Where should you keep your auto insurance cards?
We'll cover the importance of keeping your car insurance cards handy. We'll also go over what's included on the cards and how they act as proof of insurance if it's requested by law.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 5, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 5, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
There are many things to think about when you get behind the wheel, and you might not be sure where to keep a car insurance card. This detail may seem small, but, if mishandled, it could cost you if you are stopped or in an accident. One card belongs in your vehicle. The other should be stored and kept safe.
Knowing where to carry both of your vehicle insurance cards is an important part of being a responsible driver. Circumstances can change quickly, and knowing where these important documents are can make handling stressful roadside situations easier.
- Failure to produce proof of auto insurance could lead to large fines, driving penalties, or even jail
- One car insurance card belongs in your vehicle, and the other should be filed away or carried safely
- Contact your insurance company for a replacement if you lose one or both of your insurance cards
Where should I put my insurance cards?
Usually, your auto insurance company gives you two insurance cards. So, where should you keep your car insurance card? Should you keep your insurance card in your car? Yes, keep one inside your vehicle. Put it in a place you will remember and can easily reach.
You might find the glove compartment a convenient place to keep it, or perhaps you would prefer a storage area by your right arm in the central console. Put the other card in your files, or carry it in your wallet or a bag you have with you while driving.
Every state, except New Hampshire and Virginia, requires drivers to carry insurance, and those two states require proof of financial responsibility. Failing to show auto insurance proof could lead to fines up to $1000, driving penalties such as license suspension, or even time in jail. While basic liability insurance is the minimum insurance level required by law, there are multiple types and levels of car insurance. Some financial experts recommend higher levels of coverage for better asset protection.
Insurance companies maintain a national registry of valid insurance holders, but this database cannot be accessed by all agencies. If you are in an accident, officers cannot dial in and find your records. This is why you should carry an insurance card in your vehicle at all times. You may be wondering why you need two cards.
There are numerous specific reasons.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
The Importance of Your Second Insurance Card
When discussing where to keep a car insurance card, an obvious place is inside your vehicle. Should you carry your insurance card with you all the time? Not necessarily. Almost all insurance companies issue a second insurance card. What about that one, and does it matter? You might ask, do I need a physical copy of car insurance?
Well, keep this second insurance card safe, and keep it handy. There are specific situations where having this card makes your life much easier.
Towing or Impounding
If your car is towed, your valid proof of automobile insurance goes with it. Knowing where your second car insurance card is and being able to put your hands on it saves you valuable time. Without it, you would have to contact your insurance company while your vehicle sits, accruing additional fees.
Vehicle Theft
If your vehicle is stolen or you get your wallet stolen, your second insurance card can provide police with important information that can help them trace your car.
Crash
If you are involved in a road accident, your insurance card inside the car could be damaged or lost. If you are carrying a second card with you, or have it stored safely and within easy reach of another party, police and other involved parties will have access to necessary information.
Information Included on Car Insurance Cards
Understanding what information is included on vehicle insurance cards helps you appreciate the importance of these documents and the need to carry and store them safely.
- Insurance company details. Insurance cards list the name of your insurance company and usually include the phone number. The insurance company address may be on the card, too.
- Policy details. Auto insurance cards include your car insurance policy number and the effective date, thus proving your policy’s validity. These cards may also list your policy’s expiration date.
- Names of insured drivers. Everyone covered under your policy is listed.
- Regional verification. Insurance cards list the state in which you hold the insurance. Laws vary, so this detail is especially important if you are driving in another state.
- Vehicle information. The cards list the make, model, and year of your vehicle, as well as the vehicle identification number, or VIN, matching the policy to your car.
The information on your insurance cards can help your state’s motor vehicle agency, the police, another person who is driving your vehicle, and other drivers involved in a vehicle accident with you.
Are you able to get replacement insurance cards if you lose them?
So, you get pulled over and you realize, “I lost my car insurance card.” If you discover you have lost an auto insurance card, contact your insurance company right away. They can start working immediately to get you another card. You should have two cards at all times. If you have lost one, ask your insurance company for a replacement car insurance card.
The procedures for replacing lost insurance cards vary with each company. Some will email you a temporary car insurance card to print and use, and send you a permanent card through postal mail. Others will send you a file of your permanent card so that you can print it yourself.
If you purchased your vehicle policy online, there is likely a procedure in place for obtaining replacement cards. Visit the company’s website and look for that option. You may be asked to supply information such as your name, email address, and policy number.
If you purchased your insurance from a traditional company or broker, contact them and request a replacement card be sent to you. For example, if your provider is State Farm, you can contact them for a State Farm insurance card replacement. If convenient, you could also visit the office for replacement cards.
But what about if you have switched to new insurance but no card yet? You can contact the agency or company issuing the card and see if they have an option for showing your insurance card on the phone. If wondering, you could also ask is a picture of my registration valid before you have physical car insurance proof
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Final Thoughts on Where To Keep Car Insurance Cards
So, where should you keep your car insurance card? While knowing where to keep a car insurance card may seem like a minor point, being able to find and present these documents at a moment’s notice is vital. What happens when there’s a failure to show proof of insurance? You may get a ticket if you can’t show proof of car insurance. There may be more serious consequences depending on where you are pulled over.
If you are pulled over, in an accident, or something happens to your car, you need to know that one insurance card is in your car and that a second identical card is with you or stored safely in your files. These cards are much more than little slips of paper. They contain important information that can help you and others trying to assist you in numerous situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are auto insurance cards?
You may wonder, what is an auto insurance card? An automobile insurance card is a physical or digital document provided by your insurance company that serves as proof of your vehicle’s insurance coverage.
Where should I keep my car insurance card?
So, where should you keep your insurance card? You might wonder do I need to carry my car insurance card? Not necessarily. It is important to keep your auto insurance cards in a safe and easily accessible place. Here are a few recommended options:
- Vehicle glove compartment: Many people choose to keep their auto insurance cards in the glove compartment of their vehicle. It’s a convenient location that allows you to easily present the cards during a traffic stop or in case of an accident.
- Wallet or purse: If you prefer to carry your insurance cards with you at all times, keeping them in your wallet or purse is a good option. This ensures that you have the necessary information readily available wherever you go.
- Digital storage: In today’s digital age, you can store a digital copy of your insurance cards on your smartphone or in a cloud storage service. Check out apps for insurance cards; just make sure you can access them easily when needed, even without an internet connection.
- Home filing system: If you prefer to keep physical copies of important documents organized at home, create a dedicated file for your auto insurance cards. This way, you can quickly locate them when necessary.
Are there any alternative methods to store auto insurance information?
Yes, in addition to traditional insurance cards, many insurance companies provide auto digital insurance alternatives. Some common options include:
- Mobile apps: Some insurance companies offer mobile apps that allow policyholders to access their insurance information, including digital insurance cards, directly from their smartphones. Check if your insurance provider offers such an app for car insurance. They may offer an app to store insurance cards as well.
- Email or online accounts: Insurance companies often send policyholders electronic copies of their insurance cards via email or provide access to online accounts where you can view and download the necessary documents. Consider saving these emails or bookmarking your online account for easy access.
What should I do if I lose my auto insurance cards?
An important question to ask is what happens if you lose your car insurance card? If you have a lost car insurance card, you should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. They will be able to assist you in obtaining a replacement card or provide you with the necessary information to prove your insurance coverage in case of an incident.
You might also be wondering what can someone do with your car insurance card if they find it. In that case, someone may be able to use your information to file a claim, access details about your policy, or even commit fraud.
Remember, it’s crucial to keep your auto insurance cards or digital copies up to date. Make sure to review your insurance policy regularly and update your cards whenever there are changes in coverage or policy details. Talk to your insurance provider if you’re still confused about what to do if you lose your car insurance card.
Can I keep a digital copy of my auto insurance cards instead of carrying a physical card?
Yes, many insurance companies accept digital copies of insurance cards as valid proof of coverage. However, it’s important to check the regulations in your specific location, as some jurisdictions may require a physical card.
You may ask, can I show my insurance card on my phone? Typically, yes. If digital copies are accepted, make sure to have them readily accessible on your mobile device and add insurance card to wallet or in a cloud storage service.
Is it necessary to keep multiple copies of my auto insurance cards?
It’s generally recommended to have multiple copies of your auto insurance cards in different locations. This ensures that you have backup copies in case one is lost or damaged. Additionally, keeping a copy with a trusted family member or friend can be helpful if you’re unable to access your own copies.
How often should I update my auto insurance cards?
You should update your auto insurance cards whenever there are changes to your insurance policy. This includes renewals, modifications to coverage, or updates to personal information such as address or vehicle details. It’s important to have the most current information on your cards to avoid any issues when presenting them as proof of insurance.
Can I use a digital wallet app to store my auto insurance cards?
Yes, some digital wallet apps offer the option to store various types of identification documents, including auto insurance cards. However, ensure that the app you choose is accepted and recognized as a valid form of proof of insurance in your jurisdiction. Check with your insurance provider or local authorities for specific guidelines.
Should I keep copies of previous auto insurance cards?
It’s a good idea to retain copies of previous auto insurance cards for reference purposes. They can be useful when reviewing your insurance history, comparing coverage, or providing documentation for previous incidents. Consider creating a separate folder or digital archive to store these older cards.
What other documents should I keep with my auto insurance cards?
Alongside your auto insurance cards, it’s recommended to keep other essential documents related to your vehicle, such as your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and any relevant roadside assistance information. Having all these documents together in one place can help you handle any situation efficiently.
Do I need to carry proof of insurance in my car?
First, you might ask what is proof of car insurance? Proof of insurance, or evidence of insurance, is documentation that shows you have insurance coverage. Where should you keep your evidence of insurance card? You can keep one in your car and another with other important documentation.
Where is the safest place to keep your car registration?
You want to keep your registration card in a secure, easily accessible place. That might be your car glove compartment or your wallet or purse.
Can I laminate my car insurance card?
So, can you laminate your car insurance card? Yes but it’s usually not recommended. Laminating may remove your ability to update the card to show any policy changes. A better option would be to use a car insurance card holder or even just digital insurance cards as your auto insurance ID card.
Do I need a physical car insurance card?
You want to know, do you have to have a physical copy of car insurance? That depends on where you are living and the legal requirements. You may not need a physical copy, but you should check with your insurance provider.
Can I get my insurance card online?
A lot of drivers ask, can you print your insurance card online? The answer is yes. Most insurance companies allow you access to printing your insurance card online, but you will have to double check with your provider for specific details.
Can I have my car insurance on my phone?
Can I have my insurance card on my phone? Depending on where you live and the legal requirements for insurance, you should be able to have your insurance on your phone. If you can’t get a physical copy of your insurance card, having auto digital insurance is the next best thing.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Michelle Robbins
Licensed Insurance Agent
Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.