Car insurance for foreign drivers

Can I get car insurance with an international license?

Yes, you can get car insurance with a valid international license from some insurers. However, you’ll need to provide additional documentation, such as:

Your passport
Proof of residency, such as a lease, in some cases
An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary. You must apply for an IDP in your home country before coming to the U.S.

Keep in mind that each state and insurer has varying requirements, so you’ll need to contact your state’s DMV and possible insurer to find out what you’ll need to provide.

“Most major national and regional auto insurers offer car insurance policies for international tourists, visitors, and short-term students in the U.S., but a valid driver's license is necessary to obtain the coverage,” said Mark Friedlander, senior director of media relations for the Insurance Information Institute.

Requirements vary depending on your home country; for example, Canadians will generally find their original license acceptable for insurance, as the rules of the road are very similar in Canada.

“Depending on the driver’s home country, an original driver’s license may be accepted by the insurer. Or you may need to apply for an international driving permit. These requirements can vary by insurer and state regulations.”

Additionally, you can drive in the U.S. and get car insurance with an international license for about a year. If you’re going to stay in the U.S. long-term, you’ll need to get a U.S. driver’s license.

PEOPLE ASK

Can I add a foreign driver to my car insurance?

Yes, you may be able to add a foreign driver to your car insurance policy, provided they hold a valid driver’s license from their country of residence or an International Driving Permit (IDP). Your insurer can inform you if they permit it and what the requirements are.

Which insurance companies accept an international driver's license?

While foreigners may find it challenging to find affordable car insurance, many major insurers offer coverage with an international driver’s license, including:

Allstate
Dairyland
Erie
GEICO
Liberty Mutual
Progressive
State Farm
Travelers

Why are insurance rates higher for foreign drivers?

Even if you have driving experience in another country, insurers will consider you to be a new driver in the U.S. Newly licensed drivers typically experience significantly higher rates than those with a proven driving record.

Reasons why car insurance rates for foreign drivers are higher include:

You don’t have a U.S. driving record, so insurers cannot determine whether you’re a risky driver, and they take a significant risk in insuring you.
Insurers have no record of your driving history in your home country. U.S. DMVs can’t communicate with your home country to get your driving record.
Driving standards and rules vary from one country to another. Insurers don’t know if you’ve had acceptable driver training and understand the U.S. road rules.
You lack other factors that help determine rates, such as a credit score and insurance history.

How much does car insurance cost for newly licensed drivers?

Most newly licensed drivers in the U.S. are teenagers, and the average annual cost of insuring a 16-year-old with full coverage on a solo policy is $9,825. However, if you’re an older driver who’s newly licensed in the U.S., you will likely pay less.

Age and years of driving experience aren’t the same to insurance companies; a newly licensed 25-year-old is less risky to insure than a 16-year-old because they’re older and more mature.

At 40, the average cost of car insurance with full coverage is $1,895 a year.

While you likely won't pay as much as that 16-year-old, you can expect your rates to be closer to that amount than to the lower-end average. Of course, that depends on other factors too, like:

Where you live
What type of car you drive
How you use your car
Coverage levels

How to shop for car insurance for foreign drivers

While shopping for car insurance as a foreign driver can be daunting, following certain steps can make the process as painless as possible.

Steps to get car insurance for foreign drivers include:

Determine where you’ll live. Each state has varying requirements for driving and getting car insurance, so you need to know the expectations when you begin the process.
Decide on the length of your stay. If you’ll be in the U.S. for more than a year, consider starting the process of getting a U.S. driver’s license.
Gather all necessary documentation, such as your valid international driver’s license, IDP, passport and other forms mandated by your state.
Shop around for car insurance. Coverages and rates vary by insurer, so it’s best to compare quotes from multiple companies that offer coverage for foreign drivers.
Pick the right policy for you and get coverage before you begin driving in the U.S.

Can undocumented immigrants get car insurance?

Car insurance options for undocumented immigrants can vary depending on the state's laws and regulations. In some regions, undocumented immigrants may be able to obtain car insurance, while in others, it may be more challenging.

Some insurance companies may offer car insurance to undocumented immigrants.
They may require certain documentation instead of a Social Security Number, such as an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a foreign passport.
Additionally, some states have implemented laws or regulations that allow undocumented immigrants to obtain car insurance regardless of their immigration status.

However, undocumented immigrants need to research the laws and regulations in their area and consult with insurance providers who specialize in serving immigrant communities to explore their options. It's also important to consider the potential risks and consequences of driving without insurance, as it can lead to legal issues and financial liabilities in the event of an accident.

Which states allow undocumented immigrants to get a license?

If you're trying to obtain a license to insure your car, the process will depend on where you live. The following states have laws allowing drivers to be licensed without regard to immigration status:

California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Hawaii
Illinois
Maryland
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Nevada
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
Oregon
Rhode Island
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington

If you live in any other state, you will need proof of legal presence in the U.S. to get a driver's license. Check with your state DMV to find out what is required.

FAQ-Car insurance for foreign drivers

How long can you drive in California with a foreign license?

As long as you are visiting the U.S., you can use your foreign driver’s license for up to one year, as long as it is valid and in English. However, if you move permanently to California, you have 10 days to get a California driver’s license once you establish residency.

Does an international driver's license work in the U.S.A.?

Yes, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recognized in the U.S. However, depending on the country you are from and the state you’re visiting, you may only need your driver’s license from your country.

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