Before you head out on the road, make sure you have your driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance in your car. Most states have a minimum auto insurance requirement. Your proof of insurance proves you have current and valid auto insurance up to the state minimum.
To ensure you have the current and correct documentation with you at all times, here’s what you need to know about proof of insurance.
What Is Proof of Insurance?
Whether you’re registering for a new vehicle, renewing your license to get a real ID, in a car accident or getting pulled over, you may have to provide proof of insurance. This document is proof that you have a current and valid auto insurance policy.
How to Show Proof of Insurance
You can show 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 pulled over by the police, it’s acceptable to show an electronic copy of your proof of insurance in 49 states and Washington, D.C. New Mexico is the only state that does not recognize an electronic copy during a traffic stop.
What Information Does Proof of Insurance Provide?
Most insurers will provide some basic information on an insurance ID card. This information can include:
- Insurance company’s name and address
- Effective date and expiration of the policy
- Policy number and National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) number
- The policyholder’s first and last name
- The insured vehicle’s year, make, model and vehicle identification number (VIN)
Proof of insurance indicates that you’re carrying at least the state-required minimum amount of coverage. But the document typically does not state the exact types of coverage (such as collision and comprehensive insurance) or the policy limits.
How to Obtain Proof of Insurance
Your insurance company will provide proof of insurance after you buy a policy. Depending on the insurance company, you will receive immediate proof of insurance via fax or email once you make your first premium payment.
You may also receive this document electronically. In fact, 49 states and the District of Columbia allow drivers to provide a digital copy of their insurance card. The only state that may not accept electronic proof is New Mexico.
If you don’t receive your proof of insurance, make sure you reach out to your insurance company to get the appropriate documentation.
Why Proof of Insurance is Necessary
The police and the department of motor vehicles aren’t the only ones who may require proof of insurance. If you’re applying for a new auto insurance policy, you may need to provide proof of insurance from a current insurance provider. If you have a gap or “lapse” in coverage, you could pay higher car insurance premiums.
Car insurance companies see a lapse in coverage as a higher 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 go directly to your old insurance company for proof of insurance. However, if your new company is unable to get that information from the previous insurer, they might ask you for proof of insurance. It’s a good idea to keep copies of your proof of insurance, just in case.
What If You Can’t Show Proof of Insurance?
To legally drive on public roads in all 50 states, you must show financial responsibility, meaning you have the ability to pay if you cause property damage or injuries in a car accident. Most people show financial responsibility 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 dismissed, you may have to pay a fine or court fees.
If you receive a ticket for not providing proof of insurance, make sure you 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 use an electronic insurance verification system to identify uninsured drivers. Essentially, if they run verification on your information and discover your vehicle registration and insurance don’t match, the violation may be reported to the DMV for administrative action. For example, in California, if your insurance documents don’t match, you must contact your insurer right away to have the information corrected and resubmitted.
Keep in mind, failure to provide proof of insurance is a completely different offense than driving an uninsured vehicle. Driving without insurance is a far more serious offense, which can result in paying fines, having your driver’s license suspended, paying license reinstatement fees, paying higher rates for auto insurance or even jail time.
What Is SR-22 Insurance?
In some states, you can be required to have an SR-22 certificate, which is a form filed by an insurer with the state that shows you have the required amount of liability insurance.
Depending on the state, you typically need to get an SR-22 certificate if you:
- Were convicted of driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated
- Have had serious and repeated traffic offenses
- Had at-fault accidents with no car insurance
- Have had your license suspended or revoked
Filing an SR-22 isn’t expensive. It’s typically about $25, depending on your state and insurance company. However, your car insurance rates may increase substantially because of 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 three 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 requirement, check with your insurance company and ask it to remove the SR-22 and any fees associated with the certificate.
Proof of Insurance FAQ
Does the proof of insurance show what coverage types I have?
No, the proof of insurance shows that you met your state’s minimum insurance requirements. It won’t show if you have optional coverages such as collision and comprehensive insurance.
Your insurance policy’s declaration page will list the coverage types you purchased. If you can’t find your policy, ask your insurance agent or check to see whether your auto insurer has a mobile app. Many insurer apps offer access to policy documents online.
What does car liability insurance cover?
Car liability insurance is an essential coverage type that pays for injuries and damages you cause to others. For example, if you cause a car accident, your liability insurance will pay for the other driver’s car repairs and medical bills (unless you live in a no-fault insurance state).
Liability insurance also pays for a legal defense in case you’re sued because of an accident.
But liability insurance does not pay for damage to your own car. You’ll need collision and comprehensive insurance if you want coverage for problems like car accidents and car theft.
What if I’m required to file an SR-22 form in my state?
Your state might require you to show proof you have car insurance if you had problems, such as license suspension or revocation, a DUI conviction, or you were caught driving without insurance.
If you don’t own a car but need proof of car insurance, non-owner car insurance is a good option.
