International Driver's License: Auto Insurance Options

If you're planning a trip to the United States and intend to drive, it's important to understand the country's car insurance requirements for international visitors. Foreign drivers in the US are required to have a valid driver's license and car insurance. The specific type of license you need depends on your home country and the length of your stay. In some cases, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

An IDP is not a replacement for your native driver's license but rather a translation that ensures law enforcement and insurance companies can easily interpret your credentials. It's important to note that an IDP must be obtained from your home country before travelling to the US.

If you're a short-term visitor, your best option for car insurance is typically to purchase it through the rental car company. However, if you're planning to stay in the US for an extended period, you may need to buy insurance from an American car insurance company.

Short-term visitors may not need long-term insurance

If you're a short-term visitor to a country, you may not need to obtain a long-term auto insurance policy. However, you must have some form of insurance coverage to drive legally, even for a short time. This can usually be obtained through the rental company from which you hire your car.

Rental car insurance typically includes liability coverage, which protects against costly damages caused by unintentional collisions with other vehicles on the road. It also includes a damage waiver, which covers damage to your rental car after a crash, and medical expenses, which cover the cost of medical care if you're injured in a crash.

In the US, for example, car insurance is required if you drive a car, even if you're not a resident. Short-term visitors can get rental car coverage directly from the rental company. This is the easiest option and provides temporary insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.

In the UK, short-term car insurance policies are also available to drivers with a valid non-UK licence. The eligibility criteria can vary, but the key requirement is a valid driving licence issued by a recognised country or international authority.

Long-term visitors may need to buy insurance from an American company

If you're a long-term visitor to the US, you may need to buy car insurance from an American company. This is because, in most states, driving or registering a vehicle requires auto insurance.

If you're a short-term visitor, you can get temporary car insurance coverage from a rental car company. However, if you're staying in the US for longer, you'll need to get an insurance policy.

To drive in the US, you must have a valid license and an auto insurance policy that meets the state-mandated requirements. Most states require drivers to carry liability coverage, which typically includes property damage and bodily injury protection.

If you're a long-term visitor, you can drive on a foreign license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) for a set period, usually three months for a foreign license and a year for an IDP. After that, you'll need to obtain a US driver's license.

When looking for car insurance as a long-term visitor, you may need to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies. Some insurance companies strictly work with US drivers, so you'll need to find a company that offers insurance to foreigners.

When choosing an insurance company, consider factors such as the coverage types you want, available discounts, customer service channels, and customer reviews.

An international driving permit is not a valid driver's license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your identifying information into different languages. It is a valid form of identification in 150 countries worldwide and contains your name, photo, and driver information.

While an IDP is a useful document to have, it is not a valid driver's license. Instead, it is a translation of your foreign driver's license and should always be accompanied by your license. An IDP is not issued by the country you are visiting but by your home country.

In the United States, for example, some states require visitors to have both an IDP and a foreign driver's license. Not all states recognize international driving permits, and requirements vary by state. It is important to check the specific requirements of the state you are visiting.

In summary, while an IDP can be useful for driving in other countries, it is not a substitute for a valid driver's license and should always be carried together with your license.

Foreign driving history may not transfer to the US

If you are a foreigner with a valid driving license from your home country, you may be able to drive in the US without taking a driving test. However, this depends on the state you are in and whether they require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your license. An IDP is a form of identification that many countries recognize, allowing you to drive legally in a different country.

Even if you have an IDP, your foreign driving license, and you are permitted to drive in the US, your driving history from another country may not be carried over. This means that when obtaining a quote for car insurance in the US, you may be regarded as a new driver without any prior driving experience. As a result, your insurance premiums may be higher. This is because insurance companies will categorize you as a high-risk driver due to a lack of documented driving history.

Some insurance companies will not insure drivers without a US driving license, while others, such as Progressive, are happy to offer car insurance to foreigners with a recognized foreign license or an IDP. It is recommended to shop around for quotes to get the best rate and coverage.

If you are a permanent resident in the US, you may be eligible to apply for a US driver's license, although the requirements differ in each state. In Massachusetts, for example, you can only convert your foreign driver's license if your home country has an established arrangement with the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) for license conversion. In Georgia, you must be at least 18 years old, pass a knowledge exam, and pass a road skills test.

Car insurance is required for all foreign visitors operating a vehicle in the US

Car insurance is legally required for all foreign visitors operating a vehicle in the US. This applies to all visitors, regardless of how long they plan to stay in the country.

If you're a short-term visitor to the US, you can get the necessary coverage from the rental company. This is the easiest option, as short-term visitors are generally not eligible to purchase policies directly from standalone car insurance providers. Rental companies usually offer a range of insurance options, including liability coverage, collision coverage, loss-and-damage waivers, personal effects coverage, and personal accident coverage.

If you're a foreign visitor intending to buy or lease a car in the US, you'll need to purchase an insurance policy. This process can be complicated and costly, and some insurance companies don't insure foreign drivers. In a survey of six leading US insurance companies, only two were found to insure drivers with a foreign license. It's worth noting that obtaining a US driver's license may ease the process of acquiring car insurance and could lead to lower rates.

If you're visiting the US from Canada, your Canadian auto insurance policy will typically be valid there. However, it's advisable to verify the extent of your coverage with your insurance company and the rental car company.

For visitors from Mexico, you can drive in the US for up to a year using an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a valid Mexican driver's license.

When obtaining car insurance in the US, you'll need a valid driver's license. Depending on your home country, your original license may be accepted, or you may need to apply for an IDP. An IDP is a translation of your foreign driver's license and allows you to drive in the US for a year.

It's important to note that car insurance requirements vary by state, and you must carry at least the minimum car insurance required by the state you're driving in. Most states require liability coverage, which includes property damage and bodily injury protection.

In summary, car insurance is essential for foreign visitors driving in the US, and the specific requirements and options depend on the length of stay, the visitor's country of origin, and the state they're visiting.

Frequently asked questions