Moving to a new country comes with its fair share of challenges, and one of them may be navigating auto insurance as a foreign driver in the United States. Whether you're here for work, study, or a long-term stay, finding auto insurance may be essential for staying compliant with the law and reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
At Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA), we understand how overwhelming this process can be. That’s why we work with carriers that can help drivers with foreign driver’s licenses locate the coverage they’re looking for. Here, we'll discuss how foreign drivers can find auto insurance in the U.S. and the state-specific requirements they may want to know.
Understanding auto insurance for foreign drivers
Auto insurance in the U.S. is mandatory in most states. If you don’t meet your state’s auto insurance requirements, you may face fines, license suspension, or other penalties depending on the situation. Different states have different requirements for minimum coverage, so figuring out what insurance you need based on your location can help you stay compliant with state laws. You can use the Department of Motor Vehicles website to see what coverage is mandatory in your state.
Eligibility requirements for foreign drivers
If you’re on the hunt for auto insurance, you’ll typically need some form of valid identification to purchase a policy. If you don’t’ have a U.S. license, certain insurers may accept foreign driver’s licenses as proper ID.
Each state has different rules regarding driving and foreign driver’s licenses. For example, California allows drivers to use a foreign driver’s license but must apply for a state license after 10 days of established residency. On the other hand, you may need to apply for an international driver’s permit (IDP) to drive legally in certain U.S. states.
Driving history and credit score considerations
Insurance companies may use your driving and credit histories to determine your insurance premium. However, as a foreign driver, you may not have a U.S. driving record or credit history. This may lead to you experiencing higher premiums. Luckily, IIA can help those with no credit or non-U.S. driver’s licenses find an insurance rate that fits their budget.
How to choose the right auto insurance policy
If you’re a foreign driver, you may not understand the various coverages available in the states. Some coverages that you may want to be familiar with are:
- Liability coverage: Required by most states, liability insurance can help pay for damages and injuries you cause to others in an accident. It does not cover your own vehicle or injuries.
- Collision coverage: This insurance can help cover damage to your own vehicle after a covered accident, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive coverage: This may help pay for non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, or weather damage.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This coverage may help pay for damages to your vehicle or bodily injuries you might sustain if you're in an accident with a driver who has little or no insurance. Some states require drivers to have this insurance. For example, Illinois requires drivers to have this coverage specifically for bodily injury, also known as UMBI (uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage).
When choosing auto insurance, it may be helpful to consider:
- Cost: At IIA, we can help you compare rates from different insures to locate affordable options.
- Coverage limits: If you don’t have excess funds to pay for out-of-pocket expenses, you may want to opt for higher cover limits.
- State-specific requirements: Every state has different insurance requirements, so it may be helpful to discuss your state laws with an experienced agent.
- Bilingual support: Having an insurance agent who speaks your language may be useful in the long run. IIA’s Spanish-bilingual agents can help customers navigate their policy options without language barriers.
Get a quote with IIA
Ready to get covered? With IIA, we can help you get an auto insurance policy that aligns with your needs and budget. Our knowledgeable agents can assist those with foreign licenses navigate their car insurance journey. Here are some ways you can find a quote:
- Contact an agent: Speak with one of our friendly agents by calling 1-855-478-3705.
- Virtual quote: Use our website to get a personalized quote.
FAQs
Can I get car insurance with a foreign driver’s license?
Yes, some insurance companies accept foreign driver’s licenses. IIA can help you find an insurer that can work with you.
Do I need a Social Security number to get car insurance?
Not necessarily. Some insurers may offer rates for those without a Social Security number. Drivers in the United States may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to purchase an auto insurance policy.
Do all insurance companies accept foreign driver’s licenses?
No. However, IIA works with carriers that do accept valid foreign driver’s licenses.