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Can anyone buy a car in the United States?
I'm an international student and need a car. Am I allowed to buy a vehicle here?
Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Moving to the U.S. as an international student comes with a lot of change! If you need a car while you’re here, you should be able to purchase a vehicle, but you may have to jump through some hoops. Don’t worry though; you got this!
The first thing you need to decide is how much you’re willing to spend. This will help you determine whether to buy a new car or a used car. Even used cars provide quality, especially if you buy a certified pre-owned vehicle from the dealer. Many times, these are just as reliable as new cars, but often at a fraction of the price.
You’ll also need to decide whether you can afford to purchase a vehicle with cash or if you will need financing. If you need financing, shop around with lenders to find the best interest rates. However, without an established credit history, it may be harder to get a loan.
Once you find the car you want, you’ll also need to purchase
car insurance
. If you have a driver’s license from your home country or an International Driving Permit, some car insurance carriers will offer you insurance here.However, some states do not recognize international licenses. With a student visa, you should be able to get a license in your state, but you’ll still want to look into the rules and regulations.
After you’ve sorted out your license issues, use the
Jerry
app to help you find the best car insurance rates from over 50 reputable American insurance companies. And after all that hassle, you’ll finally get to drive your own car in America. Enjoy the ride!”View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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