If you've never owned an independent car before, you might be wondering if your car is insured. Perhaps you've always relied on your spouse or family members to keep their cars insured, so you're unsure of how to handle your car. Since it is required to have insurance before you drive around the US, you must confirm that you have it and that your payments are current.
To learn how to check car insurance in the US, kindly read this article for detailed information.
What is car insurance?
Car insurance protects you financially if you are liable for someone else's injuries or damages and covers damage to your vehicle. Medical bills can also be covered by auto insurance if you or your passengers are injured in an accident or are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Your policy protects you up to certain limits agreed upon by you and your insurer.
Do I need car insurance?
Except for New Hampshire, all states require auto insurance. Driving without insurance can result in a fine, license suspension, or even jail time.
How to check car insurance in the US
To renew your license or car tag in most states, you must show proof of insurance. In addition, if you are involved in an accident or a traffic stop, you are usually required to provide your current insurance information.
If you're not sure if your car is insured, it's a good idea to find out so you can drive legally and be prepared to show proof of insurance if necessary. below is how you can check your car insurance:
- Check For an Online Policy
Do you know which insurance provider your family or household has previously used? If so, that might be a good place to start. You can log in and review, update, or renew your coverage through the online accounts that many insurers offer. You might be able to log in and check to see if your coverage is current if you know the insurance provider and the email address connected to your account.
- Search Your Car
Most people keep a copy of their auto insurance card or policy in their car. In the event of an accident or traffic stop, it will always be accessible in this way. It's possible that they also put your paperwork in your car if someone else has been managing your auto insurance for you.
Look for your insurance documents in the center console, glove box, and any other storage areas in your car. Even if you come across documents from a previous year, that gives you a place to start. To find out if the policy has been renewed, you can get in touch with the insurance provider.
- Check the Motor Insurance Database (MID)
In the Motor Insurance Database, you can perform a free check on your vehicle (the vehicle must be either registered, owned, or insured by you or your employer; or you must be permitted to drive it). Simply enter your vehicle's VIN and check that you have read and comprehended the Data Protection Declaration.
Additionally, if you are in a car accident on the road, you can find out if the other car has valid insurance or if the accident was caused by an uninsured driver.
- Get a New Insurance Quote
Though it may seem as though you are giving up on finding your (possible) current policy, this is not the case. When you ask for a new car insurance quote, the majority of insurance agents access an online report that lists your current insurance provider and, occasionally, whether or not your policy has expired. The insurance agent can identify it as long as your insurance company appears on the report, which is usually the case.
Using one of the comparison sites is another excellent way to find low-cost car insurance coverage. You will be able to compare car insurance rates from various insurance providers in one place rather than having to check everything yourself. Even if you discover that your auto insurance policy is still valid, you can choose to switch if the new quote offers a lower price. Your former car insurance company will usually refund you on a prorated basis.
- Call Your Secretary of State
The Office of the Secretary of State maintains car insurance records in many states. You can contact the office or come in to see if they can locate your insurance by using your driver's license number or other identifying information.
When you learn the specifics of your car insurance, you may need to purchase a new policy. Even if you are already covered, switching could save you money (and give you a refund for any payments you have already made for the current policy).
Conclusion
Checking your car insurance is important because driving without at least third-party coverage is prohibited in the US.
Driving without insurance exposes you to a fine and six points on your license. If your case goes to trial, you might even lose your driving privileges and receive an unlimited fine.
