Auto Insurance for Non-US Citizens

Every year, a significant count of foreign nationals comes to the US for professional and other reasons, and they start driving their own cars. The number rises further, with the addition of the flocks the enters the US, crossing the boundaries from Mexican and Canadian sides. The question that comes up is whether these flocks can drive their cars on the US Roads legally and if they require the insurance coverage for driving. If these drivers require insuring their vehicles, what sort of policies ideally suit to their insurance needs? Paragraphs underneath shall discuss the key points in this regard.

Car Insurance for Non-US citizens - is it a must?

When it comes to the insurance rules in the United States, the nation never ever holds any disparity for the cars owned by the citizens or for the ones, belonging to their foreign counterparts. Thus, if you are a Non-US citizen and you want to drive your car on the US roads, you will inevitably have to get the appropriate insurance coverage, before you are legally permitted to take the cars on the roads. If truth be told, every year, thousands of Non-US citizens are buying new insurance policies or renewing their existing car insurance policies and thus, they are one of the largest target customer segments of the insurance companies in the country.

Assume, you are crossing the US borders with Canada and Mexico, driving your car. The Border security personnel will ask you to produce a valid car insurance policy for your vehicle, in addition to other documents, necessary in those contexts.

Thus, if you are a Non-US citizen, driving on the US roads, even before you are rolling the wheels it is necessary that you get the appropriate insurance coverage for your vehicle.This will give you a legal driver status.

What kind of insurance policy should I get?

The type and extent of the Vehicle insurance policy will get determined by factors like the vehicle type, the ownership status as well as the value of the car. You should include coverages on areas like Liabilities for theft & fire, Liability against willful damages, Coverage for Personal injury and accident. In addition, it will be wise to opt for the comprehensive coverage, collision protection as well as the coverages for towing and reimbursements for the rented cars. Though, buying these additional coverages is going to escalate the rate of insurance premium, it is certainly going to fetch good value in suitable instances.

If you are opting for the rented cars, ensure that the car rental agency is extending adequate coverage on the vehicles, before renting out the cars. However, if you borrow a vehicle for from your relatives or friends, it will be wise to add you as a temporary driver to the vehicle and this way, you can get a suitable coverage at relatively lower rates.

In instances, you decide to buy a new car in the US, the value of the car will decide the cost of the insurance premium.

How to get a driving license for US for foreigners?

In the majority of the US states, it is not a compulsion to get a citizenship to apply for a US driving license. However, you will have to prove your residency status in the specific sate to qualify for the license.

Following are the instances while you will be considered a resident in any US state:

1. You are carrying out any trading activities in that state.
2. You have enrolled your ward to the public schools in the state
3. It has been 30 days or more, you have lived in that state
4. You have been offered a job by any company in a state.

How To Get Insurance For Non-Us Citizens And Non-Us Residents

As a non-US citizen or a non-US resident, you will be able to get automobile insurance if you follow the proper steps and procedures. To get a car insurance policy and be able to drive legally in the country, you will need to have an international driving permit. These are obtained in your home country and not in the United States. For most countries, you will not be able to use your foreign driver’s license to drive in the United States by itself. With an International Driver’s Permit that can be written in nine different languages, you can drive legally. You will need to have one of these, or a valid US driver’s license, to get insurance in the United States.

Once you have your International Driver’s Permit, which you cannot apply for after you have arrived in the US, you can begin shopping around for auto insurance policies. You will sometimes need to have a copy of your driving record in your country of origin as well, so car insurance companies in the US can give you accurate pricing on your policy. Shopping around and getting free quotes on car insurance from multiple companies is essential for finding the best rates on car insurance plans.

Can You Get Insurance On A Car That You Own Without Being A Resident?

There are many automobile insurance providers in the United States, and each one of them has their own underwriting policies and procedures. Because the underwriting requirements from each company can vary, you may need to get specialized insurance, rather than the traditional insurance plans that residents of the United States buy. Some companies are more lenient with their rules and will accept your valid foreign driver’s license. It can be easier to get a longer-term auto insurance plan if you meet the requirements for US licensing after a month or two. Getting a US driver’s license will make it much easier for you to get insurance on a car that you own.

What Kind Of Insurance Policy Should I Get?

Each state has different minimum requirements for car insurance. When you know what state you are traveling to, you can get in touch with the Department of Motor Vehicles in that state to learn more about the minimum limits for car insurance there. Even though you can legally drive by fulfilling these minimum requirements, you may want to purchase additional automobile insurance to protect yourself more financially if an accident occurs.

Most states require some form of liability insurance coverage, and some states require personal injury protection insurance and/or uninsured motorist coverage. Also, more extensive insurance can be obtained through comprehensive insurance policies and collision insurance coverage. Research the different types of policies, keeping in mind that the vehicle that you drive, including its age, will have an impact on how much insurance you are looking to purchase.

Short-Term Visitors

Short-term visitors in the United States have different options for car insurance than people who are traveling for a longer period of time. If you will be in the United States for less than 30 days, renting or borrowing a car is likely your best option. With rental car companies, you may find that insurance is easily provided through them. Some rental car companies do require that the person renting the vehicle has sufficient insurance coverage. This requirement can most often be fulfilled by an insurance policy included in the price of the rental car. Some companies allow people to purchase additional supplemental coverage to fulfill their needs as well.

Insurance that is sold to people who are not citizens of the United States is most often called Supplemental Liability Protection, or SLP. Getting this type of coverage, offered by the car rental company, is generally the easiest option for purchasing protection. If you can spend a little bit more time researching, you may be able to find a better deal for SLP insurance than what the rental car provider offers.

Insurance For Long-Term Visitors And Temporary Residents

People who will be in the United States for a longer period will find more challenges exist when it comes to getting automobile insurance. Due to car insurance companies that provide coverage in the United States having limited access to driving records and other information, foreign drivers are harder to assess when it comes to risk. When a person has three years of driving in the United States, they will have sufficient driving history and fewer difficulties.

If you can bring your driving history from your country of origin, you will have more options when it comes to purchasing a car insurance plan. Auto insurance providers generally use a person’s driving history, as well as their credit history, to determine rates. Even so, if you contact multiple car insurance providers and are willing to take the time, you will be able to find an auto insurance provider to offer insurance to you.

Every car being used on United States roadways must be insured, according to law. Some countries, like Canada and Mexico, have companies that sell car insurance plans that are valid in the United States as well as the country they are issued in. These vehicles will, most often, be admitted by border guards. Some companies in Mexico and Canada also allow people to purchase extensions for car insurance that allow for coverage in the United States.

When traveling into the United States, you will need to have a car insurance policy that complies with the state-mandated auto insurance laws. Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in the state you are traveling to get the latest information on car insurance requirements for the state.

Insuring A Rental Car On Your Trip

Most rental car companies have supplemental liability plans to help you have the appropriate amount of auto insurance coverage to drive in the country.

How To Save Money For Car Insurance In The USA For Foreign Drivers

The best way to save money on car insurance in the United States is to shop around. For people who are staying in the country for a period that is longer than one month, your search can take some time. People who are renting vehicles in the country can find car insurance easily from the rental company as they are utilizing.

FAQ

What’s An International Drivers' Permit And Where Can I Get An IDP?

An International Driver’s Permit provides proof that you are licensed to drive in your country of origin. This is not a US driver's license, but provides a translation for your foreign driver’s license. This means that you will not only need to have your valid driver's license from your home country but also your International Driving Permit with you in order to drive legally in the United States. All of the requirements to have a valid driver's license in your home country need to be fulfilled to get an International Driver’s Permit.

People cannot obtain an International Driver’s Permit when they are in the United States; it must be obtained in your native country. You will not need to take an additional driver’s test when you get to the United States in order to drive legally.

Will My Foreign Driving Experience Transfer In The US Or Will I Be Considered A New Driver?

It is unlikely that your driving history will transfer from your home country to the United States. After six months of driving in the US, however, you could see the rates you pay for car insurance go down. Even so, some automobile insurance providers in the country ask for a copy of your driving record when issuing a car insurance policy.

Should I Apply For A US Drivers' License?

If you are going to be in the United States for more than two months, it can make sense for you to get a driver’s license in the country. You will have to meet the requirements of the state you are traveling to, and each state has different laws pertaining to obtaining a driver’s license. One of the benefits of having a US driver’s license is the ability to purchase more traditional car insurance coverage. Traditional car insurance policies are less expensive than other policies that are available for foreign drivers.

Obtaining a US driving license has requirements. You will need to take a written test, as well as a practical driving test. Also, you will likely need to have a permanent address in the United States. Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in the state you are traveling to and get the most updated information on requirements. Each state has different policies and procedures.

Can I Get Car Insurance With A Foreign License And A US Permit?

Having a foreign driver’s license, as well as a United States permit, will allow you to get automobile insurance in the United States. There are many different types of car insurance plans that are available to you, so shopping around will help you find the best prices on car insurance in the country. Use the tools on this website to find the best rates for auto insurance as a foreign driver.