Your car insurance policy number (or “car insurance policy number”) is the unique number that your insurance company uses for identification. It is printed on your insurance card, as well as any bills or statements that you receive from your insurance company. Your policy number is required in the following situations: after an accident, when you are pulled over, and whenever you need to contact your insurer.
Where can I find my Car Insurance Policy Number number?
An eight-digit to 10-digit number on your car’s insurance card is a car insurance policy number. You might have multiple cars on one card. Or you may have different numbers or cards for each car. It is common that only the last number can change between vehicles in the second case. One car might be 99999999-1 while the policy number for another vehicle could be 99999999-2. Here’s an example of where you can find an insurance card policy number.
The number of your car insurance policy will remain the same as long as you are with one insurer. However, your number might change if you accidentally let your policy lapse or if you change insurance providers.
Your vehicle identification number (or VIN) is another number you should know. This uniquely identifies your vehicle. VINs have 16 digits, contain both letters and numbers, and are located near the description of your car’s make and model on the card. This number is not part of your insurance policy.
Your AAA membership number and your insurance policy number may differ if you have insurance coverage through a roadside assistance provider such as AAA. A totally distinct card and account identifier will be issued to you.
What is the best time to get my car insurance policy number?
Three main situations when you will need to have your own car insurance policy number are: After an accident, if your car is being pulled over by police, and when you contact your insurance company.
- After a car crash: You will exchange information about your insurance, including the policy number, with another driver. The information will be used by each driver to file a claim. If the police arrive at the scene of an accident, you will need to provide your insurance card and file a report. It is a good idea for the police to arrive at the accident scene and file a police report. This will provide an objective record of what occurred and where it happened.
- If you are pulled over by the police, you will also need to give your insurance number to them. Police will inspect your state’s mandatory insurance coverage laws to ensure you are in compliance.
- When contacting your insurer: Your insurance company will most likely ask you for your policy number whenever you contact them, such as if you call to make changes to your policy or cancel your policy altogether. Your address and Social Security number are usually enough information for your insurance company to look up your policy number.
What to do if I lose my car insurance policy number?
Most insurance companies will send you a copy of your proof-of-insurance card if you lose it. You can also print new cards online if you need them. Keep at least two copies of your proof of insurance card. One digital copy should be on your smartphone and one in your glovebox. You can use your smartphone to get electronic proof of insurance in 48 states, except New Mexico, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C. It is a good idea to also have a printed copy of your insurance policy as a backup. A paper copy will also mean that you don’t need to give your smartphone to the police officer if you’re pulled over.
What is the right time to get someone else’s policy number?
In an accident, the most common reason you will need another person’s insurance number is when you are injured. You should always ask the other driver if you are involved in an accident. This applies regardless of fault or severity. It is a sign of good faith to offer yours in addition and it may encourage them provide theirs.
Insurance cards can be difficult to read and small. It is best to take a picture of the insurance card of the other driver using your smartphone. You don’t need to rely on your handwriting, which may be scribbled along the side of the road. Also, it’s unlikely that you will forget any important information. You can take a photo of the back and front of the card and also write their full name, phone number and address.
After the accident, you’ll use the other driver’s insurance number when you call your own insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company to begin the process of filing a claim.
What if I don’t have all the other driver’s information?
You might not have all the details about the policy of another driver, especially if you are in high-stress situations after an accident. You might have miscopied the number or forgotten to note which insurance company they use. If this is the case, contact the other driver if possible. They should be able provide all the information that you require.
You can ask the police for a copy if you are unable to reach the other driver or the police arrived on the scene. Any police report with your name on it is your right to have a copy. The document will also contain the information about the insurance of the other driver.
If none of these options work, and you have the driver’s and policy numbers, but not their company names, you might be able call around to find them. The top 10 largest auto insurance companies in the U.S. make up 72% of the market, so chances are good that you’ll be able to find them just by working through the list.
You may be able to identify this number through your own insurance agent based on their professional experience. Don’t be afraid of asking.