Best Car Insurance for International Drivers (2023)

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.

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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

State Farm

GEICO

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]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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