How do I get car insurance when moving to the USA?
Wondering about car insurance when moving to the USA? When moving to America from another country, you’ll need to get American car insurance. To get an insurance policy in the U.S., you’ll need to know your state’s minimum car insurance requirements.
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Justin Wright
Licensed Insurance Agent
Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jul 8, 2023
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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.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 8, 2023
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
- Each state has its own minimum required insurance coverage rules
- You’ll need a license or international driver’s permit to drive in the USA
- Your immigration status plays a role in your car insurance
When you move to the USA from another country, there are a lot of details you’ll need to work out. One of those is how to get car insurance if you plan to drive while you live in America. The process is relatively straightforward, but there are a few key things to remember when you work toward getting auto insurance in the USA. Read on to learn more.
If you’re in the market for affordable auto insurance, just enter your ZIP code into our free online quote tool to begin comparing multiple quotes from companies near you to save on your USA auto insurance today.
How to Get Car Insurance When You Move to the United States
To get an insurance policy in the U.S., you’ll need to choose the coverage that meets your state’s minimum car insurance requirements. You can check the Insurance Information Institute for a list of the minimum car insurance requirements for every state. If you need more clarification, most insurance companies will be quite knowledgeable about state minimums.
In most states, getting car insurance after moving to America is mandatory before getting behind the wheel. Car insurance from your home country will not cover you while driving in the United States. Not only would you be breaking the law by driving while uninsured, but you run a significant liability risk if an accident were to occur.
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Expect to Pay Higher-Than-Average Rates on New American Car Insurance
The downside to getting auto insurance as an immigrant to the United States is the cost may be on the higher side. That’s because, regardless of how long you’ve been driving and how clean your driving record is in your native country, you are viewed as a new driver in America.
Without any driving history or credit history in the United States, most rates tend to be on the high end. This is not much different than if a new 16-year-old driver was to get their own insurance policy rather than being on a parent’s policy. To read more about how to find the cheapest auto insurance, read our article here.
How does immigration status affect getting auto insurance in the USA?
All legal immigrants to the United States receive a specific designation. Recognized immigration statuses in the U.S. are:
- Permanent resident (green card holder)
- Non-immigrant (temporary visitor on a visa)
Your immigration status will determine whether you can get a license or if you’ll need an international driver’s permit (IDP) instead. In order to get insurance in most states as an immigrant, you’ll need either a license or an IDP.
Car Insurance for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
If you become a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, it will be relatively easy to obtain a U.S. driver’s license and get auto insurance in the USA. Most states require either citizenship or a green card to apply for a driver’s license, and most will also require any combination of:
- Proof of residency
- Proof of social security
- Passport
- Driver’s license from your native country
- Green card
Any documentation proving your status is also typically required to get auto insurance in the USA.
Getting Car Insurance in the U.S. as a Non-Immigrant on a Visa
If your move to the United States is on a temporary visa, the process will be slightly different. If your stay in America will only be a few months, then you may be able to continue to drive using a combination of your license from your home country and your passport. That’s because all states recognize foreign driver’s licenses as valid for a limited amount of time.
In most states, the license from your home country will be valid for up to three or four months. As always, you’ll need to contact the DMV in your state for specifics.
If your stay lasts longer than this, you’ll be expected to get an international driver’s permit (IDP). These permits are accepted as valid in 150 countries worldwide, including the United States.
You may need to shop around for cheap car insurance as a temporary visitor. Some companies only offer insurance if you have a valid U.S. driver’s license. However, some companies will offer auto insurance for temporary visa drivers, so it is recommended to get insurance quotes from many different companies.
Case Studies: Car Insurance When Moving to the USA
Case Study 1: John’s Experience
John, a foreign national, recently moved to the United States from Canada. He was excited to explore his new home but realized he needed car insurance to drive legally. John contacted several insurance companies and discovered that his Canadian auto insurance policy wouldn’t be valid in the USA.
He had to obtain a new car insurance policy that met the minimum requirements of his state. As a new driver in America, John faced higher insurance rates due to his lack of driving and credit history. He obtained quotes from multiple companies and compared them to find the most affordable option.
Case Study 2: Maria’s Journey
Maria, a permanent resident of the USA, decided to purchase her first car. She knew she needed auto insurance before hitting the road. Being a permanent resident, Maria had a relatively easy time obtaining a U.S. driver’s license and finding auto insurance.
She provided the necessary documentation to prove her residency status and met the insurance requirements of her state. With her new car insurance policy in place, Maria felt confident and secure while driving in the United States.
Case Study 3: Carlos’ Temporary Stay
Carlos, an international student on a temporary visa, planned to study in the USA for one year. He wanted the flexibility to drive during his stay.
Carlos researched the driving regulations for temporary visa holders and learned that his foreign driver’s license would be valid for up to three months in most states. Since his stay exceeded that duration, Carlos obtained an International Driver’s Permit (IDP), which allowed him to drive legally.
He contacted various insurance companies to find one that offered car insurance to temporary visa holders. Carlos obtained multiple quotes and selected the most suitable policy for his needs.
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The Bottom Line on Car Insurance When Moving to the USA
Whether you’re a U.S. citizen or on a temporary visa, you’ll need insurance to drive legally. Each state has different minimum insurance requirements that you will have to meet. You’ll also need to obtain a driver’s license or IDP to drive unless your stay in the country is within the brief period in which your native country’s license will be honored.
To find affordable car insurance quotes from multiple companies, enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool below.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m moving to the USA. How do I go about getting car insurance?
When moving to the USA, there are a few steps to follow to get car insurance:
- Obtain a valid driver’s license: Before you can get car insurance, you’ll need to have a valid driver’s license issued by the state where you plan to reside.
- Research insurance providers: Look for insurance companies that offer coverage in the state you’re moving to. You can search online, ask for recommendations, or consult with a local insurance agent.
- Compare quotes and coverage options: Request quotes from multiple insurance companies to compare prices and coverage options. This will help you find the policy that best suits your needs and budget.
- Provide necessary information: When applying for car insurance, you’ll need to provide personal information such as your name, address, contact details, and driving history. Insurance companies may also require information about your vehicle.
- Understand state requirements: Familiarize yourself with the specific car insurance requirements of the state you’re moving to. Each state has its own minimum liability coverage limits, and some may have additional requirements such as personal injury protection (PIP) or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Determine coverage limits: Decide on the coverage limits you want for your car insurance policy. While meeting the state’s minimum requirements is mandatory, you may want to consider higher coverage limits to protect yourself adequately.
- Purchase your policy: Once you’ve chosen an insurance provider and policy, you can purchase your car insurance. Review the policy documents carefully before signing to ensure you understand the terms, coverage, and any deductibles or exclusions.
- Cancel previous coverage (if applicable): If you had car insurance in your previous country of residence, make sure to cancel that coverage once you’ve obtained car insurance in the USA. Be aware of any cancellation fees or notice requirements.
- Keep your insurance information handy: Carry proof of insurance with you at all times while driving. This can be in the form of a physical insurance card or an electronic version accessible through a mobile app or email.
Can I transfer my existing car insurance policy to the USA?
In most cases, you won’t be able to transfer your existing car insurance policy from another country directly to the USA. Car insurance requirements and regulations differ across countries, and each state in the USA has its own rules. You’ll need to obtain a new car insurance policy that meets the specific requirements of the state you’re moving to.
Will my international driving record affect my car insurance rates in the USA?
Generally, your international driving record won’t directly affect your car insurance rates in the USA. Insurance companies primarily consider your driving history within the United States when determining your premiums. However, having a clean driving record and a history of responsible driving may still work in your favor when applying for car insurance in the USA.
Can I get car insurance without a Social Security Number (SSN)?
Yes, it is possible to get car insurance in the USA without a Social Security Number (SSN). While an SSN is commonly requested for identification purposes, not all insurance companies require it. Many insurers have alternative identification processes in place, such as using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other forms of identification.
When shopping for car insurance, inquire with insurance providers about their requirements for policyholders without an SSN. They can guide you through the process and let you know which forms of identification they accept.
Are there any special considerations for international students or temporary residents obtaining car insurance in the USA?
International students and temporary residents face some unique considerations when obtaining car insurance in the USA. Here are a few important points to keep in mind:
- Valid driver’s license: Ensure you have a valid driver’s license from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP) that’s recognized in the USA.
- Duration of stay: Some insurance companies may have restrictions on insuring individuals who are in the country for a limited period. Check with insurance providers to find out if they offer coverage for international students or temporary residents.
- Study or work location: Your car insurance rates may vary depending on the location of your study or work. Urban areas with higher traffic or higher rates of accidents may result in higher premiums.
- Coverage options: Evaluate the coverage options available to you, including liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Choose coverage that suits your needs and budget.
- International student programs: Some universities and colleges have partnerships with insurance companies that offer coverage specifically tailored to international students. Inquire about such programs to explore potential options.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Justin Wright
Licensed Insurance Agent
Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.