Car Insurance for Immigrants: What to Know

Whether you’re moving to the U.S. or just visiting, you’ll need car insurance to legally operate a vehicle. Even if you have a foreign license from your home country, U.S. insurers will still consider you a new driver, and you’ll pay higher rates.

Finding affordable car insurance as an immigrant can be complicated, especially for undocumented immigrants. Below, you’ll learn how to navigate the process so you can secure the coverage you need to drive safely and confidently.

When foreign drivers need U.S. car insurance

All U.S. states except New Hampshire require drivers to carry auto insurance. Foreign drivers visiting the U.S. and renting a car can typically get temporary car insurance through the rental agency. But if you plan to stay for an extended period of time or move to the U.S., you’ll need to get a standard American insurance policy.

To get car insurance, you’ll need a driver’s license. Some insurers may allow you to use your foreign license, but you may also need an international driving permit (IDP), depending on the state you’re driving in. An IDP is not a license but instead proof that you’re licensed to drive in your home county. If you move to the U.S., you may also need to get a driver’s license in the state where you reside.1

How car insurance works in the U.S.

Car insurance protects drivers from the costs of accidents, damage, and other unforeseen incidents on the road. It also covers property damage and medical treatment for injuries sustained by drivers and passengers. If you don’t have car insurance, you’ll be responsible for covering vehicle expenses out of your own pocket.

These are the main types of car insurance coverage:

Driving without car insurance exposes you to various financial and legal risks. If you’re caught driving without an active insurance policy, you’ll receive a fine, and some states will even revoke your license. And if you cause an accident while driving without insurance, you’ll be liable for property damage and bodily injury costs.

How car insurance works for undocumented immigrants

Most insurers require you to have a driver’s license to obtain coverage, so foreign drivers will need to first get a license in order to buy a policy. In 16 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., undocumented drivers are allowed to get their driver’s licenses without proof of legal presence in the U.S.2

But you’ll still likely need to provide proof of residency and some identification.3

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, check with your state motor vehicle department or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Like all foreign drivers, undocumented immigrants will likely pay higher rates with most insurance companies. So, it may pay to shop around to find the best rate once you have a driver’s license.

How much does car insurance for immigrants cost?

The average cost of car insurance in the United States is $143 per month. And since insurance companies treat immigrants as new drivers, their rates may be more expensive than rates for other U.S. drivers. Maintaining safe driving habits, taking advantage of discounts, and comparing car insurance quotes are some of the best ways to save money on your policy.

Best car insurance companies for immigrants

Some car insurance companies won’t work with foreign drivers, but it’s still possible to find car insurance coverage in the U.S. Start your search with the insurance companies below.

Progressive: Best for discounts

Liberty Mutual: Best for safe drivers

State Farm: Best for customer satisfaction

Hallmark: Best for non-owner insurance

Kemper: Best for high-risk drivers

Factors that affect car insurance for immigrants

You’ll face unique challenges when trying to get car insurance as an immigrant, such as possible language barriers, the lack of a Social Security number, and limited driving experience in the U.S. But you’ll also feel the effects of factors common to all drivers, such as age, location, and the type of car you drive.

Below, you’ll find an overview of the factors affecting car insurance for immigrants.

Immigration status

Immigrants in the U.S. fall into two main legal status categories: documented and undocumented. A documented immigrant is a person who has legal authorization to reside in the U.S., while an undocumented immigrant doesn’t. It may be more challenging for undocumented immigrants to get car insurance, as only 16 states and Washington, D.C., allow undocumented people to get a driver’s license.

States that allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver’s license include:

Driver profile

Various factors make up a driver’s profile, and each can affect car insurance rates, including:

• Age: Insurers typically charge higher premiums for drivers younger than 25.

• Location: If you live in a city, you’ll probably pay more for insurance than someone living in a small town.

• Gender: Women generally pay less for car insurance than men because they have a lower accident rate.2

• Marital status: Married couples may receive better car insurance rates than single people in some instances where they qualify for discounts.

• Claims history: You may pay higher premiums if you’ve filed claims in the past, depending on the type and cost of the claim.

• Vehicle use: How you use your vehicle can affect rates, such as whether you use it for work or pleasure and your annual mileage. Drivers who work for a rideshare company may pay more for insurance.

Driving history

U.S. insurers won’t be able to access your foreign driving history. But once you’re insured in the U.S., insurers will keep a close eye on your driving habits.

Your driving history in the U.S. affects insurance costs significantly, as it’s the clearest indicator of what kind of driver you are. Insurance companies consider accident history, traffic violations, and DUIs to determine your overall insurance risk.

Credit status

Some states allow insurers to consider credit-related information when making insurance decisions, such as using credit-based insurance scores. These scores help insurers predict how likely you are to file a claim, so they play a role in determining your rate.

People with a poor credit history, or no credit file, generally pay high insurance rates. As a result, foreign drivers with no U.S. credit history will likely pay more for insurance in states where insurers consider credit-based scores.

Some states ban or limit the use of credit in insurance decisions:

• California

• Hawaii

• Maryland

• Michigan

• Massachusetts

Type of car

Your vehicle type and cost can also affect your insurance rates. For example, if your car has a strong safety record, your premiums may be lower. On the other hand, if your car is a type that’s commonly stolen, your costs may be higher.

How immigrants and non-citizens can save on car insurance

Navigating the insurance system in a new country can be challenging. Immigrants and foreign visitors can maximize car insurance savings by taking the right steps.

How to buy car insurance

• Research your state’s laws. The process for obtaining car insurance varies by state. Check with your local department of motor vehicles for your state’s requirements.

• Get a driver’s license. You’ll need a U.S. driver’s license to get car insurance. If you’re in the U.S. temporarily, you may be able to use an international driver’s license to purchase insurance.

• Figure out how much insurance you need. Aside from your state’s minimum coverage requirements, you may want to purchase additional coverages, such as comprehensive and collision, for broader protection.

• Request quotes from multiple insurers. Compare quotes from several insurers to find the best deals and coverage options.

• Choose your policy. Once you find coverage that meets your needs, contact your broker or apply directly with the car insurance company. You can typically choose to pay the cost of your policy up front or break it up into monthly payments.

How to lower your car insurance costs

These are some good ways to lower your car insurance costs:

• Ask about discounts. Ask your insurance company about discounts, such as discounts for being a safe driver, being a good student, and completing defensive driving classes.

• Bundle policies. Many insurers offer discounts when you purchase multiple insurance policies with them, such as auto and homeowners insurance.

• Increase your deductible. One way to save on car insurance is to increase your deductible.4 Keep in mind that while increasing your deductible can reduce your insurance costs, you may pay more out of pocket for a covered loss.

• Drive a safe vehicle. You will pay less if you drive a vehicle with good safety scores.

• Review your policy. Review your insurance policy every six months or annually to ensure it aligns with your current needs. Adjust coverage limits, remove unnecessary riders, or explore other insurance companies if your situation has changed or you find a better deal.

Car insurance for immigrants FAQs