Best Car Insurance for International Drivers (2023)

Progressive, State Farm, and GEICO are a few of the best car insurance companies for international drivers who need coverage in the U.S.

Elizabeth Rivelli
Elizabeth Rivelli
  • 5+ years writing insurance and personal finance topics

  • Auto, home, health, and life insurance expertise

Elizabeth has extensive insurance industry experience, having written for Insureon, Rate Retriever, and Insurify. She’s also finance and insurance editor for Car and Driver.

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Courtney Mikulski
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
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Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.

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Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
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Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Updated October 1, 2023

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If you’re visiting the U.S. or recently moved to the U.S. from another country, you need to get car insurance to legally drive in most states. While many car insurance companies sell policies to international drivers, you often have to meet specific requirements to get coverage.

Insurify found that some of the top car insurance companies for foreign drivers in the United States are Progressive, State Farm, and GEICO. These insurers offer coverage to international drivers who recently relocated to the U.S. and own a registered vehicle.

Quick Facts
  • Progressive, State Farm, and GEICO offer the best car insurance for international drivers.

  • Foreign drivers sometimes pay higher car insurance rates than U.S. citizens.

  • International drivers can usually get auto insurance with a foreign license or an international driving permit (IDP).

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The best insurance companies for international drivers

Many of the biggest U.S.-based insurance companies sell car insurance to international drivers. But before you purchase auto insurance, it’s a good idea to compare several different insurers to find the best insurance company for your needs.

The best car insurance companies for international drivers allow you to purchase coverage with a non-U.S. driver’s license. Additionally, the top insurers offer various coverages, good discounts, and affordable rates.

If you’re not a fluent English speaker, you might also look for insurance companies that accept international driver’s licenses and offer customer service in other languages.

Progressive

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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.
4
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
819
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.
$82/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.
$149/mo

Although its founding in 1937 makes Progressive comparatively young, it is among the largest car insurers in the U.S. The company offers car, home, renters, commercial, and other types of insurance. Progressive customers can enjoy savings by bundling their car insurance with another type of Progressive policy – typically homeowners or renters. Available discounts range from multi-policy and multi-car discounts, to the Snapshot save driver discount. Progressive has an A.M. Best rating of A+ for financial stability. However, the company has a slightly higher-than-expected number of complaints in the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index.

Pros
  • Rewards for good drivers

  • Numerous coverage options and discounts available

Cons
  • Higher-than-expected amount of complaints

  • Ranked 11 out of 15 companies in the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking

Very good service but too expensive

Dewey - February 2, 2023
Verified

I called with questions; the answers were complete and to the point.

Yvonne - February 1, 2023
Verified

Would not let us bundle

Gary - February 1, 2023
Verified
Read our Progressive review
Learn More: The Insurify Guide to Car Insurance Discounts

Learn More: The Insurify Guide to Car Insurance Discounts

State Farm

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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.
4.4
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
842
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.
$51/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.
$108/mo

State Farm has been in business for more than 100 years, and today sells auto and other vehicle insurance, homeowners, life, health, pet, disability, and small business insurance. Available in all 50 states, State Farm car insurance policies offer multiple ways to save, from customizing coverage types, to a robust list of discounts. The company has far fewer complaints than expected for the industry, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index. State Farm also ranks among the top 10 companies for customer satisfaction in every region on the J.D. Power Overall Customer Satisfaction Index.

Pros
  • High rates of customer satisfaction

  • Rideshare insurance available

Cons
  • No gap insurance offering

  • May not be the cheapest choice for drivers with violations

Friendly; knowledgeable; cares for customer needs

Phyllis - February 1, 2023
Verified

Premiums jump every six months

Kenneth - January 31, 2023
Verified

They are great; prompt, polite, very educated

Angela - January 31, 2023
Verified
Read our State Farm review

GEICO

Compare personalized, real-time quotes
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.
4.3
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
835
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.
$52/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.
$112/mo

A highly recognizable name in car insurance, GEICO is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. The company started out as the Government Employees Insurance Company, serving U.S. government workers and military personnel. In addition to auto insurance, GEICO also sells homeowner, flood insurance, life insurance, business insurance, and identity protection, among other products. A.M. Best gives GEICO its highest rating for financial stability and credit. However, GEICO has nearly twice as many complaints as expected in the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index.

Pros
  • Good rates for good drivers, seniors, and young drivers

  • Accident forgiveness available

Cons
  • High rates for drivers with certain violations, like DUIs

  • No rideshare or new car replacement coverage available

Good communication

John - February 4, 2023
Verified

They offer the best rate.

Shannon - February 1, 2023
Verified

Any time I called them, they were on top of it and gave me an answer right away.

John - January 31, 2023
Verified
Read our GEICO review
Keep Reading: What is a Car Insurance Premium?

Keep Reading: What is a Car Insurance Premium?

How Insurify rates car insurance companies

Insurify uses an in-house, proprietary method to rate and review the best car insurance companies. The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 crucial criteria, including average premiums, customer satisfaction, discounts, third-party ratings, and more, to calculate a final score for a company. 

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. With the IQ Score, Insurify is able to provide quantitative ratings for drivers to better compare car insurance companies and make informed decisions to meet their coverage needs.

What’s international drivers insurance, and how does it work?

If you come to the U.S. from another country, you need car insurance to legally drive a vehicle in most states.[1] International car insurance isn’t a special type of auto insurance policy. It refers to a car insurance policy for a driver who has an international driver’s license.

Depending on your situation, you may need to purchase a car insurance policy when you arrive in the U.S. While most major insurance companies offer coverage to international drivers, you may have to meet some requirements.

For example, some foreign drivers need to get an international driving permit (IDP) to purchase auto insurance in the U.S, but it depends on the state. Some drivers can purchase car insurance in the U.S. with only their foreign driver’s license.[2]

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When visiting the United States

International travelers who are visiting the U.S. for a few weeks or months might only need temporary car insurance. If you’re planning to rent a vehicle during your visit, the easiest way to get coverage is to purchase insurance from your car rental company.

Most rental companies include liability insurance with your rental contract. Liability insurance covers your financial responsibilities if you cause an accident and another driver suffers losses, like injuries or vehicle damage. Rental car coverage may also be the cheapest way to get temporary car insurance for U.S. visitors.[3]

In addition to liability insurance, you can typically pay extra to get physical damage coverage, like collision and comprehensive insurance. These policies cover damage and theft while driving the rental car. Some rental companies also sell optional roadside assistance.

If you’re a foreign visitor staying in the U.S. for a long period, you might purchase a vehicle. In this case, you would need to purchase a regular car insurance policy. Most insurers offer six-month and 12-month policies, but you can cancel the policy at any time if you no longer need it.

Keep Reading: How to Buy Temporary Car Insurance

Keep Reading: How to Buy Temporary Car Insurance

When moving to the United States

If you’re moving to the U.S. from another country, you’ll need to purchase car insurance on a vehicle you personally own. Many insurance companies allow you to purchase auto insurance with a foreign driver’s license or an IDP.

Before you move to the U.S., it’s a good idea to check your state’s foreign license requirements, as not all states require international drivers to get an IDP. You can find this information by contacting your state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV).[2]

If you need an IDP, make sure to get one before you move to the U.S. You must obtain an IDP from your home country. The U.S. doesn’t issue these permits to international drivers who arrive in the U.S.[2]

Once you’ve established permanent residency in the U.S. and have a Social Security number, you’ll need to get a U.S. driver’s license. You’re only allowed to drive in the U.S. with an IDP for one year. Limits on how long you can drive with a foreign license if your state doesn’t require an IDP may also apply.

How to choose an insurance company for international driving

Many insurance companies provide car insurance to international drivers. But whether you’re visiting the U.S. or moving to the U.S. permanently, you may need to consider a few factors when shopping for auto insurance. These tips can help you choose the best car insurance company for international drivers.

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Consider the coverage types you want

Most states require car insurance by law, and each state has different minimum requirements. You can also purchase optional policies — called endorsements — for more protection. Think about what insurance coverage you might need, like roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, or gap insurance, and make sure to choose an insurer that offers the coverages you want.

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Look for insurers that offer discounts

Most car insurance companies offer discounts to help customers save money on their coverage. Every insurance company has different discounts. However, you can often find savings for paying your premium in full, bundling your policies, taking a defensive driving course, insuring more than two vehicles, and insuring a vehicle with safety features like an anti-theft device.

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Check the customer service channels

Choose a car insurance company with good customer service. Look for insurers that offer 24/7 customer service or live chat for quick questions. If you prefer to manage your policy without the help of an agent, you might also search for companies that offer a mobile app or online policy-management tools. If you’re not a fluent English speaker, you should consider insurers that offer customer service in your language.

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Read customer reviews

Before you buy a car insurance policy in the U.S., it’s a good idea to read reviews from current and past customers. Many insurers publish customer reviews on their websites. You can also check third-party sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of each insurer you’re researching.

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Get personalized rate quotes

Insurers personalize car insurance premiums for every driver. You should get quotes from several different insurance companies to see which one can give you the lowest rate. You can also re-shop for quotes when your policy renews to make sure you’re always getting the best deal.

How much does car insurance cost for international and foreign drivers?

The cost of car insurance for international drivers depends on many factors. U.S. car insurance companies may look at a variety of criteria to calculate your premium, including your ZIP code, age, gender, vehicle type, and coverage limits.[4] In addition, the insurance company you choose can affect the cost of your policy.

For U.S. citizens, most insurance companies check driving records and credit scores before calculating rates.[4] But because foreign drivers don’t have an established credit history or driving record in the U.S., foreign drivers may pay higher rates for auto insurance.

However, once you establish a clean driving record and good credit in the U.S., these factors can positively affect your premiums. To learn more about how car insurance rates are determined for foreign drivers, you can contact an insurance agent.

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Best car insurance for international drivers FAQs

As a foreign driver, getting car insurance in the U.S. can seem complicated. Check out Insurify’s guides on car insurance for international students and when you need rental car insurance

Below are some commonly asked questions about getting auto insurance for international drivers.

  • Can you get car insurance with an international driver’s license in the U.S.?

    Yes. You can get auto insurance in the U.S. with a non-U.S. driver’s license, whether you’re a short-term visitor or a permanent resident. Many insurance companies sell coverage to drivers with a foreign license or IDP. However, the requirements for getting international car insurance differ by state.

  • How much does car insurance cost for international drivers in the U.S.?

    Car insurance premiums for international drivers in the U.S. depend on many factors. Your age, gender, location, and vehicle type are just a few of the things that affect the cost of your policy.[4] Some insurance companies may charge higher rates for international drivers until they have an established driving record and credit history in the United States.

  • What insurance do you need to drive a car in the U.S.?

    Car insurance is a legal requirement in most U.S. states. The only state that doesn’t require auto insurance is New Hampshire.[5] In addition, each state has its own car insurance requirements. Most states require drivers to carry a minimum amount of personal liability insurance, which applies when you cause an accident.

  • What insurance companies insure people with international driver’s licenses?

    Many of the largest insurance companies sell insurance to international drivers with a non-U.S. license. Progressive, State Farm, and GEICO are a few of the companies that insure foreign drivers living in the U.S. Before you purchase auto insurance, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare several different companies.

  • Can you add an international driver to your car insurance?

    It depends. “Your insurance company may allow you to add an international driver to your policy,” says Joe Giranda, director of sales and marketing for CFR Classic, an international car shipping company. “However, the driver might be required to have an IDP before you can add them.” You can call your car insurance company to learn more about its requirements for adding a foreign driver to your policy.

Sources

  1. III. "Is it legal to drive without insurance?." Accessed May 18, 2023
  2. USAGov. "Driving in the U.S. if you are not a citizen." Accessed May 18, 2023
  3. III. "Rental car insurance." Accessed May 18, 2023
  4. III. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?." Accessed May 18, 2023
  5. New Hampshire Insurance Department. "2022 Automobile Insurance Consumer Frequently Asked Questions." Accessed May 18, 2023
Elizabeth Rivelli
Elizabeth Rivelli

Elizabeth Rivelli is a freelance writer covering insurance and personal finance. She has extensive knowledge of various insurance lines, including property and casualty, health, and life insurance. Her byline has been featured in dozens of publications, including Investopedia, Forbes, Bankrate, NextAdvisor, and Insurance.com

Courtney Mikulski
Edited byCourtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
Courtney Mikulski
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
  • 3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content

  • Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score

Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.

Featured in

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Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

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