8+ years writing for major outlets, including MarketWatch and Business Insider
Master’s in Education
Taylor Mlam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator. When she’s not helping readers better save and spend money, she can be found teaching.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
Save up to $852 by comparing quotes from the top 100+ insurance companies
Excellent
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Advertiser Disclosure
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.
Driving while uninsured has serious consequences, so coverage is necessary, even for international students and other temporary drivers. Depending on your home country and current state, you can access car insurance with one of three licenses: a driver’s license from your home country, an international driver’s permit, or a U.S. driver’s license.
You’ll need a driver’s license from your home country, a state-issued license, or an international driver’s permit (IDP) to get car insurance in the U.S.
If you don’t have a driving history in the U.S., insurers may consider you “newly insured” and charge you higher rates.
If you lease or finance a vehicle in the U.S., the leasing company or lender will probably require you to buy full-coverage car insurance.
Cheapest recent rates
Insurify’s drivers have found rates ranging from $34/mo. to $118/mo. in the last few days
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on December 17, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from December 17, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on December 17, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from December 17, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
How car insurance for international students works
To set up coverage, you may need a driver’s license from your home country, a regular state license if you’re living in the country permanently, or an international driver’s permit (IDP). You should apply for an IDP before coming to the country because the U.S. doesn’t issue IDPs to foreign visitors. Contact your country’s motor vehicle department to get an IDP.[1]
Your age, driving record, location, and other factors affect the cost of insurance. Your insurer might consider you “newly insured” if you don’t have a history of driving in the U.S., which could increase the cost of your coverage.
Most car insurance companies cover international drivers, including students studying abroad. But some companies might have more experience working with international students and could be a better fit. Several long-standing insurance companies, including Progressive, State Farm, and Dairyland, work with international drivers.
Cheapest car insurance for international students
Whether you’re a student from another country or the U.S., you’ll generally pay much more for car insurance than drivers in other age groups. COUNTRY Financial provides the lowest liability rate for students, averaging $19 per month.
Liability coverage meets the legal requirements for car insurance and pays for damages to other vehicles and bodily injury to people. But liability insurance doesn’t cover your injuries or damage to your car when you cause the accident. For more financial protection, you need full-coverage insurance.
Most car insurance companies charge much more for full coverage, but having enough coverage in an emergency can be worth the cost.
Here’s the average cost of liability and full coverage for all students purchasing coverage in the U.S. The data below isn’t specific to international students, but it should provide a general idea of what to expect.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, December 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Insurance Company
▲▼
Liability Only
▲▼
Full Coverage
▲▼
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
▲▼
COUNTRY Financial
$19
$45
8.8
NJM
$35
$66
9.4
Auto-Owners
$56
$119
8.5
USAA
$75
$165
9.4
Root
$77
$134
8.4
GEICO
$82
$179
9.0
Erie
$82
$155
9.0
State Farm
$95
$209
9.3
Metromile
$97
$180
7.0
Allstate
$115
$251
8.9
Mile Auto
$122
$205
7.5
American Family
$127
$282
9.1
CSAA
$129
$194
7.6
Dairyland
$140
$363
7.0
Mercury
$152
$297
8.0
Nationwide
$153
$329
8.7
The General
$164
$336
7.3
Travelers
$172
$370
9.0
Progressive
$176
$275
8.4
State Auto
$177
$373
8.5
Safeco
$177
$306
8.3
Shelter
$180
$343
7.7
Commonwealth Casualty
$188
$504
5.5
21st Century
$191
$403
5.9
Direct Auto
$191
$364
7.3
The Hartford
$194
$355
8.4
Bristol West
$196
$422
5.2
Farmers
$197
$432
8.3
Amica
$197
$369
8.3
National General
$197
$388
6.8
Elephant
$198
$310
8.3
Clearcover
$209
$365
6.8
Foremost
$218
$500
7.4
GAINSCO
$219
$490
7.3
Chubb
$239
$500
6.5
Liberty Mutual
$279
$443
7.7
AssuranceAmerica
$324
$544
5.3
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 55,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
How to get car insurance as an international student
If you’re ready to shop for insurance as an international student, you can start the process before coming to the U.S. Whether you’re already at school or starting to research options, here’s what you need to do.
Confirm license details. The first and most crucial step is establishing which license type you plan to use — your country’s driving license, an IDP, a regular state driver’s license, or a noncitizen U.S. license. Using the license from your home country is usually easiest, especially if you plan to live in the U.S. for less than a year. But you can also opt for an international driving permit instead.
Research companies. Next, compile a list of possible insurance companies. Only some insurers offer coverage for international drivers, so figuring out which companies do is essential.
Select a coverage type. You must also determine the type of coverage you need and want. Most insurance companies can help ensure you have the necessary coverage for your state. But you might need additional coverage if you’re financing or leasing a car.
Compare quotes. Once you know what you need, it’s time to compare quotes from at least three insurers to determine the best offer for your insurance and financial needs.
Ask about discounts. The final step is to ask your insurance company about discounts. Even though many insurers mention applicable discounts without prompting, you should always check with them.
Types of car insurance for international students
Each state has different coverage requirements, but you usually need bodily injury and property damage liability coverages for when the other party sustains damages or injuries. You might opt for a full-coverage policy — which includes collision and comprehensive coverage — to protect your property in the event of an accident or to meet lender requirements.
You have many options for coverage, and it’s essential to understand the differences. As you shop for insurance, consider your state and lender requirements, if applicable, as well as the type of coverage that will make you feel most comfortable as a driver.
Liability coverage
Liability insurance protects you if you cause damages to property or injuries to other people.
Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
PIP insurance provides coverage for your medical expenses, regardless of fault.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
819
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.4 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$97/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$152/mo
How drivers feel about Progressive
Drivers appreciate the professional service and accident forgiveness but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
How drivers feel about Progressive
Drivers appreciate the professional service and accident forgiveness but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
Reviews (5,885)
Dinah
December 16, 2024
Verified Review
Our coverage cost has increased by $25 in the past 6 months without any explanation. However, they handled a hail damage claim without any problems.
Our coverage cost has increased by $25 in the past 6 months without any explanation. However, they handled a hail damage claim without any problems.
Angelica
December 16, 2024
Verified Review
Prices too high
Their prices are too high. Even if you don't have any tickets or other issues, they are still high. They need to lower their prices.
Gene
December 16, 2024
Verified Review
Switch to Another Provider
I had a negative experience with this company. The office run by Charlie Clyburn did not meet my expectations. I'm considering switching my homeowners and auto policies.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
819
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.82
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company
Progressive is available nationwide, so you can secure coverage no matter what state you’re studying in. Progressive offers competitive rates for liability and full-coverage policies and various ways to save. Discounts include good student, online quotes, signing your policy online, and bundling if you purchase renters and auto insurance. Safe drivers can also save by using Progressive’s telematics program, Snapshot.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9.3 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$54/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$119/mo
4.2
Best choiceBased on 9,208 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about State Farm
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
How drivers feel about State Farm
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Reviews (5,061)
Thomas
December 16, 2024
Verified Review
Poor Claim Service
The claim service is difficult.
Mary
December 16, 2024
Verified Review
Can No Longer Afford
The service is excellent, but it's very expensive.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
842
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.78
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company
State Farm is the largest insurer by market share and offers a multitude of coverages and discounts. The company offers common discounts like bundling and good driving, multiple safety feature discounts, and student-specific discounts. International students are eligible for a good grades discount and a discount for taking a driver education course.
Pros
Above-average J.D. Power rating for customer satisfaction
Highly rated mobile app
Cons
Not available in Massachusetts or Rhode Island
Doesn’t offer accident forgiveness or gap coverage
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
7.5 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$56/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$94/mo
4.2
Best choiceBased on 58 verified guest reviews and ratings
Reviews (31)
Marilyn
December 16, 2024
Verified Purchase
Mile Auto: Jury's Still Out
Please inform me about my monthly charge. Also, avoid using all caps. The photo link needs fixing.
Eva
December 4, 2024
Verified Purchase
Good
Good savings for people who don't drive a lot of miles.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NR
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
NR
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
NR
Why we picked this company
If you’re an international student living in a city or on campus and don’t drive often, consider Mile Auto for insurance. Mile Auto is a pay-per-mile insurer that charges per mile plus a low monthly base rate. Just send a picture of your odometer at the end of the month, and Mile Auto will calculate your rate. The company bases rates on driving history, location, vehicle type, credit history, and other factors.
Pros
Coverage options comparable to those from traditional insurers
No driving behavior tracking
Cons
Available in only nine states
Doesn’t offer any discounts
How to save money on car insurance
You can usually save extra money with discounts, high deductibles, and good credit. Here are some ways to save money on car insurance as an international student:
Consider a higher deductible. Your deductible is the amount you must pay in the event of a claim. Comprehensive and collision coverages have deductibles. Liability doesn ’t. Deductibles can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. In general, a higher deductible equals a lower premium. So if you need to save money on car insurance, you can opt for a higher deductible if you can afford to.
Establish or maintain good credit. In most states, car insurance companies can consider your credit history to determine your rate. People with good to excellent credit pay lower rates. As an international student, you may not currently have a credit score in the U.S., but you should consider it if you plan to access credit or loans.
Practice safe driving habits. You may not yet have a driving record in the U.S., but you’ll start to create one as soon as you begin driving here. Car insurance companies generally reward a clean driving record with lower car insurance rates.
Seek discounts. Most car insurance companies offer discounts that can help lower your premium. As a student, you might qualify for a good student discount if you achieve specific grades. It’s always wise to ask about potential discounts as you shop for quotes.
Save by bundling. Insurance companies often offer discounts when you buy more than one type of policy from them — a practice called “bundling. ” For example, you might need renters insurance if you plan to rent an apartment on or off campus. You could save if you get your renters and auto policies from the same insurer.
Factors that affect car insurance rates
Various factors affect car insurance rates, including age, driving record, location, type of car, and credit history. Insurance companies use this information to determine how likely a customer is to file a claim — something that costs the company money.[3]
Even though you can’t change some of the factors companies use to determine your rate, you have ways to secure the best deal.
Age
Age is one of the most significant factors influencing car insurance rates for college students, including international students. If you’re younger than 25, you’ll pay more than older drivers with a similar profile. Teenage drivers pay the most expensive rates.[4]
If you’re a young driver in your first year or two of college, you might pay significantly more for coverage because of limited driving experience and an increased likelihood of accidents. On average, full-coverage car insurance costs young drivers $377 per month, and liability coverage averages $196 per month.
You can still find a good deal if you’re younger than 25, but you might need to shop around for the best price. Luckily, your rate should decrease each year. If you graduate college at 21, you could be paying $135 less each month than you were when you started school at 18.
Liability-Only Coverage by Age
Full-Coverage Rates by Age
Driving record
Your driving record affects your car insurance rate. Your rate will usually decrease over time if you have a clean record without accidents or other violations. But the reverse is true, too — your rate can increase if you have a speeding ticket, moving violation, or car accident. The same is true if you get a DUI or other high-risk offense. Your premium will likely increase, and you may even lose coverage.[5]
The following table illustrates how different moving violations can affect full-coverage car insurance premiums for young drivers.
Rates by Driving Record
You likely don’t have a driving record in the United States as an international student. But that doesn’t mean you can’t build a clean driving record over time. As you shop around, you should check whether insurance companies will consider your driving history at home.
“If [you] can prove at least several years of driving experience in [your] home country, it helps,” says Zach Lazzari, an international auto insurance expert and the owner of Cross Border Coverage. “Asking directly about discounts is always a good idea as well.”
Type of car
The car you drive can also influence your rate. The characteristics of your vehicle — the age, size, cost, and other information about the car — can lead to price increases or decreases in your premium.
In general, newer and more expensive cars cost more to insure since they cost more to replace. But at the same time, the additional safety features in new vehicles might help lower the costs. It all depends on the vehicle factors your insurer considers. If you plan to buy a car to use during your studies, consider the type you pick.
“Vehicle type and age and intended use are all factors [to] consider. A moderate-value, reliable vehicle that is made for general use and commuting is always a good idea for reasonable policy costs,” says Lazzari.
Insurify’s drivers have found rates ranging from $34/mo. to $239/mo. in the last few days
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on December 17, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from December 17, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on December 17, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from December 17, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Location
Your location — including state, city, and ZIP code — plays a role in your car insurance costs. Each state has different requirements for minimum car insurance coverage. If you live in a state with more required coverage, you’ll likely pay higher rates.
Your rate may also depend on population and traffic density and how many accidents occur in the area each year. Weather and crime rates can also affect how much you pay. You can’t do much to change this factor, but you should prepare for how it may affect costs.
International student car insurance FAQs
It can be challenging to figure out insurance in a foreign country. But you can get car insurance coverage as an international student. Here’s what you need to know.
Can international students get car insurance in the U.S.?
International students can get car insurance in the U.S. if they have a valid driver’s license, usually a license from home, an international driver’s permit (IDP), or a U.S. driver’s license.
What insurance companies insure international drivers?
Most insurance companies insure international drivers, including some of the largest insurers in the country, like Progressive and State Farm. You need the proper driver’s license to get coverage.
Do international students pay more for car insurance?
As an international student, you probably don’t have a driving history in the U.S. Because of that, your insurer might consider you “newly insured” and charge you increased rates. Rates depend on the insurance company and factors like your age, location, and car type.
Can international students own a car?
Yes. International students can own a car. You can buy a used car directly from the previous owner or purchase a new vehicle from a dealership.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
No additional coverage
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Taylor Milam-Samuel is a writer and credentialed educator who is fascinated by how people earn, save, and spend their money. When she's not researching financial terms and conditions, she can be found in the classroom teaching.
Taylor has been a contributor at Insurify since February 2023.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
)
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=small}
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)