What Is Proof of Insurance?
Proof of insurance is a car insurance document that shows the policy number, effective dates, covered vehicles, and policyholder names. Proof of insurance is usually needed when registering a car or when being pulled over by the police. Most states allow drivers to use a digital version of this documentation, but insurers can also provide paper copies.
How to Get Proof of Insurance
- Request a physical insurance card online from your insurance company’s website
- Access digital proof of insurance on the company’s smartphone app
- Wait for insurance ID cards to come in the mail if you are a new policyholder
- Call customer service to request either digital or physical proof of insurance
- Ask for digital proof of insurance via email
Learn more about how to get proof of insurance.
What Is Included on Proof of Insurance?
| Type of Information | Definition |
|---|---|
| Policy Number | This is a unique code that acts as a reference point for an insurance company and attaches a specific policy to a policyholder. |
| Effective Date | This is the date the policy begins. |
| Expiration Date | This is the date the policy will end. If a policy is renewed, a new card may be issued with a new expiration date. |
| Vehicle Details | This includes the year, make, and model of the insured vehicle, in addition to the vehicle identification number (VIN). |
| Policyholder Details | This includes the names of the insured drivers covered by the policy. |
| NAIC Code | This is a code that identifies the insurance company. |
Proof of insurance information may vary depending on the insurance company.
What Counts as Proof of Insurance?
Insurance Card or Insurance ID Card
An auto insurance card or insurance ID card is the main form of proof of insurance. Often, after purchasing a policy, a card will be mailed to you that displays your policy information. Many insurers also allow versions of this card to be accessed online or through email and printed at home.
Learn more about insurance cards and how to get them from major insurers.
Digital Proof of Insurance
Digital proof of insurance is accepted in 49 states and the District of Columbia. In these states, digital proof of insurance can be accessed either through your insurers’ app or website, even during traffic stops. The exception is New Mexico, which allows digital proof of insurance in some cases but does not require that police accept it as proof.
Vehicle Registration
Massachusetts includes your insurance information on your vehicle registration. Since you should always have your registration in your car, you know you’ll have a physical copy of your insurance details, too.
Proof of Coverage
A proof-of-coverage document shows similar information as an insurance ID card but it also describes the policy limits. Proof of coverage is usually needed to prove to a lender or lessor that you are carrying the specific types and amounts of coverage required by your loan or lease agreement.
SR-22 or FR-44
SR-22s and FR-44s are sometimes called “certificates of financial responsibility” and are required in certain states after serious moving violations or a suspended license. These forms are filed with the state by an insurer to certify that a driver has the required amount of insurance coverage.
State-Specific Proof of Insurance Forms
Some states have specific forms that must be used to prove you have the state-required amount of insurance. These forms are typically only used by the state’s department of motor vehicles and do not need to be kept with you while driving.
Examples of State Specific Insurance Forms
- Maryland – Form MD FR-19
- North Carolina – Form DL-123 and FS-1
- Texas – Form PC418
Why Proof of Insurance Is Necessary
If you have a car, you’ll need proof of insurance either to show a law enforcement officer that you are not driving without insurance or to share details of your insurance after an accident.
When You Need Proof of Insurance
- When you are registering a vehicle
- If you get pulled over for a traffic violation
- After an accident with another driver
- When you are filing a car insurance claim
- To reinstate your license or registration after certain violations
Proof of Insurance Laws by State
| State | Penalties for Driving without Proof of Insurance | Is Proof of Insurance Needed to Register a Car? |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Alaska | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Arizona | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Arkansas | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| California | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | No, but must be provided within 30 days of registering |
| Colorado | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Connecticut | Fine of $117 | Yes |
| Delaware | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| District of Columbia | Fine of $30 | Yes |
| Florida | Fee of $10 with proof | Yes |
| Georgia | Fee of $25 with proof | Yes |
| Hawaii | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Idaho | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Illinois | Fee of $100 with proof | Yes |
| Indiana | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Iowa | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Kansas | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Kentucky | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Louisiana | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Maine | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Maryland | Fine of at least $50 | Yes |
| Massachusetts | Fine of at least $500 | Yes |
| Michigan | Fee of $25 with proof | Yes |
| Minnesota | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Mississippi | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | No, but insurance is still required to legally drive |
| Missouri | Fee of $24 to $75 with proof | Yes |
| Montana | Fine of $250 to $500 | Yes |
| Nebraska | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Nevada | Fine of $250 to $1,000 | Yes |
| New Hampshire | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | No, since auto insurance is optional |
| New Jersey | Fine of $300 to $1,000 | Yes |
| New Mexico | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| New York | Fine of $150 to $1,500 | Yes |
| North Carolina | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| North Dakota | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | No, but insurance is still required to legally drive |
| Ohio | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Oklahoma | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Oregon | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Rhode Island | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| South Carolina | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| South Dakota | Fine of $100 | Yes |
| Tennessee | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | No, but insurance is still required to legally drive |
| Texas | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Utah | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Vermont | Fee of up to $100 with proof | Yes |
| Virginia | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | No, since auto insurance is optional |
| Washington | Fee of $25 with proof | No, but insurance is still required to legally drive |
| West Virginia | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
| Wisconsin | Fine of $10 to $500 | No, but insurance is still required to legally drive |
| Wyoming | Dismissed if proof of insurance is provided later | Yes |
Proof of Insurance Tips
Keep a physical copy even if you have a digital version.
Having a physical copy of your proof of insurance is still important, even if you have access to digital versions. A physical copy gives you back up in the event of no internet, bad reception, or a dead battery.
Don’t use fake proof-of-insurance documents.
Using fake or falsified proof-of-insurance documents can lead to serious fines, license suspensions, and even jail time. Additionally, even if they may fool another driver in event of an accident, they won’t fool the cops or the other driver’s insurance company.
Driving without insurance has serious consequences.
Driving without insurance is never a good idea. Beyond fines, license suspension, possible jail time, and having your vehicle impound, you’ll also end up paying significantly more for car insurance in the future. Additionally, if you cause an accident while driving without insurance, you could be sued by the victim for a lot of money.
Check your proof of insurance regularly.
You should regularly check your proof of insurance to ensure that all of the information it shows is accurate. Having an outdated proof-of-insurance document is essentially the same as not having proof of insurance at all. If you check your proof of insurance regularly, you’ll also remember where it is if you’re pulled over or involved in an accident.
Destroy old proof-of-insurance documents.
Make sure you destroy any expired or inaccurate proof-of-insurance documents. This will ensure you never get them mixed up and that you’re always carrying only the most up-to-date version. It will also help keep your personal information safe.
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