Buying a car in the states

[cavanor]

Hi Guys,

Travelling over for a coast to coast trip early next year and wondering how hard is it to buy a car and insure it as a foreigner?

[lost in texas]

I think the only real obstacle will be having a permanent address to use. Also may depend on how you buy a car. If you pay cash all you're required to have (at least in my state) is liability insurance. If you're making payments, you're generally required to have full coverage, which is more expensive.

I imagine you're going to need a valid driver's license, maybe one from your home country will sufficient? My advice would be to pick the state you're going to be based out of (and use for address) and check the local laws. Everything is regulated at the state level, so it will change depending on which state you're in. Fortunately, almost all the local agencies have everything online, so the info should be easy to find.

If you know where you're going to based out of, maybe I can get more specifics for you.

Good luck!

[TheJake]

you could always just buy a 200 dollar car from a ski bum in a resort town and then drive it cross country illegally....

[Canadian Dude]

You will need a address for sure, using a friend or family member would be your best bet, but if all else fails postal boxes are available EVERYWHERE!! That may or may not work, so only pay for a month just in case.

The thing you will need the most will be insurance , email insurance companies in the US and contact the AAA

They should be able to give you advise and direct you where to obtain an International Drivers Permit

Driving without proper documents could land you in serious trouble, I don't think any State Trooper is going to take kindly to a foreigner scoffing at the laws of the land.

[cavanor]

Hmm, sounds that the only hurdle I will have will be the address thing. Any of you guys had to do it before as renting a car and being under 25 is way too pricey. Would I have more luck trying a dealer and having them work it out for me?