Car insurance for international students in the U.S.: How to get licensed and insured

More than 1 million international students currently study in the U.S. Finding car insurance as a foreign student can initially seem tricky. But if you know what steps to take, you can buy car insurance as an international student and find affordable coverage.

Car insurance for international students — can you get it in the U.S.?

Most students from overseas have one of the following visa types: 

• F1 visa (college and university students)
• J1 visa (researchers, teachers and professionals)
• M visa (technical and vocational students)

If you’re an international student with an F1, J1, or M visa, you can buy car insurance if you meet specific requirements, but rules for buying insurance vary by state. 

Most U.S. insurance companies require a Social Security Number, which you won’t have if you’re not a citizen or permanent resident. 

But don’t worry. There are still ways to buy car insurance. 

Can I insure a car in the U.S. with an international license?

Yes, you may be able to insure a car in the U.S. using an international driver’s permit (IDP). It depends on the state you’re living in and the insurance provider.  Check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to learn the exact requirements where you live.

Getting temporary or short-term insurance for foreign students

You can use your home country’s driver’s license and IDP to buy insurance with certain providers. However, the coverage may be temporary: three months when using a foreign driver’s license, and up to one year with an IDP. 

“Certain companies specialize in insuring international students,” says John Miechowicz, personal lines sales director at All Solutions Insurance in Moreno Valley, California. 

He suggests foreign students check out Insurent, International Student Insurance, GradGuard or local brokers near universities for options.

“These providers often accept foreign licenses more easily,” he says.

Do I need a U.S. driver’s license to get car insurance?

Some car insurance companies only offer car insurance policies to people with U.S. driver’s licenses. If that is your only option, you can apply for a U.S. driver’s license in the state where you’re living. 

How to get a U.S. driver’s license as an international student

Follow the steps below to apply for a driver’s license as an international student.

Step-by-step licensing process for a U.S. driver’s license

1. Confirm your eligibility. Reach out to your school’s Designated School Official. They will explain U.S. driving rules and help you with the proper forms. They will also help you verify with the state DMV that you can apply for a driver’s license.
2. Gather your documents. You’ll need to submit proof that you are studying here legally.
3. Apply for a learner’s permit. This permit allows you to drive with a licensed adult while practicing. 
4. Take the driving test. When the permit period is over, you can schedule your driving test. If you pass the test, you’ll receive your driver’s license.

Required documents for a driver’s license

You’ll need to bring the following documents to your local DMV:

• Passport
• Student visa (unless you are from an exempt country, such as Canada)
• Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status
• Proof of residence (check your state’s DMV for which documents are acceptable; a utility bill or lease agreement may be enough)
• Form SSA-L676, Refusal to Process SSN Application, if required by your state
• If you perform optional practical training, you should also bring your Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document.

U.S. licensing tests: Vision, written and driving tests

For a U.S. license, you’ll need to take three tests: A vision test, a written test and a driving test.

You’ll take the vision and written tests when applying for your learner’s permit. They show that you understand the rules of the road and can safely see. Most states allow a translator to help you, and you may be able to take the test in a language other than Spanish or English.

When the permit period is over and you can apply for your driver’s license, you’ll take the driving test. It’s also sometimes called a road test. You will drive while an evaluator rides with you and scores your driving. You can receive a driver’s license if you pass the driving test.

You may also need a physical examination in some states to ensure you’re healthy enough to drive safely.

Temporary permits vs. a full driver’s license

Getting a U.S. driver’s license is generally a two-step process. First, you get a temporary learner’s permit, which allows you to drive the roadways with an approved licensed driver in the vehicle. 

There’s often a waiting period when you have to complete a certain number of hours of driving practice. Depending on your location, you may also be required to take driver’s education classes.

You can get your full license once you have completed your practice hours (and/or driver’s education) and the waiting period is over. This license allows you to drive by yourself with no supervision.

What type of car insurance do international students need?

Nearly every state has a minimum liability insurance requirement. Usually you’ll need:

• Bodily injury liability coverage: This coverage pays if you injure another person physically in an accident.
• Property damage liability coverage: This coverage pays if you damage another person’s property in an accident.

You can purchase more than the minimum liability required by your state. 

Some states may also require you to secure uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), which pays if you’re in an accident with someone with too little or no insurance. Another coverage that’s sometimes required is Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which pays for things like funeral services or lost wages if someone is hurt or killed in an accident.

Minimum liability coverage requirements by state

A common minimum requirement is $25,000 in bodily injury (BI) coverage per person and $50,000 in BI coverage per accident, and $25,000 in property damage (PD) coverage per accident. You’ll see it written as 25/50/25. 

However, each state sets its own minimum requirements for liability coverage, so it’s important to check how much insurance you need for the state you’re in. Ensure you check the rules for foreign students, particularly, as the requirements may vary.

Recommended optional car insurance coverages

Some coverages are optional:

• Collision: Pays when your own car is damaged in a crash.
• Comprehensive: Pays when your car is damaged from something other than an accident, such as a storm, falling debris, fire, animal strike or vandalism.

 “If a student is looking to insure a car that is only worth a few thousand dollars, then they should secure liability insurance,” Miechowicz says. “If a car is new, then full coverage would be necessary. If a claim were made on a car worth a few thousand dollars and the insured’s deductible is $1000, the payout benefit would be minimal.”

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How much does car insurance cost for international students?

International students often have to pay high auto insurance rates, similar to what U.S. teen drivers pay. That is because foreign students, like teens, do not have a U.S. driving history. 

The average annual full coverage premium for car insurance for an 18-year-old driver is $5,249. For a state-minimum liability-only policy, an 18-year-old would pay $1,480 per year. For a 19-year-old driver, a state-minimum policy costs $1,135 per year and a full coverage policy costs $4,126 annually.

Though actual costs vary by state and other factors, you can expect to pay roughly similar rates as an international student as a teen driver. 

Average premiums for teen drivers for used cars

The type of car you insure also matters. Safe cars, like a used crossover SUV with plenty of safety features, will cost less for insurance than a sports car or even a sedan. The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are good bets for cheap car insurance for teens.

Below are some of the cheapest used cars that have cheap insurance for teen drivers.

Cheapest car insurance for international students

Car insurance for international students often costs the same as car insurance for teens. 

In our study of 73 companies and nearly 7 million car insurance quotes, we found that Travelers offers the cheapest car insurance for 18-year-old males with an annual rate of $4,546 per year on his own policy. 

The table below lists the cheapest car insurance companies for 18-year-olds.

How to lower your premium as an international student

There are a few ways you can save money on your auto insurance when you’re a foreign student. One is to apply for a U.S. driver’s license instead of using your IDP. 

“If an international student has a visa, then they can apply for a United States driver’s license. It will be much cheaper than if they only have a foreign license,” Miechowicz says. “Although a foreign license is a start, those with a domestic driver’s license for 18 months and a foreign license for 3 years will benefit from more options and eligibility for insurance discounts,” he says.

Other ways to save money include shopping around for the best rates and asking what discounts you may qualify for. If you’re living with someone who already has car insurance, you may be able to get covered by becoming a “named insured” on their policy instead of buying your own.

Quick tips to save on insurance

• Ask about student-specific discounts, such as a good student discount or a driver education discount.
• Choose safer, older vehicles.
• Compare quotes between local vs. national carriers.
• Consider becoming a named driver on someone else’s policy.
• Ask about usage-based insurance options, often called safe-driving discounts or telematics programs.

Factors affecting auto insurance costs for foreign students

Car insurance rates vary based on many different factors. This is true for foreign students as well as U.S. drivers. Here’s how these factors can affect your rates as an international student.

Your driving history

A short or non-existent driving history makes it difficult for insurance providers to gauge their risk in covering you. Therefore, rates will be higher. Even if you’ve been driving for years in your home country, U.S. auto insurance providers base their rates on your U.S. driving history.

A clean driving record will help keep your rates down. Avoid risky driving habits like speeding so you don’t receive a ticket or citation, which could cause your rates to go up.

Visa status

Your visa status can also affect your rates. Shorter stays, such as with M-1 visas, can mean less time for the auto insurance provider to spread the cost of the risk, which means higher rates. Longer stays, such as with F-1 visas, could mean slightly lower rates, depending on the insurer’s policies.

Credit score

Insurance companies use your credit score, an insurance-based credit score, when setting rates. Your rates will likely be higher if you have no or a thin credit history. However, this isn’t allowed in California, Hawaii, Michigan and Massachusetts.

Age

Younger people typically have less experience behind the wheel and may be more likely to make risky choices when driving. That’s why insurance companies charge higher rates for young people and lower rates for older people. Hawaii and Massachusetts don’t allow age as a rating factor, however.

Car type

The type of car you drive matters. Safe, reliable, modestly-priced cars with safety features have lower rates than speedy, expensive sports cars.

Location

Drivers in urban areas usually pay higher car insurance rates than drivers in rural areas. Urban ZIP codes are more densely populated and have more crime, which increases your risk of getting into an accident. If your school is located in a city, you may pay higher rates than if it is located in a rural area.

Coverage choices

Choosing the state minimum liability coverage will be less expensive than increasing coverage limits and adding optional coverages. Just be aware that minimum coverage could expose you to covering more expenses out of pocket if you’re involved in an accident.

Insurer’s underwriting policies

Each insurance company has its own methods of underwriting, which is the process of assessing risk. One insurer’s policies may be more expensive for international students, while another insurer’s may be less expensive.

Insurance discounts for international students

Fortunately, there are many auto insurance discounts you may qualify for as an international student. Do any of the following apply to you?

Good student discount

If you are a good student and maintain a high GPA during your studies, you could save money on your car insurance premiums. Ask whether your insurer offers a good student discount. You may need to submit a copy of your grades to qualify.

Defensive driving discount

Some insurance providers offer discounts to people who have successfully completed a defensive driver’s education course. If you took driving lessons, ask your insurance provider whether you qualify for a defensive driving discount.

Safe driver discounts

Many insurance companies offer discounts for safe drivers.

Alumni or campus-related discounts

Some insurance providers provide affiliation discounts. For example, if you’re a student or alumnus of a particular university, you may qualify for the alumni discount. Ask your insurance company whether there are any alumni or affiliation discounts you may qualify for.

Choosing the best car insurance for international students

According to our findings, Travelers has the cheapest rates for teen drivers at $4,546 per year. Teen car insurance rates and foreign student rates tend to be similar.

Research your car insurance options to find the best rate and coverage. Shop around and request quotes from several carriers. National insurers like State Farm, Geico and Progressive typically offer car insurance for international students and they all offer similar discounts.

Another place to look for cheap car insurance is with regional insurers near your university. These insurers often have extensive experience working with foreign students and may be able to offer you good rates and good coverage.

If you don’t drive often, consider usage-based insurance programs. These programs cost less the less you drive, since you’re not on the road risking an accident.

You might also explore car insurance companies that offer short-term or temporary coverage, which could be suitable if you don’t expect to be in the U.S. for a long time.

Driving in the U.S. as an international student: Know before you go

You should know a few more helpful things about driving in the U.S.

If you’re pulled over: If the police car behind you is flashing its lights, turn on your turn signal and pull over to the side of the road. Park the car and turn off the engine. Wait for the officer to approach you, keeping your hands on the steering wheel in clear sight. 

When the officer asks, provide your driver’s license, insurance information, and vehicle registration form. If the officer gives you a ticket, it might not affect your visa status unless it is a serious offense, like reckless driving. Never offer money or bribes – that’s illegal.

If you’re in an accident: Stop right away. Pull over to the side of the road if and when it is safe, and put your hazard lights on. Check yourself (and any passengers) for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 for help. You can then call the police to make an accident report. 

While you wait for the police, exchange names and insurance information with the other driver, note the vehicle make and model and write down the license plate number. Get contact information from witnesses, and take pictures of the scene and any damage to the car. You can give all of this information to the insurance company later. 

What documents to carry with you: You should always carry your driver’s license, insurance information, and vehicle registration. As an international student, you can also bring a copy of your I-20 (proof of student status for those with F-1 and M-1 visas). Those here on a J-1 visa can bring a copy of their DS-2019.

Questions from our readers, answered by experts

Question: “My daughter is in L.A. on an F-1 visa without U.S. residency. Can she get insured?”

Answer: She can get car insurance with an F-1 visa using her home country’s driver’s license (and IDP). However, getting car insurance would be easier and cheaper if she applied for a California driver’s license first. 

Source

Department of Homeland Security. “Driving in the United States.” Accessed September 2025.