Can tourists get car insurance in the United States?

Question

I want to buy a car in the USA to travel for a while. I asked some of the big insurance companies and they either replied that they write a six month policy or that I would have to be registered in a state. What does that mean? Is it even possible for someone who is not a citizen and not a resident to get car insurance in the USA?

Answer 1

I have met similiar situation before.It is not easygoing,however,I get through it well eventually.here is the resource i find is useful for me.hope it works for you.http://car-insurance.online-tips.info/ca...

Answer 2

Try getting an online insurance quote It's free and generally hassle free. http://www.autoadviceonline.com/Auto-Ins...

Answer 3

For automobile insurance the obvious way to get a fantastic rate is do a policy comparison on car policies. Make certain that you compare similar options with the same deductibles, car make, zip code, etc so that all options are an accurate comparison.



What I usually recommend is an online comparison quote at http://www.InsureAutoNow.info since they have discount insurers and will give multiple prices on car insurance polices.

Answer 4

The US doesn't have a "national" registration.  Each state registers cars and has their own requirements for minimums in insurance coverage, taxes, etc.

You're best off contacting an insurance broker (not an insurance company) and then they can "shop" your needs to several insurance companies and find the one that is best for you.  Expect your premiums to be high as most North American comanies will not give you credit for your "foreign" driving history, so you will be considered a "new driver".

You're best thing is to contact your current (national) insurance company and ask them if they have a US subsidiary (or are a subsidiary or partner with a US insurer) so you can get credit for (some) of your claims history.

Answer 5

I don't know how different the process is for you since you're not an American citizen, but here's how it works here for citizens:

You have a driver's license issued by the state where you reside.  You decide what vehicle you would like to purchase.  You go to an insurance agent and either buy a policy (usually issued for 6 months or a year at a time), and they either issue you your insurance card, or provide you with a temporary binder until they are able to physically inspect the car (some, but not all, insurance companies require you to have the car inspected by them before they will insure it).  You then go buy your car.  If you are buying from a dealership, they should take care of the titling and registration for you.  Otherwise, after you purchase the car, your take the title (signed over to you by the previous owner) to the county tax office or Department of Motor Vehicles (the actual agency that handles vehicle titling can vary by state), pay taxes based on the purchase price of the vehicle, pay your title fee and registration fee, and they will issue a title to the car in your name.  It usually takes about 4-6 weeks to get your title.  If the car was not inspected at the dealership, you will need to find a place to get the state required safety/emissions inspection as well.

Now, depending on how long you're planning on travelling in the US and how much driving you're going to be doing, it might be easier for you to rent a car.  Car rental agencies offer insurance that you can purchase through them.  I would start by calling the local Dept of Motor Vehicles where you are going to be residing and/or purchasing the vehicle and asking them how to go about getting a car titled and registered in the US when you are not a citizen.  For the process as I outlined it above, you would need to show proof of a valid US state-issued driver's license.  Good luck to you! :-)