How to Get Cheap Car Insurance for International Students

If you are an international student studying in the US, you may need a car to get around and explore your new surroundings. However, driving in the US also means that you need car insurance, which can be expensive and complicated for foreign students. In this article, we will explain what car insurance is, how it works, and why it is important for international students. We will also discuss how to get a driver’s license as an international student and how to get cheap car insurance as an international student. Finally, we will answer some frequently asked questions that international students may have about car insurance.

Car Insurance for International Students

Car insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company that protects you from financial losses in case of an accident or theft involving your car. You pay a premium (a monthly or annual fee) to the insurance company, and in return, they agree to pay for your damages or injuries up to a certain limit.

Car insurance is important for international students because it can help you avoid paying out of pocket for costly repairs or medical bills if you or your passengers are involved in a crash. It can also protect you from lawsuits if you are found liable for causing harm to others or their property. Additionally, car insurance can provide peace of mind and security for international students who rely on their cars to commute to school, run errands, or travel.

Car insurance policies typically consist of several types of coverage, such as:

• Liability coverage: This covers the damages or injuries that you cause to others or their property in an accident. It is required by law in most states.
• Collision coverage: This covers the damages to your own car in an accident with another car or object. It is optional but usually required by lenders if you have a loan or lease on your car.
• Comprehensive coverage: This covers the damages to your own car from non-collision events, such as fire, theft, vandalism, hail, or animal strikes. It is optional but usually required by lenders if you have a loan or lease on your car.
• Personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments (MedPay) coverage: These cover the medical expenses for you and your passengers in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. They are optional in most states but required in some no-fault states.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: These cover the damages or injuries that you or your passengers suffer in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your losses. They are optional in most states but required in some.

Depending on your needs and preferences, you may also choose to add other types of coverage to your policy, such as:

• Gap coverage: This covers the difference between what you owe on your car and what it is worth if it is totaled in an accident. It is optional but recommended if you have a loan or lease on your car.
• Rental reimbursement coverage: This covers the cost of renting a car while your car is being repaired after an accident. It is optional but convenient if you do not have another mode of transportation.
• Roadside assistance coverage: This covers the cost of towing, jump-starting, changing a flat tire, delivering fuel, unlocking your car, or other emergency services if your car breaks down on the road. It is optional but helpful if you do not have a membership with a roadside assistance provider.

How to Get a Driver’s License as an International Student

Before you can get car insurance as an international student, you need to have a valid driver’s license. There are different options and requirements for getting a driver’s license as an international student, depending on your situation and the state where you live or study. Here are some of the most common options:

• Use your home country’s license: If you have a valid driver’s license from your home country, you may be able to use it to drive in the US for a short period, usually up to one year. However, this option may not be accepted by all states or insurance companies, and you may need to carry an official translation of your license if it is not in English.
• Get an International Driving Permit (IDP): An IDP is a document that certifies that you have a valid driver’s license from your home country and allows you to drive in other countries that are part of the IDP agreement. You cannot get an IDP in the US; you have to get it from your home country before you travel. An IDP is not a substitute for your home country’s license; you have to carry both documents when you drive. An IDP may be accepted by some states or insurance companies, but not all of them, and it is usually valid for one year.
• Apply for a state driver’s license: A state driver’s license is the best option if you plan to stay in the US for more than one year or if your home country’s license or IDP is not accepted by your state or insurance company. To get a state driver’s license, you have to apply at the local department of motor vehicles (DMV) and pass a written test, a vision test, and a road test. You also have to provide proof of your identity, residency, legal status, and social security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). The requirements and fees may vary by state, so you should check with your local DMV before you apply.
• Apply for a noncitizen U.S. license: A noncitizen U.S. license is a special type of driver’s license that some states offer to foreign nationals who do not have an SSN or ITIN. It is similar to a state driver’s license, but it has some limitations and restrictions, such as being valid only within the state that issued it and not being accepted as a form of identification for federal purposes. Not all states offer this option, and the requirements and fees may vary by state, so you should check with your local DMV before you apply.

How to Get Car Insurance as an International Student

Once you have a valid driver’s license, you can start looking for car insurance as an international student. Here are some tips and steps for getting car insurance as an international student:

• Compare quotes from different companies: One of the best ways to find cheap car insurance is to shop around and compare quotes from different companies. You may be surprised by how much prices can vary for the same coverage level and driver profile. You can use online tools or agents to get quotes from multiple companies and compare them side by side.
• Choose the right coverage level: Another way to save money on car insurance is to choose the right coverage level according to your needs and preferences. You should consider how much you can afford to pay for premiums and deductibles, how much it would cost to repair or replace your car in case of an accident or theft, how much liability protection you need in case of a lawsuit, and how much coverage is mandatory in your state. You should also compare different scenarios and see how much you would pay or save by changing your coverage level.
• Take advantage of discounts: As mentioned earlier, discounts can help you save money on car insurance by rewarding you for certain behaviors or characteristics. You should ask your insurance company or agent about the discounts they offer and see if you qualify for any of them. You should also review your policy periodically and update your information to make sure you are getting all the discounts you deserve.
• Drive safely: Driving safely is not only good for your safety and well-being, but also for your wallet. By avoiding accidents, violations, or claims, you can maintain a good driving record and lower your car insurance rates. You can also install a telematics device or app that tracks your driving habits and rewards you for safe driving with discounts or cashback.

FAQs about Car Insurance for International Students

Here are some frequently asked questions that international students may have about car insurance, along with their answers:

• How much does car insurance cost for international students?

Car insurance costs vary depending on many factors, such as your age, gender, location, driving history, credit score, vehicle type, coverage level, and discounts. According to Insurify.com, the average monthly premium for car insurance for international students is $184, which is slightly higher than the national average of $175.

• What factors affect car insurance rates for international students?

Some of the factors that affect car insurance rates for international students are:

• Your driver’s license type: If you use your home country’s license or an IDP, you may pay more than if you use a state driver’s license or a noncitizen U.S. license, because insurers may consider you to be less familiar with the local traffic laws and conditions.

• Your driving experience: If you have less than three years of driving experience in the US, you may pay more than if you have more experience, because insurers may consider you to be more prone to accidents or mistakes.

• Your credit history: If you have no credit history or a poor credit history in the US, you may pay more than if you have a good credit history, because insurers may consider you to be less financially responsible or trustworthy.

• Your vehicle type: If you drive a newer, more expensive, more luxurious, more sporty, or more popular vehicle, you may pay more than if you drive an older, cheaper, more basic, or less common vehicle, because insurers may consider your vehicle to be more costly to repair or replace, more likely to be stolen or vandalized, less safe or reliable, or more powerful or risky.

• What should I do in case of an accident?

If you are involved in an accident, you should follow these steps:

• Call 911 if anyone is injured or if there is significant property damage
• Exchange information with the other driver(s), such as name, address, phone number, license plate number, insurance company name and policy number
• Take photos of the scene, the vehicles, and any injuries
• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and report the accident
• Follow their instructions and provide them with any information or documents they request
• Cooperate with their investigation and evaluation of the claim
• Review their settlement offer and negotiate if necessary

Conclusion

Car insurance is important for international students who want to drive in the US. However, finding cheap car insurance can be challenging for foreign students who have to deal with different rules and regulations, different driving conditions and cultures, and different insurance options and requirements.

To get cheap car insurance as an international student, you should first get a valid driver’s license that is accepted by your state and your insurance company. Then, you should compare quotes from different companies, choose the right coverage level for your needs and preferences, take advantage of discounts, and drive safely.

We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you are looking for car insurance for international students, you can use our online tool to get free quotes from multiple companies and compare them side by side. You can also read our other articles on car insurance topics and learn more about how to get the best deal on car insurance.

Thank you for reading and happy driving!