Proof of insurance is a physical or digital document that shows you have active car insurance. It proves to the police, the DMV, a dealership, and anyone else that you meet your state’s coverage requirements to drive legally. Without it, you could get a ticket, be unable to register your car, or struggle to exchange insurance information after an accident.
With the Jerry app, your proof of insurance is always on hand. We’ve helped 124,793 drivers find the right coverage and keep their insurance cards easily accessible whenever they’re needed.
Here’s what’s listed on a proof of insurance card, when you’ll need it, and what can happen if you do not have it when asked.
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When you’ll need your proof of insurance
Proof of insurance isn’t something you’ll use every day, but you’ll be happy you have it handy once you need it. Here are the most common situations where you’ll be asked to show it.
🚔 When you’re pulled over.
Police will ask for your license, registration and proof of insurance. You’ll likely get a ticket if you can’t show proof you have car insurance, even if you do have coverage.
💥 After a crash.
You can use your proof of insurance to exchange insurance information with anyone involved in the crash.
🏛️ At the DMV.
You need it to register your car, renew registration or get new plates in most states.
💰 When financing or leasing.
Lenders won’t let you drive away without proof of coverage.
🔍 During inspections.
Some states verify your insurance status at emissions or safety checks.
Why it matters: You’ll encounter proof-of-insurance requests in everyday situations — from routine traffic stops to buying a new car. Being prepared prevents delays, fines and unnecessary stress.
Keep your proof of insurance handy with Jerry
Digging through the glove box or waiting for your insurer’s app to load while a cop stands at your window isn’t fun. Jerry makes your proof of insurance easy to find.
Whether you bought your policy through Jerry or added an existing one, your insurance card is stored securely in the app and accessible in seconds — whenever and wherever you need it.
What’s on your proof of insurance card
Most insurers provide both a physical card and a digital version that you can access through their app or online account, and you can use your digital card to show proof of insurance in every state except New Mexico.
Your proof of insurance card only confirms you have coverage. To see your full coverage limits and deductibles, check your policy’s declarations page.
Key takeaway: Your insurance card contains essential information that proves your coverage is valid. Be sure to keep both digital and physical copies accessible at all times.
What happens if you can’t show proof
📄You have insurance, but no card.
- You’ll usually get a “fix-it” ticket. If you show proof within 30 days, the ticket is dismissed.
- You might still pay a small court fee ($25 to $100 in most states), but it won’t affect your record or insurance rates.
⚠️You don’t have insurance at all.
The penalties are much more serious:
- Fines from $100 to $5,000 (depending on the state).
- License suspension.
- Your car could be taken away by law enforcement — a process called impoundment.
- SR-22 requirement for three to five years.
- Possible jail time.
Why it matters: There’s a big difference between forgetting your insurance card and not having insurance. Forgetting your card might earn you a fine, but driving uninsured can lead to thousands in penalties and years of higher rates.
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faq
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🪪 What counts as proof of insurance?
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📱 Can I show proof of insurance on my phone?
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🚨 What happens if I get pulled over without proof?
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🆕 How do I get a new insurance card?
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🏢 Do I need proof of insurance to register my car?
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📋 Does my insurance card show my coverage limits?
Methodology
Data included in this analysis comes from policies that Jerry has quoted within the last 6 months for drivers with a clean record and that have full coverage, unless stated otherwise. Data related to violations, accidents or credit scores pull from quote data from the last 18 months. Jerry services 48 states and offers a range of insurance companies to choose from.
