CarInsurance.com Insights
- The cost of a car insurance policy is based on your age and academic stage, not your home country.
- You can typically buy car insurance with a foreign license or IDP, but having a U.S. driver’s license could help you get a lower premium.
- If you don’t buy a car in the U.S. but occasionally rent or borrow vehicles, non-owner coverage can be beneficial and averages about $700 per year.
International students living in the U.S. can get car insurance. Typically, you can use your home-country license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) while you apply for a U.S. driver’s license.
The average cost of car insurance for an 18 to 25 year-old undergrad/graduate student is about $4,717 a year for full coverage and $1,392 for state-minimum liability insurance. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can buy non-owner insurance, which averages $700 per year
Can international students get car insurance in the U.S.?
Yes, international students with an F-1, J-1 and M-1 visa can purchase car insurance in the U.S. Many auto insurance companies will issue a policy using your home-country driver’s license or an IDP, but the acceptance and time limits vary by state. Having a U.S. driver’s license typically reduces your car insurance premium, but it’s not a requirement to buy a policy.
Driving on a foreign license or an IDP
You must obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you leave your home country, as the United States does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors. You need an IDP if your foreign driver’s license is not in English, if required by specific U.S. states, or for longer-term temporary stays.
Once you’re in the U.S. for school, you’re not able to get one. The license can only be issued by your home country’s motor vehicle department. IDPs issued for U.S. driving are valid for one year.
To find out whether your state requires an IDP, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the state where you’ll be driving.
Getting insured without a Social Security Number
For international students, the alternative to a Social Security number (SSN) is:
- An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- A passport and a U.S. visa, plus Form I-20 or DS-2019
- A valid state driver’s license or, in some cases, a foreign driver’s license or International Driving Permit (IDP)
Depending on the state, you might also have to provide Form SSA-L676, which proves that your request for an SSN was denied.
If you get a car insurance quote online, you’ll typically be asked to provide your SSN, even though it’s not required to purchase a policy. In this case, it’s better to call an agent or the insurance company directly to bypass this step.
The reason why an SSN is often required is that insurers in most states use credit-based insurance scores to price policies, and people without an SSN usually have no credit file.
However, some states prohibit insurers from using credit-based insurance scores, including California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan.
How much does car insurance cost for international students?
On average, an international student aged 18 to 25 pays about $4,717 per year for a full coverage policy and $1,392 for a state-minimum liability policy, based on CarInsurance.com’s analysis. The same driver at age 18 pays about two and a half times what they pay at age 25.
See rates by age for students in the table below.
| Age | State minimum BI/PD | Liability only (50/100/50) | Full coverage (100/300/100, $500 deductible) | Non-owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | $2,342 | $2,634 | $7,503 | $1,126 |
| 20 | $1,582 | $1,771 | $5,344 | $758 |
| 22 | $1,166 | $1,301 | $4,061 | $607 |
| 25 | $898 | $995 | $3,186 | $510 |
| 30 | $791 | $879 | $2,827 | $464 |
The reason car insurance can be expensive for international students has nothing to do with your nationality. Premiums depend on your U.S. driving history and your location.
When you move to the U.S., you have no driving history, so you haven’t yet proven to insurance companies that you’re a safe driver. The good news is that your premium will likely decrease over time as you build driving history in the U.S.
How much insurance costs in your state
The average car insurance premium for international students depends largely on your state. Massachusetts and Hawaii don’t allow insurance companies to use age as a rating factor.
In California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan, insurers can’t consider your credit score when calculating your rate. Even if you have no credit history in the U.S., you could pay a lower premium in those states.
The table below shows average car insurance premiums for male and female drivers 18-25 in some of the largest states.
| State | Full coverage | Liability-only | State minimum | Non-owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $3,948 | $1,096 | $1,075 | $354 |
| Alabama | $3,890 | $1,265 | $1,188 | $602 |
| Arkansas | $4,501 | $1,273 | $1,152 | $562 |
| Arizona | $4,794 | $1,745 | $1,528 | $1,022 |
| California | $5,817 | $1,778 | $1,632 | $626 |
| Colorado | $5,241 | $1,405 | $1,229 | $926 |
| Connecticut | $5,899 | $2,659 | $2,392 | $1,785 |
| Washington, D.C. | $6,881 | $1,980 | $1,635 | $580 |
| Delaware | $5,685 | $2,453 | $2,124 | $1,471 |
| Florida | $6,732 | $3,076 | $2,034 | $1,488 |
| Georgia | $5,407 | $2,513 | $2,281 | $768 |
| Hawaii | $1,781 | $557 | $535 | $518 |
| Iowa | $4,330 | $969 | $904 | $381 |
| Idaho | $3,267 | $1,181 | $1,105 | $280 |
| Illinois | $3,557 | $1,133 | $1,034 | $581 |
| Indiana | $3,660 | $965 | $888 | $581 |
| Kansas | $4,842 | $1,454 | $1,306 | $425 |
| Kentucky | $4,882 | $1,477 | $1,300 | $774 |
| Louisiana | $7,843 | $2,532 | $2,012 | $1,133 |
| Massachusetts | $4,801 | $1,613 | $1,421 | $837 |
| Maryland | $4,994 | $1,974 | $1,833 | $909 |
| Maine | $4,209 | $1,002 | $982 | $670 |
| Michigan | $6,150 | $1,355 | $1,350 | $1,030 |
| Minnesota | $4,320 | $1,327 | $1,254 | $447 |
| Missouri | $4,457 | $1,594 | $1,446 | $684 |
| Mississippi | $4,443 | $1,335 | $1,204 | $736 |
| Montana | $4,385 | $975 | $899 | $475 |
| North Carolina | $3,223 | $1,075 | $1,075 | $538 |
| North Dakota | $4,594 | $1,086 | $1,017 | $303 |
| Nebraska | $4,254 | $1,160 | $1,038 | $452 |
| New Hampshire | $3,090 | $1,107 | $1,012 | $625 |
| New Jersey | $5,763 | $2,540 | $2,400 | $1,592 |
| New Mexico | $4,530 | $1,312 | $1,131 | $613 |
| Nevada | $6,978 | $3,130 | $2,812 | $1,192 |
| New York | $5,405 | $2,608 | $2,323 | $686 |
| Ohio | $3,170 | $912 | $832 | $528 |
| Oklahoma | $5,156 | $1,249 | $1,148 | $962 |
| Oregon | $3,937 | $1,765 | $1,578 | $978 |
| Pennsylvania | $4,026 | $1,081 | $866 | $312 |
| Rhode Island | $6,356 | $2,031 | $1,745 | $1,044 |
| South Carolina | $4,147 | $1,514 | $1,365 | $774 |
| South Dakota | $4,827 | $1,291 | $1,194 | $276 |
| Tennessee | $4,145 | $1,207 | $1,106 | $588 |
| Texas | $5,900 | $2,128 | $1,921 | $1,014 |
| Utah | $4,449 | $1,792 | $1,693 | $961 |
| Virginia | $3,491 | $1,336 | $1,312 | $755 |
| Vermont | $3,411 | $926 | $844 | $569 |
| Washington | $4,419 | $1,285 | $1,137 | $1,284 |
| Wisconsin | $4,036 | $1,220 | $1,042 | $353 |
| West Virginia | $4,263 | $1,140 | $968 | $347 |
| Wyoming | $4,140 | $615 | $568 | $311 |
What type of car insurance do international students need?
When choosing a type of car insurance, there are two decisions you need to make. The first decision is how much liability insurance you want, which covers injuries and property damage you cause to others.
Every state requires a minimum amount of liability insurance that you must carry in order to drive. Some states also require uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
The second choice is how much coverage you want for your own car. A full coverage policy provides liability coverage, plus collision insurance and comprehensive insurance. It’s a bundle of policies, not a standalone product you can buy. Full coverage rates are higher than liability-only rates because it provides more coverage.
“If a student is looking to insure a car that is only worth a few thousand dollars, then they should secure liability insurance,” said John Miechowicz, personal lines sales director at All Solutions Insurance in Moreno Valley, California. “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.”
Sophie’s Tip
Start with state minimum liability coverage only if you can afford your own car repairs and medical bills resulting from accidents; otherwise, consider full coverage.
Speak with a friendly agent and get your quote in minutes!
Non-owner car insurance if you don’t have a car
If you drive but don’t own a car, a non-owner policy can be beneficial. Non-owner car insurance provides liability insurance, and it follows you, not the vehicle. It can cover you when borrowing a friend’s car, renting a vehicle or using a car share service. All major car insurance companies offer it.
Non-owner car insurance is much cheaper than traditional insurance. The average non-owner premium is around $700 a year for drivers ages 18 to 25, which is roughly one-sixth of what full coverage costs on an owned car. Because it counts towards continuous insurance, having non-owner insurance can make your first quote for an owned car cheaper.
Sophie’s Tip
Borrowing a car most weeks rather than owning one? A non-owner policy costs a fraction of full coverage and still counts as continuous coverage.
Which cars are cheapest for international students to insure
The Chevrolet Equinox, Fiat 500X, GMC Terrain, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Soul, Mazda 3 Hatchback, Nissan Altima, Mini Cooper Countryman and Volvo S60 are some of the cheapest vehicles for international students to insure.
That’s because cars with good crash ratings and low repair costs typically have the lowest rates. However, the same vehicle costs an 18-year-old roughly two and a half times what it costs a 25-year-old to insure , so it’s important to compare quotes for your own age.
The table below shows the safest used vehicles from model years 2014 to 2025, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports, and their average car insurance premiums, based on rate data from our analysis.
| Make and model | Year | IIHS award/ratings | Age 18 full coverage | Age 18 State Min | Age 18 (100/300/100) Liability Only |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Equinox | 2015 | TOP SAFETY PICK | $6,437 | $5,403 | $3,935 |
| Chevrolet Malibu | 2015 | TOP SAFETY PICK | $7,222 | $6,093 | $4,275 |
| Chevrolet Sonic | 2015 | TOP SAFETY PICK (sedan built after Feb 2015) | $6,744 | $5,618 | $4,241 |
| Fiat 500X | 2016 | TOP SAFETY PICK+ (with optional front crash prevention; built after July 2015) | $6,135 | $5,141 | $3,778 |
| GMC Terrain | 2015 | TOP SAFETY PICK | $6,552 | $5,531 | $3,910 |
| Hyundai Elantra | 2017 | TOP SAFETY PICK+ (sedan with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights; built after March 2016) | $7,884 | $6,714 | $4,469 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 2016 | TOP SAFETY PICK+ (with optional front crash prevention; built after Oct 2015) | $8,054 | $6,883 | $4,420 |
| Kia Soul | 2015 | TOP SAFETY PICK | $6,621 | $5,564 | $3,965 |
| Mazda 3 Hatchback | 2015 | TOP SAFETY PICK+ (with optional front crash prevention) | $6,619 | $5,571 | $3,940 |
| Mazda 3 Sedan | 2015 | TOP SAFETY PICK+ (with optional front crash prevention) | $6,770 | $5,711 | $4,069 |
| Mini Cooper Countryman | 2015 | TOP SAFETY PICK | $6,124 | $5,196 | $3,524 |
| Nissan Altima | 2021 | TOP SAFETY PICK+ | $9,326 | $8,193 | $4,347 |
| Nissan Rogue | 2015 | TOP SAFETY PICK | $6,636 | $5,565 | $4,117 |
| Nissan Sentra | 2015 | TOP SAFETY PICK | $7,182 | $5,979 | $4,439 |
| Volvo S60 | 2015 | TOP SAFETY PICK+ | $7,276 | $6,274 | $3,766 |
| Volvo S80 | 2015 | TOP SAFETY PICK+ | $7,474 | $6,486 | $3,764 |
| Volvo XC60 | 2015 | TOP SAFETY PICK+ | $6,541 | $5,553 | $3,769 |
| Volvo XC90 | 2016 | TOP SAFETY PICK+ | $7,437 | $6,509 | $3,665 |
Before you purchase a car, it’s a good idea to get an insurance quote for the make and model you’re looking at. The dealership will need to see proof of coverage before you drive off the lot, and insurance is usually required to register your car. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers can help you find the cheapest policy for the specific vehicle.
International students without an SSN may have trouble financing a car because they have no credit history, so you might end up paying cash for an older, used car. Remember that it’s usually not worth carrying full-coverage car insurance on an older vehicle that has already depreciated.
Sophie’s Tip
Get an insurance quote on the car before you buy it. Two similar cars on the same lot can differ by hundreds a year, and you’ll need proof of coverage to register it anyway.
Cheapest car insurance for international students
Car insurance rates for the same student can vary by thousands of dollars between companies, which is why getting quotes is crucial. Start by researching insurers that accept a foreign license or IDP, then compare rates. Working with an independent agent can help you compare multiple companies and quotes at once, which saves you time.
See the annual rates from the large U.S. insurance carriers, as well as the form of ID required for each insurer. None of these insurers have dedicated information on the website about what documents are accepted for non-U.S. citizens
| Company | Full coverage | State minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $5,551 | $1,582 |
| Farmers | $5,850 | $1,983 |
| GEICO | $3,750 | $965 |
| Nationwide | $4,633 | $1,975 |
| Progressive | $4,729 | $1,401 |
| State Farm | $4,692 | $1,720 |
| Travelers | $3,819 | $1,226 |
| USAA* | $3,142 | $649 |
*USAA is available only to active-duty military, veterans and their eligible family members.
State Farm
State Farm may offer policies for international students. If you get a quote online, you can enter a foreign license number (a SSN isn’t required), but you’re then prompted to enter your contact information so an agent can reach out. You’re better off contacting State Farm directly if you want to get a quote.
GEICO
GEICO sells car insurance to international students and you can get a quote and purchase a policy online. The online quote form asks if you’ve ever been licensed in a foreign country and later in the process, asks for your international license number.
Progressive
Progressive’s website doesn’t verify whether it issues policies to international students. You can get a quote online without entering a SSN and you can select “foreign license” when asked about your driving history. However, you must contact an agent to complete the quote process.
Auto insurance agents near campus
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. Consider connecting with an agent near campus to see what your options are.
How to lower your premium as an international student
The fastest way to lower your car insurance rate is to get a U.S. driver’s license. It moves you out of the foreign-license pricing category, which can meaningfully reduce your premium.
“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 said. “Although a foreign license is a start, those with a domestic driver’s license for 18 months and a foreign license for three years will benefit from more options and eligibility for insurance discounts.”
You can reduce your rate even more by choosing liability-only insurance over full coverage on an older car, enrolling in a telematics program and comparing at least three insurance quotes.
Discounts to ask for by name
Most car insurance companies offer discounts that can help you save money on your car insurance. When comparing insurers, find out if the insurance company offers these specific discounts:
- Good student: Nearly every major insurer offers a good student discount, but check if an international transcript qualifies.
- Telematics: Enrolling in your insurer’s telematics program can help you build a driving record quickly when you don’t have one.
- Low-mileage or pay-per-mile: If you live on campus and only drive once or twice a week, find out if the insurer offers a pay-per-mile insurance policy or a low-mileage discount.
- Defensive driving course: You can typically save money on your car insurance policy if you complete an approved defensive driving course.
- Alumni or university affiliation: Some insurance companies offer a discount to students or alumni of certain universities.
Without any U.S. driving history, you probably won’t qualify for policy bundling, customer loyalty, homeowner or claim-free discounts. But you might be eligible for a few of these discounts after several years of continuous insurance coverage.
Car insurance discounts can be a great way to reduce your rate, but most discounts aren’t applied automatically. Ask your insurance company about the discounts it offers and which ones you are eligible for.
How to get a U.S. driver’s license as an international student
Once you have a U.S. driver’s license, you can typically get a much cheaper car insurance premium. Getting a U.S. driver’s license is generally a two-step process.
The first step is to apply for a learner’s permit. This permit allows you to drive with a licensed adult while practicing. 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 a U.S. driver’s license once you have completed your practice hours (and/or driver’s education) and the waiting period is over. Then, you can schedule your driving test. If you pass the test, you’ll receive your driver’s license. Bring your passport, student visa, Form I-20, proof of residency, Form SSA-L676 and Form I-766 (if applicable) to your local Department of Motor Vehicles.
Notify your insurance company the day your U.S. driver’s license arrives and ask for a new quote.
Keeping your coverage when you leave the U.S.
When you go back to your home country for the summer or move away after graduation, it creates a gap in your car insurance history. That gap can make your next car insurance policy more expensive.
If you leave your car parked in the U.S. while you’re away, ask your insurance company if you can drop to comprehensive-only or storage coverage. This type of insurance will protect your vehicle from theft, vandalism and weather damage while it’s sitting. If you don’t have a car but are returning to the U.S., a non-owner policy maintains your continuous insurance record.
Depending on your situation, canceling your car insurance policy altogether can sometimes be the right call. Just keep in mind that it could affect your insurance rates in the future if you buy a new policy when you come back to the U.S.
Questions from our readers, answered by experts
Can I get car insurance with an International Driving Permit?
Yes, in most cases. Many insurers will issue a policy using a valid home-country license, and some will also require an IDP. Acceptance varies by company and state, so if an online quote form rejects your license, call an agent directly.
How long can I drive in the U.S. on my home-country license?
It depends on the state. Some states let students who are temporary residents drive on a foreign license for as long as it stays valid, while others require a state license once you establish residency (usually within a few months). Because the rules vary, check with the DMV in the state where you’re studying.
Do I need a Social Security Number to buy car insurance?
No. An SSN isn’t legally required to buy a car insurance policy, but many online quote forms ask for one.
“Most insurance companies will underwrite a policy for a non-U.S. citizen if they have a valid ITIN or passport number, or a foreign/international driver’s license, plus a U.S. address and the make, model and VIN of the car,” said Rami Sneineh, owner of Insurance Navy, an Illinois-based agency that specializes in non-standard auto insurance.
What happens to my policy when I go home for the summer?
It depends on whether you’re leaving a car behind. If you’re keeping a car in the U.S. while you’re away, ask your insurer about comprehensive-only or storage coverage, which protects the car from theft, vandalism and weather at a lower price. If you don’t have a car but plan to come back, a non-owner policy keeps your insurance history continuous.
Do I need insurance if I only borrow my roommate’s car?
You’re not required to have insurance if you occasionally borrow a roommate’s car. Your roommate’s car insurance policy would typically cover any accident that occurred while you were driving their car with permission.
But if you’re borrowing the car often, it might be worth being added to their policy as an additional driver. You could also get a non-owner policy, which provides liability insurance when you rent or borrow a car.
My daughter is in L.A. on an F-1 visa without U.S. residency. Can she get insured?
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 first applied for a California driver’s license.
Sources & Methodology
Resources
- USA.gov. “Driving in the U.S. if you are not a citizen.” October 2026.
- Department of Homeland Security. “Driving in the United States.” October 2026.
- National Conference of State Legislatures. “States Consider Limits on Insurers’ Use of Consumer Credit Info.” October 2026.
- Institute of International Education. “United States Hosts 1.2 Million International Students at Colleges and Universities, Totaling 6% of U.S. Higher Education.” October 2026.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Safe Vehicles for Teens.” October 2026.
Methodology
To find car insurance rates for international students, CarInsurance.com analyzed rate data from Quadrant Information Services. Estimated premiums are based on a sample profile of a ages 18–25 male or female driver with a clean driving record and good credit score, carrying a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100 and $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage. Read the full methodology for more information.
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