Best Auto Insurance for International Drivers in 2024 (Save With These 10 Companies)

The winners for the best auto insurance for international drivers are Progressive, USAA, and State Farm. On average, their monthly rates stand at $200.

Progressive particularly shines with its $200 per month coverage.

Our Top 10 Company Picks: Best Auto Insurance Companies for International Drivers

Before traveling to the US, whether for a family vacation or extended work/study, understanding auto insurance for drivers from abroad is crucial.

Driving without insurance can have serious consequences, including legal and financial repercussions. In addition to making sure you’re legally compliant while on the road in the U.S., having the recommended auto insurance coverage levels can protect you if your vehicle is damaged or you’re involved in an accident.

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#1 – Progressive: Top Pick Overall

Pros

• International Coverage: Progressive offers insurance for international drivers.
• Customizable Policies: Policies can be tailored to individual needs. Learn more in our Progressive auto insurance review.
• Online Management: Convenient online tools for policy management.

Cons

• Limited In-person Assistance: Few physical locations may hinder face-to-face support.
• Higher Premiums: Rates might be elevated for international drivers.

#2 – USAA: Best for Exceptional Service

Pros

• Exceptional Service: USAA provides top-notch customer support.
• Competitive Rates: Often offers competitive premiums.
• International Coverage: Policies extend to international travel.

Cons

• Membership Requirement: Limited to military and families. You can learn more in our USAA auto insurance review.
• Limited Physical Locations: Fewer branches may affect accessibility.

#3 – State Farm: Best for Multilingual Support

Pros

• Extensive Agent Network: Large network provides personalized service. Read more in our State Farm auto insurance review.
• Multilingual Support: Assistance available in multiple languages.
• International Driving Accepted: Accepts international driving history.

Cons

• Potentially High Premiums: Rates could be elevated for international drivers.
• Limited Overseas Coverage: Coverage might be restricted for foreign-registered vehicles.

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#4 – Allstate: Best for Global Assistance

Pros

• Global Assistance: Allstate offers aid for international incidents.
• Online Accessibility: Easy access to services through online platforms.
• Discounts Available: Various discount options for potential savings. Learn more about Allstate’s discounts in our Allstate auto insurance review.

Cons

• Potentially High Premiums: Rates may be elevated for international drivers.
• Limited Overseas Coverage: Coverage might not fully extend abroad.

#5 – Nationwide: Best for Financial Stability

Pros

• International Coverage: Offers coverage for international travel.
• Financial Stability: Strong financial backing ensures protection. Learn more in our Nationwide auto insurance review.
• Customer Support: Accessible customer service for assistance.

Cons

• Limited Physical Locations: Fewer branches may hinder in-person support.
• Potential Language Barriers: Lack of multilingual support might be a hurdle.

#6 – Travelers: Best for Policy Flexibility

Pros

• International Coverage: Policies extend to international travel.
• Financial Stability: Trusted stability ensures protection abroad.
• Policy Flexibility: Customizable policies to suit individual needs. Read more in our Travelers auto insurance review.

Cons

• Limited In-person Assistance: Fewer physical locations may limit support.
• Complex Claims Process: International incidents may lead to complex procedures.

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#7 – American Family: Best for Extensive Agent Network

Pros

• Multilingual Support: Assistance available in multiple languages.
• Customizable Policies: Tailored coverage to specific needs.
• Coverage Options: Comprehensive range of coverage choices. Read more about American Family’s coverage options in our American Family auto insurance review.

Cons

• Limited International Coverage: Coverage might be restricted abroad.
• Potential Premium Increases: Rates could be higher for international drivers.

#8 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Accepting International Driving History

Pros

• International Driving Accepted: Accepts international driving history.
• Extensive Agent Network: Large network provides personalized service. Learn more in our Liberty Mutual auto insurance review.
• Travel Coverage: Offers policies extending to international travel.

Cons

• Potential Language Barriers: Lack of multilingual support may be a drawback.
• Limited Physical Locations: Fewer branches may hinder accessibility.

#9 – Farmers: Best for Flexible Policies

Pros

• International Coverage: Offers insurance for international travel.
• Flexible Policies: Policies can be tailored to specific needs (read more: Farmers Auto Insurance Review).
• Financial Stability: Assures protection even abroad.

Cons

• Higher Premiums: Rates might be elevated for international drivers.
• Limited Coverage: Coverage may be restricted outside the US

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#10 – AAA: Best for Global Assistance

Pros

• Global Assistance: Provides aid for emergencies abroad.
• Extensive Services: Offers roadside assistance and insurance in many locations.
• Membership Benefits: Members enjoy discounts on various services.

Cons

• Membership Requirement: Only AAA members can access its benefits. Learn more in our AAA auto insurance review.
• Limited International Coverage: Coverage may be limited outside the US.

Requirements for Auto Insurance for International Drivers in the U.S.

Most states have minimum auto insurance requirements that all drivers must obtain before getting behind the wheel. Sometimes these state-imposed minimum coverage limits extend temporarily to other states or cities nearby. 

Because the insurance and other requirements for international drivers vary widely across the U.S., you should contact the motor vehicle department of the state where you’ll be driving to learn about their specific insurance requirements for international drivers before getting on the road.

Understanding car insurance with a foreign license regulations is crucial to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. If you’re an international driver wondering how much is car insurance for international drivers continue reading below.

Read More: What is auto insurance? 

Temporary Auto Insurance for International Drivers

All reputable rental car companies in the United States offer rental car coverage to customers before they drive the cars off the lot, regardless of their residency status. Some companies even require certain drivers to purchase it. If you plan to rent a car for the duration of your stay in the U.S., it may make sense to purchase this supplemental insurance.

Though auto rental insurance policies vary from provider to provider, they are fairly comprehensive. Most policies include the following:

• Liability insurance
• Collision damage waiver
• Personal injury protection (PIP)
• Personal effects insurance

This type of insurance typically serves as an equivalent to liability insurance, which covers damage or injuries you cause to other vehicles or drivers in an accident. However, it might be worth exploring additional optional coverage for extra financial protection. 

Because some Canadian insurance policies cover drivers while in the U.S., it’s a good idea to check both your policy to see if it includes driving in the U.S. and the laws of the states you plan to drive in.

This type of coverage is the easiest to obtain as a non-U.S. resident, as you do not have to provide proof of citizenship or meet other strict requirements. However, rental car insurance can be costly.

The Cost of Rental Car Coverage

Rental car coverage is expensive, so it may only be a good option if the length of time you need insurance is very short. Though the costs vary from provider to provider, the going rates for weekly rental and insurance for economy vehicles are between $230 and $575. Supplemental fees can add an extra $10 to $50 to rental car costs per day.

Compare these prices to the price of non-owner liability coverage, which is between $200 to $400 per year. Though your final rate will depend on your age, gender, driving record, and other factors, it is sure to be considerably lower than what you will pay for rental car coverage.

Read More: What rental auto insurance company is best?

Long-Term Auto Insurance for International Drivers

For foreign drivers planning to remain in the U.S. for more than one month, buying long-term auto insurance is generally a good idea. 

In addition, car insurance for non U.S. citizens requires you to register a car or truck in most U.S. states for those planning to lease a vehicle.

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Affordable Auto Insurance Rates for International Drivers

Insurance rates typically depend on several factors unique to the driver, including their location, driving history, credit score, and the make and model of the vehicle they’re insuring. Because of that, it’s impossible to say whether a foreign driver will pay more than a U.S. citizen to insure their vehicle. Read our article “Factors That Affect Auto Insurance Rates” to learn more.

The table below shows the average insurance rates paid by drivers.

Best Auto Insurance Monthly Rates for International Drivers

As you can see, the best car insurance for foreign drivers will vary depending on various factors such as driving history, vehicle type, and coverage needs. It’s essential for international drivers to compare quotes and consider their individual circumstances to find the most suitable coverage option that meets their needs for car insurance for non-residents.

Common Types of Auto Insurance Coverage for International Drivers in the U.S.

When insuring a vehicle in the U.S., there are multiple types of policies to choose from. Each type of coverage offers financial protection for different types of damage to your vehicle.

Here is a list of the most common types of auto insurance coverage:

• Liability: Pays for other drivers’ car repairs and medical expenses if you cause an accident. 
• Collision: Pays for repairs for damage to your vehicle, even if you’re at fault for the accident. Although it’s usually optional, collision coverage can be worth the extra cost if your car is seriously damaged or totaled in an accident. 
• Comprehensive: Pays for damage to your vehicle caused by vandalism, natural disasters, inclement weather, and more. While it’s usually an add-on feature, comprehensive coverage can be useful if circumstances beyond your control damage your car. 
• Personal injury protection (PIP): Pays for your medical expenses after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. PIP is required in some states and optional in others. 
• Uninsured/underinsured: Pays for car repair and medical costs if another driver causes an accident but doesn’t have insurance. 

In a serious auto accident, you could be financially responsible for the cost of damages and medical expenses exceeding the limits of your insurance policy. Because of that, buying more insurance coverage than is legally required could be a good option to consider.

Like insurance minimums, the identification and licensing requirements for foreign drivers vary from state to state. Some states require foreign drivers to have an International Driving Permit and a valid driver’s license from their home country. Other states may require you to obtain a U.S. driver’s license before driving, depending on the length of your stay and your eligibility.

To learn more about the rules of the road in the state, if you plan to drive in while visiting the U.S., get in touch with that state’s motor vehicle department. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with non US citizen car insurance regulations to ensure compliance with local laws.

Learn More: Auto Insurance Laws

Who Needs an International Driving Permit

Although laws requiring international drivers to have an IDP vary from state to state, it’s recommended that anyone planning to drive while visiting the U.S. obtain the document before leaving their home country. 

Since the U.S. does not issue IDPs to foreign drivers, it’s important to obtain the document before traveling. In addition, foreign nationals are encouraged to use good judgment when applying for their IDP and report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Getting Auto Insurance for Undocumented Immigrants

According to the National Immigration Law Center, if you’re eligible for the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and have received an employment authorization document and Social Security number, you are eligible for a driver’s license in any U.S. state, depending on the laws in the state where you reside.

For those ineligible for DACA, 18 U.S. states and the District of Columbia currently allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a U.S. driver’s license. In some states, this document is different from standard driver’s licenses (for example, in California, it’s known as an AB 60 license). 

Read More: Best Auto Insurance for Immigrants

Because laws and eligibility requirements vary in states that allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, it’s best to check your state’s DMV website to learn about the requirements and application process where you live.

In the states where DACA-ineligible undocumented immigrants aren’t permitted to obtain a driver’s license, legal restrictions can create challenges to finding low-cost auto insurance for undocumented immigrants (learn more: Best Auto Insurance for Undocumented Immigrants).

If you need temporary international auto insurance, it’s essential to explore options that accommodate your situation. For international driving insurance or car insurance for international students, inquire about specialized policies tailored to your needs.

Best Auto Insurance for International Drivers: The Lowdown

No matter how long you plan to stay in the U.S., every driver in the nation must have auto insurance regardless of their citizenship. Luckily, whether you’re shopping for temporary car insurance for international drivers through your car rental agency or long-term coverage through a major insurer, auto insurance is usually fairly easy for international drivers to obtain.

However, because insurance and other requirements vary between states, it’s important to check the states’ laws where you’ll be driving before leaving your home country.

Exploring options for cheap car insurance for international drivers can provide affordable solutions. Considering car insurance for international license holders may meet the needs of temporary stays. It’s essential to compare quotes and research to find the best car insurance for foreigners that suit your requirements and budget.

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