If you need to check on your auto insurance policy, the easiest thing to do is to contact your insurance carrier — you can set up autopay, ask about your renewal date and double-check your coverages.
But if you’re unsure whether you have car insurance, you can contact your state’s DMV or ask your insurer.
- Your insurer will provide you with proof of insurance, usually in the form of a printed or electronically accessible ID card.
- Your car insurance coverage will run out once the policy period ends or if you fail to make your premium payments.
- Confirm your coverage status at the insurer’s website or through an app.
Does my car have insurance?
Driving without auto insurance is illegal in every state except New Hampshire. Beyond the legal compliance factor, if you’re in an accident while driving an uninsured vehicle, you’ll be financially responsible for any damage you cause.
You must also provide auto insurance information to register a car, renew the plate and change ownership.
What information do I need to verify my car insurance status?
When you sign up for car insurance, your insurer will provide documentation showing you have coverage and that it remains active. This document shows others that you have at least the minimum amount of insurance coverage required by your state.
It is important to have this information readily available if you are ever pulled over by police while driving. You might also need to provide it if you are in an accident or plan to lease a vehicle.
The proof of insurance format varies from company to company. In most cases, you will get a small card that is either printed or electronic. Make sure to carry a paper copy in your vehicle — if you were in an accident and incapacitated, police officers wouldn’t be able to access your phone.
How to find out if a car has insurance
When it comes to finding out if a vehicle is insured, there are a few things you can quickly check to find insurance details. After that, the search may get a bit more complicated.
Either way, the more information you have about the vehicle, the better. If possible, track down the:
- VIN number (vehicle identification number)
- License plate information
- Vehicle registration
Suppose you have access to the vehicle and the owner’s financial records because you inherited a car or are helping a relative. In that case, you may be able to determine whether the vehicle is insured with very little effort.
Look in the vehicle for proof of insurance
Most people have at least one auto insurance card in their car. Even if it’s expired, there’s a good chance the vehicle is still insured with the same company.
Check locations like the glove box, center console, visor or any other place where car insurance information may be stored. If you find proof of insurance, call the insurer to ensure coverage is current.
Review financial documents
If you’re taking over your parents’ or other family members’ finances, reviewing their financial documents will often help you track down the insurance company’s information. If you see a monthly or annual payment to an insurance company, call them to ensure the insurance policy is current and ask about the coverage details.
Check emails
If possible, review the vehicle owner’s emails for correspondence from insurance companies. Contact the insurer for more car insurance policy details if you find anything.
Finding the car insurance company is still possible if you can’t access the vehicle’s inside or the owner’s financial records. It will just require a bit more legwork.
There’s no national insurance or vehicle information database in the U.S. because insurance is regulated at the state level.
New insurance quote
If you have the vehicle’s VIN number and some basic details, an insurance agent may be able to help you out. You can check car insurance by VIN number because insurers typically run a CLUE report on a vehicle when writing a new car insurance policy to determine coverage lapses.
A CLUE report shows insurance details for a specific vehicle or person. However, not all insurance companies participate in CLUE, so this might not work.
State DMV
The Department of Motor Vehicles may track insurance coverage information. In most cases, they check car insurance by number plate, so you’ll need the vehicle’s license plate or VIN. You may have to pay a fee, and your state might now allow this due to privacy concerns.
Check with major auto insurance companies
There is a good chance that the vehicle is insured by a national insurance provider like Progressive, Allstate, State Farm or numerous other insurance companies that operate in your state.
Call a variety of insurers to see if there’s already a car insurance policy in place. You’ll need some basic information, such as the VIN or license plate number or the name and basic details of the vehicle owner.
Check with local police
The police department can check whether a vehicle is insured based on the license plate, but that’s only after an accident with the driver. You must file a request proving that there was an accident.
How to find out if a car is insured after an accident?
Another situation where you may need to determine if a vehicle is insured is after an accident, but this information isn’t public.
“Due to privacy laws, it is very unusual for any state to have a list of drivers and their associated auto insurance status. If in a wreck, you can ask the other driver at the site of the wreck for a picture of their insurance info,” says James Brau, Joel C. Peterson professor of finance at Brigham Young University. “If the person refuses to show their insurance info you can call the police to the scene and have them ask for it. In some states, the DMV or insurance bureau may be willing to provide the information in the case of a wreck.”
Getting the other driver’s insurance information is essential if you’re involved in an accident. Here are a few tips on what information to gather after an accident.
File a police report
You should always file a police report, even for minor accidents. It will help if you have to file a claim. The police also gather a wide array of information about vehicles and drivers, which can help find insurance information.
Gather information about the other driver
If you were in an accident, ask the other driver for their car insurance information. Call their insurance company at the accident scene to verify their coverage is current.
Make sure to take the following steps after an accident:
- Collect as much information as possible about the other vehicle and driver.
- Jot down the license plate number and their driver’s license number, name, address and phone number.
- Take photos and video of the damage to both vehicles from numerous angles.
- Get witness statements and the contact information for witnesses.
- Stay at the scene and cooperate with the authorities.
How to handle uninsured drivers
Some states mandate drivers to purchase uninsured motorist coverage, while in others, it may not be an option. Where it’s offered, uninsured motorist bodily injury protection and uninsured motorist property damage protection can either be sold individually or as a package. Additionally, it can be combined with underinsured motorist coverage to protect against drivers with low liability limits.
When does car insurance run out?
When you purchase a car insurance policy, it will include a policy period that includes both the day the policy goes into effect and the day it ends, also known as the termination date. Most policy periods run for six months or one year.
Usually – although not always – your insurer will offer the option to renew your policy before the term ends.
Your insurance could also run out if you fail to pay your premiums. Even if you miss a car insurance payment, your coverage won’t end immediately. State laws require insurers to contact you before the company cancels your policy.
It is important to understand exactly when your coverage will no longer be in effect: If you don’t have coverage and are involved in an accident, you will be liable out of pocket for all damages.
What happens if I find out my car is not insured?
If you let your policy lapse, renew it immediately. You’ll pay higher rates due to the coverage lapse, but driving without insurance is illegal in almost every state.
How to find the best and cheapest car insurance
To find the cheapest and best car insurance, compare quotes from multiple insurers and look for discounts like bundling, safe driving, or good student discounts. Consider customer reviews, coverage options, and financial strength to ensure reliable service. Tailor your coverage to your needs while balancing cost and protection.
FAQ: Is my car insured?
How often should I check if my car is insured?
If your car insurance policy period has not ended and you are making your premium payments, you shouldn’t have to regularly check to ensure your policy is still in effect.
While car insurance companies can cancel your policy before the term ends, many states only allow them to do so for specific reasons. And if insurer decides to cancel your policy, it will have to let you know before it does.
Can I verify my car insurance status through my insurance provider’s website?
Most insurance companies today allow you to check your insurance status anytime online. The insurer might also offer an app to check your coverage. If, for some reason, you have trouble confirming your car insurance status online, call your insurer.
Is there an online tool to confirm my car insurance coverage?
The best way to confirm your car insurance coverage is to use your insurer’s website or app. You can also call your insurer directly to confirm your coverage status.
Can I check if someone else’s car is insured?
Insurance information isn’t public, so you can’t access it without a valid reason. However, if there’s been an accident, here are some options:
Ask the driver for their insurance details. The easiest way is to request the information directly from them. Usually, they will comply, but if they refuse or leave the scene without sharing it, make sure to note the vehicle’s make, model and license plate number.
File a police report. If the other driver doesn’t provide their information, report the incident to the police. They can check if the vehicle is insured using the license plate number.
Check with the DMV. In some states, the DMV can help by identifying the other driver’s insurer if you have the license plate number. You’ll likely need to submit a request explaining the reason, such as an accident. Let your insurance company handle it. If you have full coverage, notify your insurer, and they will handle it. Insurance companies often handle these cases through subrogation, where they pay your claim and seek reimbursement from the other party’s insurer.
Can you ever drive without car insurance?
No. Driving without insurance is illegal in every state except New Hampshire – and drivers in New Hampshire must prove financial responsibility in the event of an at-fault accident.
Can you pause your car insurance?
No, you cannot pause your car insurance. You can decrease your liability limits or drop coverages at any time, however. If, for example, you’re going overseas for an extended period – such as six months – you could cancel your collision coverage since you wouldn’t be driving your vehicle. However, if you still have a lien on the vehicle, you must maintain full coverage – including collision – in most cases.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
Experian. “What Do if Your Car Insurance Is Canceled.” Accessed September 2024.
— Mark Vallet contributed to this story.
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