Step by step guide on how to get Car Insurance for International Students
Here’s all you need to know about vehicle insurance for overseas students.
If you are not a US citizen, there are additional considerations to make before purchasing a vehicle, such as how to obtain a driver’s license and insurance. This guide summarizes all you need to know about international student auto insurance.
We’ve also assessed the country’s best auto insurance firms, and our recommendations are a fantastic place to start for anyone looking to acquire car insurance, including international students.
YOU MAY READ: Insurance Plan for International Students
This article provides an overview of what we believe are the top auto insurance providers for international students, so for a more in-depth study, read the complete guide.
This article includes the following sections:
- The Best Car Insurance fir international students
- International Students’ Car Insurance Requirements
- How to Obtain a Driver’s License in the United States
- How Can International Students Find Car Insurance?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Finding the best vehicle insurance for international students can be difficult.We assessed some of the nation’s top vehicle insurance providers based on characteristics including availability, cost, discounts, and reputation to help you make the best option possible. Here’s what we discovered during our investigation.
The Best Car Insurance for international students
Our Overall Score is based on the:
- Rating for Affordability
- Rating for Coverage
- Discount for Students
- Insurance for Non-Owners
You’ll note that some vehicle insurance firms have better star ratings than others. This is due to the fact that our rankings consider national variables, but our ranking for this post focuses on the top vehicle insurance providers for international students.
Geico is the number one insurance company.
There’s a reason why Geico vehicle insurance is so well-known. The automobile insurance firm has a high level of client satisfaction, a strong financial position, and frequently offers the most affordable auto insurance rates.
1.Geico
Is a fantastic option for international students looking for vehicle insurance because it gives premium savings to students with good grades. Geico has also worked with the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students (NAGPS) to provide members with unique savings, and Geico has some of the best non-owner insurance rates. To understand more, read our Geico insurance review.
2.State Farm Insurance
State Farm is known for rapidly resolving claims. It, like Geico, has a high customer satisfaction rating and provides student drivers with good grades discounts. We selected State Farm auto insurance the best for students in our industry assessment because of its numerous discounts and initiatives like Steer Clear, a safe driving app for drivers under the age of 25.
In Massachusetts and Rhode Island, State Farm auto insurance is not offered. Non-owner insurance is also reasonably priced at State Farm.
3.Erie Insurance
Erie auto insurance is a fantastic alternative for new drivers seeking for discounts for safe driving or low usage (for example, if you don’t plan to drive your car for 90 days). If you plan to leave the United States for a summer between semesters, the lower use discount may be appealing. More information can be found in our Erie Insurance review.
Keep in mind that Erie is a regional insurer with offices exclusively in the following cities:
The District of Columbia is located in the United States of America.
Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky
Maryland, New York is a city in the United States.
North Carolina is a state in the United States.
Ohio, Pennsylvania
Tennessee, Virginia
West Virginia is a state in the US.
4. Insurance from the American Automobile Association (AAA).
Younger drivers should consider AAA auto insurance because the company offers a student discount. We recommend AAA since it is a market leader with positive consumer reviews, albeit service quality appears to differ by state. You must first be a member of AAA’s roadside assistance service in order to get AAA insurance.
5.Auto-Owners Insurance
Auto-Owners Insurance provides affordable premiums as well as student driver discounts. You might be able to acquire some of the lowest international student vehicle insurance. Auto-Owners, like Erie, is only accessible in a few states:
Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona
Colorado, Florida, Georgia
Idaho, Illinois, Indiana
Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky
Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri
North Carolina is a state in the United States.
Nebraska, North Dakota
New Hampshire is a state in the United States.
Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina – is a state in the United States, South Dakota- is located in the United States.
Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin All located in the United states.
International Students’ Car Insurance Requirements
For many people in the United States, having a car and being able to drive is a necessity.
A valid driver’s license and evidence of insurance are required for all drivers, in addition to the vehicle itself. Insurance is necessary because car accidents are not only dangerous, but also costly. Even a low-speed collision can result in losses of $1,000 to $10,000 or more.
International students’ car insurance works in the same way that it does for everyone else in the United States. Buying auto insurance, on the other hand, isn’t always straightforward, partially due to the several types of coverage available. The following standard types are available from most providers:
Type of car insurance coverage for international students
1. Liability coverage:
Liability auto insurance covers for other people’s injuries and property damage if you are at fault in an accident. It will not assist you in paying for your own vehicle’s repairs.
2. Collision coverage:
provides for damages to your automobile if it is involved in an accident with another vehicle or an object. Even if you caused the collision, it will cover the cost of your own repairs.
3. Comprehensive coverage:
provides for damages to your vehicle in the event of non-collision occurrences such as theft, vandalism, or natural catastrophes.
4. Personal injury protection (PIP):
covers for medical expenditures incurred as a result of an accident, as well as lost wages if you are unable to work due to your injuries.
5. Medical payments (MedPay):
MedPay covers both your and your passengers’ medical bills.
6. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM):
Despite the fact that most states mandate automobile insurance, not every driver has it. After an accident with an uninsured driver or a driver who cannot afford the entire cost of damages, UM/UIM will pay to fix your car.
The minimum insurance requirements differ by state, so check your local legislation. In most circumstances, purchasing simply the bare minimum of coverage is not a wise idea. Many states simply need liability insurance, which does not cover vehicle repairs if you are at fault. If you cause an accident and your insurance does not cover the entire cost of the repairs, you could be sued.
Alternatives to Car Insurance for international students
There are some circumstances in which you can drive without acquiring basic international student vehicle insurance. You will require car insurance if you intend to purchase a vehicle. If you just want to drive in the United States for a short amount of time, renting an automobile rather than buying one is a good option. Insurance is frequently included in the rental agreement when you hire a car.
Short-term car insurance and non-owner insurance are two further options to explore. These are less expensive than annual plans and are suitable choices if you will only be driving for a short time. If you don’t own a car but plan to borrow one from a friend on a frequent basis, non-owner insurance is a good option.
How to Obtain a Driver’s License in the United States
In addition to vehicle insurance for international students, you must have a valid driver’s license in order to drive legally in the United States. In fact, if you don’t have a driver’s license, you won’t be able to buy auto insurance. International students can purchase an international driver’s permit or apply for a state-issued driver’s license.
Driver’s Permit
Any F, M, or J non-immigrant in lawful status in the United States is eligible to apply for a driver’s license, albeit the requirements and procedures vary by state. It’s preferable to seek guidance from someone in your school’s international student affairs office if you wish to earn a license.
While the requirements for obtaining a license vary by state, you will often need your passport, visa, and proof of legal residence, such as a national ID, recent utility bill, recent bank statement, or rental payment statement. You will be required to complete a number of forms, which you can learn more about at your international student affairs office.
After you’ve gathered all of the required paperwork, the procedure for obtaining a driver’s license is the same as it is for any other American citizen. This usually comprises the following:
You will be permitted to finish the eye exam while wearing corrective lenses. If you do so, it will be marked on your driver’s license, and you will be obliged to drive while wearing glasses or contacts.
Written exam: Every state has its own set of rules for this test. The Department of Motor Vehicles in most states has online materials and/or study aids (DMV).
Test of driving ability: The specifics of this test vary by state, but you must generally demonstrate your ability to follow fundamental traffic laws and complete routine driving tasks such as turning and parking.
The International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is a document that allows you to drive in the country.
An international driver’s permit functions similarly to a driver’s license and can be used to get car insurance for overseas students. To apply for one, you must have held a valid driver’s license for at least six months in your home country.
Can I Get my Driver’s Permit From Another Country?
Yes you can. The validity of an international driver’s permit is one year and it can be renewed. Only the American Automobile Association or the American Automobile Touring Alliance sell foreign driver’s licenses.
How Can International Students Find Car Insurance?
You can purchase car insurance once you have a driver’s license or an international driver’s permit. Many insurance firms will ask for a copy of your driving record from your home country.
In the United States, there are a variety of vehicle insurance carriers, and the cost of coverage – an annual or semi-annual fee known as a premium – varies depending on various factors:
- The town where you live
- Driving history
- Make and model of the vehicle
- Gender Marital Status
- Credit Score
- Profession
- Age
- Gender
There is no one perfect solution for everyone, so if you want to save money, you should compare auto insurance quotes.
Unfortunately, overseas students’ auto insurance is often prohibitively expensive. Premiums are likely to be higher for young drivers and those without a good credit score or much driving experience. There are companies that give specific discounts to students and careful drivers, so finding a good auto insurance premium isn’t hard.
Thejobmedia Review Methodology
Our expert review team gathers data from dozens of vehicle insurance providers to produce rankings of the best insurers in an effort to give consumers with reliable and unbiased information. Each of the following categories receives a score, as well as an overall weighted score out of 5.0 stars.
Insurers with good financial ratings and customer-focused business operations obtain the best ratings in this area.
We rate companies based on:
Availability:
We take into account availability by state, as well as exclusions for certain types of drivers.
Coverage: This grade is based on the several types of insurance that are offered, as well as the maximum coverage limits and add-on plans.
Coverage:
This grade is based on the several types of insurance that are offered, as well as the maximum coverage limits and add-on plans.
Costs and Discounts:
Our research team examines sample quotations from a range of drivers across the country. Companies with lower prices and many car insurance discount opportunities receive the best scores.
Customer Service:
We read customer reviews and consumer feedback studies from companies such as J.D. Power.
Technology:
Auto insurers with mobile apps, advanced online services and telematics are more likely to meet consumer needs.
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