Car Insurance for Foreign Drivers in the US

Yes, foreign nationals can get car insurance in the US. Any driver operating a vehicle in the US must carry at least the state minimum liability coverage in 48 states. The process differs from what US citizens experience mainly in documentation, not eligibility.

The main challenge isn't whether you can get insured. It's finding insurers that accept foreign license documentation and know how to assess risk without a US driving record. State Farm, Progressive and Farmers have developed systems for this and accept applications from drivers with international licenses.

Almost every foreign driver in the US needs car insurance, but the type of coverage and how you get it depends on why you're here and how long you're staying. Car insurance is required in 48 states, with New Hampshire and Virginia as the only exceptions. Even in those two states, drivers are financially responsible for any damage or injuries they cause.

State Farm offers the most affordable car insurance for international drivers at $93 per month for full coverage. Progressive averages $102 per month and Farmers averages $122 per month.

The company explicitly offers insurance policies to drivers with international licenses, while Progressive and Farmers both allow applicants to provide information from international driver's licenses during the application process, indicating openness to offering coverage to drivers with a license from abroad.

*Rates reflect a 40-year-old driver with a clean record driving a Toyota Camry LE approximately 12,000 miles per year.

State Farm is the cheapest car insurance for foreign drivers in 35 states and Washington, D.C. Progressive is cheapest in 12 states and Farmers leads in four. Rates for the same insurer can vary by hundreds of dollars from state to state. State Farm's cheapest full coverage runs $491 per year in Idaho and $2,952 per year in Michigan, where no-fault insurance laws drive up base costs for all drivers.

Virginia offers the cheapest car insurance for international drivers at $455 per year with Progressive. Michigan is the most expensive at $2,952 per year with Progressive, which is still the cheapest option available in that state.

The cheapest and best car insurance companies nationally may not be the same as the best companies in your state. Insurance is regulated at the state level, and insurance companies may offer different service levels across state lines.

State Farm, Progressive and Farmers are the three insurers that have built explicit processes for foreign drivers, accepting international license documentation, training agents on non-US applicants and pricing policies without requiring a US driving record. Each leads in at least one state in the 50-state rate data above.

International students on F-1 and J-1 visas need car insurance if they plan to drive in the US. State Farm, Progressive and Farmers all accept foreign license documentation from international students during the application process. Rates for student-age drivers vary and are not directly comparable to rates for older international drivers.

International students typically pay more than domestic drivers initially because US insurers treat a foreign license as a no-history new driver. Student-specific discounts can offset some of that gap. Good student discounts of up to 25% off are available at several major insurers for maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Completing a defensive driving course can add another 5% to 15% in savings.

To apply, you'll need your valid passport, current student visa, I-20 (F-1 visa holders) or DS-2019 (J-1 visa holders), school enrollment verification, a US address and your foreign driver's license or International Driving Permit if your license is not in English.

International students often qualify for major insurance discounts that can help balance the higher premiums foreign drivers usually pay. Good student discounts offer up to 25% off for maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Completing a defensive driving course provides an additional 5-15% discount, and bundling with renters insurance creates even more savings opportunities.

Undocumented immigrants can get car insurance in the US if they live in a state that allows them to get a driver's license regardless of immigration status. As of early 2025, 19 states plus Washington, D.C., issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants, per NCSL. Outside those states, getting a standard car insurance policy is not possible because most insurers require a valid driver's license before issuing a policy.

Temporary car insurance for foreign drivers in the US ranges from $15 to $50 per day through rental car companies, covering liability, vehicle damage and personal accident costs. For stays of one to six months, standalone monthly policies from State Farm or Progressive cost less per day than rental coverage and don't require a full annual commitment. Annual policies offer the lowest monthly cost for stays beyond six months.

Visitors from Canada driving their own vehicles are typically covered by their Canadian policy for short US visits. Drivers from Mexico and all other countries need to buy US-based coverage before driving.

Most US states allow foreign visitors to drive with a valid foreign license for up to 12 months from the date of entry, provided the license is accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP) if it isn't in English. The rules change once you establish residency. At that point, most states require you to get a state driver's license within 30 to 90 days.

The US does not issue IDPs to visitors. You must get your IDP from the motor vehicle authority in your home country before arriving in the US. IDPs issued for use in the US are valid for one year.

Rules vary by state. California has no time limit for non-resident visitors driving on a foreign license, but once you establish California residency (by renting, paying resident tuition, seeking employment or filing for a homeowner's tax exemption), you have only 10 days to get a California license. Texas allows foreign license holders to drive for up to one year as a visitor, but new Texas residents must apply for a Texas license within 90 days of moving there. Washington requires an IDP for drivers whose licenses are not in English.

Comparing rates from multiple providers is key to finding affordable car insurance as an international driver in the US. Visa status and international driving history affect premiums, but State Farm, Progressive and Farmers offer the most budget-friendly insurance options for non-citizens.

Navigating car insurance as a foreign driver in the U.S. can be challenging, but it's essential for legal and financial protection. These frequently asked questions address coverage options, eligibility and tips for securing affordable insurance.

For foreign drivers, one common challenge is finding U.S. insurers that accept international licenses while providing competitive rates. We designed this study to identify which companies actually work with international drivers and what coverage costs across different states and visa situations.