Proof of Insurance

The need for safety and sanity on the road has led most states in the U. S to enforce carrying proof of Insurance in your car. So, if you do not want to get in the bad books of the law, before you hit the road with your car, make sure your coverage proof is right beside you and within arms reach. As a law-abiding citizen, you are required to obey the rules made by the state to the latter.

But first, you have to make sure that you have the right documents you can show as proof. Now, you’ve got to know all about what documents you need and how to get them. This will help you to always be in tune with the law while driving.

What is Proof of Insurance?

Actually, this is a type of document that provides detail of your policy. Furthermore, it is your right to get this document from your coverage provider. And, it may come in form of an ID card, bearing some details of your policy plan.

Also, some states do not just stop at this document, they also require their drivers to drive with documents like their personal injury coverage or the medical coverage. These documents you have to carry along with you are precautionary measures that were put in place for your safety or to help you get immediate help in case of an accident.

Therefore, if the police stop you while driving, you must present these documents if asked to. Some people do not only drive recklessly, they drive uninsured, which is a huge problem. So, that has been one of the reasons why most states require proof of Insurance from drivers.

What is included in Proof of Insurance?

As it stands, you are not required to have all your information as proof. Rather, you are only required to have the basic information that will capture only the essential details like

• Your (policyholder) full name
• Current and expiration date of your policy
• Name of the insurance company
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners Number (NAICN)
• Policy Number
• Drivers License

How to get a proof of insurance

Moving forward, getting this document is not a herculean task. You only need to pick an insurance company and pay for your car insurance policy. If your company is fast enough, you could get your proof of insurance immediately. The document will be sent to you through your mail or electronically.

However, once you change anything on your policy, you are entitled to a new card. This way, your provider helps you to stay updated in case you are stopped by the police. Also, it is important to at least have the electronic copy if your state allows it. With that, you will not be at risk of losing it or forgetting it somewhere.

Driving without proof of insurance

First and foremost, it is a crime to disobey the laws of your state. Which will obviously come with some consequences. Most times, there are no excuses because the rules are flexible enough for everyone to adapt to.

Apparently, the states in America want to curb drivers that drive without insurance and cause a nuisance in the event of an accident, hence, the rules. So, when you drive without this document and the police stop you, you stand the chance of getting fined or a ticket. In more severe cases, you could have your license suspended, or do jail time.

Ways to show your proof of insurance

Basically, most states in America now have a means of checking for this document. They check your cars with an electronic insurance verification system and identify cars that are not insured.

The reason why this document should always be with you, so far you are behind the wheels and driving. When the authorities pull you over and ask for this document, you can present it as an ID card manually, issued to you by your insurance company. More so, you can do this electronically by pulling it from your phone.

Then again, you can show that you are capable of taking up the financial responsibility of any accident outcome by providing auto insurance liability coverage. That is if you do not have a way of providing your proof of coverage.

How to recover your proof of insurance

Indeed, it can be very tiring explaining the loss of this document to the law enforcement people. But the good news is that you can recover your proof of insurance easily if you want to. Here are steps you can take to recover your document

• Contact your provider or their agent
• Download the insurance company app
• Through your company’s website

Contact your provider or agent

First things first, once you notice that you do not have your proof again and confirm that it’s lost. Contact your provider or agent and ask for an updated copy of your policy card.

Download the insurance company app

Obviously, almost every business is registering its presence online. And sure, insurance companies are not left behind. So, search for your insurance company’s app and download it. From there, you can assess the digital copy of your document.

Through your company’s website

Still, some companies do not have an app but not to worry. You can assess your information by going online and on their website. Once you log in, you can download what you need.

SR-22 Certificate

For troublesome drivers, SR-22 Insurance is a form-like document that your insurance provider filled with the state. This form states that your insurer is in agreement that you have the required amount for liability coverage. It is a certificate you have to carry around while driving after some traffic violation.

For some states, you are required to have an SR-22 certificate if you

• Have a DUI or DWI conviction
• Got your driver’s license suspended or revoked
• Caused an accident
• Drove under the influence of alcohol or while intoxicated
• Speeding tickets in a short while.