Expat Car Leasing & Finance For German, Austrian & Swiss Expatriates in USA

HEIMAT abroad has partnered with ExpatRide to offer expats car leasing and rental cars around the world

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Expat German, Austrian & Swiss people can get a car without a U.S. credit history

As an expat, you can arrange for your car before or after you move to the U.S. With our program, there are no restrictions on when to start the process. ExpatRide provides leasing for new cars and financing for used cars to individuals without a U.S. credit history.

Our program together with HEIMAT abroad will save you time, hassle and money

The “Personal Car Shopper Service” gives you the benefit of a skilled and knowledgeable contact person who understands the auto market in the U.S.


New Cars

Let your Personal Car Specialist assist you with locating the right car lease or finance for you. Ask us about our current best deals.

Car Rental

Rentals are from 1 day up to 24 months. The rental car program covers 175 countries globally.

Tailored to fit your needs

    • Start process before or after relocating to the U.S.
    • Build U.S. credit score
    • Nationwide expat program
    • Assistance with competitive auto insurance
    • We can source most makes and models
    • Time-saving auto service
    • Personal Car Shopper Service (free service) - saves time and hassle with visiting dealers
    • Assistance throughout the term in regards to registration, renewals, etc.

Frequently asked questions

  • What value can the ExpatRide program offer me?

    Our program was created with the expatriate’s needs in mind; it is designed to save you time, hassle, and money. The assistance from a Personal Car Specialist gives you the benefit of a skilled and knowledgeable contact person who understands the auto market in the U.S.

    Many customers find it challenging to navigate the American car market. Your Personal Car Specialist will work with you to find the best fit for your situation. The goal is to match your needs, wants, and budget.

    We offer:

    • Lease new (24 – 48 months)
    • Finance new and used (24 – 48 months)
    • Car rental (1 day – 24 months)
    • Auto insurance
    • Limousine service

  • What information is required to start the process?

    What information is required to start the process?
    Once the questions are answered from the initial email, the following documents are required to start the process:

    • Passport, photo page only
    • Offer Letter or Employment Contract – a document from your company stating your salary, length of the assignment, length of employment, and allowances related to your U.S. relocation.
    • U. S. work visa stamp and I-94 (after arrival). You will receive a quote without the visa; however it is needed to finalize the process.

  • My visa isn’t ready yet – can I still submit my documents?

    Yes, we can start the process without your visa and I-94, but it would be needed to finalize an agreement.

  • Do I need a U.S. state driver’s license or state ID for car leasing/financing?

    A local U.S driver’s license or state ID is not needed to receive a quote. However, if you decide to proceed, in most cases, the local U.S driver’s license will be required for final approval by leasing company.

    Additionally, without a U.S. Driver’s License, your insurance rate will likely be higher. Having a U.S. Driver’s License should lower those rates significantly.

  • How long does the lease process take?

    This process depends on a few things.

    • How fast we receive your information and the required documents
    • How flexible you are with make/model
    • If you have a social security card
    • If you have received your state DL or state ID

    Once you have decided on a car and the initial funds have been sent, it takes 5-14 business days in most states to complete the paperwork that must be done before you can take possession of the car.

  • I want to take possession of my car right after I arrive- is this possible?

    There are a few different factors to keep in mind for this answer:

    • You will need to obtain a U.S. driver’s license or state ID to finalize the agreement.
    • You will need to have a U.S. bank account established to set up automatic monthly payments before you take possession of the car.
    • The time it takes to register a vehicle in the different states in the U.S. vary from 2-3 days up to 4-5 weeks.

  • Can I lease/finance a car for my spouse or family member?

    The agreement would be set up under the person who holds the U.S. work visa. A spouse can be added as a driver.

  • Can I lease more than one vehicle?

    Yes, many customers lease more than one car.

  • What is the minimum lease period?

    The shortest term available for Car leasing is 24 months.
    The length of the term is based on the length of your assignment and cannot be longer than the expiration date of your visa.

  • Can I use my international driver’s license or the driver's license from my home country?

    No, not for car leasing or financing. However, for car rental, the above documents will be enough.

  • How long does it take to receive a quote?

    As soon as we have received the required documents, it will take 1-2 business days to receive a non-binding quote.

  • Do I need a U.S. credit score to lease a car through ExpatRide?

    No, you do not need a U.S. credit score.

    At ExpatRide, we work around the U.S credit system. To do so, we need some documents (passport, work visa, and employment contract) so that we can build a credit profile and provide you with quotes.

  • What is the difference between leasing a car and renting a car?

    Car leasing with ExpatRide starts at 24 months. With a lease, you only pay for the amount the vehicle is expected to depreciate during your term. A lease agreement can only be as long as your visa is valid. Car leasing usually requires a down payment. When you lease a car, you will pay separately for car insurance.

    Our rental program is for anyone who needs a car from 1 day up to 24 months. Car insurance can be included. An international driver’s license or the driver's license from your home country is required. A local U.S driver’s license or state ID is not needed when renting a car.

  • Can I break the lease earlier than my contract agreement?

    It’s possible to break a lease early, however it’s not advisable because you would have to pay the remaining portion of the lease agreement.

  • What is the Application Processing fee?

    With a lease agreement, there will be an Application Processing fee of $995 charged by ExpatRide. The application processing fee covers the administrative costs for setting up a leasing agreement. It is sometimes called a "bank fee" or "assignment fee.” Car leasing and financing institutions charge this fee and may vary from $600.00 to $1,400.00.

  • Do I need to perform maintenance on a leased vehicle?

    Yes. As part of your lease agreement, you are responsible for servicing your vehicle in accordance with the manufacturer’s minimum recommendations and as requested by the manufacturer in connection with any recall campaign.

  • If I lease, am I responsible for sales tax and property tax?

    In some states, you pay sales tax based upon your monthly payments. Other states require you to pay tax on the full value of the vehicle. Property tax treatment varies from state to state. Ask your Personal Car Specialist for information about the tax regulations in your state.

  • What is the interest rate?

    The underwriter mostly dictates the interest rates, and it’s truly a case by case situation.

  • What foreign car brands are not available in the U.S.?

    The following major car brands are not available: AvtoVAZ, Brilliance, BYD, Chery, Citroen, Great Wall, Geely, Holden, Isuzu, JAC, Lada, Lancia, Lifan, Opel (Vauxhall), Peugeot, Renault, Rover (Roewe), SAIC, Saipa, Seat, Skoda, SsangYong, Tata, Wiesmann.

  • What U.S. states are ExpatRide’s services available?

    Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

  • Can you assist with car leasing in all major cities in the U.S.?

    Yes, ALL cities no matter size, but of course all the major cities too: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Houston, Detroit, Dallas, San Diego, Phoenix, Baltimore, San Antonio, Indianapolis, San Francisco, Washington, Milwaukee, San Jose, Cleveland, Columbus, New Orleans, Jacksonville, Seattle, Denver, Nashville, St. Louis, Kansas City, El Paso, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Oklahoma City, Cincinnati, Fort Worth, Minneapolis, Portland, Honolulu, Long Beach, Tulsa, Buffalo, Toledo, Miami, Austin, Oakland, Albuquerque, Tucson, Newark, Birmingham, Sacramento, Tampa, St. Paul, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Rochester, St. Petersburg, Akron, Corpus Christi, Jersey City, Baton Rouge, Anaheim, Richmond, Fresno, Colorado Springs, Lexington, Santa Ana, Jackson, Mobile, Yonkers, Dayton, Des Moines, Grand Rapids, Anchorage, Lubbock, Lincoln, Spokane, Madison, Riverside, Huntington Beach, Syracuse, Chattanooga, Las Vegas, Metairie, Salt Lake City, Worcester, Warren, Arlington, Flint, Little Rock, Aurora, Tacoma, Providence, Mesa, Springfield, Amarillo, Stockton, Hialeah, Newport News, Bridgeport, Huntsville, Savannah, Glendale, Garland, Paterson, Fremont, Evansville, Lansing, Torrance, Orlando, New Haven, Peoria, Garden Grove, Hampton, Hollywood, Erie, Topeka, San Bernardino, Beaumont, Pasadena.

  • Does ExpatRide work with relocation companies?

    Yes, we are a preferred supplier to many of the major relocation companies. If your employer works with any of the relocation companies (RMCs) or destination services companies (DSPs) they can coordinate access to our services for through your employer. Regularly, we have training sessions for the RMCs' and DSPs' Global Mobility Consultants (GMS, Global Mobility Specialist and CRP, Certified Relocation Professional ), to ensure the best possible service for the international assignees.

    Having a global mobility strategy for the transportation needs of a company's global talent mobility is key to global mobility success.

"So responsive and a pleasure to deal with."

– Neil from Britain, Ford Explorer

"I highly recommend ExpatRide for anybody looking for a car after making the big move!"

– Andreas from Denmark, 2018 Audi A4

”Thanks for all your help to make it (the delivery) happen. I'm really happy with the vehicle; it's perfect.”

- Roberto from Brazil, Ford Mustang

”The service we received was amazing! Out of everything we've had to do with our move overseas, getting our new car was the most comfortable and stress-free."

We finance most makes and models nationwide

Some of the car brands available in the U.S.