Buying Guide: Virginia Named Operator (Non-Owner) Auto Insurance FAQ’S

​What is a Named Operator's Auto Insurance policy?


       If you need auto insurance in Virginia, a named operator’s (AKA non owners) policy is a special type of auto insurance policy for drivers who do not own a vehicle.  These policies are not intended to replace a regular auto insurance policy which puts coverage on a specific vehicle.  But for those of you who do not have a vehicle, a named operator’s policy is the only way to get some type of auto insurance coverage without being added as a driver to someone’s existing regular insurance policy.






Does a named operator’s auto insurance policy work for those who need state filings? 


      Absolutely! In fact, that is what they’re most commonly used for.  In Virginia, there are two types of filings.  One filing is an SR22, the other is an FR44.  If you need either of those two filings to get your license reinstated, a named operator’s policy will work fine for you.






What’s the difference between a named operator policy and a regular auto insurance policy?

• As mentioned before, a regular auto insurance policy specifically insures someone’s vehicle.  A named operator’s policy is for people who don’t have a vehicle.

• A regular auto insurance policy is considered primary coverage, while a named operator policy is considered secondary coverage.  A named operator policy only provides coverage if there is no regular auto insurance coverage on the vehicle you are driving, or if the a regular auto insurance policy has paid up to its maximum limits.  If either of those happen then a named operator policy’s coverage kicks in as the secondary coverage. 

• Unlike a regular auto insurance policy, a named operator policy offers no comprehensive coverage or collision coverage whatsoever!  This means that you can’t put any physical damage coverage on someone’s vehicle that you are borrowing.  The only coverage offered on a named operator policy is liability coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, and medical payments coverage.

Let’s suppose I borrow my neighbor’s car, and run a red light causing an accident.  What will a named operator policy cover me for in that scenario? 


     Remember that the named operator policy is considered secondary coverage, regular auto insurance is the primary coverage.  So in that case, your neighbor’s regular auto insurance policy will pay first.  The car you wrecked will only be covered if your neighbor’s auto insurance policy includes collision coverage.  While collision coverage is optional on a regular auto insurance policy, liability coverage is mandatory.  So as long as your neighbor is carrying liability coverage on their vehicle as they should be, your named operator’s policy won’t pay anything unless the damages are higher than the liability coverage your neighbor is carrying.  If your neighbor has let his insurance policy lapse, then your named operator policy will step in and pay up to the limits of liability coverage for the car you hit (but won’t cover the car you were driving).

Does a named operator’s policy cover me driving my own vehicle? 


     Absolutely not!  Nor will it cover you driving a vehicle owned by someone in your household.  These policies are not intended to replace regular auto insurance.  If you own a vehicle or have a vehicle registered in your name you have to carry regular auto insurance on it to be legal.






What happens if I start a named operator’s auto policy and then buy a vehicle later on? 


     In this case you need to call your agent and ask them to convert your named operator’s policy into a regular auto insurance policy.  This is very easy and quick to do.  It usually only takes a 5 minute phone call.  But make sure you take care of that change before you drive off with a car you just bought.






I need an FR44 filing but my auto insurance company does not offer state filings.


        Is it OK to have a regular auto insurance policy to cover my vehicle and a named operator’s policy to satisfy my FR44 filing?  Yes, while this is perfectly fine to do, nine times out of ten it’s more expensive this way, having to pay for two separate auto insurance policies.  It’s usually cheaper to find a regular auto insurance company who will write FR44 or SR22 filings and put them together on one policy.  But I have seen exceptions to this, to where it made sense to carry two separate policies instead.






Where’s the best place to buy a named operator auto insurance in Virginia? 


       Your best bet is to get a quote through an independent agent, preferably one that specializes in high risk auto insurance.  The companies that they carry are more likely to offer the lowest rate on named operator policies. They are also more SR22 or FR44 friendly than other companies, if that applies to you.






Click here to get a Virginia Named Operator auto insurance quote.


Click here to get a Virginia regular auto insurance quote.


Related Articles:


Virginia FR44 Insurance Filing Requirements and Online Buying Guide


Where can I find the cheapest Virginia FR44 Auto Insurance Filing with a DUI on my record?