🚗 Driving in Japan with a Foreign License & How to Get Car Insurance



Introduction

If you are a foreigner living in Japan, you may wonder:

  • Can I drive with my foreign driver’s license?

  • Do I need to get a Japanese license?

  • How can I get car insurance?

This article explains the rules for foreign licenses, the International Driving Permit (IDP), and the process of joining car insurance in Japan.

✅ Driving in Japan with a Foreign License

There are three possible cases:

1. International Driving Permit (IDP)

  • If your country is part of the 1949 Geneva Convention, you can drive in Japan with an IDP + your foreign license.

  • Valid for 1 year from entry into Japan.

  • Not renewable without leaving Japan.

📌 Example: U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada

2. Direct Use of Foreign License

Some countries have a bilateral agreement with Japan (e.g., Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium).

  • You can drive with your country’s license + Japanese translation (issued by JAF).

  • Valid for 1 year after entry.

3. Conversion to Japanese License (Gaimen Kirikae, 外免切替)

If you plan to stay longer than 1 year, you must convert your foreign license to a Japanese one.

  • Apply at your local Driver’s License Center

  • Documents: Residence Card, Passport, Foreign License, Translation (by JAF)

  • Some countries are exempt from driving test (e.g., most EU nations, Australia, Canada)

  • Others must take a written & driving test (e.g., U.S., China, Philippines)

🛡️ Car Insurance in Japan

In Japan, car insurance is mandatory. There are two types:

1. Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (CALI / 自賠責保険)

  • Required by law when you register a car.

  • Covers injuries/deaths of third parties only.

  • Does NOT cover property damage or your own injuries.

📌 Premium: Around ¥25,000–¥30,000 for 2 years (depends on car).

2. Voluntary Car Insurance (任意保険)

  • Strongly recommended!

  • Covers what CALI does not:

    • Property damage

    • Your own injuries

    • Passenger injuries

    • Car repair costs

📌 Average cost: ¥60,000–¥100,000 per year (varies by age, car type, driving history).

📝 How to Get Car Insurance

  1. Choose an insurance company (Sompo, Tokio Marine, Mitsui Direct, SBI, etc.)

  2. Provide:

    • Driver’s License (foreign or Japanese)

    • Vehicle registration documents (車検証)

    • Personal details (address, age, driving history)

  3. Select coverage (basic liability, collision, theft, natural disaster).

  4. Pay premiums (monthly or annually).

💡 Tip: Young drivers (<26 years old) usually pay higher premiums.

⚠️ Important Points

  • You cannot buy a car in Japan without proof of CALI insurance.

  • Police checks may request your license + insurance papers.

  • If you plan to stay more than 1 year, prepare to convert your license.

  • Driving without insurance can result in severe penalties (fines, imprisonment, license suspension).

✅ Summary

TopicDetails
Driving with IDPValid 1 year if from Geneva Convention country
Foreign license useAllowed for 1 year with translation (some countries)
Conversion neededAfter 1 year, or if no IDP
Insurance requiredCALI (mandatory) + Voluntary (recommended)
CostCALI ~¥25,000 / Voluntary ¥60,000+ annually

✉️ Final Advice

If you are a foreigner in Japan planning to drive:

  • Check your license type (IDP, translation, or conversion)

  • Register for insurance immediately

  • Consider voluntary insurance to avoid paying huge costs after an accident

Driving in Japan is possible and safe — but only if you follow the rules and get the right insurance. 🚙

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