Auto Insurance for International Drivers (2024)
International travelers visiting the U.S. need insurance to drive legally. Auto insurance for international drivers depends on the length of your stay and the requirements in the state(s) you visit. State Farm, Progressive, and Dairyland sell car insurance for international drivers at $108/mo.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 1, 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 auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page 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: Oct 1, 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 auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Everyone who drives a vehicle in the United States is required to have car insurance, regardless of citizenship
- Short-term international visitors may be able to buy auto insurance through their car rental company
- Some states require international drivers to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a U.S. driver’s license
Whether you’re planning a short family vacation or working and studying in the United States for an extended period, it’s important to understand auto insurance for international drivers and the requirements before traveling.
Driving without insurance can have serious consequences, including legal and financial repercussions. In addition to making sure you’re legally compliant while on the road in the U.S., having the recommended auto insurance coverage levels can protect you if your vehicle is damaged or you’re involved in an accident.
In this article, we’ll explore auto insurance for international drivers in the U.S. — including what kind of car insurance coverage is required, where to find the right insurance policies for your travel needs, and whether you’ll need any other documentation to drive legally.
Requirements for Auto Insurance for International Drivers in the U.S.
Most states have minimum auto insurance requirements that all drivers must obtain before getting behind the wheel. Sometimes these state-imposed minimum coverage limits extend temporarily to other states or cities nearby.
Because the insurance and other requirements for international drivers vary widely across the U.S., you should contact the motor vehicle department of the state where you’ll be driving to learn about their specific insurance requirements for international drivers before getting on the road.
Temporary Auto Insurance for International Drivers
For international travelers who are only planning to drive in the U.S. for short periods — for example, while on vacation — temporary auto insurance can usually be purchased directly through your car rental agency.
This type of insurance typically serves as an equivalent to liability insurance, which covers damage or injuries you cause to other vehicles or drivers in an accident. However, it might be worth exploring additional optional coverage for extra financial protection.
Because some Canadian insurance policies cover drivers while in the U.S., it’s a good idea to check both your policy to see if it includes driving in the U.S. and the laws of the states you plan to drive in.
Learn More: Rental Car Insurance
Long-Term Auto Insurance for International Drivers
For foreign drivers planning to remain in the U.S. for more than one month, buying long-term auto insurance is generally a good idea.
Because the minimum insurance coverage limits and legal requirements for international drivers differ from state to state, it’s important to check with the DMV in the states where you plan to drive to learn about car insurance and documentation requirements before driving a vehicle there.Kristen Gryglik Licensed Insurance Agent
In addition, car insurance is required to register a car or truck in most U.S. states for those planning to lease a vehicle.
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Affordable Auto Insurance Rates for International Drivers
Insurance rates typically depend on several factors unique to the driver, including their location, driving history, credit score, and the make and model of the vehicle they’re insuring. Because of that, it’s impossible to say whether a foreign driver will pay more than a U.S. citizen to insure their vehicle.
The table below shows the average insurance rates paid by drivers in each state.
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Average Rates by State
| States | Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $70 |
| Alaska | $88 |
| Arizona | $75 |
| Arkansas | $79 |
| California | $78 |
| Colorado | $94 |
| Connecticut | $82 |
| Countrywide | $101 |
| Delaware | $110 |
| District of Columbia | $101 |
| Florida | $83 |
| Georgia | $72 |
| Hawaii | $56 |
| Idaho | $71 |
| Illinois | $61 |
| Indiana | $57 |
| Iowa | $71 |
| Kansas | $76 |
| Kentucky | $114 |
| Louisiana | $57 |
| Maine | $91 |
| Maryland | $92 |
| Massachusetts | $57 |
| Michigan | $105 |
| Minnesota | $71 |
| Mississippi | $80 |
| Missouri | $70 |
| Montana | $72 |
| Nebraska | $67 |
| Nevada | $90 |
| New Hampshire | $66 |
| New Jersey | $115 |
| New Mexico | $77 |
| New York | $111 |
| North Carolina | $64 |
| North Dakota | $64 |
| Ohio | $64 |
| Oklahoma | $82 |
| Oregon | $75 |
| Pennsylvania | $79 |
| Rhode Island | $105 |
| South Carolina | $78 |
| South Dakota | $62 |
| Tennessee | $71 |
| Texas | $89 |
| Utah | $71 |
| Vermont | $62 |
| Virginia | $70 |
| Washington | $79 |
| West Virginia | $86 |
| Wisconsin | $60 |
| Wyoming | $70 |
As you can see, the best auto insurance for international drivers will vary depending on the state you drive in.
Best Auto Insurance Companies for International Drivers
International visitors looking for car insurance in the U.S. for foreigners are in luck. Several insurance companies offer auto insurance policies for international travelers and foreign drivers. Because rates vary, it’s best to shop around and compare car insurance quotes for non-U.S. citizens before selecting a policy.
State Farm Auto Insurance for International Drivers
State Farm offers auto insurance for foreign drivers who are properly licensed. Vacationers with Canadian policies through State Farm might be covered by their current policy. It’s best to check your policy or contact your insurance agent before driving in the U.S.
State Farm international travel insurance might be available for U.S. citizens traveling abroad in the form of car rental and travel expense coverage. However, the company’s website does not specify whether international travel is included.
Read our State Farm auto insurance review to learn more.
Progressive Auto Insurance for International Drivers
Progressive currently offers auto insurance for foreign drivers who are properly licensed, including short-term policies for international travelers driving in the U.S. while on vacation. Canadian policyholders might be covered by their current Progressive insurance policy.
Learn more about rates and coverage in our Progressive auto insurance review.
Dairyland Auto Insurance for International Drivers
Dairyland offers auto insurance coverage to foreign drivers with a U.S. driver’s license. Unfortunately, unlike Progressive and State Farm, Dairyland is not available in every state. Read our Dairyland auto insurance review to learn more.
Common Types of Auto Insurance Coverage for International Drivers in the U.S.
When insuring a vehicle in the U.S., there are multiple types of policies to choose from. Each type of coverage offers financial protection for different types of damage to your vehicle.
Here is a list of the most common types of auto insurance coverage:
- Liability auto insurance coverage: Pays for other drivers’ car repairs and medical expenses if you cause an accident.
- Collision auto insurance coverage: Pays for repairs for damage to your vehicle, even if you’re at fault for the accident. Although it’s usually optional, collision coverage can be worth the extra cost if your car is seriously damaged or totaled in an accident.
- Comprehensive auto insurance coverage: Pays for damage to your vehicle caused by vandalism, natural disasters, inclement weather, and more. While it’s usually an add-on feature, comprehensive coverage can be useful if circumstances beyond your control damage your car.
- Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage: Pays for your medical expenses after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. PIP is required in some states and optional in others.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Pays for car repair and medical costs if another driver causes an accident but doesn’t have insurance.
In a serious auto accident, you could be financially responsible for the cost of damages and medical expenses exceeding the limits of your insurance policy. Because of that, buying more insurance coverage than is legally required could be a good option to consider.
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Identification and License Requirements for International Drivers
Like insurance minimums, the identification and licensing requirements for foreign drivers vary from state to state. Some states require foreign drivers to have an International Driving Permit and a valid driver’s license from their home country. Other states may require you to obtain a U.S. driver’s license before driving, depending on the length of your stay and your eligibility.
To learn more about the rules of the road in the state, if you plan to drive in while visiting the U.S., get in touch with that state’s motor vehicle department.
Who Needs an International Driving Permit
Although laws requiring international drivers to have an IDP vary from state to state, it’s recommended that anyone planning to drive while visiting the U.S. obtain the document before leaving their home country.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document issued by a foreign driver’s home country that translates your driver’s license into several languages, including English. However, because an IDP is only a translation of your driver's license, you’ll need to carry both documents in states requiring it.Travis Thompson Licensed Insurance Agent
Since the U.S. does not issue IDPs to foreign drivers, it’s important to obtain the document before traveling. In addition, foreign nationals are encouraged to use good judgment when applying for their IDP and report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Getting Auto Insurance for Undocumented Immigrants
According to the National Immigration Law Center, if you’re eligible for the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and have received an employment authorization document and Social Security number, you are eligible for a driver’s license in any U.S. state, depending on the laws in the state where you reside.
For those ineligible for DACA, 18 U.S. states and the District of Columbia currently allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a U.S. driver’s license. In some states, this document is different from standard driver’s licenses (for example, in California, it’s known as an AB 60 license).
Read More: Best States for Immigrant Auto Insurance
Because laws and eligibility requirements vary in states that allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, it’s best to check your state’s DMV website to learn about the requirements and application process where you live.
In the states where DACA-ineligible undocumented immigrants aren’t permitted to obtain a driver’s license, legal restrictions can create challenges to finding affordable auto insurance for undocumented immigrants.
Auto Insurance for International Drivers: The Lowdown
No matter how long you plan to stay in the U.S., every driver in the nation must have auto insurance regardless of their citizenship. Luckily, whether you’re shopping for a temporary policy through your car rental agency or long-term coverage through a major insurer, auto insurance is usually fairly easy for international drivers to obtain.
However, because insurance and other requirements vary between states, it’s important to check the states’ laws where you’ll be driving before leaving your home country.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need car insurance if I’m only planning to drive in the U.S. for a short period?
Everyone who drives a vehicle in the U.S. must have car insurance, regardless of their citizenship or how long they’ll be on the road. Because insurance requirements differ between states, check with the motor vehicle department of the state where you’ll be driving to find out what kind of insurance you need to drive there.
Can I get auto insurance with an international driver’s license in the U.S.?
If you’re planning a brief trip or vacation to the U.S., the easiest and quickest way to get car insurance is to buy a policy through your car rental agency. However, if you drive in the U.S. for longer than a month, you’ll probably need to buy a long-term policy. Check with the motor vehicle department of the state where you’ll be driving to ensure you have the necessary documentation to buy car insurance before traveling.
Is auto insurance more expensive for foreigners?
Auto insurance rates vary between states and insurance providers. Because insurance rates in the U.S. depend on several factors, including the location you’ll be driving in, your driving history, the make and model of your vehicle, and more, it’s best to shop around and compare quotes before purchasing an insurance policy.
Can international drivers get auto insurance in another country?
Yes, international drivers can typically obtain auto insurance in another country. Insurance requirements and eligibility criteria may vary depending on the country and insurance provider. It’s important for international drivers to inquire with insurance companies that offer coverage to non-residents or international drivers.
What documents are needed to get auto insurance for international drivers?
The specific documentation requirements can vary depending on the country and insurance provider. Generally, international drivers will need a valid driver’s license from their home country or an international driving permit (IDP). Other documents such as a passport, visa, or proof of legal presence in the country may also be required. It’s advisable to contact insurance providers directly to understand their documentation requirements.
Are there specific auto insurance policies for international drivers?
While there may not be specific insurance policies designed solely for international drivers, insurance companies often offer coverage options for non-residents or international drivers. These policies may have specific terms and conditions tailored to the needs of international drivers, such as short-term coverage or coverage for foreign-registered vehicles.
Do international drivers have to get a U.S. license to drive here?
To find out whether you need to get a U.S. driver’s license and other eligibility requirements, contact the state DMV.
How long can you drive with a foreign license in the U.S.?
International drivers can typically drive with a foreign license for up to 90 days in most states, but check with the local DMV to ensure you have proper coverage for the length of your stay.
Which states require an International Driver’s Permit (IDP)?
Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, Virginia, and Washington State require international drivers to have an IDP. Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Wisconsin require an IDP if the foreign license is not in English.
What auto insurance do I need to drive a car in the U.S.?
Nearly every state requires minimum liability coverage to legally drive. Other states also require a minimum level of uninsured motorist and personal injury protection. Check with the local DMV of the state you’ll be visiting to determine how much minimum coverage you need.
How can a non-U.S. citizen get a driver’s license?
Immigrants and international visitors can get a U.S. driver’s license by providing proof of residency to the DMV and passing a written and practical driving test.
Can a tourist get a U.S. driver’s license?
You must have a residence in the U.S. to be eligible for a U.S. driver’s license. As a tourist, your local driver’s license from your country of origin will work while you visit the United States.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto 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.