GEICO is one of the biggest auto insurance agencies in the country, which means you have multiple options for proof of insurance
. Not only will GEICO mail you insurance cards after you sign up for a policy, but you can also print off copies or access digital insurance cards from your phone. Every state (aside from Virginia and New Hampshire) requires drivers to have car insurance
, which means drivers need to be able to prove they have the proper coverage. You probably already know that you should stick your insurance ID card in your car, but what if you forget? Fortunately, it’s easy to get the proof of insurance that you need from GEICO. We’ll give a quick refresher on what counts as proof of insurance before exploring the most common ways to get proof of insurance—online, by phone, and through GEICO’s mobile app.
What counts as proof of insurance?
Congratulations on getting car insurance! Once you’ve bought your policy, GEICO will usually mail you an insurance declaration page
, insurance identification card, and possibly a binder letter (which describes the types of coverage and amount, your deductibles, and more). All of the insurance paperwork shows when the policy is effective, your policy number
, and the contact information for GEICO. Any of these documents qualify as proof of insurance, but specific situations call for certain types of proof. For instance, if you go to court, they’ll want to see the binder letter, while law enforcement or the DMV probably want the insurance ID card. Certainly, plan on keeping a physical copy of your insurance ID in your wallet or your car. Even better—put one in both places!
While it’s great to have paper copies of your car insurance, you can also use electronic proof of insurance. For instance, download GEICO’s mobile app on your phone to quickly pull up your electronic ID.
MORE: Is it legal to show proof of car insurance on your phone?
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How to obtain proof of insurance from GEICO
Fortunately, GEICO makes getting a copy of your insurance information easy. Here’s what you need to do:
If you recently bought a policy online, GEICO will email you temporary insurance cards you can download. Just find the confirmation email or look for the temporary cards under your My Account Page. Most temporary cards are only valid for about a month.
If you lost the paper card you were mailed or want another copy, log in
to your GEICO My Account page and select “Auto Policy.” From there, view or print policy documents. You can even ask GEICO to mail you another copy of your card. You can also call GEICO at 1-(800) 861-8380 to request a copy. If you need proof of insurance immediately and can’t print it off, download the GEICO mobile app to access your digital ID card. Every state accepts digital proof of insurance, but be aware that law enforcement in New Mexico
can decide whether or not to accept it.
Note that you’ll need your username or policy number to log in to GEICO’s online account. If you don’t have this information, you may need to contact customer support, which can help you log in or access your account.
MORE: The penalties for using fake proof of insurance
When do you need to show proof of insurance?
If you live in any state other than New Hampshire
and Virginia
, you’re required by law to carry car insurance. Here are the times when you might need to have proof handy: Law enforcement: If you get pulled over while driving, police will ask to see your vehicle registration
, proof of insurance, and your driver’s license. If you can’t show any of these, you might get a harsh fine (and see your insurance rate go up). The DMV: Be prepared to show proof when you register your car and every time you renew your license plate car tags
. Check with your state’s DMV for other documents you’ll also need to bring. Other drivers: Show another driver your insurance if you’re at fault in an accident
. This way, they can submit a bodily injury
or property damage
claim with GEICO. Lenders: Lenders want to see that you’ve got car insurance if you’re applying for a car loan
. Employers: If you’ll be commuting or driving as part of your job, a potential employer can ask to see proof of commercial automobile insurance. They might also require you to have personal liability insurance
.
“I just financed a new car and knew my insurance premium was going to rise. Jerry was well worth it to use. They helped me find a lower premium and canceled my old policy instantly when I was ready to switch!” —Meghana D.
FAQs
Yes—you can use your phone to pull up a PDF as proof of insurance. We should warn you that although this is allowed in all states, New Mexico lets police officers decide if they want to accept it as proof.
A physical insurance ID card is still one of the best ways to prove that you have insurance. Try to stick a car in the glove box and your wallet. Then, rest assured because physical IDs are accepted in every state (even if they aren’t required in New Hampshire and Virginia). As a backup, download GEICO’s mobile app on your phone so you’re only a few seconds away from digital proof.