Stephanie is a DC-based freelance writer specializing in personal finance. Her work covers insurance, loans, real estate investing, retirement, and more.
Background working with banks and insurance companies
Sarah enjoys helping people find smarter ways to spend their money. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans.
Updated October 16, 2024 | Reading time: 3 minutes
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Every U.S. state except New Hampshire requires drivers to carry valid auto insurance coverage when behind the wheel.[1] You can use your insurance card to show proof of coverage at a traffic stop, when registering your vehicle, or after an accident.
Here’s how to read your insurance card.
Information on an insurance card
Insurance cards can vary from one insurer to the next, but they usually include the following information:
Your name and address
Your vehicle(s), including model, make, year, and VIN
Your insurance company’s name and contact information, including important phone numbers and their website
The plan’s effective dates of coverage
Your policy number
It may also include your type of plan and the coverage amount included.
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Finding your policy number
Each insurance company puts its insurance policy number in a different place. Look for a long number — usually between eight to 13 digits. It’s often located near your name or vehicle information, but it can also be on the back of your card.
Your policy number is an identifier unique to your specific policy. It generally remains the same as long as your policy stays in effect and provides proof of auto insurance coverage. If you have multiple policies with the same insurance company — like both a home and auto policy — each policy will have its own number.
Electronic proof of insurance
Many insurance companies offer digital ID cards through email, a mobile app, or a digital wallet on a mobile device. This electronic insurance card offers the same information as a printed copy, but you can access it anywhere and email it with ease.
You can typically use an electronic insurance card the same way you’d use a tangible copy, whether you need to show it to a police officer during a traffic stop or if the DMV requires it when registering your new car. New Mexico is the only exception, where electronic insurance cards aren’t explicitly accepted as part of state law.
Why you need your insurance card
An insurance card is usually required anytime you’re involved in a traffic stop or incident. In most states, police officers run your insurance card to verify active coverage. If you don’t have your insurance card available, you may be subject to additional citations and fines for failing to show proof of coverage — even if you have a policy.
You’ll also need proof of insurance when buying a new vehicle or registering your car. Insurance companies also use your policy number and other information on your insurance card when you file a claim. Keep an ID card handy in your vehicle, wallet, and phone. You can also keep a backup copy at home.
What information you need after an accident
After an accident, exchange important information with the other driver, including:[2]
Name and contact information
Insurance company name and contact information
Insurance policy number
Driver’s license number
Vehicle details, such as the make, model, color, and license plate number
Accident details, such as how it happened, time, and location
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What to do if someone steals your policy number
It’s important to take action immediately if someone steals your policy number or insurance information. Follow these steps:
1. Inform the police
You may need to file a police report if other important cards were also stolen, like your driver’s license or credit card.
2. Contact your insurer
Let the company know your policy number was compromised.
3. Get a new policy number
Your insurer will likely issue you a new policy number after you report your policy number stolen.
4. Update your auto insurance cards
Download and print your new insurance card. Put a copy in your vehicle, and look for paper copies in the mail.
5. Let lenders know
If you lease or finance your car, let your financing company know that your insurance policy number has changed.
Insurance card policy number FAQs
If you want to know even more about insurance card policy numbers and why they matter, check out the additional information below.
Is the policy number the same as member ID?
No. Your auto insurance policy number is different from your member ID number. Policy numbers are unique to each policy. You’ll typically have just one member ID number but could have multiple policy numbers for home, auto, life, personal property, or renters coverage.
How many digits is an insurance policy number?
The typical insurance policy number ranges from about eight to 13 digits long. Each insurance company will have its own system and policy number length.
How do you read an insurance card?
Insurance cards include information about your auto policy, vehicle, and insurer. The card typically shows insurer contact information, policy number, coverage dates, vehicle make, and model. It may also spell out your coverage limits.
Can you use your insurance card policy number to verify your coverage?
Yes. You can use your insurance card policy number to verify coverage benefits for law enforcement, registration, car financing, and more. If you don’t have your member ID card handy, you can still use your policy number to verify the plan type and coverage details.
Stephanie is a DC-based freelance writer and Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI). She primarily covers personal finance topics such as insurance, loans, real estate investing, and retirement. Her work can be found on CBS, FOX Business, MSN, Yahoo! Finance, Business Insider, and more. When she isn't helping people plan for their financial futures, she is traveling, hiking with her kids, or writing for her own website, TomorrowsDollar.com. She can be reached on Twitter @stephcolestock
Background working with banks and insurance companies
Sarah enjoys helping people find smarter ways to spend their money. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans.
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