Get a international driver's license before coming to the US???

[SMR 368]

For the first while when your fiance(e) or spouse is using the international permit, you don't necessarily need them on the insurance if he or she is just "borrowing" your car. Just like you can borrow a friend or family member's car without being added to their insurance. Insurance companies may have their policies, but they are unable to enforce them and the laws governing this are probably complicated and meaningless.

But to second what others have said, when we added my wife to our insurance after she got her license, they actually gave me money back (I had paid for a six month policy up front and they reduced the premium for the balance of the policy). We didn't add another car and when we did the premium went up a little bit but that's pretty normal for adding a second car. I have no accidents or tickets on my record and neither does Marina. But to anyone who is paying a lot for a new adult driver, especially for women over 21 (24 even moreso), you should shop around. I have been quoted over $2000 for a six month policy and have the same policy at a major insurance company for under $350. Different companies evaluate risk differently. Find one that thinks you aren't a large risk.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

For the first while when your fiance(e) or spouse is using the international permit, you don't necessarily need them on the insurance if he or she is just "borrowing" your car. Just like you can borrow a friend or family member's car without being added to their insurance. Insurance companies may have their policies, but they are unable to enforce them and the laws governing this are probably complicated and meaningless.

But to second what others have said, when we added my wife to our insurance after she got her license, they actually gave me money back (I had paid for a six month policy up front and they reduced the premium for the balance of the policy). We didn't add another car and when we did the premium went up a little bit but that's pretty normal for adding a second car. I have no accidents or tickets on my record and neither does Marina. But to anyone who is paying a lot for a new adult driver, especially for women over 21 (24 even moreso), you should shop around. I have been quoted over $2000 for a six month policy and have the same policy at a major insurance company for under $350. Different companies evaluate risk differently. Find one that thinks you aren't a large risk.

This is all correct. we did not "add" Alla to our policy until she had her state drivers license and then we HAD to. Likewise, the boys have not been added for their permits. Sergey now has his license and must be added to the policy if he is to continue driving, but he has been in Russia for school since a few days after he got his license. Pasha will get his license next month. THAT will probably increase it the insurance considerably. If they think they will be driving, then they better be prepared to pay their potion of the insurance.

[clueless_in_usa 8]

For the first while when your fiance(e) or spouse is using the international permit, you don't necessarily need them on the insurance if he or she is just "borrowing" your car. Just like you can borrow a friend or family member's car without being added to their insurance. Insurance companies may have their policies, but they are unable to enforce them and the laws governing this are probably complicated and meaningless.

But to second what others have said, when we added my wife to our insurance after she got her license, they actually gave me money back (I had paid for a six month policy up front and they reduced the premium for the balance of the policy). We didn't add another car and when we did the premium went up a little bit but that's pretty normal for adding a second car. I have no accidents or tickets on my record and neither does Marina. But to anyone who is paying a lot for a new adult driver, especially for women over 21 (24 even moreso), you should shop around. I have been quoted over $2000 for a six month policy and have the same policy at a major insurance company for under $350. Different companies evaluate risk differently. Find one that thinks you aren't a large risk.

Not having a driving history despite her age cost us an additional $200/month. And we did shop around, but the quotes were mainly similar, so we stayed with my old insurance company.

It all depends on the state you live, but expect to pay up for a new licensed driver.

Also, be careful with the companies/states were you get a low quote to hook you in, only to find out after a month that her insurance premium is actually two or three times higher because she does not have credit history, thus supposedly a higher risk driver. AllState did this to me once and I swore never to even consider them again.

[Neonred 3,517]

When I added my wife my premium went down just a little, and it wasn't too high to begin with. Something about being married....

The Prowler is on a separate policy, and she is not allowed to drive it!

Edited February 17, 2011 by Neonred

[slim 1,514]

The Prowler is on a separate policy, and she is not allowed to drive it!

My Jeep is only for me to drive. She can't drive a stick anyway. What kind of foreigner can't drive a stick?

[james&olya 1,121]

My Jeep is only for me to drive. She can't drive a stick anyway. What kind of foreigner can't drive a stick?

My fiancee has a Lada! Based on her income you would think she could not afford it but I think she makes some of her payments by working as a private taxi driver. She thinks a stick is easier than an automatic!

[ONA 133]

My fiancee has a Lada! Based on her income you would think she could not afford it but I think she makes some of her payments by working as a private taxi driver. She thinks a stick is easier than an automatic!

It is easier in some ways, especially in winter.

I want a car with a manual transmission, but my fiance is going to buy automatic for me

[Neonred 3,517]

When I added my wife my premium went down just a little, and it wasn't too high to begin with. Something about being married....

The Prowler is on a separate policy, and she is not allowed to drive it!

I should have added that she (my wife) sure does look good in the passenger seat.

Oh wait, I should be posting this in that thread about our good looking Russian wives.

[james&olya 1,121]

It is easier in some ways, especially in winter.

I want a car with a manual transmission, but my fiance is going to buy automatic for me

Hold out for the stick! It is actually cheaper, by up to a thousand dollars, because dealers and manufacturers charge an automatic as an 'option' and way overcharge for them! Maybe you are better with a stick than he is?

[mckay76 11]

if you live in a place with high traffic then automatic is the way to go

[ONA 133]

Hold out for the stick! It is actually cheaper, by up to a thousand dollars, because dealers and manufacturers charge an automatic as an 'option' and way overcharge for them! Maybe you are better with a stick than he is?

I am not better with a stick than he is, and that's actually why he wants me to drive automatic. "Cheaper" is not an argument for him, he says it's not a big deal.

if you live in a place with high traffic then automatic is the way to go

Well, traffic in Baltimore-DC metro area can be pretty heavy, but I live in a place with even worse traffic right now.

[mckay76 11]

I am not better with a stick than he is, and that's actually why he wants me to drive automatic. "Cheaper" is not an argument for him, he says it's not a big deal.

Well, traffic in Baltimore-DC metro area can be pretty heavy, but I live in a place with even worse traffic right now.

well i lived in DC for three years and my opinion is go with an auto..shifting gets old real quick in five o'clock traffic every day of the week.

[james&olya 1,121]

if you live in a place with high traffic then automatic is the way to go

I prefer a stick there also! I drive a 4WD HD 3/4 ton turbo-diesel with 6spd stick and have no problems. I doubt Olya will want to drive it though!

[ONA 133]

I'm probably going to end up with an automatic though. Oh well, it's not a biggie. Hopefully, I'll be able to get a car I want later. As soon as I can pay for it Now I'll go with something he gets for me.