Car Insurance for Foreign Drivers in the U.S.
Foreign drivers visiting the U.S. need to follow state laws when behind the wheel, including carrying insurance.
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To operate a vehicle in the U.S. as a foreign driver, you need a driver’s license from your home country and car insurance. You may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Before buying auto coverage, you should always compare quotes from multiple insurance companies.
Whether you’re in the United States for a short visit or an extended stay, here’s what you should know about getting car insurance as an international driver.
You’ll need an international driving permit to get car insurance
An IDP is essentially an international driver’s license that acts as a bridge between your native driver’s license and the requirements of the country you’re visiting. It doesn’t replace your existing foreign license but rather complements it by ensuring law enforcement and insurance companies can easily understand your credentials.1
You must obtain an IDP from your country’s automobile association or similar regulatory body before you travel. The requirements vary from country to country, but you generally need to provide:
A completed application
A copy of your valid driver’s license
Passport-sized photos
Payment for an application fee
An IDP is valid for a limited time — typically one year — so you’ll need to plan accordingly if you intend to drive in the U.S. for an extended period.2
Do you need car insurance if you’re a short-term visitor?
As a short-term visitor in the U.S., you don’t need to obtain a long-term auto insurance policy. But you must have some form of insurance coverage — like rental car insurance — to drive legally, even for a short time.
If you’re visiting the U.S.
When you rent a car in the U.S., the rental company will offer various insurance options. These typically include:
A loss damage waiver (LDW) that waives your financial responsibility if your rental car gets stolen or damaged
Additional liability insurance that exceeds the state-minimum requirements where the rental agency is located
Personal accident insurance that can cover your medical expenses if you and your passengers get hurt in an accident while you’re driving the rental car
Personal effects insurance that pays to replace your belongings if they’re stolen from the rental car
Because rental car insurance is temporary and can provide ample coverage, it’s often the best option for drivers visiting the U.S. from another country.
If you’re moving to the U.S.
If you plan to live in the U.S., you’ll need to get a driver’s license in the state where you’ll be living. Each state has its own requirements for getting a driver’s license, so it’s a good idea to check with your state’s motor vehicle department.
The length of time you can drive on your foreign license also depends on the state. For example, New York gives out-of-state drivers 30 days to obtain a New York license. Texas allows up to 90 days.
If you’re from Canada or Mexico
Canadian car insurance policies extend coverage to the U.S. If you have coverage in Canada, it should cover your vehicle in the U.S. as well. But you should verify this with your insurance agent before you travel and carry proof of your insurance coverage with you in case law enforcement pulls you over or you have a car accident.
Mexican car insurance policies are generally not valid in the U.S., so you’ll have to buy separate car insurance to drive legally.
How car insurance works in the U.S.
Car insurance in the U.S. isn’t the same in every state. Each state has its own set of laws and minimum coverage requirements, but no state allows you to drive while uninsured or without comparable proof of insurance.3
Insurance companies in the U.S. won’t sell you a policy with less than the state-minimum limits. But you do have the option to purchase additional coverage. Experts recommend purchasing optional coverages and policies with higher limits because the minimum requirements often provide very basic protection.
In the event of a car accident, liability-only insurance won’t cover any of your vehicle repairs. If you don’t have additional coverage, you’ll face out-of-pocket expenses.
Common car insurance requirements
Understanding the basic types of car insurance in the U.S. can help you make more informed decisions about purchasing coverage.
Here’s a breakdown of the often-mandatory coverages:
Here are a few of the most common optional insurance coverages:
Average cost of car insurance for foreign drivers in the U.S.
Liability-only car insurance costs an average of $103 per month, and full coverage costs $182, according to Insurify data. But the average cost of car insurance can vary significantly by state depending on factors like state laws, claims frequency, and the cost of living.
Here are the average rates of liability-only and full-coverage insurance by state.
Car insurance for undocumented immigrants
Undocumented immigrants need a valid driver’s license to drive legally in the U.S. and qualify for car insurance. Many states allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a U.S. driver’s license, including:4
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Hawaii
Illinois
Maryland
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Nevada
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
Oregon
Rhode Island
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Driving without insurance carries significant risks and penalties. If caught, you could face fines, vehicle impoundment, and jail time, which could jeopardize your ability to remain in the U.S. You’re also personally liable for any damage or injuries you cause.
How to choose an insurance company for international driving
Many insurance companies provide car insurance to international drivers. But whether you’re visiting the U.S. or moving to the U.S. permanently, you may need to consider a few factors when shopping for auto insurance. These tips can help you choose the best car insurance company for international drivers.
Consider the coverage types you want
Most states require car insurance by law, and each state has different minimum requirements. You can also purchase optional policies — called endorsements — for more protection. Think about what insurance coverage you might need, like roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, or gap insurance, and make sure to choose an insurer that offers the coverage you want.
Look for insurers that offer discounts
Most car insurance companies offer discounts to help customers save money on their coverage. Every insurance company has different discounts. You can often find savings for paying your premium in full, bundling your policies, taking a defensive driving course, insuring more than two vehicles, and insuring a vehicle with safety features like an anti-theft device.
Check the customer service channels
Choose a car insurance company with good customer service. Look for insurers that offer 24/7 customer service or live chat for quick questions. If you prefer to manage your policy without the help of an agent, you might also search for companies that offer a mobile app or online policy-management tools. If you’re not a fluent English speaker, you should consider insurers that offer customer service in your language.
Read customer reviews
Before you buy a car insurance policy in the U.S., it’s a good idea to read reviews from current and past customers. Many insurers publish customer reviews on their websites. You can also check third-party sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of each insurer you’re researching.
Get personalized rate quotes
Insurers personalize car insurance premiums for each driver. You should get quotes from several different insurance companies to see which one can give you the lowest rate. You can also shop for quotes when your policy renews to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Car insurance for foreign drivers FAQs
If you still have questions about finding car insurance as a foreign driver in the U.S., the following information can help you navigate the process.
What’s the average cost of car insurance in America?
The overall average cost of car insurance in America is $143. The national average cost of liability-only coverage is $103, while full coverage averages $182. How much you actually pay for car insurance will depend on many factors, including the state where you live, your age and gender, your driving record, vehicle type, and more.
Do you need a Social Security number to get car insurance?
No. You don’t necessarily need a Social Security number (SSN) to get car insurance in the U.S. Many insurance companies offer policies to people without an SSN, especially in states that allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver’s license. But you may need to provide an alternative form of identification, such as a passport or an International Driving Permit.
How much is car insurance for international drivers in the U.S.?
The cost of car insurance varies widely, with average monthly premiums for liability-only coverage at $103 and full coverage at $182, according to Insurify data. Factors such as the state you’re driving in, the type of vehicle, and the coverage level you choose can affect the price significantly.
Is car insurance more expensive for foreign drivers?
Car insurance can be more expensive for foreign drivers due to a lack of U.S. driving history and credit history, which insurers use to assess risk. But the exact cost difference varies by insurer, type of vehicle, and driver circumstances. Shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance companies can help you find the best rates.
Will your driving history in another country affect your insurance rates in the U.S.?
In most cases, your driving history in another country won’t directly affect your insurance rates in the U.S. because many insurers don’t have access to international driving records.
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