Can illegal immigrants get auto insurance?
Usually, illegal immigrants can't get auto insurance without a valid driver's license, and there are only 15 states plus Washington D.C. that will issue one. However, there are some companies that will allow illegal immigrants to buy car insurance without a driver’s license or with a foreign license. Driving without auto insurance will lead to fines, possible jail time, and possible deportation.
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Cynthia Lanctot
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Cynthia Lanctot is an insurance professional with ten years of industry experience. Cynthia is licensed in several states, and holds an associate in claims law, as well as a bachelor’s degree in English. Cynthia’s experience includes the New England and Northeast states. She currently works as a liability claims professional and an occasional online contributor.
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UPDATED: Jun 25, 2023
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our auto insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different auto insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jun 25, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our auto insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different auto insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- In most cases, you have to have a valid U.S. driver’s license to get auto insurance
- 15 states plus Washington D.C. allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver’s license
- Some car insurance companies will offer coverage without a driver’s license
- Driving without auto insurance can lead to fines, license suspension, and possible jail time
Generally, illegal immigrants can’t get auto insurance if they don’t have a valid driver’s license. Currently, there are 15 states plus Washington D.C. that will allow illegal immigrants to get a driver’s license.
There are some car insurance companies that will sell insurance to undocumented immigrants although they can be hard to find and it depends on what state you live in.
You may need high-risk auto insurance due to the fact that you don’t have a driving record in the U.S.. We can help you shop around to find the cheapest car insurance.
Once you have a valid driver’s license, you can enter your ZIP code to compare auto insurance rates for undocumented immigrants to find the best deal.
When can illegal immigrants get auto insurance?
In general, a valid driver’s license is required to purchase car insurance. But, can illegal immigrants buy car insurance at all?
There are several instances where illegal immigrants can get car insurance. First, there are states that will issue a driver’s license no matter your status.
States that allow illegal immigrants to get a valid driver’s license are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and D.C.
Second, some car insurance companies don’t ask for a driver’s license and will also extend auto insurance coverages to drivers with no valid driver’s license. These companies include Alliance United, Bristol West, Farmers Group, and Infinity P&C.
If you don’t live in one of the 15 states that will issue a driver’s license, you might still be able to get one through the Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. You will need to check with your state to see if you are eligible.
There are also some companies that will offer insurance with a foreign driver’s license if you have one.
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What should illegal immigrants do if they can’t get auto insurance?
Some other options for people who can’t get car insurance would be to use public transportation or carpool with other drivers.
If you are unable to secure auto insurance, don’t take the risk of driving without insurance.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, 13 percent of drivers in 2018 were uninsured. If you are caught, you face fines, possible jail time, and possible deportation. You would also be liable for any damages from an accident you caused without auto insurance.
Some states such as New Jersey and California also offer low-cost auto insurance if the price is the reason you don’t have insurance. Check with your state to see what is available to you.
If cost is stopping you from getting auto insurance, shop around to find the best deal.
Enter your ZIP code to compare auto insurance quotes for illegal immigrants once you have your driver’s license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an illegal immigrant’s driving record affect their ability to obtain auto insurance?
Yes, just like any other driver, an illegal immigrant’s driving record can impact their ability to obtain auto insurance. Insurers may consider factors such as previous accidents, traffic violations, and the length of their driving history when determining premiums and coverage eligibility.
Can an illegal immigrant insure a vehicle they do not own?
Generally, insurance companies require the policyholder to have an insurable interest in the vehicle, meaning they have a financial stake in its well-being. Therefore, it may be challenging for an illegal immigrant to insure a vehicle they do not own. However, some insurers may offer options for non-owner auto insurance, which could be a suitable solution for individuals who frequently borrow or rent vehicles.
Can an illegal immigrant get full coverage auto insurance?
The availability of full coverage auto insurance for illegal immigrants can vary depending on the insurer and state regulations. Full coverage typically includes both liability insurance and comprehensive/collision coverage. While liability insurance may be more readily available, obtaining comprehensive and collision coverage may have additional requirements or limitations.
What happens if an illegal immigrant gets into an accident without insurance?
Being involved in an accident without insurance can have serious consequences regardless of immigration status. In many states, driving without insurance is illegal and can result in penalties, fines, license suspension, and even vehicle impoundment. Additionally, the uninsured individual may be held financially responsible for any damages or injuries caused in the accident.
Are there any organizations or programs that assist illegal immigrants in obtaining auto insurance?
Some nonprofit organizations and community-based initiatives work to help undocumented immigrants access auto insurance. These organizations can provide guidance, resources, and information about insurance options specifically tailored to the needs of illegal immigrants. It is advisable to research local programs or consult with immigrant assistance organizations for more information.
Can an illegal immigrant get insurance for a commercial vehicle?
Insuring a commercial vehicle as an illegal immigrant may pose additional challenges since commercial insurance often involves higher liability limits and different coverage requirements. Some insurers may have stricter policies for insuring commercial vehicles owned or operated by individuals without legal status. It is recommended to consult with insurance providers specializing in commercial insurance to explore available options.
Can an illegal immigrant’s immigration status be discovered by insurance companies?
Insurance companies generally focus on assessing the risk associated with insuring a driver and the vehicle, rather than investigating immigration status. While providing personal information is necessary for insurance purposes, it is typically not shared with immigration authorities. However, it is important to note that laws and regulations regarding privacy and data sharing can vary by jurisdiction, so individuals should be aware of their local laws and policies.
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Cynthia Lanctot
Licensed Agent
Cynthia Lanctot is an insurance professional with ten years of industry experience. Cynthia is licensed in several states, and holds an associate in claims law, as well as a bachelor’s degree in English. Cynthia’s experience includes the New England and Northeast states. She currently works as a liability claims professional and an occasional online contributor.
Licensed Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.