Can I get car insurance with a foreign driver’s license?

It may surprise some to know that insurance companies cater to drivers with international driving licenses. You can still get car insurance at a competitive rate if you compare your options and shop wisely. Anyone driving on the U.S. roads must have insurance to drive legally. Whether you are a U.S. citizen or a foreigner, you must be insured. According to the U.S. law, any foreign driver who arrives in the U.S. is allowed to drive on U.S. roads.

If you are a foreigner, just make sure to take the necessary steps to ascertain that your insurance is extended to include the United States, particularly for the states you plan to visit since they differ on driving laws.

Getting car insurance for non-U.S. citizens visiting the country does not have to be a complicated affair. You only need some local knowledge, and you will be good to go.

As a visitor, you are supposed to apply certain levels of judgment to make sure that you are fulfilling your obligation to insure a vehicle that can be driven anywhere in the U.S. while maintaining reasonably lower costs.

If you are looking to visit the U.S. and are in need of auto insurance, start comparison shopping by entering your ZIP code above!

What Kind of Insurance Do Drivers Need with A Foreign Drivers License?

The exact requirements vary by state, but they typically match the requirements for US citizens. You need to meet state minimums for liability coverage. States typically have separate bodily injury and property damage requirements. Many drivers are now getting a combined limit that actually offers more coverage at a lower insurance premium. It’s also important to note that you need to keep your foreign drivers license in good standing.

Fewer insurance companies offer coverage for people with a foreign drivers license. Enough companies make it an option, though. So you can still find different companies to get quotes from. (For more information, read our “Do you need a drivers license to get car insurance?”).

If you are looking to visit the U.S. and are in need of auto insurance, start comparison shopping by entering your ZIP code above!

What Kind of Insurance Do You Need with A Foreign Drivers License?

The kind of insurance coverage required by a non-U.S. citizen depends on the value of the car, its type, and who owns it. According to the law, all cars must possess liability coverage. If you want additional coverage to protect your passengers and car, there are additional options for coverage, including:

• Willful damage
• Theft
• Fire
• Accident
• Personal injury protection
• Collision
• Comprehensive coverage
• Rental car coverage

Liability coverage is meant for:

• Motorcycles
• Light passenger vans
• Private passenger vehicles

Read more: Does my car insurance cover me on a motorcycle?

If the non-U.S. Citizen is purchasing a vehicle, then its value will determine what kind of insurance to take. Along with the coverage options discussed before, liability insurance will provide plenty of protection, if the vehicle is of little value.

If the car’s value is higher, then you will have to get comprehensive insurance coverage.

If the non-U.S. citizen plans on renting a car, he/she will still need to get their own auto insurance policy. You will have to buy comprehensive and collision coverage in addition to other covers that are mandatory in your state.

If the non-U.S. citizen plans on borrowing a car from family or friends, then the value of the car will also be considered. If the owner of the car has liability insurance only, then it will not be necessary to get a policy at an extreme level.

If the car is comprehensively insured, then this should also be matched. A more cost-effective method of making sure that the vehicle is fully insured is to add the foreigner as a temporary driver on the owner’s insurance policy.

If you intend to drive in the U.S. as a non-citizen, it is good to do your own investigations on the steps required before arriving. It will pay to know a local insurance broker! Remember to get an international driver’s license in your country of origin.

How Much Will Car Insurance Cost for International Drivers?

There are auto insurance companies in the U.S. that give auto insurance to international drivers. Unfortunately, auto insurance for international drivers will often be at reasonably higher premiums than those who have a valid and clean resident license. If you’ve been in an accident, your rates will go up. Some discounts also aren’t available to international drivers.

The high rates are due to the following facts:

– Underwriting Requirements

Some insurance companies are strict with new applicants. According to their rating schemes, an international driver is classified as a driver with no experience.

– Credit History

Insurers in most U.S. states puts a lot of emphasis on an individual’s credit history [known as an insurance score] when issuing auto insurance rates.

In such states, without U.S. credit history, foreign drivers will have difficulty in accessing the best rates.

– Local Driving History Data

The insurance company needs your local driving record as a basis for calculating your premium. Unfortunately, most auto insurers are not able to verify or use driving records from another country.

Thankfully the tips below will help you save on car insurance even if you are a non-U.S. license holder:

• Shop around and compare quotes from various insurance companies before settling for the most competitive one. Many insurers accept foreign license holders, and some will even shift your no-claims years to enable you to access a discount straight away.
• Secondly, talk to an independent agent, who works on behalf of many companies and compare different quotes with the same coverage.
• Establish a local license early enough if you intend to initiate residency.
• Learn the license requirements for the state you plan to visit. Familiarize yourself with the DMV’s prerequisites for foreign drivers. You can also seek to secure a resident license if that option is available.
• Establish excellent credit in the U.S. if you intend to become a citizen or stay for an extended period of time. Good credit will help you obtain the best car insurance rates.

How Can You Find The Best Auto Insurance Rates with A Valid License?

As a driver with an international driving license, it is good to learn more about the rules and regulations that govern foreign drivers in the U.S.

This information can easily be found on the internet. You can also visit the U.S. embassy in your country of origin.

As much as it’s hard to get favorable auto insurance rates if you are a foreign driver, many insurers have come up to bridge this gap by providing these services.

It is important to shop around and compare different rates before settling for the most competitive one. Start comparison shopping today for auto insurance rates by entering your ZIP code below!