Wichita ? While some immigrants may not be able to get a driver’s license in Kansas, they can get car insurance.

The Wichita Eagle reported Sunday that at least two insurance companies in the state offer policies to motorists with foreign driver’s licenses.

State law requires that all vehicles registered in Kansas must carry auto insurance and drivers must show proof of insurance when filing for or renewing a vehicle’s registration. But the law doesn’t prevent insurance companies from providing coverage to those with only a foreign license.

Supporters say such policies ensure that everyone is protected in the event of an accident.

Critics, however, have called for limiting the practice, saying they’re concerned about road safety and national security.

The two companies that said they insure foreign drivers are Farmer’s Insurance Group and State Farm.

Claudia Villatoro, a Wichita office manager for Farmer’s Insurance, said the company has been providing coverage for about a year, regardless of the driver’s legal status.

“It’s helping people,” said Villatoro, who advertises the service in area bilingual and Spanish-language media. “Every time they have an accident, they’re covered.”

State Farm also provides the coverage but requires the driver to obtain a U.S. or Canadian driver’s license within 12 months or face not having the policy renewed, said Tamara O’Connor, a public affairs supervisor for the company.

Officials with the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, a key opponent of illegal immigration, said they’re worried that insurance companies don’t do a thorough job in determining whether a foreign driver has a criminal background in other countries.

“How can they ensure the public safety?” said Chris Wilcox, the group’s president.

Wilcox said the group may consider lobbying lawmakers to prohibit such policies. “This is another opportunity to close one of those loopholes,” he said.

Luis Figueroa, a legislative staff attorney for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, countered that insurance companies offering the policies are in the best position to determine the risk.

“We think this is definitely a positive sign, although we do think the Legislature needs to encourage people getting state driver’s licenses,” he said.

Figueroa, who has helped local and state advocates lobby government officials on immigration issues, said the process to get a driver’s license regularly tests individuals on their driving skills and encourages safe driving.