Car Insurance for Expats

Coming back to the U.S. after living abroad? Getting car insurance can feel tricky, but a few smart moves can save you money and stress.

Expect higher rates at first — many insurers see a gap in U.S. coverage.
Share proof of your overseas driving record to help lower costs.

Why you can trust The Zebra

The Zebra partners with some of the companies we write about. However, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of editors and licensed agents. Reference our data methodology and learn more about how we make money.

By Ava Lynch

Updated December 1, 2025

Reviewed By Tara Stumpf

Edited By Beth Swanson

Jump to

Getting coverage
Rates with consistent coverage
Additional takeaways
FAQs

Getting car insurance after living abroad

If you’ve just returned to the U.S. after living abroad, getting your car insurance set up might not be as simple as picking up where you left off. Even if you carried insurance overseas, many American insurers will view that time as a gap in coverage unless you can show proof of insurance (in English).

Because most companies want to see at least three years of continuous insurance, this gap can sometimes lead to higher rates. The good news: keeping a copy of your old policy documents and being ready to show your driving history can help smooth the process and save you money.

Didn’t have car insurance abroad?

If you either didn’t have coverage or can’t prove your coverage, expect your US auto insurance rates to be slightly higher than they would be if you had maintained continuous coverage. Typically, a driver with six months of continuous insurance coverage saves nearly $100 per year versus a driver with no sustained coverage.

Average annual insurance premium by time insured

Time Insured	Average Annual Premium
None	$1,599
6 Months	$1,509
1 Year	$1,475
3 Years	$1,439
5 Years	$1,409

Stay insured whenever possible

Not all insurance companies will approve someone without continuous coverage. Because of the risks presented by an uninsured driver, the insurance company might underwrite your car insurance policy with a subsidiary.

When returning to the States from abroad, be sure to secure proof of your expat car insurance. This record will help to prove your continuously insured status. If it looks like your coverage has lapsed, some insurers might not cover you at all or quote you higher premiums. No matter your unique circumstance, finding affordable car insurance for expats isn't impossible. Enter your new zip code below to receive quotes in minutes

If you decide to leave the U.S. again, consider carrying storage insurance or lowering your coverage to the minimum levels, rather than canceling completely. Of course, this depends on how long you plan to be away, but it's something to consider.

Compare rates and find the right coverage in minutes.

Car insurance for expats FAQs:

What will companies look at when determining my rate?

Some of the factors insurance companies take into consideration when calculating a rate are your age, marital status, your specific vehicle, and your personal driving history. Your location can also make a difference; whether you settle in a particular state, in a rural or urban area, or in a specific zip code can make a difference. This is why it is essential to compare rates and coverage options with different insurance companies to find the best fit for your needs.

What if I never had car insurance in the U.S. before I went abroad?

If you haven't had car insurance in the U.S. in the past, you're generally considered a "new driver" by insurance companies, which is a higher risk for the insurer. If you had car insurance while you were abroad, it can be helpful for your insurance company to see documentation (in English) of the policy you carried in your previous country.

Do I need insurance if I'm only living in the U.S. temporarily?

If you're in America for a short visit and renting a car for a few days or weeks, a simple solution is to purchase insurance through the rental car company. However, if you're staying for a longer period of time and purchase a vehicle, then you'll want to get your own policy that meets state minimum requirements. Most policies are typically written for six months or a year, but some companies do offer shorter policy periods. You may also want to ask about the company's cancellation policy, too.

What if I'm from Canada and I'm driving my own car while I live in the U.S.?

If you're relocating from Canada and bringing your personal vehicle with you, then you'll want to obtain a U.S. driver's license from the state you plan to live in. Like other drivers, you'll be required to carry the state minimum when it comes to insurance on your vehicle, so take the time to shop around and find a policy and rate that works best for your situation.

Does a non-running vehicle need to be insured?

Thanks for reaching out to The Zebra about this.There are a couple of things to think about in your specific situation, and your solution will depend on how you want to handle this. Here are three scenarios to consider:If your car is registered you will need to have insurance on it, even if you are…

Aug 1, 2018 Miami, FL

How can I put my policy on hold when my car is out of commission?

We are sorry to hear that your vehicle is currently out of commission. You will need to contact your insurance company and see if putting your auto insurance policy on hold is something they can do. Each carrier is different and have different guidelines so contacting them is where you would need t…

Apr 18, 2022 Jacksonville, FL

Why is it so difficult to find insurance after a lapse in coverage?

Thank you for reaching out to The Zebra! I'm sorry to hear that you're having difficulty finding insurance after experiencing such a devastating event like losing your home. Auto insurance companies rate heavily on whether or not you have prior insurance or not. Any lapse in coverage (even that of …

Dec 26, 2023 New Prague, MN

Can I pause my insurance while I'm away for work?

If your vehicle registration isn't up for renewal soon, you might be able to put the vehicle into "storage protection." What this means is the vehicle is not legally allowed on the road, but will still maintain comprehensive coverage in order to protect the vehicle from theft and weather damage. Th…

Mar 5, 2018 San Jose, California

Browse All Questions Ask a Question

About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.

Car Insurance for Expats

Ava Lynch

Tara Stumpf

Beth Swanson