Q: I am coming to America for a 2 month long trip.
I have relatives there and they are ready to lend me their old car.
I want to know if I can buy American auto insurance, so that I do not have to drive without insurance when I arrive.
A: If you are visiting America and you intend to drive here, make sure you bring along a valid license of your home country, and if you have an international drivers license, bring it along too.
American auto insurance companies will sell short-term insurance to foreign drivers if they have a valid license, and are legally authorized to drive on American roads.
America authorizes drivers from countries on a reciprocal basis.
That is, only drivers from those companies are authorized where American drivers are authorized to drive.
If you are coming from any place with good trade ties with America, this should not be a problem, but it would not hurt to verify whether you are legally allowed to drive here or not.
Once you meet these conditions, getting short-term insurance should not be so hard.
If you have any contacts in America, ask them to contact an insurance broker and ask him if he has a policy available.
I think most big American auto insurance companies provide this facility.
Good luck with your trip and we hope that you enjoy your stay.
Remember to drive safely at all times and we are confident that you will not have any problems.