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The requirements for obtaining coverage and the type of policy that’s right for you depend on the length of your stay and the state you’re visiting. Read on to learn more about how to get car insurance, the requirements you must meet and your policy options.
Foreign visitors can purchase car insurance in the United States. You must have a driver’s license from your home country to get coverage, and some states also require foreign drivers to have an international driving permit. You can check with the transportation agency in the state you’re visiting for more information about licensing requirements.
An international driving permit is a form of identification allowing you to drive outside your home country. You must obtain it from the country that issued your driver’s license.
Nearly every state in the country requires drivers to purchase auto insurance to drive legally, but the type and amount of coverage you need varies by state. You can learn about a state’s insurance requirements from its Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation or Department of Insurance.
Depending on the state you’re visiting, you’ll likely need some combination of the following coverages:
You can choose to add optional coverages to your policy for more protection. Here are some common ones.
Purchasing rental car insurance may be a good option if you’re planning a short visit. When you rent a car, the company provides the minimum coverage the state requires. You can purchase more coverage for added protection, including …
If you’ll be in the country for more than a quick visit, you can buy a policy from an insurance provider based in the U.S. But you may need a U.S. license to get one.
Not all insurers provide coverage to drivers who have a foreign license. Even if you can get car insurance without a U.S. license, it may be worth getting one. Some states require drivers to have a U.S. license if staying for more than a month or two.
If you’re purchasing coverage from a U.S. insurance company, here are a few options.
You can start by contacting companies directly to find out if they offer coverage to international visitors. It’s a good idea to check with both national insurers and smaller, local providers to compare your options. Plus, getting car insurance quotes from multiple providers will help you find the lowest rates.
Non-owner insurance is liability coverage that applies when you drive cars you don’t own — like if you were to borrow a car from a friend or family member or use a car-sharing service. A non-owner policy may be a good option if you don’t plan on driving your own vehicle. But it doesn’t usually cover damage to the vehicle.
With pay-per-mile insurance, you pay a base rate no matter how much you drive, plus a per-mile fee for each mile you drive. A pay-per-mile policy may help you save on your car insurance premium if you won’t be putting many miles on your car.
If you don’t have a U.S. driver’s license, here are a couple of insurers that may provide coverage without one.
If you’re visiting the U.S. for a brief stay, you can typically drive with a foreign license. Depending on the state you’re visiting, you may also need an international driving permit. If you’re planning a lengthier stay, you may need to get a U.S. license.
No. You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen to get car insurance. If you’re visiting the country briefly, you can typically get coverage from the rental car company. For longer stays, you can get coverage from an insurance company based in the U.S.
If you’ll be visiting the U.S., here are a few questions to ask yourself before arriving so you can get the type of auto insurance coverage that’s right for you.
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