't cover all the damages (injury or property damage), then these policies kick in as secondary coverage. This policy will also kick in if the vehicle owner was negligent in carrying auto insurance coverage like they're supposed to.

 Click here to get a Pennsylvania Named Operator policy Quote.




Indiana

• Indiana offers a Named Operator's policy for those who don't own a vehicle.
• Indiana has two types of state filings: the SR22 and the SR50.
• For non owners, this policy will satisfy both the SR22 and the SR50 filing.
• If you own a vehicle, DO NOT select a named operator policy unless you have an active separate regular auto policy covering the vehicle!
• If you need an SR50, an SR22 will work just fine (but not vice versa). Keep this in mind because most companies only offer the SR22. Demanding that you only have an SR50 filed instead of an SR22 will only eliminate chances of you getting a better rate because your agent will not have as many companies to quote you with. Only if you need an SR22 do you have to file an SR22 (an SR50 won't substitute for someone needing an SR22).
• A named operator policy does not offer comprehensive or collision coverage. In other words, if you wreck, none of the policies will pay for damages to the car you're driving. They only cover the other guy's car if you hit them and you're at fault.
• Named operator policies are secondary policies. This means that if there is an accident, the vehicle owner's regular auto insurance policy pays first. If that doesn't cover all the damages (injury or property damage), then these policies kick in as secondary coverage. This policy will also kick in if the vehicle owner was negligent in carrying auto insurance coverage like they're supposed to.

 Click here to get a quote for an Indiana Named Operators (non owner) policy.




Virginia

• Virginia offers a Named Operator's policy for those who don't own a vehicle.
• Virginia has two types of state filings: the SR22 and the FR44.
• For non owners, this policy will satisfy both the SR22 and the FR44 filing.
• A named operator policy does not offer comprehensive or collision coverage. In other words, if you wreck, none of the policies will pay for damages to the car you're driving. They only cover the other guy's car if you hit them and you're at fault.
• If you own a vehicle, DO NOT select a named operator policy unless you have an active separate regular auto policy covering the vehicle!
• Named operator policies are secondary policies. This means that if there is an accident, the vehicle owner's regular auto insurance policy pays first. If that doesn't cover all the damages (injury or property damage), then these policies kick in as secondary coverage. This policy will also kick in if the vehicle owner was negligent in carrying auto insurance coverage like they're supposed to.
• Drivers who need the FR44 filing are required to carry double the state minimum liability coverage.
• Both uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage are required on all policies just like regular auto insurance policies. This includes both for bodily injury and property damage.

Click here to get a quote for a Virginia Named Operators (non owner) policy.




West Virginia

• West Virginia offers a Named Operator's policy for those who don't own a vehicle.
• West Virginia no longer requires SR22 filings. But this policy will work for those who need to reinstate their license but don't own a vehicle. It will also work for those who need out of state SR22's.
• A named operator policy does not offer comprehensive or collision coverage. In other words, if you wreck, none of the policies will pay for damages to the car you're driving. They only cover the other guy's car if you hit them and you're at fault.
• If you own a vehicle, DO NOT select a named operator policy unless you have an active separate regular auto policy covering the vehicle!
• Named operator policies are secondary policies. This means that if there is an accident, the vehicle owner's regular auto insurance policy pays first. If that doesn't cover all the damages (injury or property damage), then these policies kick in as secondary coverage. This policy will also kick in if the vehicle owner was negligent in carrying auto insurance coverage like they're supposed to.
• Uninsured motorist is required on all policies just like regular auto insurance policies. This includes both for bodily injury and property damage. Under-insured motorist coverage is optional.

Click here to get a quote for a West Virginia Named Operators (non owner) policy.


   Summary: I hope this article cleared up any confusion you had for buying a non owners policy. But if you have any questions, feel free to give me a call or email, and I will be happy to answer your questions. And if you would like for me to run you a quote, fill out one of the appropriate links above. I will do the shopping around for you and find you the company with the lowest rate. And as always, I handle all quotes personally and privately.


Related Blog Articles:

Video: Out of State SR22 Auto Insurance Filings

Understanding named operator (non-owner) auto insurance policies and how to get the best rate

What is SR 50 insurance in Indiana? FAQs

​ If you're a landlord and have had one of your rental properties remain vacant longer than two months, you understand the frustration and aggravation it can be trying to find dwelling fire insurance coverage on that property. Most insurance companies will not insure a property that's been vacant longer than two months. However, there are companies that will work with you as long as your property can pass a few minimum requirements. Hopefully, this article will help you solve your problem.


 This article will give you an overview of the vacant rental property program to see if your property qualifies, and to see if it's a policy that fits your needs. I will break this down in 4 steps:
1. Requirements to be eligible for coverage.
2. Which type of vacant properties are acceptible.
3. Which type of vacant properties are not acceptible.
4. Overview of the policy and additional coverage options and features..


1. Requirements to be eligible for coverage.


To be eligible for this type of policy and coverage, there are only four major requirements: 


1. Buildings must only house 4 families or less.


2. Must be vacant less than two years. 


3. Has not been without insurance company longer than one year.


4. Property must basic secured completely with the intent to sell rent or occupy the property within the next two years.


Condition requirements: at minimum the property must be in marginal condition and exhibit at least minimal maintenance on both the dwelling and the grounds.


2. Vacant properties that are acceptable.

• A property of any age is accepted.
• A named insured can be listed as an LLC.
• Manufactured homes are also acceptable.
• Properties with up to five paid losses within the past five years can be accepted.

3. Vacant properties that are not acceptable.

• Buildings that house more than 4 families.
• Buildings with unrepaired damage.
• Land trust listed as the named insured.
• Property management company listed as named insured (unless also listed on the deed).

*Note*: Properties with a pool or pond on premises are ok, but liability coverage will not be offered.


4. Policy overview and additional options and features.

• These policies are covered on a named peril basis. They offer agreed loss coverage in the event of a total loss and actual cash value coverage in the event of a partial loss.
• The best thing about these types of policies are the flexibility that they offer. These policies are structured as a "build your own policy". Meaning that you pick and choose which coverages you want and don't want.
• With this build your own policy structure, coverage "A" (physical damage property on the dwelling itself) is the only required coverage. The other coverages are all optional. You get to pick and choose whether you want that coverage or not. That way, you're not paying extra in premium for coverage you don't need or want like you do with many packaged policies.

"Build your own policy": optional coverages include:

• coverage for vandalism
• coverage for premises liability
• coverage for personal property
• coverage for other structures
• medical payments coverage.
• Simply decide whether not you want these coverages and then add those to your policy accordingly.

 Other policy features:

• You will find coverage options that offer higher limits on this policy then you will see on most any other policy.
• You can insure as many properties as you want on one policy.
• It is very easy to make changes on this policy when circumstances change (for example buying or selling a property or renting out a property that was previously vacant).
• There is no penalty for early cancellations. This is especially important for landlords who are definitely planning on selling the property.

Summary:


     If this sounds like the type of policy that you need to insure your property, feel free to fill out a quote form below, and I will be happy to help you try to solve your problem. And as always, I handle all quotes personally and privately.




Get a Vacant Rental Property Quote

 In the state of Indiana, auto insurance laws are a little different when it comes to reinstating your suspended license with the BMV. That is because an SR22 filing gets confused with an SR50 filing. While all but eight states have SR22 filings, Indiana is the only state that has SR50 filings. Having the two filings together gets confusing. This article will explain what you need to know about both the SR50 and SR22 auto insurance filings, and help you learn how to reinstate your license as soon as possible (we will also cover the SR21 as well).


Before I explain the differences between an SR50 and an SR22 filing, it would be easier for you to learn how they're both similar first.


 Similarities:

• Both are used by the Indiana BMV to reinstate a suspended license. Neither an SR22 or an SR50 are actually auto insurance at all. They both simply attach onto one of two types of auto insurance policies (more about that in a minute).
• Both are filed electronically to the BMV by your auto insurance company.
• Both the SR50 and the SR22 filings are how the Indiana BMV verifies that you are carrying at least the state minimum liability auto insurance coverage. This is usually the last step before getting your suspended drivers license reinstated, assuming you have taken care of all the other requirements (fines, fees, etc.).

How to set up the SR50/SR22 attachment onto the right auto insurance policy that you need.


    This is the most important step because it is where people tend to make the most mistakes. But the solution is very simple! There are only two types of personal auto insurance in Indiana: a regular auto insurance policy and a named operator auto insurance policy (aka non owners policy).


To determine which of the two policies you need is very simple:

•  If you own a vehicle, then you need to attach either the SR50 or the SR22 onto a regular auto insurance policy.

• If you do not own a vehicle, then you will need to attach the SR50/SR22 to a named operators policy. It's that simple! But it is where most people screw up because they don't know this beforehand.

Next step: Filing the SR50/SR22 to the state BMV after buying your policy.


     The good news here is that you do not have to do anything. Per Indiana law, both the SR50 and SR22 filings must be filed electronically to the BMV by your insurance company. So once you buy a policy with either filing attached, you just have to sit back and wait for the BMV to process it. Usually this does not take long. The insurance company will send the filing right away and the BMV will normally have it processed within one or two business days.

What's the Difference between the SR50 and the SR22 Filing?

• The SR50 is proof of present Insurance - which means it's a guarantee to the BMV that you are carrying at least state minimum liability auto insurance coverage at the present time. Once this gets filed and processed with the BMV, you're finished!

• The SR22 is proof of future insurance - which means it's a guarantee to the BMV that you will continue carrying at least the state minimum liability auto insurance for the duration of the time that you're required to carry the SR22 (usually 3 years). If the SR22 attached policy lapses during that requirement period, the insurance company is required to notify the BMV. Think of it as a "tattletale clause".

• The main difference between the two are that drivers who are required to carry the SR22 must keep their policy active (or replace it with another SR22 attached policy) for 3 years. If a driver cancels or lapses on an SR22 attached policy, his/her license will be suspended again until the SR22 filing is active again. Drivers who need SR50's don't have that future requirement, and don't get their license suspended if their SR50 cancels. But don't let that be an excuse to lapse on your policy! If you are caught driving without insurance again, the fines and penalties become steeper!

• Drivers who need an SR50 can substitute an SR22 filing, and it works just the same. But not vice versa! If you need an SR22 filing, the SR50 will not work for you. This is important because many auto insurance companies only offer the SR22. Don't worry about substituting if you need the SR50 and only the SR22 is available. It works fine, and you won't be held to the higher standard that SR22 drivers have to obey.

Other types of Indiana State filings:

• Sr21 - now known as Certificate of Compliance (COC). I mentioned earlier that the SR50 deals with the present and the SR22 deals with the future..... The SR21 deals with the past. This usually involves an accident or a violation in which you did not show proof of insurance at the scene. The SR21 is only concerned about that specific date, and if you had insurance on that date. NOTE: as of July 2012, Indiana did away with the SR21 filings because they were identical to the COC form. Now they're just officially known as the COC form, but many still use the old SR21 terminology. Just know that the SR21 and COC are one and the same. A new agent can't help you with this because buying a new policy won't help. You will need to call your agent that you had during the date in question.

• SR26 - This form only applies to those who need an SR22 filing. As I mentioned earlier, the SR22 is kind of like a "tattle-tale clause", meaning the insurance company is required to notify the BMV if that policy ever cancels during the SR22 requirement period. The SR26 is merely the official name of the document that the insurance company sends when this happens.

Summary:


   I hope this clears up any confusion and answered any questions you might have about either the SR50 or the SR22 filing. If you still have questions, feel free to call me or drop me an email, and I'll be happy to answer any of your questions. If you would like to get a SR50/SR22 quote and move forward towards getting your license reinstated, click on one of the two links below, and I will be happy to shop around for you and find you the company with the best rate. And as always, I handle all quotes personally and privately.
*source: Indiana BMV. http://www.in.gov/bmv/2373.htm




 If You Own a Vehicle, Get an SR50 / SR22 Quote Here.


 If You Do Not own a vehicle, Get an SR50 / SR22 Quote Here.


Related Articles:


Indiana Named Operator Auto Insurance Policy: Key Points to Know


Buyers guide for buying an Indiana SR50 or SR22 auto insurance filing


What's the difference between an Indiana SR50 and an SR22 auto insurance filing?

What is SR 50 insurance in Indiana? FAQs

Buying snowmobile insurance in Michigan is easy. But trying to find the right coverage at a reasonable price can be a lot more difficult. There are a few stumbling blocks that you need to avoid when selecting snowmobile insurance. I will go over those and give you some tips on finding a lower rate as well.


The main difference between good snowmobile insurance coverage and bad coverage:


The biggest pitfall I see is when some sledders purchase snowmobile insurance is buying the wrong type of policy. There are basically two types of policies: 1) snowmobile insurance that is attached to their homeowners insurance policy, and 2) exclusive snowmobile insurance that stands alone without being attached to any other insurance policy. A stand alone exclusive snowmobile insurance policy offers far better coverage than a  snowmobile policy attached to a homeowners policy.


There are three major red flags to look out for on an attached snowmobile policy:

• Unreasonable restrictions about where you can go with your sled. Some attached snowmobile policies do not cover you while riding off of your property.

• Some homeowners policies even go as far as only covering snowmobiles while it is "servicing the property" (meaning recreational use is not covered).
• Most attached policies do not offer medical coverage or uninsured motorist coverage. These are both available with stand alone snowmobile insurance.

 Of course, there are exceptions. There are some attached policies that offer adequate coverage just like stand alone snowmobile policies, but not many. If you are considering attaching your snowmobile to a homeowners policy, at least read the fine print of what is covered and what isn't. If you see one of the above red flags, run!!!

Other advantages of having a stand alone snowmobile insurance policy.


Most stand alone snowmobile policies also include additional optional coverages that are not usually available on an attached snowmobile policy:

• Free accessory coverage included with comprehensive and collision coverage (up to a limit which varies by company).
• Canadian coverage is usually available, if not included.
• Roadside assistance.
• Travel trailer coverage - up to $10,000 of coverage is offered.
• Total Loss Coverage. If you have bought a brand new sled, many stand alone snowmobile insurance policies will offer total loss coverage, which would buy you a new sled of the same make and model in the event of a total loss.

The bottom line is this: Stand alone snowmobile insurance policies dollar for dollar offer far better value than a snowmobile that is simply attached to a homeowners policy. The difference in price between the two are usually very minimal.


Tips on how to get the best snowmobile insurance coverage at the lowest rate.


    Now that you know which type of snowmobile insurance policy to buy, the next step is finding out how to get the best rates relative to the value of coverage. Here are some tips on that:

• Unlike auto insurance and motorcycle insurance, snowmobile policies are generally much cheaper. That is due to the fact that a snowmobile is an off-road vehicle which always rates lower than vehicles for road use. It's important to keep that in mind when selecting coverages. Too many people make the mistake of going in with the same mindset as they would if they were buying car insurance.

• Being an off-road vehicle means that liability coverage, medical payments coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage are all usually very cheap. To maximize the value of your policy, always look at the next level higher in coverage for each of these three. Sometimes you'll be amazed at how little the cost increment rises.

• If you want comprehensive and collision coverage on your sled, be sure to look at different costs for each deductible level. Most policies offer levels of $250, $500 or $1000 deductibles. Some companies will also offer lower or higher levels than that. If there's anywhere on this policy that you want to skimp on coverage to save money, these are the two places to do so. By raising the deductible on either comprehensive or collision coverage, it has a much of much more effect on price then the three coverages mentioned above.

• When it comes to selecting or not selecting additional optional coverages, remember that some of the coverages are very worthwhile and inexpensive. But other coverages are merely bells and whistles. Best advice: understand what each optional coverage offers, and then look look at the price and decide for yourself whether or not it's worth having.

• The single best way for you to save the most money on a snowmobile insurance policy is to simply simply shop around with multiple snowmobile insurance companies and compare prices. The more companies you shop around with, the better your chances are of finding the lowest rate. Of course, this can be very tedious and time-consuming. The most efficient way to do this is to get a quote with an independent insurance agent. That way the agent can do all the hard work of shopping around for you versus taking the time to do it yourself one company at a time.

 Get an online Michigan snowmobile insurance quote


Related Blog Articles:

Video: Basics of a Snowmobile Insurance Policy

How-To Guide for Buying Michigan Snowmobile Insurance Online