Compare up to 8 free quotes now
Currently have auto insurance?
Prefer to talk to an agent? Call 1-800-726-2719
Left Header Right Header
How much could YOU save?
Request free quotes; find out now.
Do you currently have auto insurance?
  • Someone may have
    just saved up to
    $1,217/yr
    on car insurance.
    Actual quote delivered: 0 hours ago
    Quote Range: $1,276-$2,493/yr
    Age: 70 Sex: Female
    State: Florida Tickets: 0
    Number of Quotes: 2
    Vehicle: 2010 BUICK LACROSSE CXL
  • Someone may have
    just saved up to
    $526/yr
    on car insurance.
    Actual quote delivered: 0 hours ago
    Quote Range: $855-$1,381/yr
    Age: 70 Sex: Male
    State: Texas Tickets: 0
    Number of Quotes: 3
    Vehicle: 2011 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5I
  • Someone may have
    just saved up to
    $708/yr
    on car insurance.
    Actual quote delivered: 0 hours ago
    Quote Range: $1,830-$2,537/yr
    Age: 29 Sex: Female
    State: California Tickets: 1
    Number of Quotes: 3
    Vehicle: 2009 AUDI A4 2.0T AVT QUA PREST
  • Someone may have
    just saved up to
    $530/yr
    on car insurance.
    Actual quote delivered: 0 hours ago
    Quote Range: $960-$1,490/yr
    Age: 45 Sex: Male
    State: Missouri Tickets: 0
    Number of Quotes: 3
    Vehicle: 2001 MAZDA MILLENIA
  • Someone may have
    just saved up to
    $859/yr
    on car insurance.
    Actual quote delivered: 1 hours ago
    Quote Range: $2,235-$3,094/yr
    Age: 56 Sex: Female
    State: Texas Tickets: 0
    Number of Quotes: 2
    Vehicle: 2010 CHEVROLET HHR LS
We Scour. You Save.
We search the web to find the very best deals and money-saving tips. Then, we send them right to you.
Get insurance now:
Car Insurance Resources:
Get Free Quotes Now
Currently have auto insurance?
Save With CarInsurance.com!
Car Insurance Learning Center  Learning Center  Auto Insurance Questions & Answers   Questions & Answers  Professional Answers   Auto Insurance Answers

I am not an American citizen. I have a one-year valid visa and valid international driving license. My question is, can I buy a car and insure it?

It's difficult to obtain car insurance without a U.S. driver's license. While some insurers will offer you a policy with a valid foreign license (never with just an international driver permit or IDP that is only a translation of your license), most will require that you get a U.S. license within a short period of time.

Buying and registering a car can also be tough without an established U.S. credit history and state driver's license, but it can be done. Look for a dealer that is experienced with buyers who have visas and pay cash for the vehicle if possible, since financing when you have only a year on your visa will be difficult.

If you find a car you want to buy, you should contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to find out what they require from you to register and title a car in your name. This way you won't buy a car and then learn you don't have the right documentation according to the state.

There are some states that require you to have a state identification (ID) card or driver's license in order to title and register a car. Also, most all states require you to show proof of auto insurance when you register your vehicle, so make sure you can get this before buying a car.

[Let CarInsurance.com help you find affordable auto insurance now.]

Free Auto Insurance Quotes





Do you currently have auto insurance?

Getting insurance with a foreign license isn't easy because car insurance companies can't verify your foreign driving record, years of experience, etc. and so are wary of taking on you as a risk.

There are car insurance providers that will accept your valid foreign driver's license at the inception of a car insurance policy, if you can then provide proof you have obtained a state license within the required time period, which is usually 30 to 45 days from the start of your policy. If you fail to get a state license, then your policy will be canceled.

If you are unable to get a state driver's license, then contact your state's insurance regulator to see if they can advise you on any car insurance companies that do offer coverage to drivers with foreign licenses. There may be specialty auto carriers in your area that do allow this.

Share this article with:

Related Questions
Car Insurance Related Can I get canceled for two accidents in three years?
Car Insurance Related What is the best car for a male teenager?
Car Insurance Related Does my auto insurer need to know about my divorce?
Car Insurance Related Is it cheaper to have all cars on one policy?
Car Insurance Related What does a liability policy cost for a 17-year-old girl in Texas?
Rate, add comments, or add help about your situation and this question.
Help us improve the largest car insurance website!

poor 
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

 excellent
Tell us why you rated this car insurance question and answer this way. You can add any helpful insurance comments to this page:
Visitor Comments
nice question..
Comment added: 04:08 AM Nov-01
Question Details
This car insurance answer was last updated 10:37 AM Sep-29.
This Compare Quotes question was asked 02:44 PM August-30-2011.

Bahgat requested this car insurance help from CarInsurance.com experts.

Rated 5.67 out of 10 based on 3 votes.
Compare Quotes Category
Print Car Insurance Answers Print this car insurance question and answer
Email Car Insurance Answers Email this auto insurance answer
 
©2012 QuinStreet Insurance Agency, Inc. - Online Insurance Marketplace™
CarInsurance.com Feedback Survey