Funny you ask this. I currently work for an insurance agency here in cali. To answer your question. Yes insurance companies can check for how long youve had ur license. But I agree you can deff use foreign driving experience to compensate for the non US driving lic period. However there is companies that will ask for that copy of foreign DL to be sent to them just to make sure you have the experience you claim to have. Nway I suggest u go to an agency, you have more options (companies) to choose from, instead of goin to a big brand name insurance company. Most of the times its the same coverage nway an you can save $$$.