Of late, there’s been so much focus on the illegal immigrant in the media that we in the insurance industry have decided to have our say, as well.
Here goes.
Of all the fifty US states, there are only twelve that give driving privileges to the undocumented immigrant. In the other states, any undocumented immigrant that drives does so without having been issued a license. Without a license, you can bet your bottom dollar that there is no auto insurance to cover an accident. If a legal driver is the not at fault party of a collision, not only will there be no coverage to pay for damages from the other party, but it’s likely there will be no out-of-pocket money to speak of in compensation as well.
Good reason to invest in uninsured motorist of underinsured motorist insurance, huh?!
In any case, the danger involved in illegal immigrant driving has prompted the few states that do offer some form of driving licenses to the undocumented to actually expand the eligibility. With the invitation from CA, CO, DE, DC, HI, MD, NV, NM, UT, WA and VT to apply for a driving license, the undocumented immigrant who passes the written and driving test has better odds of safe driving and can actually purchase protective auto insurance coverage.
This means of course that in the event of a vehicular accident, the illegal immigrant that lives and drives in one of the areas where the privilege is open to him or her can have the shielding insurance to cover damages.
But the illegal immigrant who passes the driving test required in order to acquire a legal driving license has other more inclusive options that, like any US citizen, can shield him or her more comprehensively.
These include the options of:
Collision Insurance Coverage – this compensates for the cost of damage incurred to the at-fault driver as well
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage – this provides payment for other losses incurred as a result of a stolen automobile, car vandals, or the damage from a natural disaster
Uninsured/Under-Insured Motorist Insurance Coverage – this provides coverage for damages resulting from an accident with a driver that does not have adequate auto insurance
Irrespective of your standing in regard to residency or citizenship, if you are a legal driver it is wise to seek guidance and advice from a qualified insurance professional in relation to insurance coverage options that are applicable to your individual circumstances.
