Car Insurance Policy Number: Everything You Need To Know

There are more than 250 million registered motor vehicles in the USA; that means 250 million vehicles require auto insurance. With so many insurance requirements it is possible to have confusion, thus insurance firms distinguish between their clients in a special way. They use policy numbers to accomplish this.

We all have heard about this but we don’t give this policy number much thought when our insurance agent or firm sends over the proof of insurance. But the first thing you need in case of an accident is your policy number.

Because of this, we’ll explain exactly what it is, where to find it, and why you need to keep an eye on it. Keep reading till the end.

What is a Car Insurance Policy Number?

An unique 10 to 12 digit number that is connected to your insurance policy is your auto insurance policy number.

Your insurance policy number is used by insurance companies to find your account, and you will need it if you are in an accident or need to talk to your insurance provider about your policy.

Your personal car insurance policy number is typically between 9 to 13 digits long. In terms of auto insurance, think of it as your social security number. You will always be the only person with an identical insurance policy number.

Insurance providers develop their insurance policy numbers in a unique manner. Some people simply use numbers, while others mix numbers and letters. Although you don’t have to memorize your insurance policy number, it is crucial to know where to look for it so that you can immediately obtain it.

How to find a Car Insurance Policy Number?

There are multiple ways for car insurance policy number lookup:

Every company will provide you with a similar proof of car insurance card. This will include information like the Name insured, policy number, insurance company name and customer support number, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), car manufacturing date / year / model, effective date and expiration date.

1. Policy Card

The insurance cards from each provider will appear differently. The card will have a policy number listed, regardless of the provider.

Where to find car insurance policy number on insurance card?

The majority of policy numbers range from 8 to 10 digits. Depending on whose provider supplied the card, the positioning of the policy number may vary. The policy number is typically listed on vehicle insurance cards in the center of the card with the phrase “policy number” in front of it.

2. Policy Document

Checking the policy document is the simplest approach to locate your car insurance number. Your policy number will be listed in your policy document, whether you have comprehensive insurance or third-party coverage. If you bought your policy online, you might have received a soft copy of it in the mail that you can access to find out your policy number.

3. Website or Mobile App of the Insurer

You can log in to your account on the website of your insurer if you acquired your four-wheeler insurance policy there and need to know your policy number. You will need to enter certain information, like your name, phone number, and the registration number of your automobile, in order to regain your account.

You may get information about your car insurance coverage using the mobile applications offered by some of the leading insurance providers. To log in to your account and obtain your insurance policy number, simply complete the necessary information.

4. Through an Insurance Agent

You must get in touch with your insurance agent if you purchased your auto policy with their assistance if you want to do a car insurance policy number search. Insurance brokers can assist you in locating your motor insurance number because they typically preserve a copy of the policy information for each of their clients.

5. Telephone Support

If you have not purchased your car insurance online or through an agent then you can find out your policy number by calling their vehicle insurance provider. Every insurer has a customer service department to assist with questions and difficulties.

You can call the customer support line for your insurer to find out your policy number. Simply give the customer service representative the necessary information, and they will give you your policy number. The insurer’s website also lists the phone number for customer service.

6. Go to the nearest office of the insurance company

You can also stop by your vehicle insurance company’s local branch to find out your policy number. The branch manager could need some information for verification. They will give you the number for your auto insurance policy after verification.

When Do I need my Car Insurance Policy Number?

You would require your auto insurance policy number in three situations.

• When you are pulled over: Police ask for your proof of insurance so they may verify your current insurance status. Since this is how they verify that you are adequately covered, you should provide them with your insurance ID card, which includes your policy number.
• Having a vehicle accident: When you are involved in an automobile accident, one of the first things you’ll do is phone your insurance provider. To find your account information, they will require the number from your insurance policy. If you collide with another car and need to exchange insurance information, you’ll also need your insurance policy number.
• There is something you need to discuss with your insurer: Every time you get in touch with your insurance provider, whether you have inquiries about your policy, need to modify your coverage, or are just checking in, you’ll need your insurance policy number.
• While visiting the DMV: The DMV will request to see your proof of insurance when you walk in to register your vehicle or renew your license plate. There are a few states that have exceptions to this requirement, so check the website for your local DMV to see what are their requirements.
• Update/Renew Insurance Plan: You might need the policy number while renewing your auto insurance plan in order to access the convergence and renew it appropriately. Additionally, the new insurer may request it when you choose a new insurance provider and transfer your current coverage to them.
• Requesting Additional Documents: You might want to carry a physical copy of the insurance document even though it is simpler to review or access it online. Long trips may necessitate the use of backup auto insurance coverage, particularly if you venture outside of the state where the automobile is registered. You might need the insurance number to obtain the duplicate copy.
• Purchasing a Used Car: You could be thinking about purchasing a second hand car that appeals to you. However, it’s crucial to understand whether the vehicle is legitimate and insured. By using the vehicle’s registration number as a search parameter, you can check the status of used car insurance policy online.

What can I do if I lose my Insurance Policy Number?

You can ask your insurer for a new insurance card any time you misplace your insurance policy number.

The majority of businesses offer digital versions that you may print directly from their app or the insurance website, and most allow you to quickly obtain additional copies of your insurance card online.

One copy of your insurance card should be kept at home, one in your glove box, and a screenshot should be kept on your phone. You can always have access to your insurance information in this way.

Does my Car Insurance Policy Number change with my car?

No. For as long as you continue to use the same auto insurance company, your policy number on car insurance will often remain the same. However, if you unintentionally let your coverage lapse or switch insurance companies, your number can alter.

You will be given a new insurance policy number if you switch auto insurance providers. If you don’t renew your insurance before the renewal date and the insurance provider has to design a new plan for you, it’s also conceivable that your insurance policy number will change.

What if more than one person is on my insurance policy, do we each get a unique number?

It depends on a lot of factors like the policy of your car insurance company, relation with the person, type of car, etc. The insurance policy number may probably vary depending on how many vehicles and drivers are covered under your insurance.

Even if the number changes on the insurance card; it will typically be a single number change.

When would I need someone else’s Insurance Policy Number?

If you get into an accident with someone, that is the only time you would need access to their insurance policy number.

When you collide with another car, you should always trade insurance information. Taking a screenshot of someone’s insurance card on your phone is a simple way to save their insurance details.

If the individual does not know or cannot locate their insurance policy number, you can take a photo of their driver’s license or contact your insurance provider and give them the individual’s name, license plate number, and insurance provider’s name.

How do I use your policy number if I am in an accident?

Your car insurance policy number will play a huge role in case you are in an accident.

If you are at fault in the accident:

At that time you will have to share it with the other driver so that they can get in touch with your insurer for the damage expenses.

If you are not at fault in an accident:

Even if you are not at fault you will have to inform your insurance company about it. And at that time you will be asked to provide the insurance policy number.

How do I identify a Car Insurance Company from only a Car Insurance Policy Number?

Although it is sometimes possible to locate an insurance provider with simply a policy number, this is not always the case. It will be challenging, if not impossible, to do.

This is due to the lack of a central database containing driver information and insurance policy numbers. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in each state maintains this data. Although privacy laws safeguard the information, simply knowing the state where the policy is filed is not always sufficient.

You should be aware that state and company-specific insurance policy numbers can differ. Additionally, they are unique to each driver.

Unfortunately, calling different carriers in your area is the best way to identify an insurance company with simply a policy number. Give the company the number and inquire as to whether it corresponds with one of its insured drivers.

This information is not available on the websites of any insurance companies. The data is not searchable on insurer websites due to privacy rules. Usually, your only choice is to contact the businesses in question directly and ask a representative.

Keep in mind that the organization won’t provide you with any information regarding the driver. The policyholder’s privacy is at stake here. The company, however, might validate that the policy number belongs to one of its customers. The auto insurance policy number is comparable to an account number, therefore privacy laws may apply, but not all companies will even validate this.

When it matters, you should know your policy number

Your auto insurance policy number doesn’t need special attention every day, but it’s crucial that you know how to get to it if you ever need it.

Make multiple copies of your insurance policy number when you buy auto insurance, and make a note of where you can find it so you can always find it when you need it.

To get the affordable auto insurance plan available near you, we are here to help you find the best company. The ideal insurers for your needs will be suggested by our technology after you tell us what you’re looking for. Only the companies you choose will receive any information you provide.

FAQ’s about Car Insurance Policy Number

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Sources:

• Visited Statista to understand how many registered vehicles are there in our country on 21 September 2022.