Need SR-22 Bond assistance?
 CALL our licensed Agents
(Mon-Fri, 8am – 5pm PST) for personalized guidance |
 Written by Ben Breiner | Reviewed by the Licensed Insurance Agent Pamela Goforth | Updated December 16, 2025 Insurance rates and legal requirements are reviewed quarterly. All educational content is provided by a licensed insurance agency. |
Many Ohio drivers who are required to file an SR-22 Bond do not currently own a vehicle. Fortunately, Ohio offers a specific solution called a Non-Owner SR-22 Bond, which allows you to meet BMV financial responsibility requirements without purchasing or insuring a car.
This guide explains who qualifies, how non-owner coverage works, cost differences, limitations, and next steps. It is written to help Ohio drivers navigate SR-22 requirements confidently and affordably.
If you’re unsure what an SR-22 Bond is, start here: What Is an SR-22 Bond in Ohio.
What Is a Non-Owner SR-22 Bond in Ohio?
A Non-Owner SR-22 Bond (also called a non-owner Financial Responsibility Bond) is a proof-of-insurance filing that covers you as a driver, not a specific vehicle. It is designed for Ohio residents who must file an SR-22 but do not own a car.
The bond:
- Provides liability coverage when you legally operate vehicles you do not own
- Satisfies all Ohio BMV SR-22 requirements
- Is typically the cheapest SR-22 option
- Helps reinstate a suspended license
- Does not provide coverage for vehicles you own or regularly use in your household
A non-owner SR-22 is the preferred choice for many Ohio drivers because it is more affordable and flexible than an owner policy.
Who Qualifies for a Non-Owner SR-22 Bond in Ohio?
Not everyone qualifies, but many drivers do.
You may qualify if:
- You have no vehicle titled or registered in your name
- You do not have regular access to a household vehicle
- You need an SR-22 Bond to reinstate your license
- You drive only occasionally
- You want the lowest-cost SR-22 filing
- You use rental cars, employer vehicles, or shared vehicles on a limited basis
Who does NOT qualify?
You cannot use a non-owner SR-22 Bond if:
- You own a vehicle (even one not currently running)
- You regularly drive a car owned by someone in your household
- You have a car available for your regular use
- You intend to buy a vehicle in the immediate future
If you fall into one of these categories, you need an owner SR-22 Bond instead.
See cost differences here: SR-22 Bond Cost Ohio.
How Does Non-Owner SR-22 Coverage Work in Ohio?
A Non-Owner SR-22 Bond provides liability-only coverage, meaning:
- It covers damages you cause to others while driving a vehicle you do not own
- It does NOT cover damage to the vehicle you are driving
- It does NOT provide comprehensive or collision coverage
- It does NOT insure household vehicles
The policy follows you as a driver, not the vehicle.
Non-Owner SR-22 Coverage Includes:
- Bodily injury liability
- Property damage liability
- Coverage that meets Ohio’s minimum legal limits
- The SR-22 filing submitted electronically to the Ohio BMV
Coverage Does NOT Include:
- The vehicle you are driving
- Any vehicle owned by you
- Personal injury protection
- Uninsured motorist coverage (unless specified by the policy)
- Regular use of household vehicles
Cost Differences: Why Non-Owner SR-22 Bonds Are Cheaper
Non-owner SR-22 Bonds are typically the cheapest SR-22 option in Ohio for three reasons:
1. No vehicle is insured
Since the policy does not cover a car, premium costs are much lower.
2. Liability-only coverage
The bond satisfies financial responsibility requirements but does not include expensive coverage types.
3. Lower exposure for insurers
Drivers without regular vehicle access represent less financial risk to insurers.
Typical price range:
A non-owner SR-22 Bond in Ohio often costs $100–$300 per year, depending on:
- Age
- Violation history
- Insurance lapse history
- ZIP code
- Insurer risk model
To see personalized pricing, compare real quotes here: Compare SR-22 Bond Quotes
Limitations and Restrictions of Non-Owner SR-22 Bonds
While a non-owner SR-22 is flexible, it does come with specific limitations.
Limitations:
- Cannot be used to insure a vehicle you own
- Cannot cover household vehicles
- Cannot replace regular auto insurance
- Does not protect the vehicle you are driving
- Does not allow frequent use of a specific vehicle
Household Exclusion Rule
If someone in your home owns a vehicle and allows you to drive it regularly, you need an owner policy, not a non-owner bond.
When a Non-Owner SR-22 Bond Is the Best Choice
A non-owner SR-22 is ideal for Ohio drivers who:
- Want the cheapest SR-22 Bond available
- Need to reinstate their license but do not own a vehicle
- Intend to drive only occasionally
- Use ride-share, rental cars, or workplace vehicles
- Want to avoid purchasing a full auto insurance policy
It allows you to stay compliant with Ohio BMV rules without committing to the cost of insuring a vehicle you don’t own.
How to File a Non-Owner SR-22 Bond in Ohio
Step 1: Compare Quotes
Pricing varies widely. Start by comparing multiple insurers.
Step 2: Choose “Non-Owner SR-22” as your bond type
This ensures you are quoted correctly.
Step 3: Purchase the Bond
Once purchased, the insurer prepares the SR-22 form.
Step 4: Insurer Files Electronically with the Ohio BMV
You cannot file the SR-22 yourself. The insurer must submit it.
Step 5: Maintain Continuous Coverage
Most SR-22 periods last three years. Any lapse may restart the filing period.
What Happens If You Buy a Car During Your Non-Owner SR-22 Period?
If you purchase a car while you have a non-owner bond, you must:
- Notify your insurer
- Transition to an owner SR-22 policy immediately
Continuing to use a non-owner bond after acquiring a vehicle is considered non-compliant.
For owner policy pricing and guidance, see: SR-22 Bond Cost Ohio.
External Resources for Ohio Drivers
For official reference:
• Ohio BMV: https://www.bmv.ohio.gov
• Ohio Revised Code (Insurance Requirements): https://codes.ohio.gov
Final Advice for Ohio Drivers Without a Car
A Non-Owner SR-22 Bond is the most affordable way to meet Ohio’s financial responsibility requirements when you don’t own a vehicle. It is inexpensive, flexible, and fast to file—but only if you choose the right insurer.
If you want to ensure you get the lowest rate available and file your SR-22 quickly, start by comparing multiple quotes:
Compare SR-22 Bond Quotes in Ohio
| Need SR-22 Bond assistance?
CALL our licensed Agents
(Mon-Fri, 8am – 5pm PST) for personalized guidance |