How do I check car insurance status?

Because having valid and current car insurance is a requirement in almost every state to own a vehicle, it is important to make sure that your insurance status is current.

If you do not have the information on your insurance policy, you can contact the department of motor vehicles in your state to find out whether the insurance information on file is current.

If you need the insurance information on another driver because you were involved in a car accident, you may need identification information to be able to get information on their policy.

While checking your current policy status, don’t hesitate to use our FREE comparison tool to ensure your rates are competitive! 

Checking the Status of Your Own Auto Insurance Policy

It is fairly easy to check the status of your own auto insurance policy, especially if you know the name of the company under which you have been covered in the past.

If you have a copy of a past or present insurance card, call the number on the back of the card to speak with your insurance provider and verify your policy.

They will be able to tell you the exact status of your policy and whether you are currently covered.

You should always make sure that you carry proof of insurance whenever you drive, whether it is required under the law of your state or not because you may need it in the event of an accident.

– Policy Cancellation

You may not have current insurance coverage is that your policy was canceled. It is possible to cancel your auto insurance policy before the term of the policy ends within a designated period.

However, you must get some form of advance notice from your insurance company if it chooses to cancel your insurance for some reason.

The major reasons that your insurance policy would be canceled by the insurer are that you failed to pay your premium on time or were not truthful in your insurance application.

– Policy Renewal

Another reason that you may not have current auto insurance coverage is that the insurance company did not renew your policy after it expired.

There is an expiration date on your policy that you can either find in the insurance policy agreement itself or on your proof of insurance card from the company.

While you are required to receive notice from the insurance company before a decision to not renew your policy, there are certain limitations under state law on why an insurer may not renew your policy.

In addition, you may also choose not to renew your policy, just make sure you have a new policy in place before your current policy ends.

– Understanding Your Policy

Your auto insurance policy is the ultimate guide on when your insurance expires and the conditions of your coverage. It is important to read this agreement and retain a copy of it in case you have questions later.

When shopping around for quotes on auto insurance policies, make sure that you understand what the term of your auto insurance coverage will be.

It is possible to receive a quote for a policy that will only cover you for six months, so make sure that you do not exceed that term without having coverage.

Checking the Insurance Status of Another Driver

The most likely reason that you would need to know the insurance status of another driver is if you are involved in an auto accident and need to file a claim.

The best course of action after an auto accident is to communicate directly with the other driver to get identification and insurance information.

If the other driver does not offer up this information immediately, it is best to call the police so that you do not leave the scene of the accident without getting all of the proper information.

If you are involved in an accident, you should try to take down information on other car’s make, 

You should also ask the responding police officer how you can get a copy of the accident report in case you have to take it to your state department of motor vehicles to get information on the other driver’s insurance policy.

With a simple call to your insurance company, you can quickly check the status of your auto insurance coverage. If there is a lapse in your coverage, you should immediately start a policy for at least the minimum coverage to legally drive in your state.

In addition, you could contact the state department of motor vehicles with your identification information. For another driver, have a copy of a police report or identification information ready to inquire from your insurer or the department of motor vehicles.

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