Navigating Non-Owner Car Insurance: My Frustrating Experience
Hello everyone,
I wanted to share my recent experience surrounding car insurance, particularly the challenges I’ve faced while trying to obtain a non-owner policy. It’s been quite a journey, and I’m hoping to highlight the difficulties I encountered to help others avoid similar pitfalls.
A few weeks ago, my siblings generously offered to purchase a better used car for me. In preparation, I decided to give my old vehicle to a family friend, surrender my license plates, and cancel my insurance. Little did I know, this decision would lead to a series of complications. While I was temporarily without a car, I thought I had another lined up, but unfortunately, the seller decided to back out at the last minute.
When I reached out to my insurance provider, Progressive, and other agents, I was met with confusion and concern over a supposed insurance lapse. This is when I learned about non-owner auto insurance, a coverage option I thought would be perfect for my situation. However, when I tried to secure this policy over the phone, I hit a brick wall. Progressive informed me that I couldn’t obtain a non-owner policy in New York through a phone call, directing me to two local agents.
Curious and somewhat optimistic, I reached out to four different agents in my area, hoping for clarity. However, I was disheartened to discover that one agent didn’t even recognize the term “non-owner policy,” and the other three insisted that such a policy wasn’t available in New York—claiming it was mandatory to have a vehicle in order to insure it.
This contradiction left me confused. Numerous online resources indicate that non-owner insurance is indeed available in New York, so I was left questioning who was right. Furthermore, how do I navigate this situation when none of the local agents seem familiar with the policy, and Progressive has prevented me from moving forward?
In the face of conflicting information from every corner, I find myself at a standstill. To make matters worse, Progressive has placed me in a pre-binding status with a vehicle that no longer exists in my plans.
If anyone has insights or experiences related to non-owner car insurance in New York—or can recommend a reliable agent who understands this type of coverage—I would greatly appreciate your help. It’s been an incredibly frustrating process, and any guidance would be invaluable as I try to sort this out. Thank you for your support!
