Before you go out on the road, make sure you have carried your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance in your car. Most states have a lower auto insurance need. Your proof of insurance shows you have current and valid auto insurance up to the state minimum.
To be aware you have correct documentation with you at all times, follow what you need to know about proof of insurance.
What Is Proof of Insurance?
Whether you’re registering for a new vehicle, your license should be in renewing state to achieve a real ID. In a car accident or getting pulled over, you may have to give proof of insurance. This document is evidence that you have a current and valid auto insurance policy.
How to Show Proof of Insurance
You can give your proof of insurance on a printed card from your insurance company or an electronic version from your insurance company’s mobile app.
If you are asked by the police, it’s acceptable to show a digital copy of your proof of insurance in 49 states and Washington, D.C. New Mexico is the only state that does not recognise an electronic copy during a traffic stop.
What Information Does Proof of Insurance Provide?
Most insurers will give some general information on an insurance ID card. This information carries:
- Insurance company’s name and address
- Effective date and expiration of the policy
- Policy number and National Association of Insurance Commissioners number
- The policyholder’s first and last name
- The (VIN) vehicle’s insured year, make, model, and vehicle identification number
- Proof of insurance indicates that you’re carrying at least the state-required minimum amount of coverage. But the document does not exactly define the accurate types of coverage (such as collision and comprehensive insurance & collision) or the policy controls.
How to Obtain Proof of Insurance
Your insurance company will give proof of insurance after you purchase a policy. Depending on the insurance company, you will get instant proof of insurance through email once you make your 1st premium payment.
You may also receive this document electronically. In fact, 49 states and the District of Columbia permit drivers to give an electronic copy of their insurance card. The only state that may not have valid electronic proof is New Mexico.
If you don’t get your proof of insurance, fully ensure you get in touch with your insurance company to get the accurate documentation.
Why Proof of Insurance is Necessary
The department of motor vehicles and the police department aren’t the only ones who may need proof of insurance. If you’re initiating a new auto insurance policy, you may require proof of insurance from a current insurance provider. If you have a lapse in coverage, you could pay greater car insurance premiums.
Car insurance companies see a gap in coverage as a greater risk. In general, the longer you can show you’ve been consecutively insured, the less you can expect to pay for your premiums.
Your new insurance company might contact your old insurance company for proof of insurance. However, if your new company is not able to get that information from the last insurer, they might question you for proof of insurance. It’s a decent idea to keep zerox of your proof of insurance, just in case.
What If You Can’t Show Proof of Insurance?
To officially drive on public roads in all fifty states, you must show financial duties, meaning you have the capability to pay if you cause injuries in a car accident. Most people show financial duties by purchasing liability car insurance.
If you’re unable to provide proof of insurance, you could face fines or even jail time, depending on the state. Generally, you can contest a ticket by mailing a copy of your proof of insurance or by attending the court hearing with proof that you were insured on the date the officer pulled you over. While the charges could be discarded, you may have to pay court fees.
If you get a ticket for not providing proof of insurance, don’t forget to respond to all correspondence. If you fail to do so, some states may revoke or suspend your license and registrations if you can’t prove you’re insured.
Many states prefer an electronic insurance verification system to find uninsured drivers. Especially if they run verification on your information and find your vehicle registration and insurance don’t meet, the violation may be observed to the DMV for administrative action. For example, in California, if your insurance documents don’t match, you must contact your insurer directly to have the information corrected and resubmitted.
Be sure, unsuccessfully giving proof of insurance is a completely different thing. Driving without insurance is a far more serious concern, which can result in paying fines, having your driver’s license suspended, paying license reinstatement fees, paying higher fees for auto insurance, or even jail time.
What Is SR-22 Insurance?
In some states, you may need to have an SR-22 certificate, which is a form filed by an insurer with the state that presents you with the needed amount of liability insurance.
Depending on the state, you usually require to get an SR-22 certificate if you:
- Were convicted of driving while intoxicated.
- Have had serious and repeated traffic offences
- Had at-fault accidents with no car insurance
- Have your license been suspended or revoked?
Filing an SR-22 isn’t luxurious. It’s typically about 25 dollars, depending on your state and insurance company. However, your car insurance prices may increase substantially due to the reason you’re being required to have an SR-22, such as a DUI conviction.
Drivers with an SR-22 usually need to keep it for at least 3 years. The specific length varies by state. Your SR-22 may not automatically drop off your policy at the end of the period. If it’s still on your policy and you fulfilled your need, find out with your insurance company and ask it to eliminate the SR-22 and any fees related to the certificate.