Motorists Need Proof of Vehicle Insurance
car insurance is a legal requirement for almost every vehicle owner because it ensures that drivers will be able to pay for damages they cause to another person or their property. Being uninsured could amount to serious financial loss after an accident, and could lead to a wide range of fines and other penalties. To ensure that motorists are adequately protected, most states require vehicle owners to carry proof that sufficient coverage has been purchased.
In order to get proof of insurance a motorist must first have car coverage in place. After shopping around and making a purchase, policyholders should receive the necessary documentation. This evidence can come in several forms depending on where the insured driver lives. In California, for example, this can include a document or policy identification card, a letter of authorization from the DMV identifying a cash depositor, or an SR-22. Most people, however, will be given a card that lists specific information about the purchased plan.
An insurance identification card includes very specific information, and should be kept within the insured vehicle at all times. These cards should include the name(s) of the insured, the name of the coverage provider, the policy number, the policy activation and expiration dates, vehicle identification number, as well as the make and model of the insured vehicle.
Consequences for No car insurance Proof
Despite strict coverage requirements, uninsured drivers have become a big problem in several states. For example, the Insurance Research Council estimates that in 2009 roughly 26 percent of motorists in New Mexico were driving without adequate protection. In Mississippi, this amount was as high as 28 percent. To help decrease these numbers, many states have adopted harsh punishments for offending drivers, and have begun relying on online databases that make it easier to identify uninsured residents.
The fines for driving without adequate protection vary depending on the state. In Washington, for example, offending motorists could receive a fine of at least $450. However, the Maryland Department of Transportation has adopted penalties that include the loss of license plates and vehicle registration, a fine of at least $150 and up to $2,500, and a restoration fee of $25.
Several states, including New Mexico, Texas, and Arkansas have begun using electronic verification programs that help local authorities quickly identify uninsured motorists. With these systems, coverage providers are required to inform state officials when a resident has purchased or canceled a policy. Drivers can easily avoid many of these consequences by taking the time to shop around for an adequately priced plan that meets their state car insurance requirements.