Best Auto Insurance for Diplomats in 2025 (Top 8 Companies)

The top providers of the best auto insurance for diplomats are Geico, State Farm, and AAA. Geico earns the top spot for its comprehensive overseas coverage and offers a 15% discount to federal employees.

Our Top 8 Company Picks: Best Auto Insurance for Diplomats

State Farm stands out with safe driver savings of up to $116 annually, while AAA offers unmatched value by issuing International Driving Permits to U.S. and foreign diplomats.

These top providers meet the OFM’s 100/300/100 liability limits and support foreign licenses, with Geico and State Farm also offering the best auto insurance for federal employees, as well.

Dairyland offers the best car insurance for foreign drivers in the U.S., but Geico has the best rates on overseas coverage for U.S. diplomats going abroad. Enter your ZIP code to compare quotes from these top providers and more.

Best Auto Insurance Rates for Diplomats

Diplomats seeking the most affordable coverage can find suitable options at Geico and Dairyland, both of which start around $50 per month. However, if they want full coverage with Nationwide or Farmers, it may cost more than $200 per month.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage Level

State Farm gives a decent compromise for diplomats who need to balance protection and price. These rate levels illustrate how selecting the right insurance company can significantly impact monthly premium costs for diplomatic drivers with varying responsibilities.

How Occupation Affects Auto Insurance Rates for Diplomats

Does a job affect auto insurance rates? Yes, your occupation can change your car insurance price, even if you aren’t aware of it. It all comes down to risk drivers: in some occupations, individuals are more likely to file a claim, which raises their rates. For example, diplomats are sometimes subject to targeted attacks, so insurers assume an additional risk when insuring them.

Commute and education level also impact how much you pay for auto insurance. So, don’t be surprised when your insurer asks about your occupation. Companies are using it to determine the risk of insuring you, since data shows that certain job fields are more likely to file claims.

Best Auto Insurance Discounts for Diplomats

Diplomat drivers are eligible for all the same discounts as regular drivers, plus exclusive savings based on their career. Progressive, Geico, State Farm, and Dairyland offer the largest savings for federal employees, including those in diplomatic roles.

However, diplomats can lower their rates even more with vehicle discounts, safe driving discounts, policyholder discounts, and personal status discounts:

• Vehicle Discounts: Safety features on your car include anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, and passive restraint discounts
• Safe driver Discounts: Good driving savings for being claim-free, low-mileage, or having usage-based insurance
• Policyholder Discounts: Include early signing, multi-policy, multi-vehicle, auto-pay, and bundling discounts
• Personal Status Discounts: Savings based on age, marital status, education, and occupation

Several insurers offer occupation discounts, but fewer offer discounts for federal employees. Therefore, always remember to ask for all available discounts before purchasing car insurance.

Learn More: How to Get a Membership Discount

Liability Auto Insurance Requirements for Diplomats

The table below compares the required liability amounts for a diplomat with those for a normal driver in the District of Columbia. Diplomats’ car insurance typically has higher liability amounts because they often lack a driving record, particularly when new to a country.

Diplomatic Liability Limits Compared to District of Columbia

Most companies require drivers to demonstrate at least a few years of consistent, safe driving without accidents or tickets before they can lower rates and offer discounts. During the purchase process, it’s important to inform the insurance provider about the minimum limits that are acceptable for a diplomat to carry.

Any diplomat operating a motor vehicle in the United States is bound by the same insurance requirements that any other motorist is required to follow. However, diplomats must carry the specific limits of coverage listed in the Foreign Missions Act as an additional interest in the policy.

The Office of Foreign Missions (OFM) outlines the minimum acceptable limits for any diplomat’s car insurance: 100/300/100. This amount is the minimum level of coverage that a diplomat must purchase, which means they would carry $100,000 coverage for bodily injuries per person, $300,000 coverage for bodily injuries per incident, and $100,000 coverage for property damage per incident.

Additional Auto Insurance Considerations for Diplomats

Car insurance for diplomatic individuals comes with a host of requirements that must be followed to maintain their privileges within the United States.

If a driver’s diplomatic insurance is about to end, the OFM will send out reminders to renew the auto insurance policy, but diplomats are required to notify the OFM of the following:

• Policy Changes
• Insurance Cancellations
• Tickets and Auto Accidents

The OFM has a complete program in place to help manage and follow up on moving violations and parking tickets that may occur. It includes payable violations and “must appear” violations. This office also handles situations where an individual drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Additionally, there are regional offices that work with each Foreign Mission to make sure that the proper requirements are being followed. For example, if you have concerns or questions about coverage, such as before renting a non-owned vehicle, contact your regional office.

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Best Auto Insurance for Drivers With a Foreign License

If you’re a diplomat visiting the United States, be aware that not all insurers offer auto insurance for foreign drivers. You will need to shop with companies that sell policies to drivers holding an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a foreign license. AAA is the best auto insurance company for diplomats, offering IDP.

Fortunately, Geico and State Farm also offer foreign car insurance as well as affordable auto insurance for government employees living and working in the U.S.

Temporary Auto Insurance for Foreign Drivers

Most visiting diplomats and other international drivers do not need a U.S. license or insurance policy for up to six months. You can get temporary car insurance from a rental car company or purchase short-term coverage from the providers on this list. Unfortunately, foreign diplomats are not eligible for coverage through Nationwide, Farmers, or Travelers.

If you are a U.S. diplomat traveling abroad, you can also buy temporary car insurance from a rental car company. Your personal policy may already provide coverage when traveling to Mexico, Canada, and other countries, so confirm with your provider before purchasing additional coverage.

Long-Term Auto Insurance for International Drivers

If you plan to be in the country for longer than 180 days, you will need to purchase auto insurance for non-U.S. citizens. While Dairyland offers the best auto insurance for international diplomats, shop around with multiple companies in the state where you will be living to find the cheapest quotes.

Read More: Best Auto Insurance For International Drivers

Auto Insurance Coverage Available for Diplomats

Diplomats require specialized insurance that accommodates their unique travel lifestyles, international driving requirements, and higher liability standards. These six types of coverage are very important to make sure they follow laws and have enough protection when working either abroad or in the U.S.:

• Liability Coverage: The Office of Foreign Missions (OFM) says this coverage is necessary. It makes sure diplomats follow the 100/300/100 liability limits.
• Comprehensive Coverage: It covers damages not resulting from collisions, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters. These things might happen more often when working abroad.
• Collision Coverage: Provides diplomats with peace of mind by covering the cost of repairs or replacement of their car in the event of an at-fault accident.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This is particularly important for diplomats who drive in areas where few people have insurance.
• Foreign License Acceptance Coverage: This coverage is specifically designed for diplomats who use a valid foreign driver’s license or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Temporary Coverage: This is ideal for diplomats on short-term assignments or official trips. It provides important protection for up to 180 days, typically through rental or short-term policies.

These primary coverages enable diplomats to remain compliant with U.S. and international laws while providing dependable financial and legal protection, regardless of their location.

8 Best Auto Insurance Companies for Diplomats

Diplomats working in different countries need car insurance that follows them. Here is a list of the top 8 companies offering flexible policies good for IDP, international coverage, low-mileage benefits, and smart discounts to save money while on assignment:

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#1 – Geico: Top Overall Pick

Pros

• Global Policy Access: Geico supports diplomats with international assignments by offering coverage options valid in over 30 countries (See More: Geico Auto Insurance Review).
• Federal Employee Discount: Diplomats employed by the U.S. government receive up to 15% off their premiums under Geico’s federal program.
• Top-Rated Claims Handling: Diplomats benefit from Geico’s A++ A.M. Best rating, ensuring superior financial stability and claim support abroad.

Cons

• Limited High-Risk Flexibility: Diplomats with prior violations may face restricted underwriting acceptance in certain states.
• No In-House IDP Issuance: Geico does not issue International Driving Permits, which limits convenience for diplomats transitioning with foreign licenses.

#2 – State Farm: Best for Customer Service

Pros

• Safe Driver Savings: Diplomats can earn up to $116 per year in discounts through State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save program. Compare quotes in our State Farm auto insurance review.
• Extensive Agent Network: Diplomats moving between U.S. assignments benefit from State Farm’s 19,000+ agent offices for seamless policy transfers.
• Accident Forgiveness Option: Eligible diplomats may avoid surcharges on their first at-fault incident, maintaining stable rates after minor collisions.

Cons

• Slower Quote Process: Diplomats may experience delays when customizing policy limits above the OFM-required 100/300/100 coverage threshold.
• Less Flexibility for Foreign Licenses: Diplomats using non-U.S. licenses may be required to convert earlier compared to other providers.

#3 – AAA: Best for Diplomats Who Need an IDP

Pros

• IDP Issuance: AAA stands out for issuing International Driving Permits, a critical document for diplomats arriving from abroad. Learn more in our AAA Car Insurance Review.
• New Arrival Accessibility: Diplomats without a U.S. driving history can secure policies using valid foreign credentials and International Driving Permits (IDPs).
• Bundling Savings: Diplomats can save up to 17% when combining auto insurance with AAA membership and travel products.

Cons

• Membership Requirement: Diplomats must maintain an active AAA membership to access most auto policy benefits.
• Limited Overseas Coverage: AAA’s international auto support is limited to partner networks, which may restrict use for diplomats who frequently relocate.

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#4 – Dairyland: Best for Foreign Diplomats Visiting the U.S.

Pros

• No U.S. License Required: Diplomats entering the U.S. temporarily can obtain Dairyland coverage using only an International Driving Permit.
• Flexible Payment Options: Dairyland allows diplomats to split payments into as many as 12 installments, easing upfront costs. Explore more in our Dairyland auto insurance review.
• SR-22 Availability: Diplomats needing state-filed forms can access Dairyland’s SR-22 service without added eligibility barriers.

Cons

• Higher Base Premiums: Diplomats may face average rates 10–15% higher than national competitors for basic liability packages.
• Lower Financial Strength: Dairyland holds a B++ A.M. Best rating, offering less claim-time confidence compared to top-tier providers.

#5 – Progressive: Best for Auto Insurance Discounts

Pros

• Federal Affiliation Savings: Diplomats qualify for Progressive’s specialized discount tiers designed for government employees.
• Snapshot Program: Diplomats using telematics can save an average of $146 per year based on their real-time driving habits, according to our Progressive auto insurance review.
• Non-Owner Coverage Option: Progressive supports diplomats who drive fleet or embassy vehicles with non-owner liability policies.

Cons

• No IDP Support: Progressive does not accept IDPs for policy setup, making it difficult for newly arriving diplomats.
• Telematics Not for All: Diplomats concerned with data sharing may find the Snapshot system too invasive for comfort.

#6 – Farmers: Best for Additional Discounts

Pros

• Multi-Line Discounts: Diplomats who bundle auto insurance with homeowners’ or renters’ insurance may save up to 20%, making it an ideal option for long-term foreign service housing.
• Signal App Rewards: Our Farmers auto insurance review reveals that Farmers’ telematics app offers discounts of up to 15% after 90 days of safe, monitored driving.
• Flexible Deductibles: Diplomats can adjust deductibles in $50 increments, allowing precise premium control across postings.

Cons

• Limited International Accommodation: Farmers lacks direct services for diplomats with overseas assignments or multi-country relocations.
• Higher Entry Premiums: Diplomats new to the U.S. may face rates above $80 per month due to a lack of domestic driving history.

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#7 – Nationwide: Best for Low-Mileage Savings

Pros

• SmartMiles Program: Diplomats with minimal daily driving can reduce their premiums by up to 40%, making it an ideal option for city-based embassy staff.
• Accident-Free Rewards: Diplomats receive decreasing deductibles of $100 per year, without claims, up to a maximum of $500. Explore our review of Nationwide auto insurance.
• On Your Side Review: Annual policy reviews enable diplomats to adjust their coverage and rates to new assignments or locations.

Cons

• Foreign License Limitation: Diplomats must secure a U.S. license early, as Nationwide doesn’t accept foreign credentials or IDPs for policy issues.
• Limited Short-Term Flexibility: Diplomats needing less than 6 months of coverage will find Nationwide’s standard term structure restrictive.

#8 – Travelers: Best Perks for Safe Drivers

Pros

• IntelliDrive Discounts: Diplomats who practice safe driving habits can earn up to 30% off through Travelers’ 90-day monitoring program.
• Premier New Car Package: Diplomats with newer vehicles benefit from full car replacement and gap coverage in the first five years. Read our full review of Travelers auto insurance.
• Broad Optional Add-ons: Travelers offers diplomats extras, such as accident forgiveness and decreasing deductible features, based on tenure.

Cons

• Foreign License Exclusion: Diplomats without a U.S. license must seek initial coverage elsewhere, as Travelers doesn’t insure drivers with IDPs.
• Less Competitive Base Rates: Diplomats without telematics or bundling may find Travelers’ standalone rates higher than tier-one carriers.

How to Get the Best Auto Insurance for Diplomats

Not all insurers offer diplomatic car insurance. However, you can apply for diplomatic car insurance at almost any provider. You simply need to inform them that you are purchasing diplomatic car insurance. Why? The insurer will raise the liability limits on your car insurance policy.

Remember, you need to meet the OFM’s requirements for minimum liability coverage, which is much higher than liability coverage for a regular driver. The OFM will also monitor your insurance to ensure it covers both you and your vehicle properly.

If a diplomat is found to be lacking the proper coverage, they may face surcharges or fees if they cause an accident or injury. Additionally, if the coverage is not in place, the Department of State may request to waive your immunity, which could leave you open to legal action as well as fines and the loss of any privilege to drive in the United States.

While you have to have the minimum liability amount required by the OFM, this doesn’t mean you need to go with the first insurer that offers diplomatic insurance. Compare rates to find the best fit for your budget. You can use our free quote comparison tool to find affordable diplomat insurance rates near you.

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