How to Get Proof of Insurance from Metromile

Metromile doesn’t automatically mail proof of insurance cards, but if you want a physical copy, you can print one from your online account.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Metromile offers pay-by-the-mile insurance coverage and does not automatically send out paper proof of insurance cards.
Proof of insurance
with Metromile can be shown by using the company’s app, but you can print paper documentation via your online account if you prefer. 
Chances are, you live in one of the 48 states that require all drivers to have a minimum amount of
car insurance
—and if you do, carrying proof of that insurance is crucial. If you’re wondering what exactly counts as proof of insurance and how you can get it from Metromile, then you’ve come to the right place! Read on for everything you need to know. 

What counts as proof of insurance?

You’ve decided that
Metromile’s
pay-by-the-mile insurance coverage is a good fit for you, and you’ve gone ahead and purchased a policy. Now what? Metromile strives to be as paperless as possible, so you won’t get any physical documentation sent to you in the mail
Typically, proof of insurance comes in the form of a
declaration
page or an insurance ID card. You have both of these with Metromile, they just exist virtually. These documents show the effective dates of your policy, the vehicle covered, and your
policy number
. As part of the enrollment process, you’ll have been instructed to download the Metromile app and create an online account, where you can find these documents. 
The declaration page has detailed information about your policy, including the pricing and the exact scope of your coverage. Your ID card is more basic and simply proves that you have current insurance. The ID card is what you’ll need when you’re pulled over or registering your car, which is why they’re traditionally wallet-sized cards. 
Here’s the thing with digital proof of car insurance: it’s allowed in all 50 states, but there’s a catch if you live in
New Mexico
. While New Mexico allows digital proof of car insurance, they don’t require that law enforcement officers accept it as proof. Why? Who knows. 
This means that there’s a chance that New Mexico law enforcement officers might not accept the app as proof—so if you live in New Mexico, it’s a particularly good idea to have a physical copy of your proof of insurance.
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How to obtain proof of insurance from Metromile

Here’s how you can get your proof of insurance with Metromile:
  1. Via the app: This is Metromile’s go-to method for providing proof of insurance. Once you’ve set up your account and downloaded the app, you’re all set. 
  2. Print from your account: If you want paper copies of your ID card or your declaration page, you can
    log in
    to your Metromile account and print them from there. It’s always a good idea to have a physical copy—especially if you live in New Mexico. 
  3. Contact Metromile customer service: It doesn’t say this specifically on their site, but it seems reasonable to assume that customers who don’t have access to a printer can request a paper copy by contacting Metromile’s customer service. They seem like nice folks. 

When do you need to show proof of insurance?

Here are a few situations where you might need to show your proof of insurance.  
  • Law enforcement: We’ve all heard the line somewhere: “license, registration, and proof of insurance.” If you’re pulled over or are involved in an accident, failure to have your proof of insurance could result in fines, an increase in your insurance premiums, and a lot of hassle.
  • The DMV: Whenever you renew your registration and get new
    car tags
    , your proof of insurance is one of the documents you’ll need to have. You’ll also need to show it if you have to bring your vehicle in for
    emissions testing
  • Other drivers: If you’re the
    at-fault driver
    in an accident, other drivers are going to need the information on your proof of insurance so that they can file any claims for
    property damage
    or
    bodily injury
    with your insurance. 
  • Lenders: If you’re applying for an
    auto loan
    , the lender requires you to have proper insurance—and will want to see the proof.
  • Employers: If your job entails any sort of driving duties, your employer might want to see proof of your personal car insurance coverage in addition to their commercial auto insurance. 
Drivers are required to carry proof of insurance in every state, with the exception of
Massachusetts
and
New Hampshire
, which use other methods of proving a driver’s financial responsibility. 
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FAQs

Metromile’s Pulse device is crucial to tracking the number of miles you drive. It must stay plugged in at all times when you’re driving. If the Pulse is unplugged, you’ll get an email reminder to plug it back in ASAP. Sometimes you may have to unplug it if your car is being serviced, and that’s totally okay—just remember to plug it back in right away.
This is one area where an old-school approach is the best solution. A traditional paper insurance card is accepted as proof of insurance in every state and is not dependent on your phone’s battery or reception. Proof of insurance via a provider’s app is incredibly handy and a great backup, but it’s less reliable. And if you get pulled over in New Mexico and the officer is having a grumpy day, there’s a chance they might not accept the app as proof.
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