How Foreign Drivers Can Secure Auto Insurance in the U.S.

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Do You Need Auto Insurance as a Foreigner in the U.S.?

Foreign drivers in the U.S. must adhere to the same auto insurance laws as U.S. citizens. Your driving history from another country doesn’t apply here, so you’re treated like a new American driver. Remember, car insurance requirements vary by state.

Here are four scenarios where you should consider U.S. auto insurance:

• Visiting the U.S. on a business trip
• Visiting the U.S. as a tourist
• Attending school in the U.S.
• Living in the U.S., even temporarily

To purchase car insurance as a foreign driver, you’ll need a valid driver’s license from your home country or an international driving permit, depending on your home country’s requirements. Generally, car insurers offer policies for six or twelve months, but some may provide shorter-term policies. If you’re renting a car, temporary coverage might be available through the rental company.

How to Get Auto Insurance with a Foreign Driver’s License

If you have a foreign driver’s license and plan to stay in the U.S. for an extended period, follow these steps to obtain U.S. auto insurance:

1. Determine if you can use your foreign driver’s license or if you need an international driving permit (IDP). Typically, you can drive in the U.S. with a foreign license for three months or an IDP for one year.
2. Find insurance companies that offer coverage to non-U.S. drivers, as some only sell policies to U.S. drivers.
3. Identify the type of coverage you need based on your driving status. If you have a foreign driver’s license, you’ll need coverage for up to three months. With an IDP, you’ll need a one-year policy. For stays longer than a year, you may need a U.S. driver’s license.
4. Understand the coverage requirements in the state where you reside, as they vary. Most states require at least a minimum amount of liability coverage.
5. Shop for coverage by comparing quotes from at least three insurers. As a foreign driver, you may initially pay higher rates, even if you’ve held a license in your home country for a long time.

How Long Can You Use a Foreign License in the U.S.?

If you’re planning a long-term stay in the U.S., you can drive with a foreign license for a limited time, which varies by state. Generally, you can drive with a foreign license for three months or an IDP for one year.

If you plan to stay in the U.S. for more than a year, you will likely need a U.S. driver’s license. A state-issued driver’s license allows you to drive anywhere in the U.S. To obtain one, check the requirements of the state where you live. Each state has a government agency, often called the department of motor vehicles (DMV), that handles driver’s licenses.

In some states, you can simply bring your foreign-issued license to the DMV to get a state-issued license. In others, you may need to submit an application and take a driving test. You might also need to provide certain documents, such as an H-1B visa approval notice, before receiving a state driver’s license.

Do I Need an IDP to Drive in the U.S.?

Not all U.S. states require a foreign citizen to carry an IDP. However, if you have an IDP issued by your home country, proving you hold a valid driver’s license from that country, you can legally drive in the U.S. for up to one year. An IDP expires one year after issuance.

The U.S. government does not issue IDPs. To obtain one, contact the motor vehicle department of the country that issued your foreign driver’s license. You may not need to take a driving test to get an IDP.

The Bottom Line

Navigating U.S. car insurance requirements with a foreign driver’s license can be challenging. Remember, driver’s license requirements vary by state and insurance company. Ensure you understand the rules before getting behind the wheel.

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