Auto Insurance for Volunteers (2024)
Anyone who volunteers for a company or organization and drives a vehicle must have insurance. Here's what you need to know about car insurance for volunteers.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 15, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 15, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- You will need car insurance for any vehicles you own and drive, even if you volunteer for a company or organization
- You may want to carry more than your state’s minimum liability requirements if you drive a lot as a volunteer
- Some organizations may offer non-owned or hired liability coverage to volunteers using their own vehicles
People who volunteer for nonprofit organizations and other companies often do so because they believe in their work. Volunteers are responsible for helping countless groups worldwide.
While volunteers do what they do out of kindness, anyone who volunteers for a company or organization and drives a vehicle must have insurance.
If you volunteer regularly or every now and then, you must carry proper car insurance coverage on your vehicle.
Is there car insurance for volunteers?
There is no such thing as auto insurance specifically for volunteers. Still, anyone who owns and drives a car must have insurance on that vehicle to drive legally and be covered in an accident.
Volunteers have countless options for auto insurance, but all that is required is liability coverage.
The table below shows the minimum liability auto insurance requirements in each state.
Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage Requirements by State
States Coverages Limits
Alabama Bodily injury and property damage liability 25/50/25
Alaska Bodily injury and property damage liability 50/100/25
Arizona Bodily injury and property damage liability 15/30/10
Arkansas Bodily injury and property damage liability; personal injury protection 25/50/25
California Bodily injury and property damage liability 15/30/5
Colorado Bodily injury and property damage liability 25/50/15
Connecticut Bodily injury and property damage liability; uninsured/underinsured motorist protection 25/50/20
Delaware Bodily injury and property damage liability; personal injury protection 25/50/10
Washington, D.C. Bodily injury and property damage liability; uninsured/underinsured motorist protection 25/50/10
Florida Property damage liability and personal injury protection 10/20/10
Georgia Bodily injury and property damage liability 25/50/25
Hawaii Bodily injury and property damage liability; personal injury protection 20/40/10
Idaho Bodily injury and property damage liability 25/50/15
Illinois Bodily injury and property damage liability; uninsured/underinsured motorist protection 25/50/20
Indiana Bodily injury and property damage liability 25/50/25
Iowa Bodily injury and property damage liability 20/40/15
Kansas Bodily injury and property damage liability; personal injury protection 25/50/25
Kentucky Bodily injury and property damage liability; personal injury protection; uninsured/underinsured motorist protection 25/50/25
Louisiana Bodily injury and property damage liability 15/30/25
Maine Bodily injury and property damage liability; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage; medical payments 50/100/25
Maryland Bodily injury and property damage liability; personal injury protection; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage 30/60/15
Massachusetts Bodily injury and property damage liability; personal injury protection 20/40/5
Michigan Bodily injury and property damage liability; personal injury protection 20/40/10
Minnesota Bodily injury and property damage liability; personal injury protection; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage 30/60/10
Mississippi Bodily injury and property damage liability 25/50/25
Missouri Bodily injury and property damage liability; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage 25/50/25
Montana Bodily injury and property damage liability 25/50/20
Nebraska Bodily injury and property damage liability; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage 25/50/25
Nevada Bodily injury and property damage liability 25/50/20
New Hampshire Financial responsibility only 25/50/25
New Jersey Bodily injury and property damage liability; personal injury protection; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage 15/30/5
New Mexico Bodily injury and property damage liability 25/50/10
New York Bodily injury and property damage liability; personal injury protection; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage 25/50/10
North Carolina Bodily injury and property damage liability; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage 30/60/25
North Dakota Bodily injury and property damage liability; personal injury protection; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage 25/50/25
Ohio Bodily injury and property damage liability 25/50/25
Oklahoma Bodily injury and property damage liability 25/50/25
Oregon Bodily injury and property damage liability; personal injury protection; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage 25/50/20
Pennsylvania Bodily injury and property damage liability; personal injury protection 15/30/5
Rhode Island Bodily injury and property damage liability 25/50/25
South Carolina Bodily injury and property damage liability; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage 25/50/25
South Dakota Bodily injury and property damage liability; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage 25/50/25
Tennessee Bodily injury and property damage liability 25/50/15
Texas Bodily injury and property damage liability; personal injury protection 30/60/25
Utah Bodily injury and property damage liability; personal injury protection 25/65/15
Vermont Bodily injury and property damage liability; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage 25/50/10
Virginia Bodily injury and property damage liability; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage 25/50/20
Washington Bodily injury and property damage liability 25/50/10
West Virginia Bodily injury and property damage liability; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage 25/50/25
Wisconsin Bodily injury and property damage liability; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage; medical payments 25/50/10
Wyoming Bodily injury and property damage liability 25/50/20
As you can see, while all states require bodily injury liability insurance and property damage coverage, some states require additional coverage such as:
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
- Medical payments (MedPay)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist
It will depend on where you live as to how much insurance coverage you’re required to have.
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Do volunteer organizations offer car insurance?
Depending on the organization you volunteer with and the extent of your duties, you may find that the organization offers you non-owned or hired auto insurance for running errands and doing other things as a volunteer.
Non-owned and hired auto insurance offers additional liability coverage and even legal assistance to individuals driving their own vehicles for business or volunteer purposes. You can check with your volunteer organization to see if you have this option for coverage.
Should volunteers get full coverage car insurance?
If you drive a lot as a volunteer or in general, you should consider purchasing more than just liability coverage.
While liability insurance is much cheaper than other coverage options, it does not offer the protection you need for yourself or your vehicle. Instead, you may want a full coverage policy, including both collision and comprehensive coverage.
The table below shows the average rates in each state based on coverage type.
Liability vs. Full Coverage Auto Insurance Rates by State
States Monthly Liability Rates Monthly Full Rates
Alabama $33 $72
Alaska $45 $86
Arizona $42 $81
Arkansas $33 $76
California $41 $82
Colorado $43 $82
Connecticut $54 $96
Delaware $67 $103
District of Columbia $52 $111
Florida $71 $105
Georgia $46 $87
Hawaii $38 $73
Idaho $29 $57
Illinois $37 $74
Indiana $32 $63
Iowa $25 $59
Kansas $30 $72
Kentucky $44 $78
Louisiana $65 $117
Maine $28 $59
Maryland $51 $93
Massachusetts $51 $94
Michigan $66 $114
Minnesota $38 $73
Mississippi $38 $83
Missouri $35 $73
Montana $32 $72
Nebraska $30 $69
Nevada $57 $92
New Hampshire $33 $68
New Jersey $72 $115
New Mexico $41 $78
New York $67 $113
North Carolina $30 $66
North Dakota $25 $64
Ohio $33 $66
Oklahoma $38 $84
Oregon $49 $75
Pennsylvania $42 $81
Rhode Island $63 $109
South Carolina $44 $81
South Dakota $25 $64
Tennessee $34 $73
Texas $44 $92
Utah $41 $73
Vermont $29 $64
Virginia $35 $70
Washington $50 $81
West Virginia $41 $85
Wisconsin $31 $61
Wyoming $27 $71
National Average $45 $84
While full coverage can double your insurance rates, the coverage ensures you and your vehicle are protected in virtually all circumstances.
Car Insurance for Volunteers: The Bottom Line
You must have proper auto insurance if you own and drive a vehicle. Volunteering does not change any auto insurance requirements, but it may make you more likely to purchase a full coverage policy to ensure you and your vehicle are covered.
Depending on your volunteer organization, you may have additional coverage under the company’s non-owned or hired car insurance policy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do volunteers need auto insurance?
Yes, volunteers may need auto insurance coverage if they use their personal vehicles for volunteer activities. Standard personal auto insurance policies typically do not cover accidents or incidents that occur while using the vehicle for volunteering. It’s important for volunteers to discuss their activities with their insurance provider to determine if additional coverage is needed.
Can volunteers be covered under their personal auto insurance policy while volunteering?
Personal auto insurance policies generally provide coverage for personal use of the vehicle, but they may not extend coverage for volunteer activities. It’s essential for volunteers to review their policy carefully and contact their insurance provider to understand the limitations and determine if additional coverage is necessary.
What type of auto insurance coverage do volunteers need?
The type of auto insurance coverage needed for volunteers can vary depending on the organization and activities involved. In some cases, volunteers may need non-owned auto insurance coverage, which provides liability protection when driving a vehicle that is not owned by the insured. It’s recommended to discuss the specific volunteer activities with an insurance professional to determine the appropriate coverage.
Are volunteers covered under the organization’s insurance policy?
Some organizations may have insurance policies that provide coverage for volunteers. It’s important for volunteers to inquire with the organization about their insurance coverage and understand the extent of protection it offers. However, it’s still advisable for volunteers to have their own auto insurance coverage to ensure adequate protection.
Can volunteers get special auto insurance rates or discounts?
Some insurance companies offer special rates or discounts for volunteers, recognizing their service to the community. It’s recommended for volunteers to inquire with insurance providers and mention their volunteer activities to explore available discounts or benefits. Additionally, certain volunteer organizations or associations may have partnerships with insurance companies that offer discounted rates to their members.
Can volunteers purchase short-term auto insurance for specific volunteer activities?
Yes, volunteers may be able to purchase short-term auto insurance for specific volunteer activities. Short-term or temporary auto insurance policies provide coverage for a limited duration, such as a single day or a few weeks. This can be a suitable option for volunteers who engage in volunteer activities sporadically and want coverage only for those specific periods.
How can volunteers ensure they have adequate auto insurance coverage?
To ensure adequate auto insurance coverage, volunteers should consider the following steps:
- Review personal auto insurance policy: Understand the limitations of the current policy and discuss volunteer activities with the insurance provider.
- Inquire with the organization: Determine if the organization provides any insurance coverage for volunteers and what it includes.
- Consider non-owned auto insurance: If personal auto insurance does not cover volunteer activities, explore obtaining non-owned auto insurance to protect against liability.
- Discuss with an insurance professional: Consult with an insurance professional who can assess specific needs and recommend appropriate coverage options.
Should volunteers inform their insurance provider about their volunteer activities?
Yes, it’s crucial for volunteers to inform their insurance provider about their volunteer activities. Providing accurate information allows the insurance company to assess the risk associated with the activities and determine if additional coverage is required. Failing to disclose relevant information could result in the denial of a claim.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.