Laws on Insurance Card Information

A vehicle insurance card proves ability to cover damages

Driving without insurance coverage is just as illegal as driving without a license or vehicle registration or with illegal license plates. After all, drivers may not assume financial responsibility for vehicle damages or personal injuries without the minimum legally-required insurance coverage. An insurance card provides proof of the necessary coverage, including name of the policyholder, vehicle information, name of insurer and policy identification number.

Proof of Insurance

In the event of an accident, drivers are required to provide a license, vehicle registration and an insurance card to other drivers involved and police. The same is true for traffic stops. Failure to provide proof of insurance may lead to traffic fines, license suspension and suspension of vehicle registration. Drivers are advised to keep an insurance card in the vehicle so that all drivers of the car may present it upon request.

Insurance Coverage

Each state has its own requirements for auto insurance, but there is little variation in coverage options, which include injury and property liability and collision coverage. Liability covers physical injuries and property damage caused by an accident. Collision coverage pays for vehicle damage and possible replacement of a vehicle damaged beyond repair. Policies may include coverage of damage caused by uninsured motorists. In addition, drivers can purchase temporary insurance for driving in other countries.

Penalties

Drivers who fail to carry an insurance card or who allow a policy to lapse may face fines but can appear in court to explain the apparent absence of proof. Possession of a fraudulent card carries stiff fines and possible jail time. Under any of these circumstances, purchasing car insurance in the future will be expensive.

References

• Carinsurance.com: Do you need to carry a car insurance card with you?
• Carinsurance.com: What should a ``Full Coverage'' insurance card look like?
• Cars Direct: Car Insurance Information: What's Required
• Cars Direct: Criminal Penalties for Using Fake Proof of Insurance