what insurance is required by law for drivers in united state

Vehicle Liability Insurance Requirements

The 1978 Diplomatic Relations Act and the Foreign Missions Act require that all Motor Vehicles owned and operated in a U.S. Jurisdiction by a member of the Foreign Mission Community carry liability insurance coverage at all times. It is the responsibility of all Foreign Missions to provide OFM with written proof of continuous insurance coverage.

Note: The Secretary of State is authorized by the Act to impose a surcharge or fee on a Foreign Mission if an uninsured motorist of the Foreign Mission is at fault for personal injury, death or property damage and has not satisfied a court rendered judgment. The Secretary has delegated to OFM the authority to impose such surcharges or fees on the Foreign Mission employing the uninsured motorist.

Proof of Insurance

Proof of insurance is required when applying to register a Motor Vehicle. Thereafter, proof of insurance is required on the semi-annual or annual renewal of the insurance policy.

Minimum Required Liability Coverage

Members of the Foreign Mission Community applying to register a Motor Vehicle must submit proof of liability insurance in the amounts set forth below and in the following form:

1. A copy of an insurance company’s binder, valid for at least 30 days from the date of application

2. A certificate of insurance (issued by a licensed agent/broker)

3. The policy declaration page.

Note: There are no insurance requirements for trailers, which are covered by the insurance policy of the towing vehicle.

Required Content:

The proof of insurance submitted must include the following:

1. Description of the Motor Vehicle (including make, model, year and vehicle identification number)

2. The effective dates of coverage

3. Liability limits and levels of coverage

4. The name, address and telephone number of the broker or agent

5. An endorsement showing the Department of State, Diplomatic Motor Vehicle Office (OFM), as an “additional insured” or “Party of Interest”

Note: OFM must be notified by the insured of any changes, updates, or cancellations to the insurance policy.

The insurance agent/broker should be informed of the requirement to carry third-party liability automobile insurance coverage at or above the Department of State’s mandatory minimum limits. Once registered, liability insurance must be maintained for the registered Motor Vehicle(s) at all times as set forth below. OFM must be notified every time there is a change, update, renewal or cancellation to the liability insurance policy. OFM conducts reviews and audits the Foreign Mission Community to ensure compliance. The minimum acceptable limits to liability coverage are as follows:

1. $300,000 combined single limit (CSL)

2. Split limits of $100,000 personal injury per person, $300,000 personal injury per accident and $100,000 property damage per accident. (Note: The required amount of property damage insurance if the Motor Vehicle is a motorcycle is $50,000).

All vehicle owners, both mission and personnel, must submit a valid and current insurance declaration page certifying third-party insurance coverage at the mandated levels listed above every six months to the address listed below:

Vehicle Insurance Coverage Limits
Diplomatic Motor Vehicle Office
3507 International Place, NW
Washington, DC 20008-3025
PHONE: (202) 895-3500
FAX: (202) 895-3646
EMAIL: [email protected]

For compliance issues concerning insurance, please email:
[email protected]

Office of Foreign Missions
Chicago Regional Office
77 W. Jackson Blvd, Ste 2122
Chicago, IL 60604-1503
(312)353-5762

Office of Foreign Missions
Los Angeles Regional Office
10940 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 1425
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310)235-6292

Office of Foreign Missions
Miami Regional Office
95 Merrick Way, Suite 505
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305)442-4943

Office of Foreign Missions
New York Regional Office
866 UN Plaza Suite 265
New York, NY 10017-1811
(212)826-4500

Office of Foreign Missions
San Francisco Regional Office
201 Mission St, Ste 2220
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415)744-2910

Office of Foreign Missions
Houston Regional Office
8701 S, Gessner Suite 906
Houston, Texas 77074
(713)272-2865

Failure to provide OFM with the required proof of valid insurance will result in the non-renewal of a vehicle’s registration; this may lead to citations from law enforcement for expired registration.

Insurance Requirements for Rented Motor Vehicles by those with Liability Insurance Coverage

Members with Insurance Coverage: Members of the Foreign Mission Community who have registered Motor Vehicle(s) with OFM may already possess liability insurance coverage that would cover rental Motor Vehicle(s) through their existing policies. Members of the Foreign Mission Community should confirm that their insurance policy covers rented Motor Vehicle(s).

Members without Insurance Coverage: Members of the Foreign Mission Community who do not have Motor Vehicle(s) registered with OFM, and do not have the mandated minimum level of liability insurance coverage must obtain such minimum coverage prior to the operation of rental Motor Vehicle(s) in any U.S. Jurisdiction. This coverage may be obtained through the rental company.

Warning: Failure to comply with these requirements could lead the Department of State to take serious action against the privilege to operate Motor Vehicle(s) in the United States. Further, in any case involving an accident or injury, the Department of State intends to request an appropriate waiver of immunity if valid claims are not satisfied.

Requests for Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)

The insurance agent or broker may ask for a copy of the driving record (also known as a Motor Vehicle Record or MVR) of each person who will operate the Motor Vehicle. An MVR contains the following information:

1. The individual’s name

2. License number and date issued

3. Class of license and restrictions, if any

4. Class(es) of Motor Vehicles authorized

5. Status of the license

6. Previous U.S. License(s), if any

7. A list of moving violations, if any, to include violations recorded against a previous license issued by any U.S. Jurisdiction

8. Any suspension or withdrawal of the driving privilege

The insurance carrier or agent may obtain a copy of an individual’s Department of State MVR from OFM. An MVR request should be faxed to (202) 895-3646 and include the following information:

1. Name

2. DOB (Date of Birth)

3. DOS (Department of State) Driver’s License Number

4. A contact telephone number

5. A return fax number

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