4 Ways to Get Proof of Insurance From Erie Insurance
From physical ID cards to the mobile app, there are ways for everyone to show proof of coverage with Erie Insurance.
Written by Drew Waterstreet
Reviewed by Alita Dark
Erie Insurance will send you a physical ID card upon initiating a policy, which will serve as your main
proof of insurance
. If you misplace that, you’ll be able to print a temporary copy from your online account and access your policy information from the Erie Insurance mobile app (exceptions for New York drivers).Erie Insurance is licensed in 12 states, and 11 of them have laws requiring drivers to carry a minimum amount of
liability insurance
. That means if you’re in an accident or you get pulled over by law enforcement (among other situations), you must provide proof of insurance! Let’s discuss your options.What counts as proof of insurance?
Here is the information that your proof of insurance must include for it to count:
- Vehicle details (make, model, VIN)
- Effective date and expiration date
- Policyholder information (drivers covered by the policy)
You’ll need to present this information to law enforcement if you get pulled over or if you are exchanging insurance information with another driver after a collision. By now, electronic proof of insurance is acceptable in most states as long as you have all the details (except in
New York
—more on this next). But a good old-fashioned physical copy of your insurance ID card will always work.If you’re in a courthouse for a legal proceeding, you may also need a binder letter or
insurance declaration page
. These documents provide detailed premium and coverage information that may need to be reviewed.RECOMMENDED
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How to obtain proof of insurance from Erie Insurance
Let’s cover the four ways to get a copy of your insurance information from Erie Insurance:
- Buy insurance: When you purchase or renew a policy with Erie Insurance, they will send you a physical insurance ID card.
- Temporary ID card: If you misplace your physical card or are waiting for it to arrive in the mail, you can print a temporary ID card from your online account.
- Online: Your online account will always have up-to-date insurance information, which can serve as your proof of insurance.
- Mobile app: TheErie Insurance mobile appallows you to view a digital version of your insurance ID card while you’re on the move!
Disclaimer: In New York, the only valid proof of Erie Insurance is a physical insurance ID card. No digital form will be accepted. If you’re a New Yorker and need to request a copy of your insurance ID card, you’ll need to contact customer service at (800) 458-0811, option four.
When do you need to show proof of insurance?
Virginia
is the only state in which Erie Insurance is licensed (out of 12 states total
) that doesn’t legally require drivers to have liability car insurance. Virginia drivers can simply opt out by paying an uninsured motor vehicle fee of $500 annually. However, even though Virginia doesn’t require liability insurance by law, there are still situations where showing proof of insurance is necessary—and these also apply in the other 11 states. Let’s take a look:
- Law enforcement: If you’ve been pulled over, the police will ask you for yourvehicle registration, proof of insurance (except in Virginia), and your driver’s license. If you don’t have any of those three things, you could face steep fines in addition to an insurance rate increase. However, if you’re covered by insurance but don’t have proof, many states allow a grace period after the traffic stop to prove it.
- The DMV: When it comes time to renew your vehicle registration, you’ll need to show proof of an issuance policy that has not eclipsed its expiration date. As mentioned, Virginia drivers will be able to bypass this by paying the $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee.
- Other drivers: If you’reat fault in a car accident, other drivers will need to collect your insurance information so they can file abodily injuryorproperty damageclaim with your Erie Insurance policy. Without liability insurance, the other driver may be able to sue you—which is why it’s so important to have.
- Lenders: Whether you’re financing acar loanthrough a bank or a dealership, you will be required to have car insurance. They don’t want to take any chances with their financial investment in your vehicle.
- Employers: Your employer may require you to show proof of insurance if you drive while on the clock at your job—they don’t want to be liable for any mistake you make.
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FAQs
Can I use a PDF as proof of insurance?
Yes, you can print a PDF of your Erie Insurance information at any time unless you live in New York. In that case, you will need a physical copy of your insurance ID card, which you can request by contacting customer service.
What is the best way to show proof of insurance?
You can’t go wrong with the physical insurance ID card that Erie sends policyholders when they activate or renew their coverage.
Using the mobile app is also a reliable way to show proof of insurance (unless you're in New York). In addition, it may be wise to download the digital insurance ID card onto your phone so you don’t have to rely on your internet connection.
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