policyholders easy access to a digital insurance card which serves as valid proof of insurance coverage in 49 states. If you prefer the traditional approach, you’ll get a physical card via mail and can ask for another copy from Allstate whenever needed.

In 48 states, drivers are required to purchase and maintain liability coverage, and they have to have proof of insurance to back it up. If you’re wondering how to get proof of your policy from Allstate, and what counts as

proof of insurance

in case you get pulled over, this guide will walk you through your options.

MORE:

Everything you need to know about Allstate insurance

What counts as proof of insurance?

Upon purchasing a new insurance policy from Allstate, you will receive an

insurance declaration page

—you’ll get a new one every time you renew—and an insurance identification card. These documents will display the start and end dates of your policy, the name and address of the insurance company, your

policy number

, and details about your vehicle, like the make, model, and VIN number.

The insurance card and declaration page will both work as proof of insurance, even though they have different purposes. The declaration page tells you all about your premiums and coverage. The insurance identification card is intended for drivers to produce when requested by police, at the scene of an accident, or to the Department of Motor Vehicles when needed.

You should keep your insurance identification card with you at all times when driving. It’s a good idea to keep one in your glove box and one in your wallet or billfold.

However, sometimes things get misplaced. Fortunately, Allstate provides a few convenient ways to access your insurance card electronically. You can show your digital insurance card on your mobile device as valid proof of insurance in Washington D.C. and every state except

New Mexico

MORE: The penalties for using fake proof of insurance

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How to obtain proof of insurance from Allstate

If you need a copy of your proof of insurance from Allstate, here’s how to get it:

Log into your Allstate account online at the

Allstate My Account

page. Log in with your credentials, navigate to the section for insurance identification cards, and print a copy.

You can also get your cards right away by using the

Allstate Quick ID

feature. You won’t need to log in with account credentials, but you’ll need to enter your name, email address, phone number, and insurance policy number.

To request new cards to be mailed to you by Allstate, you’ll need to log in to the Allstate My Account page again. This time, select the Order By Mail option. It could take up to two weeks for your new cards to arrive.

Finally, you can access a digital insurance identification card in the Allstate mobile app.

MORE: Is it legal to show proof of car insurance on your phone?

When do you need to show proof of insurance?

You’re required to keep proof of insurance on you when driving in every state except for

New Hampshire

and

Massachusetts

, where other types of proof showing financial responsibility are accepted. Otherwise, you’ll need to show your proof of insurance in the following circumstances:

You’re stopped by law enforcement: Failing to produce proof of insurance could land you a ticket and a fine when you’re pulled over. And getting caught while driving

uninsured

will have consequences that are even more severe.

You’re at the DMV: If it’s time to renew your

license plates

and vehicle registration, you’ll have to show proof of insurance.

You’re involved in an accident: When you’re at fault in an accident, you’ll need to show your insurance card to the other parties involved. They’ll need your insurance information to file any

bodily injury

property damage

claims to Allstate.

You need an auto loan: If you need a

car loan

, your lender will require you to provide proof of your insurance.

You drive for your job: If there’s any sort of driving for your job, your employer will want to see that you’re insured.

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FAQs

Can I show proof of insurance on my phone?

In most states, yes, you can use your mobile phone to show a digital insurance identification card. The only exception is if you are driving in New Mexico.

Do I have to carry proof of insurance in my car?

You’ll want to keep your proof of insurance in your car at all times. If you ever loan your car out to anyone, you’ll want to have your physical proof of insurance handy. That’s because your car insurance policy typically follows your car, regardless of who’s driving it.

Otherwise, you can show a digital copy if you’re pulled over unless you’re in New Mexico where physical insurance cards are required.

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