Car Insurance for Foreigners – Cheap Insurance for Non-US Citizens

Last Updated on December 30, 2025

As a non-U.S. citizen, you can buy car insurance in the United States—whether you’re here as a tourist, international student, temporary worker, or new resident. The key is getting the right policy type for how you’ll drive (renting, borrowing, or owning) and having the documents an insurer can verify.

This guide explains how auto insurance works for foreigners in the U.S., what you’ll need to apply, how much coverage to buy, and practical ways to keep your premium as low as possible.

Note: Driver licensing rules and insurance requirements vary by state. For an official overview of IDPs and visitor requirements, see USA.gov’s guidance for non-citizens driving in the U.S..

Key Takeaways

• Non-U.S. citizens can buy car insurance in the U.S., but eligibility and pricing vary by state and insurer—especially if you don’t have a U.S. license or SSN yet.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually a translation of your home license—not a replacement—so you may need to carry both and confirm your state’s rules before driving.
• State minimum liability limits are the legal floor (and often too low for real-world accident costs), so consider higher limits if your budget allows.
• To lower your rate, compare multiple quotes, keep continuous coverage, and ask about discounts like good student, bundling, defensive driving, and safe-driver/telematics programs.

Can Non-U.S. Citizens Buy Car Insurance in the United States?

Yes. You do not need U.S. citizenship to buy auto insurance. Insurers mostly care about whether you can legally drive, where you live (state/ZIP code), and the risk details they use to price your policy (driving history, vehicle, coverage limits, etc.).

Car insurance is also available to many people who don’t have a Social Security number, including some new arrivals and undocumented immigrants. Availability depends on the state and the company’s underwriting rules, so comparing quotes (or using an independent agent) matters.

What You Need to Buy Auto Insurance as a Foreigner

Exact requirements vary by company, but most insurers will ask for some combination of the following:

• Driver information: full legal name, date of birth, and contact info
• Driver license details: a U.S. license (best), or a valid foreign license (sometimes accepted), plus any license numbers/issue dates
• U.S. address: where the vehicle is primarily garaged (this impacts price and eligibility)
• Vehicle info: VIN, year/make/model, ownership/lease/finance status
• Prior insurance info: previous insurer (U.S. or foreign), dates of coverage, and any claims
• Identity verification: passport and/or visa documentation may help if you’re new to the U.S.
• SSN or ITIN (if available): not always required, but it can make verification easier for some insurers

Step-by-Step: How to Get Car Insurance as a Non-U.S. Citizen

1. Pick the right policy type. If you own the car, you’ll need a standard auto policy. If you don’t own a car but will drive occasionally, ask about a non-owner policy. If you’re renting, you may rely on a U.S. policy, rental coverage, or a mix (details below).
2. Gather your documents. Have your license (and translation/IDP if needed), passport/ID, and vehicle details ready.
3. Compare multiple quotes. Not every insurer rates international drivers the same way. If online quotes are limited because you don’t have a U.S. license or SSN yet, it can be easier to work with an insurance agent who knows which carriers are more flexible.
4. Choose your liability limits and deductibles. Minimum coverage is the legal floor, but it’s often not enough in a serious accident. (See the state-by-state minimum table below.)
5. Pay and save your proof of insurance. Most insurers provide an instant digital ID card once coverage is active.

Why International Drivers Sometimes Pay More

Pricing depends on the company and state, but international drivers sometimes see higher premiums for a few common reasons:

• Limited U.S. driving/insurance history: some insurers rate you similarly to a new driver with no local driving record, which can increase your rate at first.
• Hard-to-verify prior driving record: if an insurer can’t confirm your history, you may not get “credit” for years of experience.
• Claims history still matters: even if claims happened outside the U.S., you should disclose them accurately. Multiple claims can lead to higher rates—or even nonrenewal—similar to what happens when you have several at-fault accidents.
• Credit-based pricing (where allowed): in many states, insurers can use credit-based insurance scores. If you’re new to the U.S. and have thin or no credit history, you may not qualify for the best rates right away.

What helps: maintaining continuous coverage, choosing higher deductibles (if you can afford them), providing documentation of prior coverage, and building a verifiable clean driving record in the U.S.

How Much Car Insurance Do You Need as a Non-U.S. Citizen?

In nearly every state, you must carry at least the state’s minimum required liability coverage to legally drive and/or register a vehicle. The main exception is New Hampshire, which generally doesn’t mandate auto insurance but still expects drivers to be financially responsible.

Liability limits are often shown in a three-number format like 15/30/10. That usually means:

• $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $10,000 property damage liability per accident

Important: State minimums are the legal minimum—not a recommendation. Medical care and vehicle repairs in the U.S. are expensive, and a serious accident can exceed minimum limits quickly. If your budget allows, consider higher liability limits (and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage where available) for better protection.

Minimum liability limits by state (BI/BI/PD):

Reminder: Minimum limits can change. If you’re registering a vehicle or moving states, confirm requirements with your state DMV/insurance department.

International Driving Permit and U.S. License Rules

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is typically used as a standardized translation of your valid home-country driver’s license—it’s not a replacement license. Depending on the state you’ll drive in (and the rental company you use), you may need an IDP in addition to your foreign license. For a deeper breakdown, see our guide to international driving permits (IDPs) and insurance.

If you’re staying long-term, most states expect you to get a local driver’s license once you establish residency. If you’re still in the process of getting licensed, some insurers can write policies in limited situations—here’s what to know about auto insurance without a driver’s license.

Watch out for scams: many websites sell “international driver’s licenses” that aren’t valid. If you need an IDP, get it through the authorized process in the country that issued your license (before your trip).

Car Insurance for Short-Term vs. Long-Term Visitors

Your best option depends on how you’ll drive in the U.S. Here are the most common scenarios.

If You’re Renting a Car

Don’t assume you’re automatically covered. Many credit cards primarily cover damage to the rental vehicle (collision/theft) and usually do not replace liability coverage. Start with a clear understanding of how rental car insurance works, then verify what coverage you already have.

If you already have a U.S. auto policy, it may extend to rental cars—especially for liability and sometimes collision (depending on your coverages). Here’s how to check whether your auto insurance policy covers rental cars.

If you’re relying on a credit card benefit, review exactly what your credit card covers when renting a car—and consider buying liability coverage from the rental company if you don’t already have it.

If You’re Borrowing a Friend or Family Member’s Car

In many cases, insurance follows the vehicle—not the driver. If you have permission and the car is insured, you may be covered under the owner’s policy for occasional use. However, exclusions and “regular use” rules can apply (especially if you live in the same household). Review these details before you drive: do you need auto insurance to borrow a friend’s car?

If You’re Staying Long-Term or Buying a Car

If you’ll own/lease a vehicle in the U.S., you’ll generally need a U.S. insurance policy to register it and drive legally. If your stay is temporary (internship, work assignment, seasonal job), a temporary or short-term car insurance solution may make sense—just make sure it’s valid in your state and meets the required limits.

If you finance or lease a car, the lender typically requires comprehensive and collision coverage until the loan is paid off. State minimum liability alone usually won’t satisfy a lender.

Discounts and Ways to Save on Car Insurance as a Foreigner

Insurers don’t usually offer a special “foreigner discount,” but many international drivers qualify for standard savings. Here are high-impact ways to lower your premium.

• Good student discounts: If you’re in school and meet GPA requirements, you may qualify. Learn how the good student discount for car insurance works.
• International student strategies: New-to-the-U.S. students often pay more at first, but there are ways to reduce it—see our guide on finding cheap car insurance as an international student in the U.S.
• Bundle policies when it actually fits: If you also need renters/home insurance, bundling can reduce the total cost. Start here: best companies to bundle home and auto insurance.
• Take a defensive driving course: Many insurers offer a discount for approved courses. Details: defensive driving course discounts.
• Ask about safe-driver discounts and telematics: If you drive carefully, usage-based programs can reward you over time. Here’s how the good driver discount typically works.
• Choose smart deductibles: A higher deductible can reduce the premium, but don’t raise it beyond what you can comfortably pay after a claim.
• Avoid coverage lapses: Continuous coverage is a major pricing factor in many states.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming minimum coverage is “enough.” It’s often not. Minimums are designed to meet legal requirements—not to fully protect your finances.
• Assuming a credit card covers everything on a rental. Liability gaps are common if you don’t already have a U.S. auto policy.
• Buying a fake “international driver’s license.” If you need an IDP, get it through the official process in the country that issued your license.
• Not being honest about past claims. Misstatements can lead to denied claims or cancellation later.
• Using the wrong address. Insurers price based on where the car is garaged; incorrect info can create claim problems.

FAQs on Car Insurance for Foreigners in the United States

Final Word

Buying car insurance in the U.S. as a non-citizen is usually straightforward once you match the policy to your situation (renting, borrowing, or owning) and provide the documents the insurer needs. Compare quotes, choose realistic liability limits, and look for discounts that fit your profile—especially if you’re a student or a new resident building driving history in the U.S.