Adventure awaits in the United States, Pack Your Car Insurance Too!

Imagine warm sun on your skin, turquoise blue water lapping at your feet, crisp air in your lungs as you climb the mammoth Rockies, or the city lights of NY setting your soul alight! Yes, we’re talking about a trip to the United States. But wait, not so fast! Whether you’re swept away by dreams of exploring Route 66 or being enchanted by the enchanted city of Savannah, be sure to pack your car insurance along with your enthusiasm. Don’t forget, driving in the States needs insurance, it’s not a suggestion, it’s a must-have!

• Is it feasible for a foreign visitor to have car insurance?
• What’s the drill with car insurance demands in the US?
• How short-term visitors can manage their car insurance game?
• What are long-term visitors’ options when it comes to car insurance?
• Which companies don’t turn a biased eye to foreign citizens?
• Most frequently asked questions batting around car insurance for foreign visitors?

Car Insurance: A Handshake Agreement with Foreign Visitors

Exhale a sigh of relief! Yes, being a foreign visitor, the US still allows you to lay your hands on car insurance. All you need to have is a valid driver’s license from your home country. Furthermore, an international driving permit is a prerequisite in some states. Want more information about licensing? Reach out to the transportation agency of your visiting state.

The Nitty-Gritties of Car Insurance in the United States

Most of the states in the US mandate drivers to get auto insurance. However, the type and amount of coverage you require can be subjected to changes across states. Look up the Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation, and Department of Insurance in the state you plan on visiting for a complete understanding.

Mandatory Auto Insurance Coverages

Here’s a snapshot of the varied coverages most possibly required, depending on the state you’re visiting:

• Bodily Injury Liability — Takes care of medical bills for other parties if you’re responsible for an accident.
• Property Damage Liability — Responsible for repairing other people’s property damage caused during an accident where you’re at fault.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist — It covers your medical care and vehicular damages in cases where an uninsured or underinsured driver transgresses.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) / Medical Payments (Medpay) — Covers medical treatment expenses after an accident, irrespective of the party at fault.

Optional Insurance Coverage

Going overboard is not always awful. In terms of insurance coverage, going extra could lend you more protection. Here are the common add-ons:

• Collision – It covers repairs required post a car crash.
• Comprehensive – It covers repairs for damage inflicted due to severe weather, falling items, animals, and similar non-crash-related matters.
• Rental Reimbursement – It takes care of the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.
• Roadside Assistance – Provides towing and other emergency roadside services.

Short-term Visitors & Their Car Insurance Saga

Short on time, but high on wheel love? If you’re on quick visit, consider opting for rental car insurance. The rental company offers the state-mandated minimum coverage. For added protection, you can always go beyond:

• Additional Liability Coverage—The state-decided minimum coverage might not suffice in covering injuries and vehicle repairs in the event of a major accident.
• Loss Damage Waiver—It excuses you from the responsibility of vehicle repairs or replacement if the car is damaged or stolen.
• Personal Accident Insurance—It covers your and your passengers’ medical bills in case of an accident.
• Personal Effects Coverage —It compensates for stolen items from your car.

Long-Term Visitors & Their Insurance Affairs

Long-termer in the US? You can buy a policy from a US-based insurance provider. But you might need a US-based license for that. Here are a few options:

Traditional Car Insurance Policy

Start by contacting companies directly to check if they offer coverage to international visitors. It’s a good idea to cast your net wide—the major national players and the local providers. This will allow you to compare your options. Getting car insurance quotes from different providers is the secret key to the lowest rates.

Non-owner Policy

Non-owner insurance is liability coverage that comes into play when you’re driving a car you don’t own—say, a borrowed car or a car from car-sharing service. If you aren’t planning to own a vehicle in the US, this could be an option. However, it usually doesn’t cover damages to the car itself.

All About Provider Options

Here’s a couple of insurance harbingers that offer coverage sans a U.S. driver’s license:

• Progressive — Foreign visitors can have a policy from Progressive with a license from their home country or an international driving permit.
• State Farm — Foreign visitors can sign up for insurance from State Farm if they meet the driving prerequisites of the visiting state.

Doubts Dispelled About Car Insurance for Foreign Visitors

Can you drive in the U.S. with a foreign license? – If you’re visiting the U.S. for a brief stay, you usually can drive with a foreign driving license. Depending on the state you’re visiting, you might need an international driving permit. If your stay is longer, getting a U.S. license may come in handy.

Do you need to be a U.S. citizen to get car insurance? – No. You can get car insurance even as an alien. If you’re visiting the country briefly, you can typically get coverage from the rental car company. For longer stays, you can get coverage from a U.S.-based insurance company.

Your Next Steps…

Before you light up the ignition and start exploring, here are a few questions to ponder:

• How long is your stay?
• How much driving is on your itinerary?
• What insurance policy and coverages are needed to keep yourself financially secure?
• Will the coverage offered by a rental car company sufficient for you?
• Are you visiting a state that requires an international driving permit to get insurance? Do they need a U.S. driver’s license to avail coverage?

Wrap up these hearty pieces of advice and tips with your package, and voila! You’re good to go. Embark on your American journey with a heart full of excitement and a wallet secured with insurance. Dive in and enjoy the ride!

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Original Article:https://www.creditkarma.com/insurance/i/car-insurance-for-foreign-visitors