Visa Holders: Can They Get Car Insurance?

If you're visiting the US on a visa, you'll need to get car insurance if you plan on driving. The good news is that there are plenty of options available to you. If you're only in the US for a short time, you can get insurance through a rental car agency or your credit card company. If you're staying longer, you can apply for a US driver's license and get insurance from a US company.

When it comes to health insurance, it's not mandatory for visitors to the US but it is highly recommended. The US has high healthcare costs and does not have a universal healthcare system, so getting insurance will help lower your hospital bills. You can buy medical insurance for your visa while still in your home country, or look into international travel insurance that covers the US.

Car insurance for short-term visitors to the US

Short-term visitors to the US who plan to drive during their stay have a few options for obtaining car insurance. The best option may depend on factors such as the length of their visit, whether they will be renting a car, and their country of origin. Here are some important things to know about car insurance for short-term visitors to the US:

Rental Car Insurance

For visitors who plan to rent a car during their stay in the US, the most practical solution is often to obtain rental car insurance directly from the vehicle rental company. Short-term visitors are generally not eligible to purchase policies from standalone car insurance providers in the US.

Rental car companies typically offer a range of insurance options, including:

• Minimum liability coverage
• Collision coverage or loss-and-damage waivers
• Personal effects coverage
• Personal accident coverage

Opting for one or more of these insurance choices can provide adequate protection for short-term stays in the US and can be tailored to the specific needs of the visitor.

Canadian Visitors

Canadian drivers may find the process more convenient, as Canadian auto insurance policies are typically valid in the US. In many cases, these policies may even extend to cover rental vehicles. However, it is recommended that Canadian drivers verify the extent of their coverage with their insurance company and the rental car company to ensure adequate protection during their stay in the US.

Other International Visitors

For short-term visitors from other countries who will not be renting a car, obtaining car insurance can be more challenging. Some US insurance companies may offer coverage to international drivers with foreign licenses, but this is not always the case. Visitors may need to shop around and compare rates from multiple insurers to find coverage that meets their needs.

It is important to note that car insurance requirements vary by state in the US, so visitors should check the specific requirements of the state(s) they plan to drive in.

Car insurance for long-term visitors to the US

Foreign visitors to the US must have car insurance to legally drive or own a vehicle. The type of insurance and the amount of coverage a foreign visitor needs depends on how long they plan to stay in the country.

Short-term Visitors

If you're visiting the US for a short time and plan to rent a car, you can buy a policy from the car rental company. This is the most practical solution, as short-term visitors are generally not eligible to purchase policies from standalone car insurance providers.

Rental car insurance typically includes:

• Liability coverage
• Collision coverage or loss-and-damage waivers
• Personal effects coverage
• Personal accident coverage

If you're visiting from Canada, your Canadian insurance policy may cover you. However, it's best to verify this with your insurance company and check the laws of the state you'll be driving in. Visitors from Mexico will likely need to buy an American policy.

Long-term Visitors

For long-term visitors, such as students or specialized workers on visas, finding suitable car insurance can be challenging, especially without an American driver's license. However, it is possible (and often advisable) for these individuals to apply for a US driver's license, even if they hold a valid license from their home country.

Having a US driver's license will make it easier to acquire car insurance and may lead to lower rates. Building a driving record in the US can also be beneficial, as a history of safe driving generally lowers insurance premiums over time.

If you plan on driving in the US with a foreign license, be aware of local rules regarding how long you can legally operate a vehicle. In some states, you may only be able to drive with a foreign license for up to three months. In this case, you may need to obtain an international driver's permit (IDP). An IDP translates your foreign license and can be useful if you're pulled over, but it doesn't replace your foreign license.

When it comes to insurance providers, some companies, like Progressive and Farmers, will insure drivers with foreign licenses, while others, like Geico, State Farm, Esurance, and Allstate, require a US-issued license.

US Car Insurance Requirements

Each state has its own requirements for driver's licenses and car insurance coverage. Most states require liability coverage, which pays for damage and injuries others sustain in an accident you cause. Some states also require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection (PIP).

It's important to check with your host state's DMV to understand their specific requirements.

International driver's permits

International Driving Permits (IDPs) are a valid form of identification in 150 countries worldwide. It translates your identification information into 10 languages and acts as a translation tool. It is important to note that an IDP is not a replacement for a driver's license but an addition to it. Thus, you must carry your IDP along with your driver's license at all times when driving abroad.

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is the only entity authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs. The process of obtaining an IDP involves providing two original passport pictures, a valid U.S. driver's license, and paying a $20 permit fee. You can apply for an IDP in person at a AAA Travel office or by mail.

It is important to check the requirements of the country you are visiting before travelling, as many countries require an IDP to drive legally, and fines for driving without one can be costly. Additionally, while a country's government may not require an IDP, car rental companies located in that country may require one to rent a car.

If you are an international driver in the United States, it is important to note that you must have car insurance. There are several options for obtaining car insurance as an international driver in the U.S., including renting a car with insurance, being added to an existing family member's policy, or obtaining insurance through your credit card.

US car insurance requirements

The car insurance requirements in the US vary from state to state. While some states require drivers to have insurance, others don't. Here is a breakdown of the US car insurance requirements:

States that require car insurance

Most states in the US require drivers to have a minimum amount of car insurance, also known as liability insurance. This insurance covers any damage or injury that the driver causes to other people or their property. The minimum coverage requirements differ across states. For example, California requires drivers to have a minimum of $15,000 in property damage liability coverage, while Texas requires a minimum of $25,000.

In addition to liability insurance, some states also mandate other types of car insurance. For instance, some states require personal injury protection (PIP), which covers the driver's and their passengers' medical expenses in an accident. Other states may require uninsured and/or underinsured motorist coverage, which protects drivers in the event of an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

States that don't require car insurance

New Hampshire and Virginia are the only two states that don't require drivers to have car insurance. However, it's important to note that even in these states, drivers are still financially responsible for any damage or injuries they cause in an accident. While insurance is not mandatory, purchasing car insurance is generally recommended to protect oneself financially.

Obtaining car insurance for visitors to the US

For short-term visitors to the US, the most practical option for obtaining car insurance is often through rental car companies, as standalone car insurance providers typically don't offer policies to short-term visitors. Rental car companies usually offer various insurance options, including liability coverage, collision coverage, personal effects coverage, and personal accident coverage.

For long-term visitors, such as those on visas, obtaining car insurance can be more challenging without a US driver's license. In such cases, applying for a US driver's license may be advisable, as it can make the process of acquiring car insurance easier and may result in lower insurance rates.

Understanding insurance requirements

When visiting or residing in the US, it's essential to understand the specific insurance requirements of the state you're in. Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding car insurance, and failing to comply with these requirements can result in legal and financial consequences. It's also important to note that insurance requirements may change over time, so staying informed about any updates is crucial.

In conclusion, while the US car insurance requirements vary across states, it is generally recommended to have at least the minimum amount of car insurance to protect oneself financially in the event of an accident.

Do I need to buy car insurance if I visit the US?

Whether you are a short-term or long-term visitor to the US, if you plan on driving, you will need to get car insurance. This is a legal requirement for all foreign visitors operating a vehicle in the US (except in New Hampshire).

If you are renting a car, you can usually purchase insurance from the rental company. This is the easiest option for tourists. If you are visiting from Canada, your Canadian insurance policy will usually cover you if you are driving your own vehicle in the US.

If you are a long-term visitor, such as a student or a worker on a visa, you may need to apply for a US driver's license. This will make it easier to obtain car insurance. Most insurance providers favour a US-issued license as it helps them assess the driver's risk profile more accurately.

If you are visiting the US for several months and will be driving a vehicle that isn't a rental, you will need an auto insurance policy. Standard insurance policies last six months or a year, but some insurers also offer temporary policies.

If you are bringing your own vehicle into the US, you will need to purchase a separate car insurance policy before you can legally drive.

Frequently asked questions