120+ more*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on July 8, 2026. 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 July 8, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
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30+ years in financial services
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Updated
International drivers can get U.S. car insurance, even with a foreign license. Plenty of insurance companies accept foreign licenses or international driving permits (IDPs).[1] Keep in mind that eligibility can depend on your state and the insurance company, and different documents may be required in some situations.
If you’re just a tourist, you can typically get by with only temporary car insurance from your rental company. But if you’re a long-term visitor, such as an international student or visa holder, you’ll need a standard car insurance policy from a U.S. insurer.
Here’s what you should know about finding car insurance as an international driver, including what documents you’ll need and what coverage costs.
To buy car insurance in the U.S. as an international driver, you’ll likely need to provide your passport, visa, U.S. address, and a driver’s license from your country, the U.S., or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Many car insurance companies and some states require international drivers to have IDPs. Drivers with a foreign license in a non-English language may need an official translation or an IDP to meet state guidelines.[2]
Tourists typically only need rental coverage, but long-term visitors need standard policies.
International drivers can buy U.S. auto insurance. Whether you’re eligible or not depends on a few things, including state laws, the status of your license and residency, and whether you own the vehicle you’re looking to insure.
Most states in the U.S. require all drivers to carry at least the state’s minimum liability insurance requirements.
Many car insurance companies accept foreign licenses or IDPs, and some even specialize in insuring non-U.S. drivers.[3] Eligibility and car insurance requirements vary from state to state and by company, so make sure to confirm the details with both your state’s motor vehicle agency and the car insurance company you choose before you buy a policy.
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While requirements differ by state and insurer, most companies require international drivers to provide a combination of the following documents to get a car insurance policy:
Valid driver’s license from home country
Your passport
An IDP, if required by your state
A valid U.S. visa
A U.S. address
Your vehicle’s registration and VIN if you own it
Proof of prior insurance
Not every U.S. car insurance company accepts foreign licenses, and some companies are more flexible than others about international driving history.
Before choosing an insurer, you should compare car insurance quotes from multiple companies to find the best insurer for your needs. Here are a few of the best car insurance companies for drivers new to the U.S.
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 622 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 8.7 /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. | $80/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. | $138/mo |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
Progressive lets you buy a policy with either an international license or an IDP, depending on your state. Its policies typically run between six and 12 months, but some can run even shorter. Progressive also offers non-owner coverage if you don’t own your own vehicle.
Online quotes
Good for drivers from Canada and Mexico
Highly rated by J.D. Power
Treats you as a new driver without a U.S. driving history
Coverage options vary by state
Short-term policies not available everywhere
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 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. | $53/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. | $106/mo |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.3 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.7 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
State Farm is a good choice for international drivers who want personalized help from an insurance agent. The insurer has a vast network of agents all around the country, many of whom are bilingual. You can typically get coverage from State Farm for three months with a foreign license and up to one year with an IDP while you figure out a more permanent setup.
Large network of local agents
Accepts foreign licenses in many states
Good for new immigrants and non-citizens
May need a U.S. license in some cases
Must finalize online quote with an agent
Fewer add-on coverages than some insurers
| User Reviews | 3.4 |
|---|---|
| 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. | $128/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. | $206/mo |
Liberty Mutual's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.6 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.4 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.3 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.4 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.0 | 2.9 |
Drivers appreciate the ease of making payments and the company’s helpful customer service. But they dislike the frequent and unexplained rate increases, and some report difficulties in communication and claim handling.
International drivers looking to offset high car insurance costs through discounts should consider Liberty Mutual. The insurer offers 13 unique car insurance discounts for drivers to take advantage of, which can be crucial, as international drivers often pay higher car insurance rates. The insurer also offers add-ons, such as new-car replacement and gap coverage.
Numerous discounts
Useful online tools
Offers multiple add-ons
Foreign driving history won’t transfer over
Expensive base rates
Rules can differ from state to state
You won’t always need an IDP to get car insurance. It depends on your state and insurer, as some require one, while others require only a foreign license.[4] Additionally, an IDP isn’t a substitute for insurance — it proves your license is valid, but you’ll still need a policy.
Take a look at the key differences between the required driver’s licenses and permits:
Foreign driver’s license: Your license from your home country, which you can use to drive in many states for a short period of time, typically about three months.
International Driving Permit (IDP): An IDP is an official translation of your foreign license into multiple languages. You’ll need to get it in your home country before visiting the U.S., and it stays valid for one year.
U.S. driver’s license: You’ll eventually need a valid license issued by a U.S. state once you become a resident.
Whether you need long-term or temporary car insurance as an international driver depends on how long you’re planning to stay and your reason for visiting. If you’re a tourist coming for a two-week vacation or a brief exchange student program, you’ll only need rental car insurance coverage or a short-term policy.
If you’re an international student, expat, temporary worker, or new immigrant, you’ll need to secure a standard long-term car insurance policy. Buying a policy can differ depending on the state you’re in, as some states issue licenses regardless of immigration status, while others don’t.
Make sure you understand your state’s rules regarding insurance and licenses before getting a policy.
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If you’re visiting for only a short period of time and renting a car, it makes the most sense to get car insurance coverage from your rental car company. This type of coverage will last the length of your rental and prevents you from needing to buy a separate policy.
Here are a few typical coverages your rental policy may include:
Mandatory in most states, liability insurance covers injuries and property damage caused to others.
This can pay for medical bills for you and your passengers.
CDWs cover vehicle damage or theft.
This pays for belongings stolen from your rental car.
If you’re here on work, moving here, or planning to stay for a significant amount of time, you’ll need to get a standard U.S. car insurance policy. These policies typically last for six or 12 months.
Most states require drivers to maintain a minimum amount of liability car insurance, which can include bodily injury liability, property damage liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP).
Depending on your coverage needs, you may want to consider a full-coverage policy for more vehicle protection. In addition to liability insurance, full-coverage policies include the following:
If you have an accident, collision insurance pays to repair or replace your vehicle.
Comprehensive insurance covers weather, theft, vandalism, and other non-collision damages.
The average cost of car insurance in the U.S. is $98 per month for liability-only coverage and $186 per month for full coverage, according to Insurify data.
As an international driver, you may pay more than these averages when first getting coverage, as insurers treat you as a new driver. Costs can also vary drastically by your state, vehicle, and chosen coverages.
Take a look at the map below to compare liability and full-coverage costs by state.
State | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $63 | $103 |
| Alabama | $67 | $142 |
| Arkansas | $75 | $152 |
| Arizona | $89 | $163 |
| California | $96 | $200 |
| Colorado | $97 | $217 |
| Connecticut | $161 | $221 |
| Delaware | $164 | $258 |
| Florida | $139 | $236 |
| Georgia | $156 | $259 |
| Hawaii | $62 | $127 |
| Iowa | $56 | $111 |
| Idaho | $64 | $109 |
| Illinois | $82 | $161 |
| Indiana | $65 | $129 |
| Kansas | $78 | $153 |
| Kentucky | $120 | $192 |
| Louisiana | $106 | $209 |
| Massachusetts | $107 | $141 |
| Maryland | $193 | $304 |
| Maine | $75 | $138 |
| Michigan | $129 | $224 |
| Minnesota | $93 | $184 |
| Missouri | $92 | $180 |
| Mississippi | $90 | $184 |
| Montana | $61 | $137 |
| North Carolina | $69 | $114 |
| North Dakota | $65 | $114 |
| Nebraska | $67 | $131 |
| New Hampshire | $52 | $83 |
| New Jersey | $182 | $254 |
| New Mexico | $65 | $136 |
| Nevada | $160 | $253 |
| New York | $152 | $237 |
| Ohio | $64 | $117 |
| Oklahoma | $83 | $169 |
| Oregon | $91 | $156 |
| Pennsylvania | $90 | $161 |
| Rhode Island | $176 | $301 |
| South Carolina | $160 | $256 |
| South Dakota | $63 | $153 |
| Tennessee | $60 | $132 |
| Texas | $110 | $205 |
| Utah | $93 | $148 |
| Virginia | $116 | $204 |
| Vermont | $57 | $152 |
| Washington | $95 | $183 |
| District of Columbia | $165 | $278 |
| Wisconsin | $57 | $126 |
| West Virginia | $81 | $153 |
| Wyoming | $50 | $93 |
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on July 8, 2026. 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 July 8, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Car insurance is often more expensive for international drivers because U.S. car insurance companies heavily rely on U.S.-based driving and insurance history data when setting rates. As a foreign driver, you have neither of these, so insurers treat you as a new driver. And new drivers in the U.S. pay some of the highest rates of any group.
International drivers can face more expensive premiums in part due to the following major pricing factors:
No U.S. claims history or prior U.S. insurance
Difficulty verifying foreign driving records
Limited credit history, which insurers use in most states as a rating factor
Short-term residency
Once you’ve built a U.S. insurance and driving record, your rates typically decrease, as long as you’ve been driving safely.
Average liability quotes in the U.S. start at $42/mo.
Fortunately, as an international driver, you have plenty of ways to save money on your car insurance policy. The following tips can help you keep your rates reasonable:
Ask whether the insurer accepts foreign driving records. Some insurance companies will consider your driving history from your home country, which, if clean, can lower your rate.
Switch to a U.S. license when eligible. As soon as you’re eligible for a U.S. license, apply for one, as it widens your insurance options.
Choose a cheaper vehicle to insure. Safe and lower-value vehicles are often much cheaper to insure than luxury vehicles.
Increase deductibles. Raising your deductible will lower your insurance rate. Just be sure you can pay your chosen deductible amount if you need to file a claim.
Bundle renters and auto insurance. Consider bundling your renters and auto insurance policies, as many insurers offer reduced rates for doing so.
Take a defensive driving course. Many insurers offer discounts to drivers who complete defensive driving courses, which can help offset the new-driver rates you’ll face as an international driver.
Maintain continuous coverage. It’s important to keep coverage continuous, as it’s illegal to drive without insurance in most U.S. states. Having coverage gaps can increase your premiums.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers. Always compare quotes from multiple companies before buying a policy. Companies weigh factors differently for drivers with foreign licenses, so it pays to do your research.
Finding car insurance as a foreign driver can be tricky. Check out the answers below to some of the most commonly asked questions about car insurance for foreign drivers.
No. You don’t necessarily need a Social Security number (SSN) to get car insurance in the U.S. Many insurance companies offer policies to people without an SSN, especially in states that allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver’s license. But you may need to provide an alternative form of identification, such as a passport or an IDP.
The cost of car insurance varies widely, with average monthly premiums for liability-only coverage at $98 and full coverage at $186, according to Insurify data. Factors such as the state you’re driving in, the type of vehicle, and the coverage level you choose can affect the price significantly.
Car insurance can be more expensive for foreign drivers due to a lack of U.S. driving history and credit history, which insurers use to assess risk. But the exact cost difference varies by insurer, type of vehicle, and driver circumstances. Shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance companies can help you find the best rates.
In most cases, your driving history in another country won’t directly affect your insurance rates in the U.S. because many insurers don’t have access to international driving records.
You don’t always need an IDP to buy car insurance. Some states will require it, but others will accept your foreign license.
Some car insurance companies insure international drivers, including Progressive, State Farm, GEICO, Liberty Mutual, and more.
In most cases, foreign licenses are valid for only a few months, whereas IDPs are valid for up to one year.
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 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 500+ 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:
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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)
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years in content creation and marketing
Featured in
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Featured in
30+ years in financial services
Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
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.
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