Vehicle Origin
The market for which the vehicle was originally manufactured may be relevant to underwriting.
Foreign Auto Insurance
Insurance for a car with a different origin.
Foreign-manufactured and imported vehicles can present insurance questions that differ from a standard domestic vehicle. Trinity can help you discuss available auto insurance options based on the vehicle, registration, use and carrier requirements.
Vehicle Profile
Origin
Foreign Market
Vehicle
Imported Auto
Use
Personal
Policy
Carrier Dependent
01
Imported Vehicles
Eligibility varies by carrier
02
Foreign Models
Vehicle details matter
03
Documentation
Information may be requested
04
Personal Auto
Subject to policy terms
Foreign & Imported Vehicles
The vehicle may be familiar. The insurance details may not be.
Some foreign-manufactured vehicles are sold normally through the U.S. market. Others may be privately imported or built originally for another market.
Vehicle identification, parts availability, registration status, modifications and other underwriting details may affect the options a carrier is willing to provide.
Vehicle Details
What may affect the insurance conversation?
Carrier eligibility and underwriting requirements differ. These are examples of information that may matter when reviewing an imported vehicle.
Identification
Vehicle identification and registration information may be requested by the carrier.
Modifications
Changes made for import, performance, appearance or compliance may need to be disclosed.
Parts & Repair
Vehicle construction and parts availability may be considered during underwriting.
Imported Vehicles
Some imports require more vehicle information.
A privately imported or foreign-market vehicle may require additional information before a carrier can determine eligibility.
01
Import status
The carrier may request information about the vehicle's import and registration.
02
Vehicle specifications
Make, model, trim, drivetrain and other specifications may be relevant.
03
Alterations
Non-standard equipment or modifications may affect carrier eligibility.
04
Driver information
Driver history and ordinary underwriting factors can still apply.
Imported & Foreign-Market Vehicles
Vehicle specifications and modifications
can matter when a carrier reviews eligibility.
Coverage Categories
Auto coverage may include familiar policy components.
Available coverage, deductibles, limits and eligibility depend on the carrier, state, vehicle and policy.
Liability
Certain covered claims involving bodily injury or property damage, subject to policy terms and limits.
Collision
May address certain covered damage to an insured vehicle following a collision.
Other Physical Damage
Certain policies may address qualifying losses caused by covered events other than collision.
Uninsured Motorist
Coverage availability and requirements vary by state and carrier.
Medical-Related Coverage
Certain medical-related auto coverage may be available depending on state law and policy.
Additional Options
Other policy options may be available depending on the carrier and vehicle.
Vehicle Information
Clear documentation can make the
insurance review easier.
Information You May Need
Be ready with the details of the vehicle.
Required information varies. A carrier may ask for additional details when the vehicle was imported or built for another market.
01
Year, make and model
Basic vehicle specifications and trim details.
02
Vehicle identification
Identification and registration information requested by the carrier.
03
Import documentation
Documentation may be relevant for certain imported vehicles.
04
Modification details
Information about changes made to the vehicle may be required.
Important Distinction
Imported auto insurance is not overseas driving insurance.
Planning to drive outside the United States?
A U.S. auto policy may have geographic limits. Driving or renting a vehicle in another country can require different insurance arrangements. Confirm the applicable policy and local requirements before driving internationally.
Getting Started
Start with the vehicle.
Foreign auto insurance begins with clear information about the car, how it entered the market and how it will be used.
01
Tell us about the vehicle.
Share the make, model, model year, specifications and vehicle history.
02
Share import information.
Provide applicable registration and import information requested by the carrier.
03
Review eligibility.
Carrier guidelines determine whether the vehicle qualifies for available policies.
04
Review policy choices.
Discuss available coverage, limits, deductibles and policy conditions.
Foreign Auto FAQ
Common questions.
Carrier rules, vehicle eligibility and policy terms vary.
On this page, foreign auto insurance refers to auto insurance for qualifying foreign-manufactured or imported vehicles being insured for use in the United States.
Some imported vehicles may qualify for coverage. Eligibility depends on the vehicle, registration, carrier guidelines and other underwriting information.
Vehicle modifications can affect underwriting and policy terms. Provide accurate vehicle information when applying for coverage.
No. Insurance for an imported vehicle in the United States is different from insurance needed to drive or rent a vehicle in another country.
Information may include vehicle identification, make and model, registration, import information, modifications, usage and driver information requested by the carrier.
Coverage availability, vehicle eligibility, policy terms, limits, deductibles, exclusions and underwriting requirements vary by carrier, state, vehicle and driver. Import, registration and vehicle compliance requirements are separate from insurance eligibility. Insurance products are subject to the terms and conditions of the policy issued. Contact Trinity for product availability and coverage details.
Foreign Auto Insurance
Start with the details of your vehicle.
Tell Trinity about your foreign-manufactured or imported vehicle to begin reviewing available auto insurance options.