Most major US insurers will cover you with an IDP, but you must have a valid home-country license and a US address
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a replacement for your home-country license — it is a translation document that works alongside it. US insurance companies do not insure the permit itself; they insure you as a driver. What matters to them is whether you hold a valid license from your home country and whether you have a US mailing address where they can send bills and documents.
The major carriers — State Farm, Geico, Progressive, Allstate, USAA, and others — will write a policy for you with an IDP, provided you meet their other requirements. However, the process and what they ask for varies. Some will ask to see both your IDP and your home-country license. Others may require an SR-22 form if you have an accident or violation history in your home country. A few regional or specialty insurers may decline to insure you at all if you do not hold a US driver's license.
Your best move is to call the insurer directly with your IDP number, home-country license number, and passport number in front of you. They will tell you in minutes whether they can quote you and what documents they need to see.
Key Takeaways
- US insurers underwrite based on your home-country license and driving history, not your IDP — the permit is only a translation aid.
- You must have a US mailing address to get a policy; insurers cannot mail documents to a foreign address.
- Major carriers (State Farm, Geico, Progressive, Allstate, USAA) accept IDPs, but some regional or specialty insurers may not.
- Call your insurer before buying an IDP to confirm they will cover you; do not assume all companies have the same rules.
- If you have an accident or violation on record in your home country, the insurer may ask for an SR-22 or may charge a higher rate.
What insurers actually check when you have an IDP
When you call an insurance company with an IDP, they will ask for your home-country license number, your driving history in that country, and your US address. They run a check on your record — if you have had accidents or violations abroad, that shows up and affects your rate or your ability to get coverage.
Some insurers use a service called the International Driving Record Exchange or similar databases to pull your history from your home country. Others ask you to provide a driving record printout from your home-country motor authority. If you have been driving for fewer than three years, or if you have a gap in your driving history, they may ask more questions or charge a higher premium.
The IDP itself — the booklet with the translation — is just proof that you hold a valid license. The insurer wants to see the actual license document (your home-country card or booklet) and the IDP together. If you cannot produce both, some companies will decline to quote you.
Which major carriers accept IDPs and what they require
| Insurer | Accepts IDP | What They Ask For | US Address Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | Yes | Home-country license, IDP, driving history from home country | Yes |
| Geico | Yes | Home-country license, IDP, passport | Yes |
| Progressive | Yes | Home-country license, IDP, US address | Yes |
| Allstate | Yes | Home-country license, IDP, driving record | Yes |
| USAA | Yes (members only) | Home-country license, IDP, military affiliation verification | Yes |
| Liberty Mutual | Yes | Home-country license, IDP | Yes |
| Nationwide | Yes | Home-country license, IDP, US address | Yes |
This table reflects what these companies typically ask for, but policies and requirements change. Call your chosen insurer to confirm current requirements before you purchase an IDP or a vehicle.
The companies listed above represent the largest national carriers. Each has a dedicated line for non-US drivers or international customers. When you call, have your home-country license number and IDP number ready so the agent can look up your information quickly.
Regional and specialty insurers that may not accept IDPs
Some smaller or regional insurers have stricter rules. Companies that focus on high-risk drivers, or those that operate in only a few states, may require you to hold a US driver's license before they will write a policy. This is less common among the national carriers, but it does happen.
If you are shopping around, ask each insurer directly: "Will you write a policy for someone with an International Driving Permit and a valid home-country license but no US license?" Their answer will be yes or no. Do not assume that because one company accepts it, all will.
If you plan to stay in the US for more than a few months, getting a US driver's license in your state of residence is often simpler than navigating multiple insurers' IDP policies. Many states allow you to convert a foreign license to a US license without retaking the written test, depending on your home country and your state.
What happens if you have an accident or violation on your home-country record
If you have had an accident or traffic violation in your home country, the insurer will likely find out. They may charge you a higher premium, require you to pay a larger deductible, or ask you to sign an SR-22 form (a certificate of financial responsibility). In rare cases, they may decline to cover you altogether.
The severity of what happened matters. A minor speeding ticket from five years ago will have less impact than a recent at-fault accident or a DUI. If you have a serious violation, call the insurer before you buy a policy and ask them directly how it will affect your rate or coverage.
Be honest about your history. If you omit or misrepresent an accident or violation, the insurer can cancel your policy later and deny a claim if one comes up during an investigation.
How to get a quote with your IDP
Gather these documents before you call: your home-country driver's license, your IDP, your passport, and your US address. Have your vehicle information ready too (make, model, year, and VIN if you already own it).
Call the insurer's main line and ask for a quote. Tell them you have an International Driving Permit and a valid home-country license. They will ask you to read off the numbers and details, and they will run a background check. The whole call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
If they say they can quote you, they will give you a rate and ask how you want to proceed. If they say they cannot, ask why — it may be because you do not have a US address, or because they do not insure drivers with IDPs in your state, or because of something on your driving record. Their answer will tell you whether to try another company or whether you need to take a different step (like getting a US license).
Temporary coverage while you arrange a US license
If you are in the US on a visa or temporary status and you plan to get a US driver's license, you can usually get insured with your IDP in the meantime. Once you have your US license, you can update your policy. The insurer will not charge you a fee to make that change.
If you are staying in the US for only a short time (a few weeks or months), an IDP policy is your only option. Make sure the policy term covers your entire stay. If you are leaving the US before your policy expires, you can cancel it and may receive a refund for unused time, depending on the insurer's rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get insurance with just an IDP and no home-country license?
No. The IDP is a translation of your home-country license, not a standalone document. You must have a valid home-country license to get insured. If your home-country license has expired, you will need to renew it before an insurer will cover you.
Do I need to show my IDP in person to the insurance company?
Not usually. Most insurers will take your information over the phone or online. However, they may ask you to mail or upload a photo of your IDP and home-country license as proof before they issue your policy. Check with your insurer about their process.
Will my insurance be more expensive because I have an IDP instead of a US license?
Not necessarily. Your rate depends on your age, driving history, the vehicle you are insuring, and your location — not on whether you have an IDP or a US license. However, if you have accidents or violations on your home-country record, that will raise your rate.
What if I get a US driver's license after I buy an IDP policy?
Call your insurer and tell them you now have a US license. They will update your policy at no charge. Your rate may change depending on your driving record in the US and your age, but the change is not because you switched from an IDP to a US license.
Can I use my IDP to rent a car if I do not have insurance yet?
Car rental companies have their own rules. Most will rent to you with an IDP and a home-country license, but they will require you to buy their rental insurance or show proof of your own policy. Call the rental company before you arrive to confirm what they need.