Car Insurance for Foreign Drivers

Foreign drivers visiting the U.S. need to follow state laws when behind the wheel, including carrying insurance. Fortunately, you can satisfy that requirement in a few ways.

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Updated May 20, 2024

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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.

The average cost of liability-only coverage in the U.S. is $104 per month, and full-coverage insurance is $215 per month.

If your car insurance from your country doesn’t extend to the U.S., you can purchase stand-alone coverage from an insurance company or through a rental car company.

Several states allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver’s license, which drivers need to secure car insurance.

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]

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.

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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:

Liability-only insurance covers the property damage and injuries you cause to other people and their property. Liability-only coverage at the state-minimum limits is typically the cheapest car insurance option available. States typically require drivers to purchase bodily injury liability and property damage liability.

Some states require drivers to purchase medical payments coverage. It can pay for medical expenses and funeral expenses for you and your passengers following a car accident, up to a certain limit.

Drivers in some states — especially no-fault states — need to purchase a minimum amount of personal injury protection. This covers medical and some non-medical expenses for you and your passengers regardless of fault in an accident.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is optional in some states and mandatory in others. These coverages protect you if you have an accident with someone who doesn’t have any or enough insurance to cover the damages.

Here are a few of the most common optional insurance coverages:

Collision insurance pays for damage to your car that results from a collision with another vehicle or an object like a tree or a pole.

Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle resulting from non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.

This policy typically includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage.[4]

What to know 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 in the U.S.

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.

When tourists rent a vehicle, the car rental company offers various insurance options. If your existing car insurance policy or your credit card company doesn’t provide coverage while in the U.S. for a short period, you should opt for liability coverage at a minimum.

Average cost of car insurance for foreign drivers in the U.S.

Liability-only car insurance costs an average of $104 per month, and full coverage costs $215, according to Insurify data. But the average cost of car insurance can significantly vary 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.

7+ years experience in data analysis

Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

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Car insurance for undocumented immigrants

Undocumented immigrants need a valid driver’s license to legally drive in the U.S. and qualify for car insurance. Many states allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a U.S. driver’s license, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.[5]

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.

Best insurance companies for foreign drivers in the U.S.

Many of the biggest U.S.-based insurance companies sell car insurance to international drivers. But before you purchase auto insurance, you should compare several different insurers to find the best insurance company for your needs.

The best car insurance companies for international drivers allow you to purchase coverage with a non-U.S. driver’s license. Additionally, the top insurers offer various coverages, good discounts, and affordable rates.

If you’re not a fluent English speaker, you might also look for insurance companies that accept international driver’s licenses and offer customer service in other languages.

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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.

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 $104 and full coverage at $215, 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 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.

Methodology

Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.

Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).

Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:

Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.

Sources

Janet Berry-Johnson, CPA is a freelance writer with a background in accounting and income tax planning and preparation. She's passionate about making complicated financial topics accessible to readers. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and son and their rescue dog, Dexter. Visit her website at www.jberryjohnson.com.

Licensed auto and home insurance agent

3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

Read Editorial Guidelines

Featured in

7+ years experience in data analysis

Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Read Editorial Guidelines

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