What Is Proof of Insurance?
When you buy car insurance, your insurer will provide an insurance ID card or other official document to verify that you have at least the state’s minimum required amount of coverage.
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Most states require drivers to have car insurance, and proof of insurance shows that you’re obeying your state’s coverage laws. Proof of insurance is typically an insurance ID card, but it can also be other documents your insurer provides.
You need proof of insurance when buying or renting a car, when a police officer stops you for a traffic incident, and after an accident. Courts may require you to show proof of insurance if you fail to provide it when a law enforcement officer asks for it or if you’ve been convicted of a serious traffic violation, like driving under the influence or reckless driving.
This guide explains how proof of insurance works, what it looks like, how to get it when you buy an insurance policy, and when you may need it.
What is proof of insurance?
The specific requirements for proof of insurance can vary by state, but the following documents generally are valid proof of insurance:
A copy of an insurance ID card issued by an insurer
An insurance policy declaration page listing vehicles and drivers covered by the policy
A copy of a binder of insurance signed by a licensed insurance agent or broker (this is typically temporary proof of insurance valid only for a limited time after first buying a policy)
A copy of an application for insurance submitted to a state’s assigned risk or high-risk plan
A letter from an insurer on company letterhead signed by an agent or other authorized representative of the insurance agency that verifies proof of financial responsibility
You can usually show proof of insurance in paper or electronic form, as long as you can display the digital form on a mobile device like your smartphone.
What information does proof of insurance provide?
While the specifics can vary by state, the following details must usually be on the insurance ID card or other documents serving as proof of coverage:
An indication that the card is a Financial Responsibility Identification Card
The insurer’s number assigned by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
The name of the insured driver
The driver’s address
The vehicle’s year, make, and model
The full vehicle identification number (VIN)
The effective dates that show when the policy went into effect and when it expires
Some states regulate the dimensions and weight of the card as well.
How to get proof of insurance
When you sign up for insurance, your insurer will usually mail you a card unless you’ve opted for paperless documents. You can also access a digital insurance card or coverage information on your insurance company’s website or mobile app, or you can call your insurance agent to ask them to mail, fax, or email a copy of your insurance card.
In most cases, these steps are the easiest way to get proof of insurance:
Create an online account with your insurer.
Visit your insurer’s website or download its mobile app.
Access the insurance card electronically, often under your policy documents section in the app or online.
How much does it cost to get proof of insurance?
You should be able to get proof of insurance for free. In fact, you can often find the necessary documents by signing into your insurer’s mobile app or website.
When you need to show proof of insurance
You may need to show proof of insurance in many different situations. Although the rules vary by state, here are some common examples of situations where you’ll be asked to provide proof of coverage:
Registering a vehicle
Renting a car
Completing a driving test
When stopped by law enforcement
If you’re involved in a car accident
When filing an insurance claim
If your state requires insurance companies to notify them of coverage and your insurer doesn’t provide the information, authorities may also contact you to find out whether you actually have at least minimum liability coverage.
If you can’t provide proof of insurance to law enforcement and you get a citation, you may need to provide proof of insurance in court.
What to do if you’re stopped without proof of insurance
If a police officer stops you, they may request your proof of insurance. If you don’t have a paper copy of your documents, try to get it by signing into your company’s website or mobile app using your phone or mobile device.
If you can’t show any paper or digital copies of an insurance ID card, you may face penalties for failure to provide proof of coverage.
Penalties for not having proof of insurance
If you have insurance coverage but don’t have proof of insurance, you could get a ticket, a fine, or other penalty, such as required community service. In some cases, it’s possible to get the charges against you dismissed if you can show the court that you had insurance coverage at the time of the citation but weren't able to provide it.
Consequences of driving while uninsured
While penalties vary by state, driving without the required insurance has serious consequences that can include:
Arrest or ticket
Vehicle impounding
Suspension of your vehicle registration
Suspension of your driver’s license
Civil penalties (including per-day penalties)
Community service
Insurance surcharges
Being required to file an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility with your state's motor vehicles department.
You could also face additional criminal penalties if you have a fake insurance card instead of legally valid coverage.