If you are planning to drive a vehicle out of the country you will require an International Auto Insurance policy. The policy should cover collision and comprehensive in addition to third party liability cover.
Auto Insurance as an International Visitor
The policy requirements vary from country to country and your policy should be in line with the terms and conditions of those countries. International insurance is also called Expatriate Insurance. Business people often travel beyond borders and they need insurance protection to do business anywhere in the world to be protected against untoward happenings like vehicle accidents. International auto insurance provides exactly the kind of coverage needs of anyone traveling abroad.
Getting Car Insurance While on a visit to the US on a Visa
The auto insurance companies in the US provide different types of policies to the residents and the visitors to the country on a visa. There are state specific policies and terms that you should be aware of when applying for auto insurance when you are a visitor seeking to get auto insurance.
Insurers also provide short term auto insurance for any foreign registered vehicle. Some insurance companies may require you to get a “non-citizen driver’s license” if your stay in the US is longer than 30 days. You will also be required to provide documents such as the vehicle’s title and its registration. The price of short term auto insurance policy will be far higher than the normal policy. The high price is due to the fact that the insurer has no way to assess the risk you pose as they do not have your international driving record. Pricing the policy high is the only option for them to cover their risks when insuring a foreign registered vehicle.
How to obtain auto insurance as an international driver
First of all you should get familiarized with the driving and parking regulations in the US. This information is available on the website of the Department of Motor Vehicles of your state. Make sure that you have an International Driver’s License from your country and produce it when you apply for your car insurance. Contact insurance companies or search online for insurance companies who provide auto insurance to foreigners. AIG, Allstate, GEICO and Progressive are some leading companies that offer auto coverage for international visitors.
You can also enquire if a relative or friend who is a resident of the US can add your name in his auto insurance policy. It is also wise to ask if you can get comprehensive policy that can cover all risks while driving there. If staying with family or friends you can consider driving their vehicle during your stay with them to avoid purchasing auto insurance but still have protected by their insurance policy if they have such a good coverage limit on their policy. You can get auto insurance for your rental car from the car rental agency. Find the best deal by comparing rates of many different auto insurance providers.
Auto Insurance for International Students
If you are an international student studying in the US, you may need to drive a car and need to have car insurance. The cost of dealing with the expenses related to an accident can be ridiculously high. It may be too high to meet as most students are on a budget and more so when they are at fault in the accident. Insurance companies charge high rates for less coverage to international students as they consider them to be inexperienced and so high risk. They insist on at least 3 years of international driving experience to provide lower rates and higher coverage with low deductible.