Will Insurance Companies Write Me Without a U.S. License? (2026 Guide for Drivers & Trucking Businesses)

If you’re a new driver, recent immigrant, or starting a trucking company in the United States, you may be wondering:

“Can I get insurance without a U.S. driver’s license?”

The short answer is:

Yes — many insurance companies WILL write you a policy without a U.S. license, but there are important requirements, limitations, and higher costs to understand.

This guide explains everything you need to know in 2026 about getting insured if you don’t yet have a U.S. license.

 

Can You Get Insurance Without a U.S. License?

Yes, some insurance companies do insure drivers without a U.S. license, but not all of them. Carriers often classify these drivers as:

• International drivers
• New U.S. residents
• Drivers with foreign licenses
• Commercial operators awaiting a CDL
  
  

These applicants may still qualify for coverage as long as they meet certain conditions.

 

When Insurance Companies Will Insure You Without a U.S. License

1. You Have a Valid Foreign Driver’s License

Many insurers will accept:

• Canadian licenses
• Mexican licenses
• International licenses
• Foreign national licenses (Europe, Asia, South America, etc.)

Foreign driving experience can also reduce your premium in some cases.

 

2. You’re Applying for Commercial or Trucking Insurance
   
   

For trucking startups or owner-operators:

• Some commercial insurers will allow the owner of the business to hold the policy even if the drivers have the U.S. CDLs instead of the owner.
• Some carriers insure fleets where the owner does not drive.

If your business model fits this, you may not need a U.S. license personally — but all drivers operating vehicles MUST have one.

 

3. You Are in the Process of Obtaining Your U.S. License
   
   

Insurance companies may cover you if:

• You have a permit
• You are enrolled in CDL training
• You have a temporary visitor license
• You recently moved to the U.S.

Some states also give temporary licenses to new residents while they transition.

 

When Insurance Companies Will NOT Insure You Without a U.S. License

Not all carriers accept foreign licenses. You may be denied if:

✘ Your foreign license is expired

✘ You cannot provide any form of identification

✘ You have a suspended U.S. license

✘ You plan to personally operate a commercial vehicle without a CDL

Insurance companies must verify that the person driving the vehicle is legally allowed to operate it.

 

Costs: Is Insurance More Expensive Without a U.S. License?

In most cases, yes.

Because U.S. insurers cannot access foreign driving records, they may consider you:

• “Unrated”
• “New driver”
• “High risk”

Expect premiums to be higher than average until you:

• Obtain a U.S. license, or
• Provide proof of foreign driving experience (if accepted by the carrier)

 

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Insured

Here are steps that make approval faster and easier:

✔ Provide a copy of your foreign license

✔ Provide passport or immigration documents

✔ Show proof of residency or address

✔ If commercial, list all CDL-qualified drivers

✔ Work with an insurance agency that specializes in foreign-licensed applicants

Most important: don’t apply directly to random insurers — many will deny you immediately.
Use an agency that knows which carriers accept foreign licenses.

 

Need Insurance Without a U.S. License? Michaels Insurance Group Can Help

Whether you’re a new resident, international driver, or starting a trucking company, Michaels Insurance Group works with carriers that accept foreign licenses and international driving experience.

We can help you get coverage for:

• Personal auto insurance
• Commercial auto & trucking insurance
• New trucking authority insurance
• Owner-operator and fleet coverage

Get a FREE quote today:

📞 (631) 629-2233
📞 (386) 274-8150

Our experts will walk you through the process and match you with insurance companies willing to write your policy — even without a U.S. license.