Car Insurance for Foreign Drivers in the U.S.
- Visitors to the U.S. 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
If you’re driving in the U.S. with a foreign license, you’ll likely need car insurance before you can legally get on the road. Nearly every state requires at least liability coverage, and many insurers offer policies for international drivers, whether you’re visiting short term or staying longer.
To find the right policy, compare liability, collision and comprehensive coverage options, and ask whether your driving history from abroad can help lower your premium. It’s also important to understand how U.S. claims processes work, since they may differ from what you’re used to.
Here’s what to know about your coverage options and how to secure a policy as an international driver.
💡 Zebra tip: Even short-term visitors need to have coverage
Yes. If you’re driving in the U.S., you need car insurance. While New Hampshire doesn’t require coverage, drivers can still be held financially responsible for damage they cause, so going without insurance is risky. If you’re visiting for a few weeks, the simplest option is to purchase coverage through your rental car company. If you’re buying a vehicle or staying for six months or longer, it usually makes more sense to secure a policy from a traditional U.S. auto insurer.
How long can you drive in the U.S. with a foreign license?
Most states allow you to drive with a valid foreign driver’s license for a limited time. But the rules change once you become a resident.
If you’re visiting the U.S. temporarily, you can usually drive with your home country’s license as long as it’s valid. Some states recommend or require an International Driving Permit (IDP) to translate your license into English.
If you move to the U.S. and establish residency, you’ll typically need to apply for a state driver’s license within a certain timeframe. That timeline varies by state. In many states, you must get a local license within 30 to 90 days of becoming a resident.
Even if you’re legally allowed to drive with a foreign license, you still need car insurance to drive in most states.
Because rules vary, it’s important to check your state’s DMV website to confirm:
- When your foreign license is no longer valid
- Whether an IDP is required
- When you must switch to a U.S. license
How to get car insurance coverage in the U.S.
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 in the U.S. long term, you’ll typically need to purchase coverage from a U.S. insurance company. Many traditional insurers require a valid U.S. driver’s license and may also ask for a Social Security number, since they use your driving and credit history to calculate your rate.
That said, some major companies may issue policies to drivers with foreign licenses. If you don’t yet have a U.S. driving record, expect higher premiums at first, since insurers have limited data to assess your risk. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers can help you find companies that are more flexible and identify the most affordable option available to you.
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 are 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 damage from everything else — think weather, theft, vandalism and animal-related claims. It also features a deductible.
Driving in the U.S. with Canadian insurance
If you’re visiting the U.S. from Canada, your Canadian auto insurance policy may already provide coverage while you’re driving across the border. Most Canadian auto policies extend liability coverage to the United States for short-term travel. However, coverage limits and rules can vary by province and insurer.
Before driving in the U.S., it’s a good idea to:
- Confirm your policy covers you in the U.S.
- Check that your liability limits meet the minimum requirements of the state you’re visiting
- Ask your insurer whether you need proof of U.S. coverage
If you’re relocating to the U.S., your Canadian policy typically will not be sufficient long-term. Once you establish residency in a U.S. state, you’ll generally need to:
- Register your vehicle in that state
- Obtain a U.S. driver’s license
- Purchase a U.S. auto insurance policy
Because state laws differ, check the DMV requirements in your new state to understand when you must switch.
Need help? Our agents have your back
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 2026, car insurance in the U.S. costs an average of $1,084 for a six-month policy. This comes out to about $181 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.
Insurance costs are higher if you don’t have a U.S. driving history
Car insurance rates are based heavily on driving history. If you don’t yet have a U.S. driving record, insurers may consider you a higher risk.
Here’s why:
- U.S. insurers typically cannot verify foreign driving records
- You may not have prior U.S. insurance history
- Some companies classify foreign drivers as “newly licensed”
- There may be no insurance-based credit score on file
Even if you’ve been driving safely for years in another country, insurers may not be able to factor that experience into your rate.
Updating data...
| Company | Monthly premium for minimum coverage | Monthly premium for full coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $46 | $123 |
| Infinity | $51 | $233 |
| Progressive | $57 | $181 |
| 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 plan to live and drive in the U.S. long term, you’ll need both a vehicle and valid car insurance. Most insurers require a driver’s license before issuing a policy, so your first step is obtaining a valid state license.
Currently, 19 states and Washington, D.C., allow undocumented immigrants to apply for a driver’s license.[5] You can apply through your state’s DMV, and in some cases, programs like DACA may also provide a pathway. Be prepared to show proof of identity and residency.[6]
In states that issue licenses regardless of immigration status, insurers can legally sell auto insurance to licensed drivers without proof of legal presence. Because driver’s license eligibility laws are set at the state level and can change over time, it’s important to check your state’s DMV website for the most current requirements. Immigration and licensing policies may be updated, so staying informed can help you avoid delays when applying for a license or insurance.
| 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 the 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.the
Ready to get started?
FAQs: Foreign drivers in the United States
-
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
Related Questions
Is there a temporary non-owners car insurance for foreign drivers?
Do I need international motorcycle insurance?
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.