In Texas, proving that you have valid auto insurance is essential for vehicle registration, renewing your license, and staying compliant during traffic stops or accidents. Enter your zip code below to get a free quote!
What Counts As Proof Of Insurance In Texas?
What is Proof of Auto Insurance?
When you purchase auto insurance from an insurance company, you will be provided with proof of insurance, which will be an insurance identification card for your vehicle. You should also receive a full copy of your insurance policy showing the coverages that you selected when you bought the insurance.
Do I Need Proof of Insurance in Texas?
When registering a vehicle in the State of Texas, you must show an insurance identification card showing active insurance on your vehicle. You can obtain a copy of your insurance card from your insurance agent or insurance company. In many cases, you can access an electronic copy of the card on your insurance company's mobile app on your phone. Paper insurance cards or electronic ones both act as proof of insurance to the Texas Department of Vehicles and the local and state police if an officer pulls you over.
To obtain or renew a driver's license in the State of Texas, you must produce proof of insurance for each vehicle that you own. If you do not own a vehicle, you will have to sign a statement affirming that you do not own a car so that you do not have to provide proof of insurance.
What Information Does My Proof of Insurance Provide?
The proof of insurance on your car that you receive from your insurer will show:
• Your insurance company and its NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) number
• Your policy number
• The effective and expiration dates of your auto insurance policy
• Your vehicle's year, make, model, and vehicle identification number
• Your full name and address or the full name and address of the owner of the vehicle you are driving
What if I Cannot Show Proof of Insurance?
If you go to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to register a car and cannot show proof of insurance, you must obtain auto insurance and an insurance identification card before you can return to the Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain your vehicle registration.
If a police officer pulls you over and you cannot show proof of insurance, you could be fined up to $1,000, have your car impounded for up to 180 days, and have your driver's license suspended for up to two years.
If a police officer in Texas has pulled you over and you cannot produce proof of insurance for a second or subsequent time, you may be required to file a financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate called an SR-22 with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. An SR-22 is something you can obtain from your insurance company by paying a fee separate from your car insurance premium. The form shows that you have the minimum liability insurance required by Texas State Law. Your insurance company will directly notify the Department of Motor Vehicles if your SR-22 is canceled or lapsed.
What Happens if I Get into an Accident and Can't Show Proof of Insurance?
In the State of Texas, if you get into a motor vehicle accident and cannot prove that you have auto insurance, you could face a fine of up to $4,000, suspension of your driver's license and vehicle registration, impoundment of your car, and possible jail time. You will also be required to produce an SR-22 once you can legally drive again. In addition, you will be fully liable for the injuries to others and damage to vehicles involved in the collision because you did not carry auto insurance to protect yourself or the others involved in the accident.
FAQs about Proof of Insurance in Texas
Q: Do I need to show proof of insurance in Texas?
A. To register a vehicle or obtain a driver's license in Texas, you must show proof of insurance. You will also need to show proof of insurance if you are pulled over by a police officer or involved in an accident.
Q: What information should I look for on my proof of insurance?
A. Your proof of insurance will show your insurance company's name and NAIC code, your policy number, the start and end dates of your policy, your vehicle's year, make, model, and vehicle identification number, and your name and address or the name and address of the person who owns the vehicle you are driving.
Q: Can I show proof of insurance on my phone in Texas?
A. You can show proof of insurance on your phone if you can pull up the insurance card for your car on your insurance company's mobile app. To be safe, it is a good idea to have a paper copy of your insurance card in your vehicle at all times.
Q: What if I cannot prove that I have insurance on my car?
A. If you can't show proof of insurance on your car, you could face fines, impoundment of your vehicle, suspension of your vehicle registration and/or your driver's license, and possibly time in jail.
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