Auto Insurance for Illegal Immigrants (2024)

Can you buy auto insurance for immigrants? Yes, but while some states make it easy for undocumented immigrants to buy auto insurance, several states have rules that prohibit selling auto insurance for illegal immigrants.

Unfortunately, if you are an undocumented immigrant, you will probably find that purchasing a car insurance policy is not easy. But there are a few things you can do to try and meet your state’s requirements for coverage. This guide covers the companies and states offering the best auto insurance for undocumented immigrants so you can get the most affordable rates.

The Best Auto Insurance Companies for Undocumented Immigrants

There’s no way to know which insurance company will work best for you until you compare options with several other companies. If you are looking for a robust policy, you should prepare to pay higher-than-average rates since you will be considered a new driver and will thus pose more of a risk for insurance companies.

However, if you’re simply looking to purchase a policy that meets your state’s required amount of coverage, you could get surprisingly low monthly rates with certain companies.

Some of the insurance companies known for offering fair rates to new drivers include:

• Allstate
• State Farm
• Geico
• Alliance United
• Bristol West
• Progressive
• SafeAuto
• Infinity Insurance

You can request quotes from any of the companies listed above to see which one will offer the best coverage at the cheapest rates. However, do not feel obligated to purchase an insurance policy from any company that offers you a quote. You deserve to shop around and find the best option out there.

Auto Insurance Costs for Undocumented Immigrants

How much you will pay for car insurance will depend on several different factors, such as your age, gender, credit score, and address. 

The table below shows the average monthly car insurance rates in each state.

Liability vs. Full Coverage Auto Insurance Rates by State

Because you are a new driver, you can expect your rates to be slightly higher than average. However, shopping around for coverage could help you find rates you’re happy with.

How to Get Auto Insurance for Undocumented Immigrants

It is possible to get car insurance for undocumented immigrants in the U.S., and no federal law prohibits insurance companies from selling an auto insurance policy to an undocumented immigrant. 

However, you need a driver’s license to get car insurance. There are currently 16 states in the U.S. that allow undocumented immigrants to get a driver’s license:

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Maryland
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York 
• Nevada
• Oregon
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• District of Columbia

If you live in one of the best states for immigrant auto insurance, you should be able to apply for a driver’s license through your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. You will not need to provide a Social Security number, but you will have to take certain required courses and pass a driver’s test before you receive a driver’s license. 

Getting Auto Insurance for Undocumented Immigrants Without a Driver’s License

If you live in a state other than those listed above, your state may allow you to get a driver’s license through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA). While this program is available throughout the United States, you must meet certain requirements to get a driver’s license. 

In order to get a license with DACA, you must have:

• Immigrated to the U.S. before you were 16 years of age
• Been younger than 31 on June 15, 2012
• A consistent U.S. address
• A GED or high school diploma
• No criminal record

Unfortunately, if you do not meet the criteria listed above, you may not be able to get a U.S. driver’s license until your status as an undocumented immigrant changes. However, you can continually check with your state’s DMV for information. You can also contact your local DMV to see if you have any other options for getting a valid U.S. driver’s license.

How to Apply For a Driver’s License as an Undocumented Immigrant

Each state handles the processing of undocumented immigrants differently when it comes to getting a driver’s license, so you will have to check with your state’s DMV to know precisely how you can apply for a license.

If you are nervous about speaking to someone with the DMV, you can do some research online to see if your state’s DMV website offers the information you need. If you are ever in doubt, you can enlist the help of an immigrant advocate.

Auto Insurance for Undocumented Immigrants: The Bottom Line

There are many undocumented immigrants living and working in the U.S. who need a way to get to work but do not have the proper car insurance coverage. If you are an undocumented immigrant and you live in a state that will let you, your first step is to get a valid U.S. driver’s license.

Once you have a license, you can shop around online to find and compare quotes from many different insurance companies at once. If you cannot find a quote that is low enough to fit your budget, try calling individual companies to see if there is anything you can do to lower your monthly rates.

If you find it hard to get the proper coverage, it may be tempting to drive without car insurance. But you should avoid doing so, as it could lead to severe penalties in the long run.