Car Insurance for Foreign Drivers in the U.S.
- Visiting the U.S.? You can still hit the road with a foreign driver’s license.
- Use The Zebra to get the best cheap car insurance as an international driver from GEICO, Progressive, and Nationwide (+100 other companies).
How to get car insurance in the U.S. with a foreign license
Cheap car insurance for international drivers can be challenging in the U.S., but it's to be prepared before taking to the roads in America since all but two states require insurance. Many insurers accept international licenses and offer policies tailored to short-term or long-term needs. Comparing liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage options can help you find the right fit. If you have a safe driving history abroad, ask if your good record can reduce your premium. Also, familiarize yourself with U.S. claims procedures, which may differ from those in your home country. This preparation ensures safer, more confident driving in the U.S.
Let's examine the different options you may have as an international driver in the U.S. and what you should be aware of as you look for coverage.
Options for car insurance coverage
There are a couple of ways to get insurance in the U.S. as an international driver: you can get it from a car rental company or from a car insurance company. Either way, you'll need the proper documents: a valid driver's license and identification (such as a passport) from your country of residence and potentially an international driving permit (this depends on the state).[1]
If you're vacationing in the U.S. and will only be driving here for a short period (a few weeks to a month), consider purchasing insurance coverage from your rental car company. This will be cheaper and less time-consuming than shopping for traditional coverage.
If you’re staying long-term in the U.S., you’ll need car insurance from a U.S. provider, which can be challenging to find. Many insurers require a U.S. driver’s license and sometimes a Social Security number to issue policies, as these help assess driving history and credit, impacting rates. However, some companies like Travelers and Progressive are open to issuing policies for foreign licenses. Platforms like The Zebra can help connect international drivers with car insurance options so you can quickly compare quotes online. Be prepared for potentially higher rates due to limited U.S. records, but these providers may offer a smoother path to coverage.
If you are driving on American roads, then yes, you need insurance coverage. There are only two states where insurance is not required (New Hampshire and Virginia), but even in these states, you can be held liable for damage you cause in an auto accident, so we don't advise going without.
If your stay in the U.S. is short, i.e., if you are visiting on vacation for a few weeks, your best bet for car insurance is to purchase it through your car rental company. If you are buying a car to drive while in the States, or plan to be here for six months or more, purchasing coverage through a traditional auto insurance company is best.Â
How much car insurance is required in the United States?
Insurance in the U.S. is regulated at the state level but priced by ZIP code. With some exceptions, most drivers must carry liability coverage, including bodily injury and property damage coverage. There 12 states (and Puerto Rico) that are "no-fault" states in the U.S., and in those states you're required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in addition to bodily injury.[2]
If you're leasing or financing your vehicle, you must also carry collision and comprehensive coverage (often referred to as other-than-collision). Below are brief explanations of what these coverages do.
Bodily injury liability provides compensation for the medical bills and costs you cause to other drivers or pedestrians. This coverage applies on a per person/per accident basis. For example, the state minimum bodily injury liability insurance could be $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident.
Property damage liability provides compensation for the property you cause. This only applies on a per-accident basis.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage applies to bodily injury and property damage if the at-fault driver does not have insurance or enough insurance to cover your medical or property damages.
PIP is required in no-fault states and — depending on your state — covers your medical expenses (and possibly lost earnings) after an accident, regardless of fault. You may have to purchase bodily injury liability coverage in addition to PIP coverage depending on your state.
Collision coverage protects your vehicle if it's damaged in a collision in which you're at fault. A deductible applies — what you pay prior to your insurance company.
Comprehensive protects your vehicle from damagefrom everything else — think weather, theft, vandalism and animal-related claims. It also features a deductible.
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Need insurance now as an international driver?
If you're over 18 and have a valid license, you can apply for an international driver's permit before you leave home. Depending on your home country, the process of getting your IDP may vary. Consult your country’s transportation and regulation department. Remember, you cannot apply for an IDP in the U.S., as it must be done before arriving in the U.S. Moreover, your IDP must be issued by the country where your license is issued.[1]
An IDP is NOT a valid driver's license. It simply serves as a translation for your foreign license and should always accompany the license of your native country.
First, you must meet your home country's legal driving requirements and have a legal license from your country of origin. Together, these two documents show proof of driving ability. If you have a foreign license and an IDP, you will not be required to take a sequential driving test in the U.S. For additional information, check the specific regulations for the states you plan to drive.[3]
International driver's licenses can be confused with the IDP — but it's important to understand that there is no universally accepted "license" and that you need to get your documents from a legitimate source. Scams offering world-recognized licenses or quick international permits are common.
Whether you're a U.S. resident looking to travel abroad or hail from another country and want to do thorough research, The Federal Trade Commission recommends checking specific departments of state websites for regulations. In the U.S., AAA is the only authorized organization to offer IDPs.[4]
What's the average cost of car insurance in America?
In 2025, car insurance in the U.S. costs an average of $880 for a six-month policy. This comes out to about $147 per month. Rates vary widely depending on several factors, including your age, credit history and driving history. Keep in mind that as a driver from out of the country, you may see rates higher than the average.
The type of coverage you choose may also impact your rates. Find below the average cost of various coverage levels.
Updating data...
| Company | Monthly premium for minimum coverage | Monthly premium for full coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $45 | $122 |
| Infinity | $52 | $231 |
| Progressive | $57 | $180 |
| National General | $64 | $176 |
| Dairyland | $75 | $429 |
| Hallmark | $91 | $312 |
| Bristol West | $139 | $370 |
Source: The Zebra
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
The best insurance companies for international drivers in the U.S.
The list below notes specific car insurance companies that will work with foreign drivers who need an auto policy. Some of these names are more well-known than others, but be sure to shop around with multiple companies (even the ones you don't know!) to find the best coverage for your budget.
"No. The insurance companies only can see motor vehicle reports from the U.S. Anything that has happened in another country is not accounted for and will not affect your insurance rates in the U.S."
Hunter Black, Sales Manager at The Zebra
Car insurance for undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
If you have immigrated to the United States and plan on staying long-term, you might explore buying a car and insuring that vehicle. Because the majority of car insurance companies require a driver’s license before they can sell you an auto insurance policy, undocumented citizens must have a valid license to apply for insurance.
As it stands, there are 19 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. which have policies allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses.[5] You can apply for a license through each state’s DMV or go through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. You'll likely need to be able to prove residency and have identification.[6] Insurance companies in the states that issue driver’s licenses to undocumented citizens are allowed to sell auto insurance policies to citizens who don’t have proof of legal presence in the U.S.
| California | Massachusetts | Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Minnesota | Utah |
| Connecticut | Nevada | Vermont |
| Delaware | New Jersey | Virginia |
| Hawaii | New Mexico | Washington |
| Illinois | New York | Washington, D.C. |
| Maryland | Oregon |
Rates will vary by auto insurance company and which state you live in while in the U.S. Enter your U.S. ZIP code below or call The Zebra at 888-444-9728, and a licensed insurance agent will help you find cheap car insurance with your international license.
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Frequently asked questions
Driving in the U.S. if you are not a citizen.USAGov
Background on: No-fault auto insurance. Insurance Information Institute
State motor vehicle service. USAGov
Planning to drive in another country? FTC Consumer Advice
States Offering Drivers Licenses to Undocumented Immigrants. NCSL
Can I Get A Driver's License If I Am Undocumented? United We Dream
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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.