Short-Term Auto Insurance for Foreign Vehicles

I will be driving into the states for a week-long business trip from my home in Quebec. Should I get insurance coverage for the trip, or can I go without?

Whether you’re coming from Canada, Mexico, or even Europe, foreign drivers should always invest in auto insurance during their visit to the United States. Even if you have a quality auto insurance policy in your country, you don’t want to risk putting your vehicle at risk. Fortunately, many American insurance companies can provide you with a type of short term auto insurance for your foreign registered vehicle. Here’s a look at some simple tips for getting short term auto insurance in the US.

Tips for Getting Short Term Car Insurance

• It should probably go without saying, but make sure you have a valid driver’s license from your country when applying for short term auto insurance. Most insurance companies will accept international driver’s licenses for foreign registered vehicles, especially those from Canada or Mexico. If you plan on staying in the country for over 30 days, some insurers may require that you obtain a “non-citizen’s driver’s license.”
• Another important set of documents you should bring with you when applying for short term auto insurance is your vehicle’s title and registration. Depending on the insurance company, it may not be completely necessary in order to get approved for insurance, but having proof of ownership certainly wouldn’t hurt your cause.
• When compared to a normal auto insurance policy, the price of short term car insurance for foreign vehicles can appear steep at first glance. However, keep in mind that the insurance provider is typically insuring your vehicle with little-to-no information about your international driving record. For a long-term auto insurance policy, your driving record would normally play a significant role in the rate, so insurer’s cover the risk with higher costs.
• Before even entering the United States, do your homework from abroad and check out insurance providers online. There are literally hundreds of different insurance carriers in the country, many of which make their business available over the internet. Often times, you can get free quotes and check out the rates of several different companies at once. You may even be able to get the insurance application process started from your own home!
• Generally, short term auto insurance is purchased by the day and can last for as long as 30 days. If you think your trip to the states may last any longer than a month, you might want to explore other options with an insurance agent. They may allow you to extend your policy beyond 30 days or come up with a different solution.
• During your trip abroad, do you plan on staying with family or friends? If so, you could consider simply borrowing their vehicle during your time in the country. It allows you to skip purchasing insurance, while still remaining protected. As long as your friends or family have a decent car insurance policy, you should be covered while driving their vehicle.