Car Insurance with a Foreign Driver's License in Illinois

You may wonder how to get auto insurance in Illinois if you have a foreign driver's license. Many expats in Chicagoland drive with a foreign driver's license or Matricula consular, but struggle to find affordable car insurance coverage.  

Auto insurance is required in most states, including Illinois. You may need insurance in case of an accident or if a law enforcement officer requests that you show proof of insurance during a traffic stop.  

Illinois Vehicle Insurance Agency, LLC (Illinois Vehicle) partners with carriers who can help insure customers with foreign licenses. 

Read on to learn how you can get car insurance in Illinois as a foreign driver. 

Can you drive in Illinois with a foreign driver’s license? 

If you are a tourist, international student, visitor, or immigrant, you can use your foreign driver’s license to drive in Illinois for up to 90 days, according to state law. If you plan to drive for a longer period, you can apply for an Illinois driver's license if you have proof that you are a current Illinois resident.  

As of 2024, non-us citizens previously eligible for an Illinois Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) can now get a standard driver's license as long as they have the required documents. This means undocumented immigrants can now apply for an Illinois driver’s license compliant with the REAL ID Act, “making our roads safer,” according to Governor JB Pritzker. 

It is important to note that Illinois does not recognize the international driver's license, also known as an International Driving Permit (IDP). After 90 days, you will need to apply for an Illinois driver's license if you plan to reside and drive in the state. 

Do you need car insurance with a foreign license? 

Yes. As in most states, you will need the minimum required auto insurance to drive in Illinois. Whether you are driving as a tourist, a visitor, or a new resident and you have a foreign license, you need to carry proof of insurance to drive legally. 

In Illinois, the required liability coverage is known as 25/50/20 insurance. This means your car insurance policy needs to cover: 

• $25,000 for injuries or death you may cause another person  
• $50,000 per accident for injuries or death to another person or people 
• $20,000 for the other person’s damaged property 

If you rent a car, the leasing company may offer car insurance as part of the rental package. You can also find an insurance carrier that offers temporary or short-term insurance plans. Usually, most auto insurance plans last six months to a year in the U.S. 

How to get car insurance with a foreign license in Illinois 

To get auto insurance in Illinois with a foreign license, you have a few options: 

• If you are driving a rental vehicle for a short period, you can get rental insurance. 
• Drivers staying in Illinois for longer periods who won’t drive a rental will need a car insurance policy. Some carriers offer policies for people with foreign licenses, so shop around to see which policies are available. 

Illinois Vehicle works with insurance carriers that issue policies for people with various types of licenses, including:  

• Driver’s licenses from other countries 
• Matricula consular 
• Driver's licenses from other states 
• Temporary licenses  
• State IDs 
• SR-22 Certificates

You will also need your vehicle information, such as the title, VIN, registration, etc. Additionally, your Illinois proof of address, such as a utility bill or residence lease, may be required.   

If you have a foreign license or are a new resident, contact Illinois Vehicle to ask about affordable auto insurance options. Our Spanish-speaking agents can generate quotes from multiple carriers. 

Challenges foreign drivers might face 

If you have a foreign license, you may face higher insurance premiums since you lack an established driving history in the U.S. Even if you've been a driver in your home country for a long time, most insurance companies require a U.S. driving record. 

In order to minimize costs, some insurance companies offer discounts that may apply to you, for example: 

• Discounts for drivers who enroll and complete a state-approved driver education course 
• Many insurance carriers offer discounts to drivers without traffic tickets or convictions. Once you begin driving in Illinois, maintaining a clean driving record may qualify you for a future discount.  
• Bundling more than one vehicle under one policy may also qualify you for an insurance discount. 

As you shop around for insurance policies, ask an agent if any discounts apply to you. 

Why choose Illinois Vehicle for foreign driver insurance 

Illinois Vehicle has about 5 decades of experience working with drivers of all backgrounds, including those holding international licenses. Our Spanish-bilingual agents specialize in Illinois auto insurance laws. We can easily help you get an insurance quote, and the insurance carriers we work with offer flexible policy options. 

If you have a foreign license and need car insurance in Illinois, call 630-581-4805 or stop by an Illinois Vehicle store near you to get a free quote today! 

FAQs about foreign driver insurance in Illinois 

Can you drive in the U.S. with a foreign license? 

Yes, you can drive in the US with a foreign license in some states. Some states accept an international driver's license. In Illinois, you can use a foreign license for 90 days. Whether you drive a rental car or your own vehicle, most states require liability insurance. 

Can I get “full coverage” with a foreign license? 

Yes, some insurance carriers offer “full coverage” to drivers with a foreign license. “Full coverage” is a common term to describe a combination of liability, comprehensive, and collision coverages. To get “full coverage” auto insurance, you may be asked for various documents such as your license, proof of residence, and any applicable driving records. 

What if I get a ticket or have an accident as a foreign driver? 

In Illinois, you can drive with your foreign license for up to 90 days. If you commit a traffic infraction or have an accident, you may get a ticket, a traffic violation, or have to appear in court. Depending on the severity of the event, your license and registration may be suspended. 

It's important to carry insurance so that you can afford costs for damages to other drivers and passengers, and for any personal health or repair costs. 

Can I insure a car that’s not in my name? 

Some insurance carriers offer auto insurance for people who drive vehicles belonging to someone else.  The vehicle’s owner will also need to carry the minimum liability insurance required by the state. 

 Disclaimer:  

This material is for general informational purposes only. Products, services, and discounts referenced herein are not available in all states or in all companies. All statements are subject to the terms, exclusions, and conditions of the applicable policy. In all instances, current policy contract language prevails. Coverage is subject to individual policyholders meeting the insurer's underwriting qualifications and state availability. Other terms, conditions, and exclusions may apply.