Your Rights as an Immigrant to Insure Your Car in California

Many people in our community drive without insurance because they believe they cannot get it. Others pay too much because they do not know their rights and end up accepting unfair conditions. This article exists so that changes.

As a California resident — whether you are a citizen, permanent resident, on a visa, DACA, TPS, or undocumented — you have specific rights when it comes to auto insurance. And those rights are backed by real state laws.

The 4 laws every immigrant should know

1. Insurance Code 11580.1b — Your right to auto insurance

This is the most important law. California Insurance Code section 11580.1b literally says that carriers cannot deny, cancel, or charge more for an auto insurance policy based on the applicant's immigration status.

That means if a carrier tells you "we cannot insure you because you do not have papers," they are violating California law. You have the right to file a complaint with the California Department of Insurance.

2. AB 60 — Your right to a driver's license

AB 60, effective January 2015, allows any California resident to obtain a driver's license regardless of immigration status. This license:

• Allows you to legally drive in California
• Is accepted by all auto insurance carriers
• CANNOT be used as evidence of immigration status
• Is valid for all California traffic laws

More than 1 million AB 60 licenses have been issued since the law took effect. If you do not yet have yours, read our complete AB 60 license and insurance guide.

3. SB 54 — California Values Act

SB 54, passed in 2017, limits cooperation between California state and local agencies and federal immigration authorities. In practical terms:

• Local police cannot detain you for ICE during routine traffic stops
• State agencies do not share information with ICE without a judicial warrant
• Local jails cannot hold people for ICE beyond their legal detention time

This is relevant to insurance because it establishes the principle: California protects its residents' information from federal immigration authorities. Read more in Insurance Carriers Do NOT Report to ICE.

4. CCPA — Your right to privacy

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) gives you rights over your personal information:

• Right to know what information companies have on you
• Right to request they delete your information
• Right to opt out of having your information sold

This applies to insurers: your policy information is protected and cannot be shared without your consent.

Your rights when buying insurance

When you go to an insurance agency in California, you have these rights:

1. The right to not be denied for immigration status. If they reject you for this reason, it is illegal.
2. The right to have all charges explained. Including the broker fee. Read what a broker fee is to understand this charge.
3. The right to receive documents in your language. Many carriers provide documents in Spanish.
4. The right to shop around. You are not required to stay with the first agency you visit.
5. The right to cancel. You can cancel your policy and switch agencies at any time.
6. The right to file claims. If you have an accident, your carrier must process your claim regardless of status.
7. The right to complain. If an insurer violates your rights, call the California Department of Insurance: 1-800-927-4357.

Documents you can use to obtain insurance

You do not need a Social Security number to obtain car insurance in California. These documents are valid:

• ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) — issued by the IRS, no immigration status required. Read: Insurance With an ITIN in California
• Matrícula Consular — issued by your country's consulate. Read: Car Insurance With a Matrícula Consular
• AB 60 license — California driver's license for all residents
• Foreign passport — as a form of identification
• Proof of address — utility bill or rental contract

What to do if you are denied insurance based on status

If an insurance agency tells you they cannot insure you due to your immigration status, you have options:

1. Ask for the reason in writing. They are required to give you a written explanation of why they reject you.
2. File a complaint with the CDI. Call the California Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-4357 or visit insurance.ca.gov
3. Come to Via Rapida Services. We work with carriers that accept ITIN, Matrícula Consular, and AB 60 licenses. We insure you regardless of status.

The difference between driving with and without insurance

We understand that fear can make a person decide not to insure. But driving without insurance puts you at much greater risk:

• With insurance: If police pull you over, you show your insurance card and you go. If you have an accident, the carrier pays. Your car is protected.
• Without insurance: If police pull you over, you get a $100-$500 fine. If you have an accident, YOU pay everything out of pocket — potentially tens of thousands of dollars. Your car can be impounded.

Insurance protects you. It is a barrier between you and enormous financial problems. And in California, the law guarantees your right to have it.

Protect your family — know your rights

Having auto insurance is not just a legal requirement — it is protection for your family. If anyone in your family drives, they need to be insured. And California law ensures that is possible for everyone.

We share this information because we believe knowledge is power. The more people know their rights, the fewer people will drive uninsured out of fear. And that protects all of us.

Frequently asked questions

Insure with confidence

Call 209-670-1556 or visit our offices in Stockton, San Jose, or San Rafael. We speak Spanish, we do not charge broker fees on standard policies, and we respect your rights.