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If you’re traveling around the US and don’t plan to use public transportation, you’re likely going to need a car. To legally drive in most states, you need a minimum amount of car insurance. And different rules will apply if you’re driving a rental car, borrowing someone else’s or buying your own.
Yes. In order to legally drive in most states, you’ll need to meet the state’s minimum car insurance requirements. Your specific situation as an international visitor will affect the type of policy you’ll need.
Rental companies offer insurance coverage on their vehicles. If you’re renting a car, you can purchase insurance from the rental company — just make sure you’re not duplicating any coverage that you might already have.
Many credit cards with travel rewards include car rental insurance, so check to see if you’re already covered. If not, obtain insurance through the rental company or get short-term insurance through a provider.
Many policies cover anyone driving the car, not just the owner. How long you’ll be driving the borrowed car will also affect whether you’ll be covered under the existing policy, so check with the provider. The car’s owner might need to temporarily add you to their policy if you’ll be using it on a regular basis for an extended period of time.
Many visitors to the US opt to purchase a car here for a road trip around the country. Some will sell the car before they head back to their home country, while others export their car back home at the end of their trip. In either case, you’ll need to register it in the US once it’s purchased.
Some states offer temporary registrations. In order to register your car, you’ll need to show proof of insurance. Temporary insurance might be a good option in this case. Alternatively, you can purchase a traditional insurance policy that allows you to cancel coverage at any time without fees.
Travelers are no longer limited to the traditional, big-name car rental companies. Alternative car-sharing services are popping up all over the country. Most car-sharing vehicles will already be covered under an insurance policy, so you likely won’t be required to obtain insurance.
Zipcar, the most well-known car-sharing network, takes care of the insurance and gas. Turo covers the insurance, but requires you to replace the amount of gas used before you return the car. Whichever service you go with, always ask about insurance.
Most states require a basic policy with minimum coverage levels that you’ll need to meet. You can then choose to add optional coverage that offers extra protection against all the other mishaps that might happen while on the road.
Coverage requirements vary by state, but most require you to have some amount of liability protection. For example, Florida requires all drivers to have $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability. In New York, however, the required coverage is far more extensive.
Check with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for the particular state you’ll be driving in. If you’re renting a car as opposed to purchasing or borrowing a car, the rental agency can help you with insurance requirements.
Basic coverage usually includes:
Optional insurance coverage can include:
The application process will likely depend on how long your stay will be.
Getting car insurance through a rental company is probably your best bet if you’re only going to be in the US for a little while and aren’t purchasing a car. Likewise, if you’re borrowing a car from a friend or relative you should be fine as long as they have an active policy.
In order to take out a policy from an insurance provider as opposed to a car rental company, you’ll need to meet specific eligibility requirements. Some states only require that you have a valid, unexpired driver’s license from your home country.
Other states require an international driving permit (IDP) which must be obtained in your country of residence before you land in the US. Regardless, you’ll also need to provide appropriate details when applying for coverage, which may include:
If you plan on driving while visiting the US, you’ll need a valid driver’s license.
In some states, your valid, unexpired license from your home country is sufficient. Other states will require you to carry an IDP. Check with the DMV of each state you’ll be driving in to find out its requirements.
In either case, an IDP can be helpful. It translates information from your license into English so an officer can read it. IDPs must be obtained in the same country that your driver’s license was issued, and you must carry both the IDP and your driver’s license. IDPs are valid for one year.
For a smoother trip, there are a few things to keep in mind about road safety in the US.
Most states in the US require some amount of car insurance coverage. How you go about obtaining a policy will depend on whether you’re renting a car, borrowing a friend’s or buying one to use on your trip. Check with the DMV in the particular states you’ll be driving in to find out what’s expected of you in terms of coverage amounts and driving permits.
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