Aside from English, an international driving permit translates your driver's license information into ten other languages. It demonstrates that your home country permits you to drive abroad. An IDP is not a valid driver's license in the United States, and some states require you to carry your valid home country license as well.

If you have an IDP, you can obtain car insurance in the United States in two ways:

• From a rental car company if you’re visiting on business or vacation, have no plans to become a permanent resident and are renting a car.
• From a car insurance company if you plan on staying a long time — for example, if you are a student or wish to become a permanent resident — and plan to purchase a car.

Car insurance for long-term foreign residents

Finding car insurance with an international driving permit may be difficult; some insurers will only sell you an insurance policy if you have a U.S. driver's license. This is due to the fact that car insurance companies use U.S. records to determine how risky it is to insure you. Among those records are:

• Driving record, which includes accidents and moving violations such as speeding tickets
• Credit history is legally permissible in all states except California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.

Car insurers base their rates on these records as well, so nonresidents' rates may be higher to compensate for the lack of information.

An independent agent can help

You can find insurance through an independent car insurance agent who works with several companies. The agent may find multiple companies willing to insure you and can assist you in selecting the best option.

Staying awhile? Get your U.S. driver’s license soon

Some car insurance companies will only offer you a policy if you get your US driver's license soon. Get a driver's license from the department of motor vehicles in the United States state where you live as soon as possible.

Go to USA.gov's DMV directory and select your state to learn more about your state's requirements for international drivers.

Once you've established a driving record in the United States, ask your agent to obtain new quotes or shop for coverage online.