Can you buy car insurance for UK drivers in the USA?
You can buy U.S. car insurance with a UK driver’s license. However, it can take time to find the best policy and you should plan ahead. Here's how to make sure you're covered with auto insurance before you arrive.
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Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 19, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 19, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Though not all insurance companies offer car insurance for foreign drivers, many do, especially larger companies. If you plan to move to the U.S. from the UK for school or study abroad on a somewhat long-term basis, you’ll need auto insurance to drive legally. Regardless of your goals for coming to the U.S., it is important that you understand the country’s auto insurance laws and how to obtain UK student car insurance.
- It is possible to buy auto insurance in the U.S. with a UK driver’s license
- However, most insurance companies label you a “high-risk” driver if you don’t have a valid U.S. driver’s license
- A high-risk designation often equates to higher insurance rates
- The higher rates are well worth it, though, as driving without insurance in the U.S. is illegal
How To Find Car Insurance for UK Drivers in the USA
Finding car insurance for international drivers with a visa in the U.S. is difficult, but not much more so than getting comprehensive coverage as a local citizen or resident. Shopping around for car insurance is a somewhat complex and lengthy process in and of itself. Before deciding on a policy, regardless of your situation, you must do your homework by comparing rates and shopping for discounts.
Read more: Compare Car Insurance for International Visa Holders in the US: Rates, Discounts, & Requirements
The only difference between your car insurance shopping process and that of a U.S. citizen is that you have slightly fewer options available to you. This is because many auto insurance companies cater strictly to low-risk drivers.
To qualify for a “low-risk” designation, a driver must present a valid U.S. driver’s license for the state in which they plan to drive. They must also demonstrate their ability to drive safely and follow the rules of the road. Unfortunately, drivers with UK licenses often struggle to prove their driving experience or knowledge. As a result, many UK license holders cannot obtain low-risk designations for car insurance for international drivers in the UK. This situation also impacts their eligibility for car insurance for American drivers in the UK and American vehicle insurance.
There are several companies that issue policies for all types of drivers. As an international driver, it may be worth your while to shop around with these companies. Though you can’t know for sure which companies offer high-risk auto insurance, the best thing you can do is call a company and ask. Larger companies, such as Progressive, State Farm, and Geico, are typically willing to assume more risk than their smaller counterparts.
Can you use your UK driving record to obtain a low-risk designation?
Unfortunately, it does not matter how great of a driver you are in the UK — if you don’t have a valid U.S. driver’s license, most insurers consider you inexperienced and, therefore, high risk. A high-risk designation makes it difficult for you to obtain coverage. If you can find coverage, you’ll likely have to pay the high-risk driver surcharge.
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Getting Insurance on a Rental Car as an International Driver
Finding coverage as an international driver may be a non-issue if you plan to rent a car in the U.S. You can rent a car without insurance if you purchase insurance from the rental company. Most rental car companies provide coverage up to the minimum amounts required by the state. These companies also allow drivers to purchase additional insurance for added protection.
If you plan to visit the U.S. for a short period of time, rental car coverage may be all you need. However, Chase Freedom Unlimited rental car insurance and most state minimums cover only the cost of damage that you cause to another person’s vehicle. If you cause an accident, you may have to pay for the repair or replacement costs of the rental car. For this reason, you should consider purchasing additional coverage if you plan to be in the U.S. for an extended period. Specifically, car insurance for international license holders and auto insurance for international drivers are options to look into for extra protection.
Obtaining UK Student Car Insurance
As an international student in the U.S., your options for obtaining car insurance, such as car insurance in the UK for international students, are generally comparable to those available to non-students. You’ll need to find an insurer willing to cover a “high-risk” driver, and using your driving experience from your home country to secure cheaper rates is usually not possible.
Unfortunately, securing cheap car insurance for international students can be challenging. Some insurers require international students to accumulate three years of driving experience in the U.S. before extending coverage to them.
However, as an international student, you do have one advantage over non-students. Your Designated School Official can provide you with a list of car insurance companies that specifically cater to international drivers and maintain more flexible requirements.
Do you need car insurance as a UK driver in the USA?
Though car insurance requirements vary by state, the fact is that all but two states require drivers to maintain a minimum amount of coverage. If a police officer catches you driving without the minimum coverage, you face fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.
There are two states that don’t maintain minimum coverage requirements: Virginia and New Hampshire. However, you must obtain an insurance waiver, which you can only do once you present proof of financial responsibility. In other words, you must demonstrate that you can pay up to a certain amount in damages that you may cause in an accident. Moreover, you may also have to pay an uninsured vehicle fee.
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Do you need a U.S. license to obtain car insurance?
You don’t necessarily need a U.S. driver’s license to obtain coverage in the U.S. However, to legally drive in there, you need an International Driver’s Permit. You must obtain the IDP from the country that issued your driver’s license before you arrive in America, as the U.S. does not issue them.
Obtaining an IDP is fairly easy. You need to be at least 18 and have a valid driver’s license from your home country.
Case Studies: Car Insurance for UK Drivers in the USA
Case Study 1: Obtaining Coverage as an International Driver
In this case, John, a UK driver planning to visit the USA and drive a car during his stay, wants to ensure he has the necessary auto insurance coverage. John discovers that finding car insurance for foreign drivers in the UK can be challenging, as well as securing car hire insurance in the USA for international drivers with a UK license.
However, he learns that some insurance companies issue policies for all types of drivers, including high-risk ones. John decides to shop around with these companies and eventually finds an insurer willing to cover US car insurance for UK drivers during his stay.
Case Study 2: Using UK Driving Record for Low-Risk Designation
Sarah, another UK driver, has an excellent driving record in the UK and hopes to use it to obtain a low-risk designation in the USA. However, she learns that most insurers in the USA consider her inexperienced without a valid U.S. driver’s license.
As a result, she is classified as a high-risk driver and faces challenges in finding coverage. Sarah realizes that she may need to pay a high-risk driver surcharge and explores other insurance options available to international drivers.
Case Study 3: Rental Car Insurance for International Drivers
In this case, Mark, a UK driver, plans to rent a car during his short visit to the USA. He wonders how international drivers can obtain insurance for rental cars. Mark discovers that most rental car companies offer coverage that meets the minimum requirements of the state.
He also learns that additional coverage options are available for added protection. Mark decides to purchase insurance from the rental company to ensure he is adequately covered during his rental period.
Case Study 4: UK Student Seeking Car Insurance
Emma, a UK student studying in the USA, needs car insurance for her vehicle. She faces similar challenges as non-students in finding coverage as a high-risk driver.
However, Emma discovers that her Designated School Official can provide her with a list of car insurance companies that cater to international drivers and have more lenient requirements. With this information, she can find an insurer willing to cover her as a student, including options like some of the best car insurance companies in the UK that specialize in providing car insurance for non-U.S. citizens.
Case Study 5: Car Insurance Requirements for UK Drivers in the USA
David, a UK driver planning to relocate to the USA, wants to understand the car insurance requirements in the country. He learns that most states require drivers to maintain a minimum amount of coverage.
Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines, license suspension, and even jail time. David also discovers that Virginia and New Hampshire are the only two states without minimum coverage requirements, but an insurance waiver or proof of financial responsibility is necessary in those states.
Case Study 6: Obtaining Car Insurance Without a U.S. License
Sophie, a UK driver, wonders if she can obtain car insurance in the USA without a U.S. driver’s license. She learns that while a U.S. license is not necessarily required to obtain coverage, an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is necessary to legally drive in the country.
Sophie finds out that she can obtain an IDP from the country that issued her driver’s license before arriving in the USA.
Car Insurance for UK Drivers in the USA: The Bottom Line
Finding car insurance as an international driver takes a bit more time and effort than if you already have a U.S. driver’s license. However, when you’re armed with the right knowledge and resources, you can find affordable coverage in no time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy car insurance for UK drivers in the USA?
Yes, you can buy car insurance in the USA with a British driving license. It’s recommended to plan ahead as it may take time to find the best policy. Ensure you have auto insurance coverage before driving in the USA on a UK license, and explore options for adding a non-UK resident to car insurance if necessary.
Can you use your UK driving record to obtain a low-risk designation?
No, even if you have a great driving record in the UK, most insurers in the USA consider you inexperienced without a valid U.S. driver’s license. As a result, you may be classified as a high-risk driver and find it challenging to obtain coverage.
How can international drivers get insurance for rental cars in the USA?
How can UK students obtain car insurance in the USA?
UK students looking for Car insurance for UK drivers in USA face similar challenges as non-students. They need to find an insurer willing to cover high-risk drivers, particularly when seeking car insurance for an 18-year-old in the UK holders. Some car insurance companies may require international students, aiming for the best car insurance for international students, to have three years of driving experience in the USA before providing coverage.
Is car insurance mandatory for UK drivers in the USA?
Yes, car insurance is mandatory for most states in the USA. Failure to maintain the minimum required coverage can result in fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Only Virginia and New Hampshire do not have minimum coverage requirements, but an insurance waiver or proof of financial responsibility is necessary in those states. When considering car insurance for UK drivers in the USA, it’s important to understand these varying state regulations. Similarly, auto insurance for international license holders and temporary car insurance for foreign drivers in the UK have specific requirements that should be carefully reviewed to ensure compliance with local laws.
Can I drive in the USA with a UK license?
Yes, visitors from the UK can drive in the USA using their valid UK driving license for a short period, usually up to a year. It’s advisable to carry both your license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) as some states may require it.
Can someone else drive my car in the UK?
Yes, someone else can drive your car in the UK if they have your permission and are properly insured to drive it.
Can you insure a car without a driver’s license in the UK?
Generally, no. In the UK, insurance companies typically require the primary driver to have a valid driver’s license.
Do I need a US driver’s license to get car insurance?
Yes, typically you need a US driver’s license to get car insurance in the USA. Insurers require a valid license to assess your driving record and risk.
Do you have to have car insurance in the USA?
Yes, car insurance is mandatory in most states in the USA. Each state sets its own minimum coverage requirements.
Do you need insurance to drive in America?
Yes, you need at least the minimum required car insurance to legally drive in most states in the USA.
Does UK car insurance cover Jersey?
Generally, yes, UK car insurance policies typically provide coverage for driving in Jersey (Channel Islands). It’s best to check your specific policy for details.
How much is insurance for a car in the UK?
Car insurance costs in the UK vary widely depending on factors such as the driver’s age, location, vehicle type, and driving history. Average premiums can range from several hundred to over a thousand pounds annually.
How much is car insurance in the US?
Car insurance costs in the US vary widely based on similar factors as in the UK. On average, annual premiums can range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars.
Is car insurance compulsory in the USA?
Yes, car insurance is mandatory in most states in the USA. Each state has its own minimum coverage requirements that drivers must meet.
In the United States, car insurance is mandatory in most states, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and providing financial protection for drivers and others on the road. It is illegal to drive without meeting the minimum required insurance coverage. This rule applies universally, whether dealing with American car insurance companies, seeking auto insurance for foreign drivers, or arranging car insurance for non-UK residents planning to drive in the USA.
What happens if you let someone else drive your rental car?
Will Progressive insure a Kia?
Yes, Progressive and other insurance companies generally offer coverage for Kia vehicles, as long as they meet their underwriting criteria. Specific coverage options and rates may vary.
Is short-term car insurance available for holders of US licenses?
Yes, many insurance providers offer short-term car insurance options for holders of US licenses. It’s advisable to check with different insurers to find the best policy that suits your needs and duration of coverage required.
Where can international students find cheap car insurance in the USA?
International students in the USA can often find affordable car insurance by comparing quotes from different insurance companies. Some insurers may offer special discounts or packages tailored for students. It’s beneficial to explore options online or consult with insurance agents who specialize in student policies.
What is the best car insurance option for international drivers?
Finding the best car insurance option for international drivers in the USA depends on several key factors. This includes considering car insurance for driving in the USA. Additionally, USA car insurance for UK drivers is an important consideration. Another aspect to evaluate is car insurance for visitors to the UK. It’s crucial to compare policies from reputable insurers that specialize in catering to international drivers. Factors to consider include customer service quality, the range of coverage options available, and the overall cost-effectiveness of each policy before making a final decision.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
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Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.