Progressive Car Insurance
Car insurance with a foreign license
- Monthly fee
- Liability only: $87.56-$165.02 on average
- You need
- US or foreign license, or IDP
Get a quote
on the Progressive website
on the Progressive website
Car insurance with an international or foreign license
You can buy car insurance in the US with a valid foreign license or an international driving permit (IDP): Progressive sells policies with either, and State Farm sometimes does for a short time. Your driving record from home usually doesn't count, so you pay as a new driver. Once you live in a state, you need its license: New York gives new residents 30 days.
Get quotes from at least two insurers with your foreign license or IDP, and switch to a US license once you become a resident of the state.
Step by step
- 1
Carry your license and, if needed, an IDP
An IDP shows in several languages that you have a valid driver's license, and it works only together with that license. Get it in your home country before the trip: the US does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors. An IDP issued for use in the US is valid for 1 year, and not every state requires one.
- 2
Know when your foreign license stops working
In New York a valid foreign license works until you become a New York resident, and then you have 30 days to get a New York license. In California every resident needs a California license, and you count as a resident if you plan to live there 6 months or more a year or, for example, work or rent your main home there. Insurers often treat a foreign license as good for about 3 months and an IDP for up to a year.
- 3
Get quotes as a new driver
Liability insurance is required: in California at least $30,000 for one person's injury or death, $60,000 for several people and $15,000 for property damage. At Progressive a liability-only policy averages $87.56 a month in low-cost states and $165.02 in high-cost states. To buy, you usually give your license number, SSN or the car's VIN; Progressive asks for an SSN for a quote, but it is optional.
- 4
Choose the coverage
Liability pays for damage you cause to others. Collision pays for your car after a crash, comprehensive for theft, fire or hail, and you can add medical (PIP or MedPay) and uninsured driver coverage. A higher deductible lowers the price.
- 5
Get a US license
In California you apply at the DMV, give your SSN, prove your identity and California residency, pass a knowledge test, a vision exam and a drive test; with a foreign license someone with a license must drive you to and from the test, and you bring proof of insurance. In New York you pass a written test, take a 5-hour pre-licensing course and pass a road test, where you hand in your foreign license. If your license is not in English, New York asks for an IDP or a certified translation at the road test.
- 6
Without papers: licenses that do not need legal status
California issues AB 60 licenses to people who cannot prove legal presence in the US but can prove their identity and California residency; an AB 60 license cannot be a REAL ID. In New York you do not need to be a US citizen for a license, and non-citizens can get a standard license.
- 7
Update the policy when you get a US license
Some insurers ask for a US license once you have lived in the state for a while. With a US license you can also compare more insurers, such as Lemonade Car in 13 states.
With a foreign license or an IDP
Progressive sells US policies with a recognized foreign license or an IDP that is valid in your state. State Farm sometimes gives a policy for a short time and may ask you to get a US license.
State Farm Car Insurance
Car insurance with a local agent
- You need
- US license; foreign or IDP short term
- Cost
- Discount for safe driving
Get a quote
on the State Farm website
on the State Farm website
With a US license: insurance in an app
Lemonade Car is sold in 13 states, from $30 a month, and you manage the policy in the app.
Lemonade Car Insurance
Car insurance in an app
- Monthly fee
- From $30
- Coverage
- Liability, collision, comprehensive, roadside
- You need
- Car in one of 13 states
Get a quote
on the Lemonade website
on the Lemonade website
Questions people ask
Can I get car insurance with an international license?
Yes. Progressive sells US policies with a recognized foreign license or an IDP if it is valid in your state, and State Farm sometimes offers a policy for a short time. You will usually be rated as a new driver. Once you live in the US long term, plan to get a US license.
How long can I drive in the US with a foreign license?
It depends on the state. In New York a valid foreign license works until you become a resident, then you have 30 days to switch. In California a resident needs a California license. An IDP issued for use in the US is valid for 1 year.
Do I need an SSN to get car insurance?
Not always. Progressive asks for an SSN for a quote, but it is optional; to buy, you usually give one or more of these: your license number, SSN or the car's VIN. Rules differ between insurers.
What is an international driving permit and where do I get one?
It is a document that shows in several languages that you hold a valid license, and it works only together with that license. You get it before the trip from the motor vehicle agency of the country that issued your license. The US does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors.
Can I get a driver's license without papers?
In some states, yes. California issues AB 60 licenses to people who cannot prove legal presence but can prove identity and California residency. In New York non-citizens can get a standard license.
Why is car insurance so expensive for new immigrants?
Without a US driving history you are rated as a new driver, and your record from another country usually isn't counted. The price also depends on where you live, your car and the coverage you pick. Safe-driving programs, such as State Farm Drive Safe & Save, can lower it in most states.