When dealing with car insurance, you may need your policy number.
Typically, you can find your policy number at the top of your ID card or any insurance policy documentation. This number is unique to you.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about finding your policy number and how your policy number works.
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Most insurance companies put the policy number directly on the insurance card.
Different insurers use different coding systems for policy numbers. Some insurers exclusively use numbers, for example, while others use numbers and letters. Some have nine digits, while others have 15 digits or more.
Tips for finding your policy number on your insurance card include:
Not all insurance cards have your policy number; check other insurance policy documentation to find your policy number, including any bills from your insurance company, your declarations page, your online account, and other paperwork.
A policy number is a number that identifies you to the insurance company. It’s a unique code to identify you as a policyholder of the insurance company.
There may be multiple people with the same first name and last name in an insurance company’s database. A policy number is a coded way to refer to you and your car insurance policy without requiring a name, birthdate, or other personal information.
On your insurance card, your policy number is shorthand. It refers to your customer account with a specific insurance company, but it does not indicate the types of coverage you have or other personal information about yourself and your account.
In other words, the numbers don’t mean anything or refer to specific coverages; instead, it’s simply a 9 to 13-digit number referencing your account.
Check your insurance declarations page or online account for further details about your insurance coverage. Or, contact your insurer with your policy number. You can discover your coverage, your limits, and other information.
You do not need to memorize your policy number. However, you should always keep your insurance card, which includes your policy number, in your vehicle. You may need to provide proof of insurance to law enforcement upon request. A law enforcement officer can use your policy number to locate your insurance file and verify coverage.
You may not think about your policy number regularly. However, your policy number plays an important role in certain situations.
Some of the situations where you may need your policy number include:
Dealing with the DMV: Your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may require proof of insurance for registration or licensing purposes. You may need to provide your insurance policy number to the DMV when reinstating your license, registering your vehicle, or managing other aspects of your driver file.
Providing Proof of Insurance to Police: Police officers may request proof of insurance coverage to verify you’re driving legally based on state laws. Virtually all states require drivers to carry a certain minimum amount of car insurance. A police officer may request your card as proof of insurance, and the officer may use your policy number to contact the insurer and verify coverage.
Dealing with Lenders: If you’re dealing with a lender or someone is financing your vehicle, you may need to provide a policy number to verify proof of insurance. Your vehicle is the collateral securing the loan. You have an obligation to protect that collateral with car insurance. Most lenders require car insurance as a term of the loan. If your lender requests proof of insurance, then you can provide them with the policy number.
After a Car Accident or Other Incident: If you are in a car accident, then you may provide your policy number to the other driver. The other driver can use your insurance to make a claim if you were at fault. Similarly, if another driver was at fault for an accident, then you should get their insurance policy number, as you may need to make a future claim. Regardless of fault, it’s a good idea to share insurance information with the other driver, then let the insurers determine who is at fault and who owes what.
In all of these situations, someone can use your policy number to verify coverage and take the next steps.
If you cannot find your car insurance policy number or lost your car insurance card, you can request a replacement card from your insurer.
Most insurers can email a PDF copy of your insurance card. You can print off the card and carry it with you as proof of insurance.
Alternatively, you may be able to use your insurer’s app to find your insurance card. Many insurers offer proof of insurance via the app. You can view your policy number, order a replacement card, and verify coverage through the mobile app.
Always keep a copy of your car insurance card in your car when driving. Even if you have a mobile app, keeping a physical copy of your card is a good idea to verify proof of coverage.
Insurers use policy numbers to identify drivers. Each driver has a unique 9 to 13-digit number.
You can find your policy number on your car insurance card. It’s typically found in the upper or lower corners of the card – or in the middle or back of the card, depending on your insurer.
If you cannot find your policy number on your card, or if you don’t have your insurance card, then you should be able to find your policy number in the mobile app or on other paperwork from your insurance company – like your declarations page or billing statements.
Contact your insurance company today if you need more information about your insurance policy number and where to find your policy number on your insurance card.
James Shaffer James Shaffer is a writer for InsurancePanda.com and a well-seasoned auto insurance industry veteran. He has a deep knowledge of insurance rules and regulations and is passionate about helping drivers save money on auto insurance. He is responsible for researching and writing about anything auto insurance-related. He holds a bachelor's degree from Bentley University and his work has been quoted by NBC News, CNN, and The Washington Post.