Foreign Visitors: Are They Covered By My Auto Insurance?

Foreign nationals visiting the US can buy car insurance, regardless of the length of their stay. However, the type and amount of coverage they need varies by state. Foreign visitors must have car insurance to legally operate a vehicle on US roadways. Short-term visitors can get rental car coverage directly from the rental company, while long-term foreign drivers with their own car will need to buy a separate car insurance policy from a US company.

Foreign visitors can purchase car insurance in the US

If you are a long-term visitor, you will need to find affordable car insurance to protect your finances and comply with the law. You can purchase a policy from a US-based insurance company, but some companies do not insure foreign drivers. You may also need to apply for a new driver's license, depending on how long you plan to stay in the country.

To get car insurance in the US, you will typically need a valid foreign driver's license and, in some cases, an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is not a replacement for a foreign driver's license but serves as a translation of it. It is a good idea to get an IDP before arriving in the US, as it can make it easier for local authorities to interpret your original driver's license.

When purchasing car insurance in the US, you will need to consider the level of coverage you require. The minimum coverage required by most states is liability insurance, which covers vehicle damage and injuries to the driver and passengers in the other car if you are at fault in an accident. Other types of coverage include collision insurance, personal effects coverage, personal accident coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP).

It is important to note that car insurance rates in the US can be higher for foreign visitors due to a lack of available driving history. Comparing quotes from different insurance providers is the best way to find the right coverage for your needs and budget.

Foreign visitors need a driver's license from their home country to get coverage

Foreign visitors to the US are required by law to have car insurance if they want to own or drive a vehicle. The type of insurance and the amount of coverage needed will depend on the length of their stay and the state they are visiting. Most states require liability insurance, which covers vehicle damage and injuries to the driver and passengers in the other car if the policyholder causes an accident. Some states also require underinsured/uninsured motorist insurance, which covers the policyholder's expenses if the party at fault does not have insurance.

If a foreign visitor is renting a car, they can usually purchase insurance from the rental agency. However, if they are bringing their own car into the country, they will need to purchase insurance from a US-based insurance agency. Some agencies do not insure foreign drivers, and a foreign driver's license may not be sufficient—some states require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to a driver's license from the driver's home country. An IDP is not a standalone document and cannot be used to drive without a valid driver's license. It serves as a translation of the driver's license and can be useful for identification purposes and aiding local authorities in interpreting the original license.

According to a survey of six leading US insurance companies by ValuePenguin, only two—Progressive and Farmers—will insure a driver with a foreign license. Geico, State Farm, Esurance, and Allstate require a US-issued driver's license. Foreign visitors will typically pay more for car insurance in the US because insurance companies use driving history to calculate rates, and they cannot access the driving records of foreign drivers.

Foreign visitors may need an international driving permit

Foreign visitors to the US will need to purchase car insurance if they want to drive. This is true whether they are renting a car or bringing their own. Foreign visitors must have car insurance to legally operate a vehicle on US roadways.

When it comes to driving licences, it is a little more complicated. If you are a foreign visitor and you intend to drive, you may need to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you arrive in the US. An IDP is a valid form of identification in 150 countries worldwide and contains your name, photo and driver information. It translates your identification information into 10 languages. Most countries highly recommend an IDP.

You can only obtain an IDP in the same country that issued your driver's licence. So, for example, if you are from the UK and have a UK driver's licence, you must obtain your IDP from the UK.

In the US, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is the only entity authorised by the US Department of State to issue an IDP. The IDP costs $20 and you can apply for it in person or by mail.

Some countries do not require an IDP if you have a US driver's licence. For example, if you are a US citizen driving in Canada or Mexico, your state driver's licence is valid. However, some countries that do require an IDP include Bangladesh, Barbados, Brazil, France, the United Arab Emirates and more.

It is important to check the requirements of the country you are visiting.

Foreign visitors driving their own car will need to buy a separate car insurance policy from a US company

Foreign visitors to the US who are driving their own car will need to buy a separate car insurance policy from a US company. This is a legal requirement to drive on US roadways. The only exception to this is if you are visiting from Canada, in which case your Canadian insurance policy will usually cover you.

If you are a short-term visitor to the US and renting a car, you can purchase insurance from the rental company. However, if you are bringing your own car, you will need to buy insurance from a US-based insurance agency. Some agencies do not insure foreign drivers, so it is important to check this before you travel. You may also need to apply for a new US driver's license, depending on how long you plan to stay in the country.

The amount of coverage you need will depend on how long you plan to stay in the US. Most states require liability insurance, which covers vehicle damage and injuries to the driver and passengers in the other car if you cause an accident. Some states also require underinsured/uninsured motorist insurance, which covers your expenses if the party at fault does not have insurance.

It is recommended to speak to an independent licensed insurance agent to find the best policy and provider for your needs. They can help you navigate the complexities of US car insurance, such as choosing the right amount of coverage and finding a company that insures foreign drivers.

Foreign visitors will likely pay more for car insurance

Foreign visitors to the US will need to have car insurance if they plan on driving during their stay. The type of insurance and the amount of coverage needed will depend on the length of their visit and the state they're visiting.

For short-term visitors, the best option for car insurance is usually to purchase it through the car rental company. The rental company will provide the minimum coverage required by the state, and additional coverage can be purchased for added protection. This option is typically easier than purchasing a separate, standalone policy.

For long-term visitors, it may be necessary to buy insurance from a US-based insurance company. However, this can be challenging because some insurance companies will not issue policies to drivers without a valid US license or social security number. In the absence of a US driving record, credit score, or US license, insurance companies may charge higher rates to be on the safe side.

Farmers and Progressive are two companies that allow applicants to state their possession of a foreign license, indicating a willingness to offer policies to foreign drivers. Progressive charges $391 for a six-month policy with minimum coverage for drivers with a foreign license, compared to $335 for those with a US license. Farmers charges $673 for the same policy, regardless of license type.

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