Just about every state in the country requires individuals to have compensation in place for property damage that they may cause with their vehicle and either bodily injury liability for injuries caused to others and/or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to pay for an injury suffered by the policyholder regardless of who is at fault. States will enforce these laws which are known as the Financial Responsibility and No Fault laws. Although there are a few different ways to satisfy these laws such as making a cash deposit with the state or obtaining a surety bond for a specified amount, most motorists choose to purchase auto insurance and maintain coverage through an insurer.

Although not all states require it, it may be a good idea to always carry proof of car insurance at all times while operating an automobile. If a person is involved in a traffic accident they will need to swap policy information following the incident so having the documentation readily available can make it a whole lot easier and faster to go through the claims process. In many states it will asked for by a law enforcement officer upon arrival at the scene of the collision and in many cases not having proper proof will give the officer the assumption that you do not have coverage which may result in a fine and the need to appear in court with the documentation necessary; both of which can be avoided by simply carrying that piece of paper.

Additional Information about Proof of auto insurance

When a motorist purchases an automobile policy, the carrier or representative of the insurer should provide temporary proof of insurance also called identification cards as soon as the transaction is complete and the finalized documentation should be mailed to the residence of the newly insured. On the identification cards most states require that particular information is stated on the documentation; in most cases states require that the cards show the name of the insurer, a policy number, the effective date and expiration date of the coverage, the name of the insured, a description of the year, make and model of vehicles including the “VIN”. It is the responsibility of the policyholder to ensure that all information is correct.

Motorists should make themselves aware of whether or not the are required by law to have proof on them at all times while driving because fines can get quite expensive and become a hassle if caught without the proper documentation (even if the state does not require identification cards to be carried it is probably a good idea to do so anyway.) States which require motorists to have policies on them at all times will allow law enforcement officer to ask for identification cards at routine traffic stops and if unable to furnish the driver can be cited. According to the Washington State Department of Licensing those who are caught operating an automobile without coverage can be given a fine of at least $450 which can be close to the amount it would cost to purchase a policy. It may be wiser to always have the documentation ready and never risk driving uninsured.