Archive for Monday, November 3, 2008
Insurance companies cover foreign drivers
November 3, 2008
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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.
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3 November 2008
at 11:47 a.m.
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Confrontation (Anonymous) says…
I know several people who have been in accidents with illegals, and they're the ones stuck with the bills. I'm fine with insurance companies covering anyone who applies, illegal or not.
4 November 2008
at 10:46 a.m.
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jrlii (Anonymous) says…
Confrontation, I wholeheartedly agree. Illegals are going to drive, so they need insurance. Denying them insurance by law would be a disaster,Of course, it would be idiotically simple to stop illegal immigration: Just stop making legal immigration so difficult!People are going to come here whether the Unions like it or not, so we might as well revert to an open door policy. We desperately need immigrants to pay the social security benefits of baby-boomers 'cause if we don't Roosevelt's pyramid scheme will come crashing down.And in any case, what makes us so much better than our ancestors? When my ancestors came in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, they just got off the boat and went looking for a job or farm. Who are we to make those who want to come here now jump through all manner of bureaucratic hoops?
4 November 2008
at 11:03 a.m.
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BuffyloGal (Anonymous) says…
I came back to the US with an Australian driver's license. State Farm gave me car insurance and I have since switched to a US license. I am a US citizen by birth, not an illegal immigrant. Not everyone with a foreign license is illegal, nor are they necessarily here to cause trouble. Assuming a motorist with a foreign license is here illegally is just plain ignorant.
4 November 2008
at 11:35 a.m.
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sdinges (Anonymous) says…
My husband had to visit several agents in town to find one who would insure us while I was a legal immigrant with no Kansas driver's license. It's good to see that things are improving and immigrants have more options.
4 November 2008
at 12:03 p.m.
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pip2006 (Anonymous) says…
State Farm will bind coverage for you, however you will pay more due to the rating structure. I should clarify only if you met other requirements. If you are claims free then after 3 years you will see a decrease in that premium.