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.
Evelyn PimplaskarEditor-in-Chief, Director of Content
10+ years in insurance and personal finance content
30+ years in media, PR, and content creation
Evelyn leads Insurify’s content team. She’s passionate about creating empowering content to help people transform their financial lives and make sound insurance-buying decisions.
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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 require you to buy full-coverage car insurance.
Car insurance options for international students
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.
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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. Mile Auto provides the lowest rate for students, with average monthly rates of $145 for liability and $220 for full coverage.
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 is not specific to international students, but it should provide a general idea of what to expect.
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-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
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 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. Criteria are weighted 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 5 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. We update ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
Third-party financial ratings: We use 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 20,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also considered 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 United States, 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 identified the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share to score availability and reach.
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.
Regardless of fault, collision insurance protects you if your car collides with an object, vehicle, or building.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive insurance protects you against damages from other sources, like theft, vandalism, falling branches, or or hail.[2]
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 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.
What factors affect car insurance rates?
Various factors affect car insurance rates, including age, driving record, location, type of car, and credit score. 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 can expect to 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 about $371 per month, and liability coverage averages around $181 per month, according to Insurify data.
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, you can usually expect your rate to 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.
Age
Liability Only
Full Coverage
18
$166
$330
19
$157
$311
20
$151
$299
21
$139
$275
22
$132
$262
23
$127
$251
24
$123
$243
25
$116
$230
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.
Driving record
Your driving record affects your car insurance rate. You can usually expect your rate to 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.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, May 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Clean Record
Speeding Ticket
At-Fault Accident
DUI
COUNTRY Financial
51
61
68
79
Hugo
71
98
88
96
NJM
87
139
143
125
Auto-Owners
103
126
131
159
Root
115
173
181
160
USAA
116
133
144
180
Erie
118
163
168
149
Mile Auto
134
186
200
210
GEICO
137
157
170
212
State Farm
140
155
169
217
Safeco
146
197
214
226
Clearcover
146
196
254
226
Metromile
148
218
228
202
CSAA
156
195
218
242
Allstate
158
180
195
244
Progressive
161
199
213
249
American Family
167
199
210
260
Mercury
195
302
316
316
National General
195
225
251
302
Elephant
203
237
256
314
Nationwide
211
247
266
326
Liberty Mutual
216
290
309
335
Travelers
221
263
281
342
Direct Auto
239
291
315
370
Shelter
252
354
373
347
Dairyland
259
319
335
402
AssuranceAmerica
265
346
351
411
The Hartford
276
444
464
411
Farmers
279
321
346
433
Chubb
291
345
366
451
The General
296
369
393
459
GAINSCO
305
330
362
473
21st Century
315
394
418
488
Bristol West
327
392
406
507
Commonwealth Casualty
369
399
464
449
Amica
393
599
620
556
Infinity
421
521
457
652
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.
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.
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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.
Evelyn PimplaskarEditor-in-Chief, Director of Content
10+ years in insurance and personal finance content
30+ years in media, PR, and content creation
Evelyn leads Insurify’s content team. She’s passionate about creating empowering content to help people transform their financial lives and make sound insurance-buying decisions.