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Jess is a subject matter expert in insurance, banking, and other personal finance topics. Her byline has appeared in numerous top web media, including Investopedia.
Katie Powers Auto and Life Insurance EditorKatie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Updated February 13, 2023 | Reading time: 4 minutes
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If you’re ever involved in a car accident or pulled over by the police in a traffic stop, you’ll likely need to present your insurance card to show proof you meet your state’s minimum auto insurance requirements.
This card includes important information, like the policy number associated with your insurance policy. This number appears on your insurance card, as well as any coverage or billing statements you receive in the mail.
Here’s what you need to know about your policy number and how to find it, along with other information about your auto insurance card.
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Based on 3,806+ reviewsMost states require drivers to carry an auto insurance card to prove that they meet their state’s auto coverage requirements. Your insurer will typically issue these cards for each insured household member when you purchase or renew auto coverage.
Keep your car insurance card in an accessible place, like your glove compartment or your wallet, in case you ever need it. In the unfortunate event that you lose your card, you can contact your insurer to get a replacement. You may get a copy in the mail, or you could print one through your online account if your insurer provides the option.
While auto insurance cards may look slightly different depending on your state and insurer, they’ll generally include the following information on the front:
It may also include other information, such as your insurance company’s name and address or your home address.
Typically eight to 10 digits long, your policy number may be located in the middle, upper-right, or upper-left corner of your card. The location of the number could be different depending on the state you live in and how your insurance company formats its cards. It should be very easy to find your policy number because your insurer will clearly write “policy number” beside it or above it.
You may see multiple policy numbers listed on your card if you insure more than one car with your auto insurance provider. In this case, your policy numbers will be the same, apart from the last digit. One car could have the policy number 12345678-01, for instance, while the other’s policy number might be 12345678-02.
When do you need to know your policy number?
You or someone else may need your auto insurance policy number in a few different scenarios. Because this number proves you meet your state’s auto insurance coverage requirements, you’ll likely need to provide it after an accident, if pulled over by the police, or when modifying your vehicle’s coverage with your insurer.
You’ll need your insurance card close by to exchange insurance information with the other driver when involved in an auto accident. Be sure to write down the other driver’s auto policy number, insurance company name, and agent contact information. You’ll need to provide this information when you file an insurance claim.
The police will also need your insurance information for their report if called to the scene.
In addition to showing your driver’s license, you’ll also need to show your insurance card if the police pull you over. The police will use your insurance card to confirm you have insurance coverage during a traffic stop.
If you’ve recently lost your card or don’t have it, the police can also look up your insurance information by running your plates. Most police cruisers come equipped with computers that provide this capability.
When you want to discuss or modify your coverage, you’ll likely need to provide your policy number to your insurer so they can access all your information. For instance, if you want to add a rider to your policy or increase or decrease coverage amounts, your insurance company needs to know your policy number to make adjustments to your coverage.
Find answers to some common questions about insurance card policy numbers below.
