Best Car Insurance for International Students in the U.S.
What is Car Insurance for International Students?
Understanding Insurance Coverage for International Students
Why Do International Students Need Car Insurance?
How to Get Car Insurance as an International Student?
Steps to Get Car Insurance with a Foreign License
Required Documents to Get Car Insurance
Finding Insurance Companies that Cater to International Students
What are the Best Car Insurance Companies for International Students?
Top Insurance Providers for International Students in the U.S.
Comparing Car Insurance Rates for International Students
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost for International Students?
Factors Influencing Car Insurance Rates
Average Insurance Costs for International Students
Cheapest Car Insurance Options Available
What Types of Car Insurance are Available for International Students?
Liability Insurance vs. Full Coverage for International Drivers
Understanding Auto Insurance Policies
What are the Insurance Requirements for International Students Driving in the U.S.?
State-Specific Insurance Requirements
Importance of Having an International Driving Permit
How to Choose the Best Car Insurance for International Students?
Evaluating Insurance Coverage Options
Considerations for Young Drivers and International Students
Tips for Finding the Best Car Insurance Deals
Best Car Insurance for International Students in USA
Best car insurance for international students in the USA includes options for those with a foreign license. Navigate U.S. car insurance as an international student. Explore insurance options & get car insurance easily.
If you're an international student in the USA, getting car insurance can be confusing—and expensive, particularly when considering the car insurance coverage. Most major insurers don’t advertise special plans for non-citizens, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have options. In this 2025 guide, we’ll break down the best auto insurance companies, what to look for, and how to save money even as a student.
🌍 Can International Students Get Car Insurance in the USA?
Yes! You can find the cheapest car insurance options available. As long as you have a valid driver license:
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A valid driver’s license (foreign or U.S.) is necessary to meet insurance requirements and secure the best car insurance rates.
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A U.S. address for car insurance companies is essential for obtaining an international driver's permit.
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A student visa (F-1, J-1, etc.) Insurance is required to obtain car insurance for international drivers in the U.S.
💡 Tip: If you don’t have a U.S. license, some companies accept international licenses temporarily.
🏆 Best Car Insurance Providers for International Students (2025)
1. Progressive
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Accepts international driver’s licenses, providing options for those with a foreign license, including insurance that offers coverage for international drivers.
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Offers online quotes without SSN, making it easier for international drivers to get insurance information for leasing a car.
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Snapshot® discount for safe driving can significantly lower your car insurance premium.
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Estimated premium for full-coverage insurance coverage: $2,000 – $2,500/year for insurance with an international driver's permit, which is often required for driving in the U.S.
2. Geico
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Competitive pricing for younger, low-mileage drivers through insurance policies.
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Easy online quote system available for those looking to buy a car or get insurance for international drivers with a license to a U.S.
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Offers multi-policy discounts, which can significantly lower your auto insurance rates.
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Estimated premium based on your driving license status, which can vary for young drivers. $2,100/year is an estimate for auto insurance rates based on your driving history.
3. Allstate
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Good student discount (GPA 3.0+) can lower your car insurance rates significantly with the right insurance company’s offers.
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The “Drivewise” rewards program can help reduce your insurance rate further, especially for young drivers seeking car insurance for international drivers.
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Accepts non-U.S. documents for initial quotes
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Estimated premium for full-coverage car insurance in the U.S. may vary based on auto insurance rates. $2,300/year
4. State Farm
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Trusted brand with agents who help with visa status situations, especially for f-1 and j-1 students.
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Offers flexible policies for short stays, including options for car insurance for international drivers.
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Estimated premium for collision insurance: $2,400/year is an estimate for auto insurance rates.
5. Metromile (for low-mileage students)
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Pay-per-mile model – great if you don’t drive often and want to reduce insurance costs.
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Only available in select states (e.g., California, Oregon) for international driving permit holders seeking liability insurance.
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Estimated premium for minimum car insurance: $1,200 – $1,600/year
💡 How to Save on Car Insurance as an International Student
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Get added to a friend’s or host family’s policy to access better rates for insurance with an international driver's permit.
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Ask for student discounts on car insurance rates and policies.
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Choose a car with a high safety rating to help reduce your car insurance cost.
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Use telematics programs to track and prove safe driving for better insurance information and potentially lower your car insurance premium.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Driving without insurance (illegal in all U.S. states)
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Not comparing quotes from at least 3 insurance companies offers.
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Forgetting to cancel or change policy after moving state
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I insure a car with an international driver’s license when leasing a car?
Yes, but some insurers may limit insurance coverage or raise rates, which can affect car insurance rates.
Yes! Look into pay-per-mile options like Metromile or low-mileage discounts, which can be beneficial for students or those renting a car.
Q: What documents do I need to get car insurance coverage?
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Passport is necessary when applying for car insurance in the U.S.
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Visa is often necessary for students looking to buy a car in the USA.
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U.S. or international driver’s license is accepted by many of the best car insurance companies, which also offer student car insurance.
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An address in the U.S. is required for obtaining an international driving permit and related insurance information from the national association of insurance commissioners.
Q: Is insurance cheaper if I don’t drive much?
Car insurance for international students in the U.S. doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive, especially with companies that accept a license from your home country. Companies like Progressive, Geico, and Metromile offer student-friendly auto insurance policies with flexible requirements for rental car insurance. Always compare quotes, ask about discounts, and keep safety first.
