Cheap Auto Insurance for International Students in 2026 (Big Savings With These 10 Companies!)

The top pick for cheap auto insurance for international students is USAA, followed closely by Erie and Geico. With rates starting at just $22 per month, USAA stands out as the most affordable option, offering special discounts tailored for international students.

Erie and Geico also provide competitive rates and excellent coverage options, making them strong contenders in the market. In this article, we’ll explore the best auto insurance options for international students, including coverage requirements, auto insurance discounts, and tips for finding the most affordable rates.

Our Top 10 Company Picks: Cheap Auto Insurance for International Students

Start saving on your auto insurance by entering your ZIP code above and comparing quotes.

#1 – USAA: Top Overall Pick

Pros

• Military Benefits: USAA offers exclusive benefits for military members and their families.
• Affordable Rates: USAA provides some of the cheapest auto insurance rates available.
• Excellent Customer Service: USAA is well-known for its top-notch customer service and claims handling resulting as the best auto insurance for students studying internationally.

Cons

• Membership Restrictions: USAA is only available to military members, veterans, and their families.
• Limited Branch Locations: USAA has a smaller physical presence compared to some other insurance companies.

Discover additional insights on “What happens if I disagree with USAA’s decision on my auto insurance claim?“.

#2 – Erie: Best for Personalized Service

Pros

• Personalized Service: Erie auto insurance review is known for its personalized service and dedicated agents.
• Affordable Rates: Erie offers competitive rates, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious customers.
• Add-On Options: Erie provides a wide range of add-on coverage options to customize your policy.

Cons

• Limited Availability: Erie is only available in select states, limiting its accessibility.
• Online Tools: Erie’s online tools and mobile app are not as robust as some competitors.

#3 – Geico: Best for Competitive Rates

Pros

• Competitive Rates: Geico offers some of the lowest auto insurance rates in the industry.
• Wide Coverage Options: Geico provides a variety of coverage options to meet different needs.
• Online Experience: Geico auto insurance review highlight its user-friendly online platform and offers convenient policy management.

Cons

• Customer Service: Geico’s customer service can be inconsistent, according to some customer reviews.
• Limited Discounts: Geico’s discount offerings may not be as extensive as some other insurers.

#4 – State Farm: Best for Safe-Driving Discounts

Pros

• Safe-Driving Discounts: State Farm auto insurance review offer various discounts for safe drivers, including Steer Clear and Drive Safe & Save.
• Bundling Policies: State Farm provides significant discounts for bundling multiple insurance policies.
• Wide Coverage: State Farm offers various coverage options tailored for different needs.

Cons

• Limited Multi-Policy Discount: State Farm’s multi-policy discount is not as high compared to some competitors.
• Premium Costs: Despite discounts, State Farm’s premiums might still be relatively higher for certain coverage levels.

#5 – Progressive: Best for Customizable Coverage

Pros

• Customizable Coverage: Progressive offers a wide range of coverage options and discounts to tailor your policy.
• Name Your Price Tool: Progressive’s Name Your Price tool allows you to find a policy that fits your budget.
• Strong Online Presence: Progressive auto insurance review underscore its user-friendly online platform and offers convenient policy management.

Cons

• Rate Increases: Progressive’s rates can increase significantly after an accident or traffic violation.
• Customer Service: Progressive’s customer service can be lacking, according to some customer reviews.

#6 – American Family: Best for Competitive Rates

Pros

• Competitive Rates: American Family offers affordable auto insurance rates.
• Personalized Service: American Family auto insurance review excels in its agents providing personalized service and guidance.
• Discount Options: American Family provides various discounts to help lower your premium.

Cons

• Limited Availability: American Family is only available in a limited number of states.
• Coverage Options: American Family’s coverage options may not be as comprehensive as some other insurers.

#7 – Nationwide: Best for Good Student Discounts

Pros

• Good Student Discounts: Nationwide offers significant discounts for good student drivers.
• Accident Forgiveness: Nationwide offers accident forgiveness, which can help keep your rates from increasing after an accident.
• Multi-Policy Discounts: Nationwide auto insurance review highlight providing discounts for bundling multiple insurance policies.

Cons

• Premium Costs: Nationwide’s premiums may be higher compared to some competitors.
• Customer Service: Nationwide’s customer service may not always meet customer expectations.

#8 – Farmers: Best for Multi-Policy Discounts

Pros

• Multi-Policy Discounts: Farmers offers significant discounts for bundling multiple insurance policies.
• Customizable Coverage: Farmers provides various coverage options to tailor your policy.
• Strong Financial Stability: Farmers auto insurance review has a strong financial stability rating, ensuring they can meet their financial obligations.

Cons

• Customer Service: Farmers’ customer service may not always be as responsive as some competitors.
• Rate Increases: Farmers’ rates can increase significantly after an accident or traffic violation.

#9 – Allstate: Best for Multi-Policy Discounts

Pros

• Multi-Policy Discounts: Allstate offers significant discounts for bundling multiple insurance policies.
• Name Your Price Tool: Allstate’s Name Your Price tool allows you to find a policy that fits your budget.
• Digital Experience: Allstate auto insurance review boast on its online platform offering convenient policy management and claims handling.

Cons

• Premium Costs: Allstate’s premiums may be higher compared to some competitors.
• Coverage Options: Allstate’s coverage options may not be as comprehensive as some other insurers.

#10 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Customizable Coverage

Pros

• Customizable Coverage: Liberty Mutual offers a wide range of coverage options and discounts to tailor your policy.
• Accident Forgiveness: Liberty Mutual offers accident forgiveness, which can help keep your rates from increasing after an accident.
• Strong Financial Stability: Liberty Mutual auto insurance review has a strong financial stability rating, ensuring they can meet their financial obligations.

Cons

• Premium Costs: Liberty Mutual’s premiums may be higher compared to some competitors.
• Customer Service: Liberty Mutual’s customer service may not always meet customer expectations.

Availability of Car Insurance for International Students in the U.S.

One of the first roadblocks that all international visitors must overcome is how to legally drive in the United States. The U.S. Federal Government has rules and regulations in place, but it ultimately comes down to where you are studying.

The majority of universities and colleges in the United States have programs to help international students who are actively seeking student auto insurance. They will assist the student in finding an insurance provider that won’t insist the student have a minimum of three years of United States driving experience before selling the student a policy.

International students can take advantage of the assistance programs offered by schools in a variety of areas. For example, an international student who might find themselves lost can ask their mentoring advisor how much international student health insurance costs in addition to any questions they have about auto insurance for international students.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates for International Students by Coverage Level & Provider

Some insurance companies do count the international student’s driving experience in their native country and will offer a rate comparable to that of someone who is a United States citizen. This is important to keep in mind when comparing the cheap car insurance for college students studying abroad in the U.S.

Understanding Car Insurance Requirements for International Students

Auto insurance requirements for international students are the same as those for any other driver in the U.S. Most states in the country have a set minimum auto insurance coverage requirements that all drivers must meet (or exceed) in order to legally drive.

Take a look at this table for the minimum coverage requirements in every state in the country (summarized by the Insurance Information Institute).

Liability Auto Insurance Minimum Coverage Requirements by State

To better understand the information in this table, take a look at the summarized abbreviations and acronyms here.

Liability Auto Insurance Minimum Coverage Abbreviations

The university programs and auto insurance companies that international students will work with to purchase coverage will know the minimum requirements and be able to assist them in purchasing the correct coverage.

How to Find the Most Affordable Car Insurance for International Students

How much is car insurance for international students? Both international students and American natives often wonder what the cheapest auto insurance for students is or how much the average car insurance for college students cost.

In order to see average rates for full-time student auto insurance, take a look at the following table to see what students are paying for six months of coverage. It should be noted that the following figures also include international student auto insurance.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates for Students by Age

These figures tell us that student driver insurance amounts to an average of $2,360 for six months of coverage. Auto insurance for a 19-year-old is more expensive even if you are a US citizen. To find cheap auto insurance for students studying internationally, shopping around is key. Geico insurance for international students won’t be the same price as that offered by State Farm.

Comparing International Student Car Insurance to American Student Car Insurance

The rate for a short-term policy for someone who is not an American citizen is somewhat high because the insurer does not know if the applicant has a clean driving record. In the case of international students, rates will likely be higher than those for their American counterparts, though both will pay higher rates than older, more experienced drivers in the U.S.

This expensive type of policy is how insurers protect themselves from the risk of insuring someone from another country with different driving laws and regulations.

Five Types of Auto Insurance

In addition to liability coverage (described below), there are four other basic types of insurance you can purchase, which can increase driver protection behind the wheel:

• Liability Auto Insurance: Liability auto insurance provides property and bodily injury coverage to other drivers in an accident in which you are at fault
• Collision Coverage: provides coverage for you and your vehicle if you’re in an accident
• Comprehensive Auto Insurance: provides coverage for damages to your vehicle that occur as the result of something other than an accident (ex. vandalism, weather damage, etc.)
• Personal Injury Protection Insurance (PIP): covers the medical bills for you and your passengers that result from an accident
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: provides protection in the event that you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver

You have to choose what type of insurance is best for your needs. Your specific circumstances will help determine the level of auto insurance coverage you need.

The Importance of Beyond Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage

As we already discussed, most states require at least a minimum amount of coverage in order to legally drive. However, those levels are exactly that: the minimum. If you find yourself in a car accident, that minimum coverage may not be enough.

Comprehensive and collision coverage are both recommended additions if you can afford the higher rates because, in the long term, it will save you money.

Speak with an insurance agent (and the school’s assistance program) to help you decide on the best car insurance for international students coverage mix for your needs and budget.

International Students’ Ability to Purchase Cars in the U.S.

International students buying a car should consider the type, as it affects insurance costs. Older cars (pre-1995) only need liability coverage, which is cheaper and sufficient since replacing an old car is often less expensive than comprehensive coverage.

The option to rent a car and get rental car insurance is also available to international students. In this case, an insurance policy may already exist on a rental car, so students will only have to pay for rental fees.

Obtaining a Driver’s License as an International Student

In order to drive in the U.S., international students will need some form of driver’s license. In some cases, a current license in their country of origin will suffice, while in other states, an international driver’s license will be required.

International students can also apply for a U.S. driver’s license, though this requires more paperwork, time, and effort. Keep reading for the basics of obtaining a driver’s license. Can I use my foreign license in the U.S.? In some cases, international students may be able to drive in the U.S. strictly with a driver’s license from their native country.

Check out more details on “How does your driving experience affect auto insurance rates?“.

However, it’s a good idea to obtain an international driver’s permit because some insurance companies and some states require one for international drivers. Auto insurance with an international driver’s permit can be purchased for varying amounts of time. IDPs can be purchased from one year to five years. A three-year license costs $45 while a five-year license can be purchased for $55.

Although the minimum amount of time you can obtain an international driver’s license is for one year, one can also be purchased and validated for ten years. It is not hard to procure an international driver’s license, but you will need proper documentation, including a valid driver’s license from your native country. Nearly all UN countries recognize the validity of an international driver’s license.

However, it is still better if the student keeps their regular driver’s license as another form of identification. This type of license is usually all that is necessary for a visiting student to obtain foreign auto insurance in the United States.

However, after three years of driving experience within the U.S., an international student may see their rates substantially reduced, as long as their driving record is in good standing.

Essential Steps Before Obtaining a U.S. Driver’s License

If international students plan to get a U.S. driver’s license, rather than relying on their existing license and/or an IDP, a few steps are necessary in order to obtain one. First, international students will need to confirm their eligibility to obtain a U.S. driver’s license (a non-immigrant visa classified as either F, M, or J all qualify).

International students will also need to work through their college’s assistance programs (which we discussed earlier). Those programs are designed to assist students in filling out the paperwork, applying for driver’s licenses, etc.

You might want to check out more information on our “Undocumented Immigrants Auto Insurance“.

How to Obtain a U.S. Driver’s License

To get a U.S. driver’s license, international students will require a number of documents, including a visa and valid passport, a social security card, proof of legal residence, and a number of other forms.

Once students have their paperwork in order, they will need to complete a few different tests. Specifically, they will need to successfully pass both a written and a driving test. They will also need to have their eyes checked to ensure they meet the vision requirements for driving (either with or without corrective lenses).

Delve more insights on our “Affordable Auto Insurance Quotes for Foreigners“.

International Students Driving in the United States

An international student might not need a car, especially in metropolitan areas with good public transportation like New York, Washington, or Boston. If living on campus, walking or biking is usually sufficient, but off-campus students might find owning a car more convenient. Using public transportation, with prepaid bus or subway passes, is also a good option.

Other bits of helpful advice for driving in the United States include:

• Follow Posted Speed Limits: Driving over the speed limit and being caught can mean an expensive traffic ticket and possibly an increase in auto insurance rates.
• Carry Appropriate Documentation at all Times: Students should always have their driver’s license with them and they should keep both their vehicle registration and proof of auto insurance in their car.
• Follow all Local Driving Laws: The Department of Motor Vehicles in each state issues current driving regulations; contact the local Bureau of Motor Vehicles for more information regarding driving rules in that state.
• Do Not Drink and Drive: This is dangerous both for the driver and anyone else on the road, and could result in a suspended driver’s license and even jail time; a 0.08 percent blood alcohol level is legally considered intoxicated in most states. Know more details on “Does auto insurance cover a DUI accident?“.
• Carry Jumper Cables: This is important in case the car does not start; other useful items include a flashlight, first-aid kit, spare tire, a warm blanket, and maps.

International students should have little to no problem obtaining auto insurance in the United States, but should always check with their university for help with this and any other difficulties they may encounter while studying abroad.

Discounts Available for International Student Car Insurance

There are ways to lower rates for international students, including shopping around and qualifying for auto insurance discounts. Keep reading for more. International students may qualify for discounts offered through their insurance provider.

There are a number of discounts offered by insurance providers, some of which are specific to students such as discounts for students with good grades. However, other discounts may also be available. Take a look at this table to see the discounts offered by some of the major insurance companies in the U.S.

Auto Insurance Discounts Available by Provider

International students should speak with their insurance agent to find out which discounts they may be able to get.

Obtaining Online Quotes for Auto Insurance

Finding auto insurance quote online is a convenient and efficient way for international students to explore their coverage options in the United States.

1. Research and Compare: Research reputable insurance providers that offer online quoting services. Utilize comparison websites or visit individual company websites to gather quotes from multiple insurers.
2. Provide Accurate Information: Fill out the online quote form with accurate and up-to-date information. Include details such as driving history, vehicle information, and personal details.
3. Customize Coverage: Tailor your coverage preferences to match your specific needs and budget. Select options such as liability limits, deductibles, and additional coverage types.
4. Review and Compare: Carefully review and compare quotes from various insurers. Pay attention to coverage details, pricing, and any discounts or special offers available.
5. Contact Insurers Directly: If you have questions or need clarification regarding a quote, contact the insurance provider directly. Speaking with a representative can provide additional insights to help you make an informed decision.
6. Finalize Purchase: Select the most suitable quote for your needs and proceed to finalize the purchase process. Follow the insurer’s instructions to complete the necessary paperwork and payment details to activate your policy.

Obtaining online quotes for auto insurance offers international students a convenient way to explore coverage options, compare prices, and secure the best insurance for international students policy for their needs while studying in the U.S.

This process not only saves time but also empowers students to make well-informed decisions about their insurance coverage, providing peace of mind on the road.

Case Studies: Auto Insurance for International Students

In this section, we present real-life case studies illustrating the challenges and solutions encountered by international students seeking auto insurance in the United States. These brief scenarios offer valuable insights into navigating the complexities of insurance coverage as an international student.

• Case Study 1 – Maria’s Insurance Journey: Maria, an international student from Brazil, struggled to find affordable auto insurance due to her lack of U.S. driving history. With assistance from her university’s program and exploring different insurance providers, she secured a policy with reasonable rates tailored to her needs.
• Case Study 2 – Ahmed’s License Hurdles: Ahmed, from Saudi Arabia, faced difficulties obtaining a U.S. driver’s license, impacting his ability to purchase cheap car insurance for international students. Through research and assistance from his college’s support services, Ahmed obtained his license and found an insurance provider accommodating his situation.
• Case Study 3 – Ling’s Language Barriers: Ling, a student from China, encountered language barriers and unfamiliarity with U.S. insurance terminology while shopping for coverage. With guidance from fellow international students and online resources, Ling gained a better understanding and secured a suitable policy.

These case studies highlight the importance of persistence, resourcefulness, and leveraging available support networks when navigating auto insurance as an international student in the U.S. By sharing experiences and learning from others, students can overcome challenges and find the right insurance coverage for their circumstances, ensuring peace of mind while driving.

The Bottom Line on Auto Insurance for International Students

International students will need auto insurance that meets at least the minimum requirements set by the state in which they live if they plan to drive. Colleges in the U.S. often have programs and resources to assist you if you need to buy auto insurance for international students.

International students may also need an IDP to legally drive in the U.S., in which case they will need to work through an agency or company in their own country, as the U.S. does not issue IDPs for use in the country. Find the best auto insurance company near you by entering your ZIP code into our free quote tool below.