Compare Foreign Driver Car Insurance Rates [2023]
To get car insurance for foreign drivers, non-citizens will need an international driving permit and must find an insurance company willing to provide car insurance for USA visitors.
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Joel Ohman
Founder & CFP®
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Jo...
Founder & CFP®
UPDATED: Dec 19, 2022
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UPDATED: Dec 19, 2022
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- All drivers in the US must have a valid driver’s license, regardless of citizenship or country of origin
- Some states also require foreign drivers to carry an international driving permit
- Foreign drivers will need to obtain an international driving permit prior to arriving in the US because they are not issued in the US
You may be wondering if you need car insurance as a tourist in the USA or even if a foreigner can get car insurance in the USA.
If you are a tourist who is considering purchasing and insuring a car while in the US you can do so, but the process is not as easy as it is for a citizen. Cheap car insurance for foreign drivers, visitors, and tourists can be hard to find.
Why would you even want to buy a car while traveling abroad?
A person who wants to visit the United States for an extended trip may be interested in buying an inexpensive vehicle to use while they are in the country, purchasing car insurance for foreigners in the USA, and then selling the vehicle before they go home.
In some cases, this can be cheaper than other traveling options.
The best way to find the best cheap insurance for foreign drivers (or as a resident) is to get quotes from the best auto insurance companies and use a car insurance comparison chart. Each company will offer different coverages for different prices.
Can you get car insurance as a foreign driver?
If you are a new visitor, you will need to know how car insurance works in the USA. While buying a car in the United States without a US driver’s license is easy, getting insurance coverage can be challenging.
In many cases, an insurance company requires a state-issued driver’s license before selling you an insurance policy, so getting car insurance with no license is a challenge.
Many insurance companies want car owners to have a valid address in the United States before issuing an insurance policy.
Some companies will simply refuse to issue a policy to non-resident drivers in the USA, and the ones who are willing to provide this type of coverage may charge higher rates than they would offer to US residents.
Can you buy car insurance for UK drivers in the USA or buy car insurance for non-US residents or citizens? Although challenging, it is possible to get US car insurance for UK drivers, car insurance for foreign nationals, and car insurance for other drivers.
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Do I need car insurance as a foreign driver?
Do you need insurance to drive in the USA?
The minimum car insurance required by each state varies, but in most states, car owners are required to have liability car insurance coverage in place. This coverage protects the occupants in the other vehicle if a car accident occurs and you are at fault.
Liability car insurance for driving in the USA pays for the cost of medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages, and other expenses incurred by those injured in the accident.
Driving without insurance, whether an accident occurs or not, is a criminal offense. The penalty for doing so varies from state to state and may include a fine or lead to having the vehicle seized.
Which companies offer car insurance for foreign drivers?
Not all auto insurance companies offer coverage to US visitors. This can make it hard to find coverage if you don’t have a US address.
Farmers car insurance and Progressive car insurance offer insurance for international drivers. Other companies such as Kemper and Bristol West also offer insurance to foreign drivers.
What’s the average cost of car insurance in the US?
There are many different factors that affect car insurance rates. Companies look at your age, driving record, and where you live just to name a few.
This table breaks down the average yearly cost of car insurance based on the types of car insurance you choose.
| Group | High Coverage Level Average Annual Car Insurance Rates | Low Coverage Level Average Annual Car Insurance Rates | Medium Coverage Level Average Annual Car Insurance Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $5,139.02 | $4,628.03 | $4,896.81 |
| American Family | $3,416.40 | $3,368.49 | $3,544.37 |
| Farmers | $4,494.13 | $3,922.47 | $4,166.22 |
| Geico | $3,429.14 | $3,001.91 | $3,213.97 |
| Liberty Mutual | $6,356.04 | $5,805.75 | $6,058.57 |
| Nationwide | $3,505.37 | $3,394.83 | $3,449.80 |
| Progressive | $4,350.96 | $3,737.13 | $4,018.46 |
| State Farm | $3,454.80 | $3,055.40 | $3,269.80 |
| Travelers | $4,619.07 | $4,223.63 | $4,462.02 |
| USAA | $2,667.92 | $2,404.11 | $2,539.87 |
Although high or full coverage is more expensive, your vehicle is covered in the case of an accident or theft.
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Does a foreign driver’s license work in the US?
Can you drive in the USA with a foreign license? Can you get U.S. car insurance with a Canadian license?
Depending on the state you are in and the country you are coming from, a valid driver’s license from another country may be all that is required. You may find it easy to get car insurance with a passport, but it can be difficult to find cheap car insurance with a foreign license.
However, USA.gov states that you may be required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your license. You would need to request the IDP from the country in which you are licensed, as the US does not issue IDPs.
This shows you are a licensed driver and that you meet certain requirements. Having an IDP may make it easier for you to get car insurance for a foreign driver’s license (and in some states, it is required in order for you to legally drive).
How do I shop for USA car insurance?
Fortunately for people who want to buy a car for their use while visiting the United States, they can start car insurance shopping before they arrive. The internet makes it easy to research insurance companies and shop for coverage online.
The best way to proceed is to start looking at car insurance for USA visitors options well in advance of the trip. That way a visitor can confirm that a US-based insurance company is willing to extend car insurance to USA visitors and how much it will cost.
Insurance rates vary a great deal from company to company, and it is possible to save up to 17% by shopping around for car insurance. Some steps to do this include:
- Tell three or more of the insurance companies you found online the requirements you have for car insurance.
- Obtain a quote from each of the companies chosen
- Check to make certain that the insurance company is licensed in the state you wish to visit. Contacting the Insurance Department for that state will give you the information
- Examine the insurance companies’ financial rating and complaint information by contacting the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
- Look at other rating sites like A.M Best or Standard and Poor’s
It’s also a good idea to start with the basics when looking for auto insurance for foreigners in the USA.
Visitors will want to check with various insurance companies to see whether they offer coverage for international drivers. Getting multiple quotes will allow the best coverage at the cheapest price.
Someone looking for car insurance will also want to take into account how well the company ranks in customer service. Even though rates may be cheap, a company needs to have great customer service in the event a claim needs to be filed.
Then visitors will need to have an idea about the make and model of the vehicle they will be buying so they can get a quote for coverage. Most insurance companies can offer insurance on foreign cars as well as cars in the US.
The insurance company may need to ask a series of questions to learn more about the tourist and their plans before making a decision about whether to extend coverage, but the first step in the process is to find an insurer offering this type of policy.
Keep in mind if you are renting a car instead of buying that it’s a different story. Most car rental companies will offer insurance, making it easy to buy rental car insurance in the USA for tourists. You will not need to use an outside company to find coverage.
Can you buy a car in the USA as a foreigner?
Buying a car in the US as a non-resident isn’t all that tricky. A dealer in the US will likely sell a vehicle to a tourist who is visiting the country. The visitor also has the option of buying a vehicle from a private seller.
If the transaction is made through a private seller, the purchaser will need to make sure that they see valid ownership papers for the vehicle.
For the sale to be a legal one, both parties are required to go to the local office of the state motor vehicle bureau. They must sign documents to affirm the sale and register the new ownership of the vehicle.
The buyer will be required to pay a registration fee, as well as sales tax on the purchase. At this point, the buyer can purchase plates for the vehicle.
Once the documents have been signed, the new owner is required to keep a copy of the vehicle registration and proof of insurance in the vehicle at all times.
Traveling to a new country can be an exciting adventure. If you make sure you have car insurance in place in advance, your travels will be that much smoother.
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Can you get tourist car insurance in the USA?
Do tourists need car insurance in the USA? Yes, car insurance for tourists in the USA is required. You can find car insurance in the USA for foreign drivers if you are willing to look around. To buy auto insurance for tourists in the USA, you just need to know a few rules.
- Tourists driving on vacation in the USA need to be aware of the ramifications of insurance law before they leave.
- It is illegal to operate a vehicle without some form of insurance coverage that meets local legal requirements.
- Liability car insurance usually follows the person purchasing the insurance but physical damage coverage on the vehicle itself stays with the individual vehicle.
Insurance regulations in the United States are complex and change from state to state. You may be wondering if your existing car insurance will extend to driving in the USA. The answer to this varies, as it depends on your insurer and if the limits apply to US insurance laws.
One thing that is always the same, though, is that every state requires that drivers carry insurance when driving. Tourists driving on vacation in the US need to be aware of the ramifications of insurance law before they leave.
For example, required car insurance in California for foreigners may be different than what is required in Florida.
How can I save on my car insurance policy in the US?
Consult your own automobile insurance company to determine if your insurance applies to a rental vehicle or one that you borrow from a friend or relative.
Many people want to know they can add a foreigner to their car insurance or if a foreigner can drive their car. You can add someone to your car insurance for a week.
Below are several ways of obtaining vehicle insurance for a rental or loaner vehicle:
- Rely on liability insurance from your own automobile policy
- Obtain insurance on a rental vehicle through your credit card (some companies offer insurance as one of their benefits)
- Purchase physical damage coverage for the vehicle itself from the rental agency
- Request the friend or family member you are borrowing the car from add you as a driver to their insurance policy for a specific vehicle
- Purchase a short-term car insurance policy to provide liability and physical damage coverage for you
As we’ve already noted, US residents can temporarily add you to their policy if they plan to lend you one of their vehicles to drive while you’re in the country.
What car insurance should I get for short-term/long-term visits?
In the states, you need liability insurance even if you do not own the vehicle you are driving. If you are renting a car long term, you should consider buying a personal non-owned policy instead of paying the expensive rental car rate.
Rental insurance can double the cost of your contract and provide limited protection, while a non-owner car insurance policy will cover all vehicles you borrow or rent for one low cost.
A non-owned car insurance policy is appropriate for drivers who will be driving frequently for a limited period of time but do not own a vehicle.
Any expenses above the policy limit (minus the deductible) must be paid for by the car owner personally. For this reason, most experts suggest adding additional coverage to your policy.
You can also choose to buy temporary car insurance for foreign drivers in the USA. This will be the same coverage, just for a much shorter period of time. If you will only be in the US for a short time, this can be much cheaper.
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Can foreign nationals drive in the US?
Individuals driving in the United States must have a valid driver’s license. Since each state has differing regulations, contact that state’s motor vehicle department to ascertain its requirements.
USA.gov states that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is often required in addition to a valid license from your own country to acquire a driver’s license from the state.
The United States does not issue International Driving Permits for non-residents, so it is necessary to contact that country’s driver’s license issuing entity or motoring association.
Renting a vehicle in the United States requires a driver’s license, so you’ll need to obtain an IDP and possibly a temporary license in the state(s) you plan to visit (this is typically important if your stay is a long one).
One driver’s license from a single state will ordinarily be enough for your entire visit. So if you need car insurance but have a Chinese license, or need car insurance with an Indian driving license, you will first need to get a USA driver’s temporary license.
Where can I get car insurance as a foreign driver?
Things to do to acquire car insurance in the USA for foreign drivers:
- Learn US rules of the road; any Department of Motor Vehicles can offer you this information
- An IDP is required, as well as a license from your country of residence; you may also need a temporary US driver’s license if you plan an extended stay
- Look online for insurance companies that specialize in car insurance in the USA for foreigners
- Contact insurance companies and collect information and quotes on the cost of this insurance
For example, ask about Geico car insurance and foreign licenses or Progressive car insurance for international students in the USA to get help on specialized car insurance.
It will be slightly more difficult for you to find the right car insurance as a foreign driver because not all companies offer this option, and at a reasonable price.
One of the most significant factors that determine the price of car insurance is a person’s driving record, and since an international driver likely doesn’t have a driving record on file with the Department of Motor Vehicles, insurance companies charge more to account for the possibility of greater risk due to not having this information.
Progressive is one of the few larger companies to offer this option, and at a fairly reasonable rate.
You may also have luck finding insurance with smaller companies, like Dairyland insurance, Hallmark, and Assurance America.
Speaking to an independent agent would be a good idea in this situation, as they can look into different options for you and find the best fit for your specific circumstances.
How much car insurance is required in the US?
Each state has its own laws for required limits of liability (recall we listed these in a previous section). Go through this checklist to determine what coverage you need:
- Bodily injury liability – Coverage for your legal liability should you be responsible for an accident; recommended limits of liability are typically $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability – Coverage for legal liability for property damage to others if you are responsible for an accident; $50,000 is the recommended limit for this type of coverage
- Underinsured and uninsured motorist’s coverage – Pays for injury to you and your passengers if you’re in an accident involving someone without insurance; most people are responsible, but about 13% of US drivers are currently uninsured.
These amounts may be higher than the minimum requirement but are recommended in order to ensure you have appropriate protection.
This table breaks down the penalties for driving without insurance in each state. Search for your state in the box below.
| State | Penalties for First Driving Uninsured Offense | Penalties for Second Driving Uninsured Offense |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Fine: Up to $500; registration suspension with $200 reinstatement fee | Fine: Up to $1,000 and/or six-month license suspension; $400 reinstatement fee with four-month registration suspension |
| Alaska | License suspension for 90 days | License suspension for one year |
| Arizona | Fine: $500 (or more); license/registration/license plate suspension for three months | Fine: $750 (or more within 36 months); license/registration/license plate suspension for six months |
| Arkansas | Fine: $50 to $250; suspended registration/no plates until proof of coverage plus $20 reinstatement fee; the court may order impoundment | Fine: $250 to $500 fine — minimum fine mandatory; suspended registration/no plates until proof of coverage plus $20 reinstatement fee. The court may order impoundment. |
| California | Fine: $100-$200 plus penalty assessments. The court may order impoundment | Fine: $200-$500 within three years plus penalty assessments. The court may order impoundment |
| Colorado | Fine: $500 minimum fine; 4 points against your license; license suspension until you can show proof to the DMV that you are insured. Courts may add up to 40 hours community service | $1,000 minimum fine and license suspension for 4 months; 4 points against your license. Courts may add up to 40 hours of community service |
| Connecticut | Fine: $100-$1000; suspended registration/license for one month (show proof of insurance) with $175 reinstatement fee | Fine: $100-$1000; suspended registration/license for six months (show proof of insurance) with $175 reinstatement fee |
| Delaware | Fine: $1500 minimum fine; license/privilege suspension for six months | Fine: $3000 minimum fine within three years; license/privilege suspension for six months |
| Florida | Suspension of license and registration until reinstatement fee is paid and non-cancelable coverage is secured; $150 fee for first reinstatement | Suspension of license and registration until reinstatement fee is paid and non-cancelable coverage is secured; $250 fee for the second reinstatement |
| Georgia | Suspended registration with a $25 lapse fee and $60 reinstatement fee. Pay any other registration fees and vehicle ad valorem taxes due | Within five years: Suspended registration with $25 lapse fee and $60 reinstatement fee. Pay any other registration fees and vehicle ad valorem taxes due |
| Hawaii | Fine: $500 fine or community service granted by the judge. Either license suspension for three months or a required nonrefundable insurance policy in force for six months | Fine: $1500 minimum fine within five years; either license suspension for one year or a required non-refundable insurance policy in force for six months |
| Idaho | Fine: $75; license suspension until financial proof. No reinstatement fee. | Fine: $1000 maximum fine within five years and/or no more than six months in jail; license suspension until financial proof. No reinstatement fee. |
| Illinois | Fine: minimum of $500; License plate suspension until $100 reinstatement fee and insurance proof | Fine: minimum of $1,000; License plate suspension for four months; $100 reinstatement fee and insurance proof |
| Indiana | License/registration suspension for 90 days to one year | Within three years: license/registration suspension for one year |
| Iowa | Fine: $500 if in an accident; Otherwise, fine: $250; community service in lieu of fine. Possible citation/warning if pulled over plus removal of plates and registration possible when pulled over without insurance and reissued upon payment of fine or completed community service, proof of insurance, and $15 fee; possible impoundment when pulled over | N/A |
| Kansas | Fine: $300 to $1000 and/or confinement in jail up to six months; license/registration suspension; reinstatement fee: $100 | Fine: $800 to $2500 within three years; license/registration suspension; reinstatement fee: $300 if revoked within previous year, otherwise $100 |
| Kentucky | Fine: $500 to $1000 fine and/or sentenced up to 90 days in jail; license plates and registration revoked for one year or until proof of insurance is shown | Within five years: 180 days in jail and/or $1000 to $2500; license plates and registration revoked for one year or until proof of insurance is shown |
| Louisiana | Fine: $500 to $1000; If in a car accident, fine plus registration revoked and driving privileges suspended for 180 days | N/A |
| Maine | Fine: $100 to $500; suspension of license and registration until proof of insurance | N/A |
| Maryland | Lose license plates and vehicle registration privileges; pay uninsured motorist penalty fees for each lapse of insurance — $150 for the first 30 days, $7 for each day thereafter; Pay a restoration fee of up to $25 for a vehicle's registration | N/A |
| Massachusetts | Fine: $500 to $5000 fine and/or imprisonment for one year or less | Within six years: License/driving privileges suspended for one year |
| Michigan | Fine: $200 to $500 fine and/or imprisonment for one year or less; license suspension for 30 days or until proof of insurance; $25 service fee to Secretary of State | N/A |
| Minnesota | Fine: $200 to $1000 (or community service) and/or imprisonment for up to 90 days; License and registration revoked for no more than 12 months | N/A |
| Mississippi | Fine: $1000; driving privileges suspended for one year or until proof of insurance | N/A |
| Missouri | Four points against driving record; the driver may be supervised; suspended until proof of insurance with $20 reinstatement fee | Four points against driving record; the driver may be supervised; suspended for 90 days with $200 reinstatement fee |
| Montana | Fine: $250 to $500 fine and/or imprisonment for no more than 10 days | Fine: $350 and/or imprisonment for no more than 10 days — within 5 years; license and registration revoked until proof of insurance and payment of reinstatement fees within 90 days |
| Nebraska | License and registration suspension; reinstatement fee of $50 for each; proof of insurance to remain on file for three years | N/A |
| Nevada | Fine: $250 to $1,000 depending on the length of lapse; registration suspension — until payment of reinstatement fee and, depending on circumstances, an SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility) if lapsed more than 90 days; reinstatement fee: $250 | Fine: $500 to $1000 depending on the length of lapse; registration suspension — until payment of reinstatement fee and, depending on circumstances, SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility) if lapsed more than 90 days; Reinstatement fee: $500 |
| New Hampshire | Not a mandatory insurance state. Proof of insurance may be required as the result of a conviction, crash involvement, or administrative action. If you are required to file proof of insurance and vehicles are registered in your name, you will be required to file an Owner’s SR-22 Certificate of Insurance. | N/A |
| New Jersey | Fine: $300 to $1000; license suspension for one year; pay surcharges for three years in the amount of $250 per year | Fine: up to $5000; two-year license suspension; 14-day, mandatory jail term, and an additional mandatory 30 days of community service |
| New Mexico | Fine: up to $300 and/or imprisoned for 90 days; license suspension | N/A |
| New York | Fine: up to $1500 if involved in accident plus $750 civil penalty; license and registration suspension – revoked for one year; suspension of the license if without insurance for 90 days; suspension lasts as long as registration suspension; Suspension of registration: equal to time without insurance or pays $8/day up to thirty days for which financial security was not in effect, $10/day from the thirty-first to the sixtieth day $12/day from the sixtieth to the ninetieth day and proof of security is provided. Or for the same time as the vehicle was operated without insurance. | N/A |
| North Carolina | Fine: $50; registration suspension until proof of financial responsibility but 30-day suspension if in a car accident or knowingly driving without insurance; $50 restoration fee plus license plate fee | Fine: $100 within three years; registration suspension until proof of financial responsibility but 30-day suspension if in a car accident or knowingly driving without insurance; $50 restoration fee plus license plate fee |
| North Dakota | Fine: up to $1500 and/or 30 days in prison; 14 points against license plus suspension; Proof of insurance must be provided for one year; license with a notation requiring that person keep proof of liability insurance on file with the department. The fee for this license is $50, and the fee to remove this notation is $50. | Fine: up to $1500 and/or 30 days in prison; 14 points against license plus suspension; license plates impounded until proof of insurance (provided for one year) plus $20 reinstatement fee; license with a notation requiring that person keep proof of liability insurance on file with the department. The fee for this license is $50 and the fee to remove this notation is $50. |
| Ohio | License/plates/registration suspension until requirements are met and $100 reinstatement fee is paid; maintain special high-risk coverage on file with the BMV for three to five years; If involved in an accident without insurance: all above penalties and a security suspension for two-plus years and an indefinite judgment suspension (until all damages are satisfied) | License/plates/registration suspension for one year; $300 reinstatement fee; maintain special high-risk coverage on file with the BMV for three or five years; if involved in an accident without insurance: all above penalties and a security suspension for two-plus years and an indefinite judgment suspension (until all damages are satisfied) |
| Oklahoma | Fine: $250; jail time up to 30 days; license suspension with $275 reinstatement fee. Police can seize license plates and assign temporary plates and liability insurance — in effect for 10 days and can also impound the vehicle. The cost of the temporary coverage is added to the administrative fee and any fines paid for plates to be returned. If the car impounded, the owner must also pay towing and storage fees. | N/A |
| Oregon | Fine: $130-$1000 ($260 is the presumptive fine); If involved in an accident — at least a one-year license suspension; proof of financial responsibility required for three years | N/A |
| Pennsylvania | Registration suspended for three months (unless lapse was for less than 31 days and the vehicle not operated during that time); $88 restoration fee plus proof of insurance required to get it back; $500 civil penalty fee is optional in lieu of registration suspension plus $88 restoration fee — can only use this option once within a 12-month period | N/A |
| Rhode Island | Fine: $100 to $500; license and registration suspension up to three months; reinstatement fee: $30 to $50 | Fine: $500; license and registration suspension up to six months; reinstatement fee: $30 to $50 |
| South Carolina | Fine: $100-$200 or 30-day imprisonment; failure to surrender registration and plates when insurance lapses; license/registration suspended until proof of insurance plus $200 reinstatement fee | Fine: $200 and/or 30-day imprisonment — within 10 years; license/registration suspended until proof of insurance plus $200 reinstatement fee |
| South Dakota | Fine: $100 and/or 30 days imprisonment; license suspension for 30 days to one year; filing proof of insurance (SR-22) with the state for three years from the date of conviction. Failure to file proof will result in the suspension of vehicle registration, license plates, and driver license. | N/A |
| Tennessee | Pay $25 coverage failure fee within 30 days of notice; if not paid, then an additional $100 coverage failure fee with suspension or revocation of registration plus reinstatement fee of no more than $25 | N/A |
| Texas | Fine: $175 to $350 fine; plus, pay up to a $250 surcharge every year for three years (may be reduced with certain requirements) | Fine: $350 to $1000; pay up to a $250 surcharge every year for three years (may be reduced with certain requirements); suspend the driver's license and vehicle registrations of the person unless the person files and maintains evidence of financial responsibility with the department until the second anniversary of the date of the subsequent conviction; Impoundment: for 180 days and cannot apply for the release of the car without evidence of financial responsibility and an impoundment fee of $15/day. |
| Utah | Fine: $400; license suspension until proof of insurance (maintained for three years) and $100 reinstatement fee | Fine: $1000 — with three years; license suspension until proof of insurance (maintained for three years) and $100 reinstatement fee |
| Vermont | Fine: up to $500; license suspended until proof of insurance | N/A |
| Virginia | Fine: may pay $500 Uninsured Motorists Vehicle fee to drive without insurance at your own risk. If this fee is not paid in lieu of insurance, all driving and vehicle registration privileges will be suspended until a $500 statutory fee is paid, proof of insurance is filed for three years, and a reinstatement fee (if applicable) is paid | N/A |
| Washington | Fine: Up to $250 or more | N/A |
| West Virginia | Fine: $200 to $5000; license suspended for 30 days with reinstatement fees, unless there's proof of insurance and $200 penalty fee | Fine: $200-$5000 fine and/or 15 days to one year in jail — within five years; license suspended for 90 days and registration revoked until proof of insurance |
| Wisconsin | Fine: up to $500 | N/A |
| Wyoming | Fine: up to $750 fine and up to six months in jail | N/A |
You can see that the penalties are stiff. Make sure you are insured with at least the minimum coverage before you drive.
Take a look at this table in which we summarized the minimum coverage requirements for each state, as reported by the Insurance Information Institute.
| State | Insurance Required in the State | Minimum Liability Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/25 |
| Alaska | BI & PD Liab | 50/100/25 |
| Arizona | BI & PD Liab | 15/30/10 |
| Arkansas | BI & PD Liab, PIP | 25/50/25 |
| California | BI & PD Liab | 15/30/5 |
| Colorado | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/15 |
| Connecticut | BI & PD Liab, UM, UIM | 25/50/20 |
| Delaware | BI & PD Liab, PIP | 25/50/10 |
| District of Columbia | BI & PD Liab, UM | 25/50/10 |
| Florida | PD Liab, PIP | 10/20/10 |
| Georgia | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/25 |
| Hawaii | BI & PD Liab, PIP | 20/40/10 |
| Idaho | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/15 |
| Illinois | BI & PD Liab, UM, UIM | 25/50/20 |
| Indiana | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/25 |
| Iowa | BI & PD Liab | 20/40/15 |
| Kansas | BI & PD Liab, PIP | 25/50/25 |
| Kentucky | BI & PD Liab, PIP, UM, UIM | 25/50/25 |
| Louisiana | BI & PD Liab | 15/30/25 |
| Maine | BI & PD Liab, UM, UIM, Medpay | 50/100/25 |
| Maryland | BI & PD Liab, PIP, UM, UIM | 30/60/15 |
| Massachusetts | BI & PD Liab, PIP | 20/40/5 |
| Michigan | BI & PD Liab, PIP | 20/40/10 |
| Minnesota | BI & PD Liab, PIP, UM, UIM | 30/60/10 |
| Mississipi | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/25 |
| Missouri | BI & PD Liab, UM | 25/50/25 |
| Montana | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/20 |
| Nebraska | BI & PD Liab, UM, UIM | 25/50/25 |
| Nevada | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/20 |
| New Hampshire | FR only | 25/50/25 |
| New Jersey | BI & PD Liab, PIP, UM, UIM | 15/30/5 |
| New Mexico | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/10 |
| New York | BI & PD Liab, PIP, UM, UIM | 25/50/10 |
| North Carolina | BI & PD Liab, UM, UIM | 30/60/25 |
| North Dakota | BI & PD Liab, PIP, UM, UIM | 25/50/25 |
| Ohio | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/25 |
| Oklahoma | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/25 |
| Oregon | BI & PD Liab, PIP, UM, UIM | 25/50/20 |
| Pennsylvania | BI & PD Liab, PIP | 15/30/5 |
| Rhode Island | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/25 |
| South Carolina | BI & PD Liab, UM, UIM | 25/50/25 |
| South Dakota | BI & PD Liab, UM, UIM | 25/50/25 |
| Tennessee | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/15 |
| Texas | BI & PD Liab, PIP | 30/60/25 |
| Utah | BI & PD Liab, PIP | 25/65/15 |
| Vermont | BI & PD Liab, UM, UIM | 25/50/10 |
| Virginia | BI & PD Liab, UM, UIM | 25/50/20 |
| Washington | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/10 |
| West Virginia | BI & PD Liab, UM, UIM | 25/50/25 |
| Wisconsin | BI & PD Liab, UM, Medpay | 25/50/10 |
| Wyoming | BI & PD Liab | 25/50/20 |
To make it easier to review the minimum amount of liability insurance required in the above table, we spelled out the relevant abbreviations below.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| BI | Bodily Injury |
| PD | Property Damage Liability |
| PIP | Personal Injury Protection |
| UM | Uninsured Motorist |
| UIM | Underinsured Motorist |
Car insurance also needs to be issued before a vehicle can be legally registered. Anyone considering a lengthy stay in the US who wants to buy a car should do their homework before traveling.
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Should I get physical damage protection?
While not legally required to drive in the US, physical damage coverage for the vehicle you are driving is important to protect you from damage. This coverage consists of comprehensive car insurance and collision insurance.
Comprehensive insurance covers wind, hail, flood, theft, glass damage, vandalism, and animal damage, among other things, but only for your vehicle. A deductible applies to this coverage.
Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle in the event of a collision with another car or another object. A deductible applies to this coverage.
Rental companies typically offer physical damage coverage for the vehicle you are renting (usually for an additional charge). Read the contract carefully to determine the extent of this coverage. You may save money if you shop at different rental agencies and compare prices.
If you are a US citizen, it is relatively easy to acquire insurance that will cover your responsibilities when driving in another state. Foreign nationals and individuals living within the parameters of a visa need to acquire a valid driver’s license in their state.
Can non-US citizens get car insurance?
As we’ve discussed, international driver insurance in the USA is required in order to legally drive. As a non-US resident, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Car insurance that meets the requirements of the state in which you are staying is necessary
- Your IDP is valid in more than 150 countries
- Rental car agencies will require both an IDP and your foreign driver’s license
Being a non-US resident who drives in the US does not exempt you from mandatory car insurance laws. If you are a foreign national in the US and will have regular access to a privately owned vehicle, you are required to carry and maintain your own insurance.
Unfortunately, some insurance companies make it difficult to secure car insurance because they want to verify that you have a valid state-issued driver’s license.
To get car insurance, you’ll need to research the underwriting guidelines; ideally, you’ll find out which company’s underwriting guidelines will be most beneficial to you as you are comparing rates.
Not only do you need to get licensed to operate a vehicle within the United States, but you also need to have all of the right documents to secure your own US car insurance policy.
Read this step-by-step guide and learn how to get insurance when you are not a resident.
Step 1: Obtaining an IDP
It is against the law to drive without a valid license and insurance. Some countries will recognize a license issued by certain countries, so it is possible that your foreign license will be accepted.
You need to check to see which licenses are recognized and which are not. If you are not a foreign national of a country like Mexico or Canada, you will need to apply for an IDP regardless of your foreign driving experience.
Car insurance cannot be purchased without appropriate licensing as a driver in the US
If you are a resident but not a US citizen, the state that you reside in may require you to apply for a state-issued license. In order to get this driver’s license, you will need to show your old license and pass written and driving tests just like you would if you were a new driver.
It is up to you to study for these tests and learn the laws of the state so you can pass them the first time around.
What is an international driving permit?
The IDP is a permit that will allow you to drive in a foreign country while you are visiting. It is valid in more than 150 countries and can be translated into 10 languages.
It will act as a direct translation of your driving record in your home country and must be issued by your country of origin, not in the US.
How do I apply for an IDP?
If you are not sure where to begin applying for an IDP, you can start by contacting a local travel agency or an automobile association. You’ll need both passport photos and your license to obtain an IDP.
You must apply for the privilege before your trip to the United States; once it is granted, you’ll be able to drive internationally for up to 12 months.
One of the great things about the IDP is that you do not have to pass any new licensing tests to get a license in the state that you are visiting.
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Step 2: Knowing What Documents You Need
If you are renting a car, applying for an IDP, applying for a US driver’s license, or applying for car insurance, you are going to need several different documents.
Rental car agencies will require both your IDP and your foreign license. If you’re applying for a US driver’s license as a foreign resident, the documents that you need may vary from state to state, but in most cases, you are required to show your:
- Foreign license
- Immigration documents
- Passport
- Proof of social security number
- Proof of your duration of stay in the US
- Proof of residency
- Proof of valid car insurance (when you own a personal vehicle)
The documents required to apply for your personal car insurance are extremely important. Failing to bring the right documents with you could be the difference between being eligible or ineligible for coverage.
Documents you should have before leaving your home country include:
- IDP
- Copy of out-of-country license
- Abstract of your driving record translated into English
- Letter of experience from a prior insurance company showing the initial date of inception
- Claims history letter detailing claim dates and payout amounts
Without these documents, you may still be able to find a company that will insure you, but without the right documents, you are going to pay a huge sum for your protection.
Step 3: Obtaining Affordable Auto Insurance Rates
Now that you can legally drive in the country and you have all of the documents you need to get insurance, you can shop the market.
One of the best ways to save money on your car insurance in the US is to shop around. This will help you with finding the cheapest car insurance quotes for international drivers.
As a resident non-citizen, you can still compare rates, you just need to be more aware of the company’s requirements. There will be limitations surrounding which companies will extend coverage to you and how you will be classified as a driver.
Keep reading to learn more about some considerations to keep in mind as you shop around.
How can I get car insurance with an international driver’s permit?
Having an IDP license or a newly issued driver’s license can affect your rates when you choose a company that will not give you prior experience credits.
If you are classified as a new driver because your permit or license was recently issued, you will pay rates similar to those offered to teenage drivers.
Since teens pay nearly double the rate of the average driver, it is important to find companies that are willing to give you experience credits.
Buying car insurance as a resident does not have to be difficult.
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What are some tips on how to buy car insurance for foreign drivers?
There are some things to consider when you are looking for auto insurance as a foreign driver.
A few tips are:
- Figure out if you need a car on a daily basis. If you are somewhere that offers public transportation, you might not need a car. You can always rent a car for those road trips you want to take
- Consider the coverage you need. Although you want to make sure you meet your state minimum requirements, you might want to add additional coverages. The last thing you want is to have to pay out of pocket for damages to your vehicle
- If you’re going to be in the US for more than a year, you might want to get a US driver’s license. This will help you find car insurance when you need it
There are a lot of factors to look at when you’re looking for car insurance and don’t live in the US Asking questions and shopping around will ensure you can find the coverage you need.
Start comparing auto insurance rates now by entering your ZIP code.
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Joel Ohman
Founder & CFP®
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Jo...
Founder & CFP®
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