Home / Blog/ Insurance Law Blog / Getting Proof Of Auto Insurance Existence And Coverage, Tracing v Suing
If you own a car, especially a new car, you will understand that having auto insurance is as important as getting a license number or owing to the vehicle itself. After purchasing a new car, you must find an insurance company with which you secure car insurance.
To undergo vehicle registration, you need to provide proof of insurance. Whether it’s in the form of a car insurance card, which provides physical insurance information or a digital version in the form of an electronic insurance card you can access through a mobile app on a digital device such as a mobile device, i.e., phone or tablet, it’s vital.
Whether it involves physical insurance documents or electronic proof of a digital insurance card, you must be ready in any situation to show proof of an active insurance policy from one of the many car insurance companies all around the state.
The essence of the auto insurance card is to serve as proof of your responsibility as a road user.
There are three important documents that you need, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and of course, a driver’s license.
Whenever a police officer pulls you over, you are to show proof of insurance.
Most insurers will provide some basic information on an insurance ID card.
This information can include:
You must show responsibility for any vehicle you own in case of injury to other people or damage to their property. Most people show responsibility by buying auto liability insurance.
California law states:
“All drivers and all owners of a motor vehicle shall at all times be able to establish financial responsibility and shall at all times carry in the vehicle evidence of the form of responsibility in effect for the vehicle.”
If you do not have auto liability insurance, you incur a fine, law enforcement can suspend your license, and impound motor vehicles.
There are several forms of documentation to use as proof of insurance. You will need to get one of these documents from your insurance company, so they can verify that you have an active policy. These documents include:
You can obtain insurance cards from many insurers as the most common way to show proof of insurance. When you purchase car insurance, your insurance company will mail you a physical card to keep in your vehicle that proves you are an insured driver.
You also likely have the option of an electronic one. Most major insurance companies also allow policyholders to access a digital insurance card through a mobile app. This is a more convenient way to show proof of insurance because you don’t need to have your physical card on hand.
When you get an auto insurance policy, you will also receive a proof of coverage letter from the insurance company. You can save the letter and keep it in your vehicle as valid proof of insurance. The coverage letter includes the same information that you find on your insurance card.
If your license gets suspended, you will need to fill out an SR-22 form (also called an F-44 form) to show proof of responsibility before your license can get reinstated. An SR-22 form doesn’t replace your insurance, but it’s a supplement that shows the DMV you have the minimum amount of insurance coverage for your state. You can get an SR-22 form through your insurance company.
There are three different ways to get your vehicle insurance card, all relatively convenient.
To exchange insurance information, you should ensure that you meet the insurance requirements presented in the auto insurance policies as agreed upon by you and your insurance agent. Most insurance companies have these in their insurance policy, but it is also expedient to leave out nothing of the actual insurance policy.
Liability Coverage is for accidents that are your fault.
Under California law, you must have this coverage.
Personal car insurance coverage is for accidents when the other driver is at fault and does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance. Also known as Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
The insurance company usually offers, this coverage, but you can choose not to buy it. Although, it is very useful and advisable that you buy it.
Medical Payments Coverage pays limited medical expenses for people injured in the car you are driving when you have an accident, whether or not you are at fault.
There may be an offer of this coverage for you.
Physical Damage Coverage pays the cost of repairs or replacement of your car, minus your deductible.
This is a requirement by the lenders or leasing companies as a token to show proof of insurance.
If you need help with your insurance, or unsure how to obtain proof to show law enforcement, we can help. Contact us online or call (213) 596-9642.
Downtown Los Angeles Office
633 West 5th Street #2890
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 596-9642
Navigation.
Torrance/South Bay
3838 W. Carson Street, Ste 334
Torrance, CA 90503
(424) 999-7246