If you’ve come to the United States and want to drive, you’ll need two things in addition to a car: a permit or license and auto insurance.
In addition to English, an international driving permit translates your driver’s license information into ten other languages. It proves that your own country enables you to drive abroad. An IDP is not a legitimate U.S. driver’s license, and some states need you to also have your valid home country license.
If you have an IDP, you have two options for getting car insurance in the United States:
- If you are coming on business or pleasure, do not intend to become a permanent resident, and are renting a car.
- If you intend to stay for an extended period of time, such as as a student or permanent resident, and will purchase a car, you should obtain car insurance from a firm.
Car insurance for long-term foreign residents
It may be difficult to find car insurance with an international driving permit; some insurers will only sell you coverage if you have a driver’s license issued in the United States. This is because car insurance firms use US records to assess how hazardous it is to insure you. The records include:
- Driving record, including accidents and moving violations like speeding tickets.
- Credit history in all states except California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts, where such information cannot be legally used.
Car insurance also base their prices on these records, thus nonresidents’ premiums may be higher to compensate for the lack of data.
An independent agent can help
An independent car insurance agent who works with multiple companies can assist you in obtaining insurance. The agent may discover that there are other companies prepared to insure you and can assist you in deciding which is the best alternative.
Staying for a while? Get your US driver’s license soon
Some car insurance companies will only issue a policy if you plan to obtain a driver’s license in the United States shortly. As soon as possible, obtain a driver’s license from the department of motor vehicles in the state where you reside.
To learn more about your state’s requirements for international drivers, go to USA.gov’s DMV directory and choose your state.
Once you’ve established a driving history in the United States, ask your agent for more rates or shop for coverage online.
