Some advertisements and offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us. That may influence which products we write about, but it does not affect what we write about them. Here's an explanation of how we make money and our Advertiser Disclosure.
If you’re involved in a car accident, get pulled over, or want to register a vehicle, you’ll need to prove that you have valid auto insurance – and that your coverage meets your state’s minimum requirements. The good news is that this is a relatively easy task. Your insurer may have provided a physical insurance card. If not, you can likely pull it up via their website or mobile app.
Failing to provide proof of insurance can have serious consequences. Here’s what you need to know about how it works so you can stay on the right side of the law.
Learn more: How does car insurance work? The basics explained.
What is proof of insurance?
Proof of insurance is exactly what it sounds like – a document that verifies your car insurance coverage. This is important since every state has unique car insurance requirements. Being able to provide proof of insurance is part of being a responsible driver who complies with state laws. Beyond that, if you have an auto loan or lease, your lender or leasing company will require you to carry a certain amount of coverage.
What is a car insurance card?
A car insurance card is a document that contains key details about your auto insurance policy and proves that you meet your state’s minimum insurance requirements. The information on your car insurance card typically includes:
-
The policyholder (aka the named insured driver)
-
Your insurance company’s name and contact information
-
Your policy’s start date and expiration date
-
Your policy number
-
Your car’s make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN)
When you establish a new policy or renew an existing one, your insurer may provide this document as a physical card that’s mailed to you or as a digital card you can pull up via their app or website.
Learn more: How to switch car insurance companies
When you’ll need to show your insurance card
The primary purpose of a car insurance card is to provide proof of coverage. You’ll likely need to do this:
-
During traffic stops
-
After an accident
-
When buying a new car
-
When registering a vehicle
-
When complying with state-required vehicle inspections
Your auto loan lender or leasing company may also request proof of insurance to confirm that you have full coverage on your vehicle. Just keep in mind that your car insurance card probably won’t show details about the types of auto insurance you carry or your insurance limits. You may need to share your policy’s declarations page to confirm this information.
Can I show proof of insurance on my phone?
In the majority of states, yes – and it can make things easier if you’re in a situation that requires you to prove your insurance coverage. This may be as simple as pulling up your insurer’s app on your phone or logging into your online account. You can also print out a physical insurance card and keep it in your glove box if you choose.
If you live in a state that accepts digital proof of insurance, you should be able to use that to register a vehicle, according to Progressive. But you might want to bring along physical proof of insurance to be safe.
New Mexico is currently the only state that does not accept digital insurance cards as proof of insurance. It’s also worth noting that Massachusetts does not require proof of insurance when registering a vehicle.
How to request your auto insurance ID card
Your insurer should let you know how to access your insurance card. If not, you can reach out for clarification at any time. You might be able to request it in one of the following ways:
-
Online. You can log into your account or use your insurer’s mobile app. You can save this to your digital wallet or print a copy to keep in your car.
-
Mail. Your insurance company might automatically mail you a physical insurance card when you establish or renew a policy.
-
Fax. This might be a good option if you’re at a car dealership or motor vehicle department and have no other way of providing proof of insurance.
Why it’s important to have your car insurance card
Having proof of insurance matters because almost every state requires drivers to maintain a certain amount of coverage. If you’re caught driving without proof of insurance, whether you’re in an accident or get pulled over, law enforcement may assume you’re uninsured.
The consequences of driving without insurance can be severe and may include:
-
Suspension of your driver’s license, registration, and/or license plates
-
Fines and reinstatement fees
-
Jail time, depending on the situation and your state
You could also be held personally liable for any property damage or injuries that occur if you’re at fault in an accident.
Even if you do have insurance, you could find yourself in hot water if you’re unable to prove it. The ramifications vary from state to state. You can check with your state’s department of motor vehicles to learn more. In the meantime, here are a few examples:
-
California. California requires all drivers to carry proof of insurance and show it to any law enforcement officer who requests it. If you’re insured and receive a ticket for not having proof of insurance, you might be able to get the citation dismissed. You can provide a copy of your insurance card or insurance policy, or a letter from your insurance company matching the date of your ticket.
-
Colorado. You might receive a dismissal of a No Proof of Insurance ticket if you can provide proof of insurance after the fact in the form of a letter from your insurance company. Otherwise, you could face a minimum fine of $500 for your first offense, $1,000 for your second offense. You could also have your license suspended for four to eight months – and you may have to serve up to 40 hours of community service.
-
Texas. If you receive a ticket in Texas for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility (or driving without insurance), you can request the court to dismiss it if you provide proof of insurance within 20 days. If not, you could face fines of $175 to $350. Second offenses carry fines of $350 to over $1,000 – plus the potential suspension of driving privileges and vehicle registration for up to two years.
If you have multiple vehicles, it’s a good idea to keep a printed insurance card in the glove box of each car. Even if you have a digital copy of your insurance card on your phone, other drivers who borrow your vehicle may also need proof of insurance. And if you ever drive through a state that requires a physical insurance card, or you have trouble accessing your digital card, you’ll be happy to have a backup on hand.
If you rent a car, be sure to keep your rental agreement in the vehicle at all times. You might need this information to provide proof of insurance, whether that’s related to your personal car insurance policy or supplemental rental car insurance you purchased.
Showing proof of insurance after an accident
If you get into an accident with another driver, you can each use your insurance card to exchange insurance information. You’ll also want to jot down or take a photo of the location of the accident and the other person’s:
-
Name and phone number
-
Driver’s license number
-
License plate number
-
Vehicle description
Frequently asked questions about proof of insurance
Is proof of insurance the same thing as SR-22 insurance?
An SR-22 is a document that also provides proof of insurance, but it isn’t the same thing as a standard insurance card. An SR-22 may be required for drivers who violate certain laws – like driving while under the influence or without a license. This form verifies that the driver has enough coverage to satisfy their state’s minimum insurance requirements.
Do I need proof of insurance for driving a boat?
The answer depends on where you live. Some states, like Florida, don’t require proof of insurance to drive a boat. However, your marina or boat lender may require a certain amount of coverage.
Do you need proof of insurance to register a car?
In most states, yes. However, states like Mississippi don’t require proof of insurance to register a vehicle.
Tim Manni edited this article.
Marianne Hayes contributed to this article.
