Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Defining Proof of Insurance

Proof of insurance is a popular term used to refer to a physical form of proof a driver has of their insurance coverage. This proof is usually in the form of a small card, around the size of 3.5 inches by 5 inches (although the size can vary with each insurer). This card should be kept in the vehicle which has the insurance coverage. Most drivers will keep this card in their glove compartment for easy access, but some will keep it in their wallet with their license knowing whenever they drive they will have it with them. It used to be that a driver didn’t need to have this proof of insurance card with them at all times, but now most traffic officers will request to see this card in addition to the license and vehicle registration during traffic stops or at the scene of an accident. Any driver failing to provide their proof of insurance will find themselves having to pay the consequences.

Where To Get Your Proof
To get a proof of insurance card, a driver must first purchase a policy. After a policy has been purchased, the insurer will send the driver or new policyholder their proof of insurance card. For some drivers, waiting for the card to come through the mail isn’t soon enough because they need to drive immediately. These drivers and any other driver who does not want to wait for their proof should know that on OnlineAutoInsurance.com has a way to provide drivers with instant proof of insurance when they purchase their policy from our site. This purchase can be made by using the quote comparison tool we have and offer to the public for free and then buying one of the policies from the list of quotes.

To use the quote comparison tool, begin with entering the driver’s local zip code in the appropriate box found on our homepage. A new page will open containing a list of questions revolving around the driver, their vehicle, and the insurance coverage they would like to purchase. It is helpful to have the basic information of each of these categories close by to minimize the time spent answering the questions. Such information includes the driver’s age, address, and driving history, the vehicle’s VIN, mileage, make, model and year, and the coverage types and amounts needed. Once this information is entered in, the applicant will be given a list of quotes to look at that are provided by various insurers throughout the area. The driver can compare the quote prices and the companies before making their decision, if one is made at all. There is no limit to how many times a driver can use this tool and there is no obligation to make any purchase. However, any driver who is looking to get proof of insurance immediately should know this is one of the fastest ways of doing so. Purchasing the best policy from the quote page will enable most users to print their proof of insurance card from their home computer once the policy has been electronically signed and paid for.

Penalties Of No Proof
Occasionally there are a few officers who will let it slide when you forget to put a new proof of insurance card in your vehicle and you don’t have that card to show them. But this is very rare. More often than not, the driver who is without a proof of insurance card will be fined or given a ticket. This can occur whether or not the driver actually does have auto insurance. Some officers do have the ability to check on a motorist’s insurance and can verify whether or not the driver is lying about having coverage. Certain states have all of this information listed in a database that can be checked by officers during traffic stops. It is illegal in every state to drive without any claimed financial responsibility and police officers are cracking down on those without it. Car insurance is a popular form of financial responsibility. It’s best to always be honest with an officer about insurance coverage and to carry the proof of insurance card in the vehicle at all times to prevent a tougher situation. An officer who discovers a driver with no proof of insurance and no insurance will suspend their license and their vehicle’s registration.

Reasons Immediate Proof Is Needed
Proof of coverage is needed any time the driver is pulled over for a traffic stop or when the driver is involved in an accident (regardless of who is at fault). Proof of insurance shows the other driver in the accident you do have insurance and they can write down your insurance information from the card if you do not have all of that information memorized. The officer at the scene of the accident will also want to write down that information on the accident report. At traffic stops, the police officer will want to verify that you are legally driving by having an insurance policy for the vehicle being driven.

At any time a driver is found driving a vehicle that is not insured, their driver’s license and the vehicle’s registration will be suspended. In order to lift the suspension off the license and registration the driver must show proof of insurance to a court in addition to paying fines. The time it takes for the driver to purchase insurance and get their proof card will affect the length of time for them to start driving legally again. This is why our quote comparison tool is so beneficial to all drivers; we can get you a policy in minutes and in some cases allow those drivers to print their proof of insurance card immediately. This can shorten the suspension period dramatically.

All drivers should remember two things when they drive: their license and their proof of auto insurance card. As long as a motorist has these things with adequate coverage on their car insurance policy, they are following the state law. If you need help finding great coverage, turn to our quote comparison tool to get the best prices and quick proof cards.

1 comment:

  1. Nice and informative article. The above posted information helped me to learn about the proof of insurance which is the most essential part. All the drivers must carry proof of their insurance. Thanks for sharing this important detail.
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