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Purchasing an auto insurance policy from USAA means gaining immediate access to a digital insurance card that you can use as legal
proof of insurance
. USAA will also send you a physical card—and if you lose that, it’s possible to request another copy. The United Services Automobile Association (USAA) is an insurance provider for people and families who serve, or have served, in the United States Armed Forces. If you’re one of their 13 million members and you live in one of the 48 states that require drivers to purchase liability insurance, carrying proof of your insurance is essential.
But what do you actually need to have with you as proof of
car insurance
? In this guide we’ll cover what that includes and also how you can get it from USAA, whether it’s by mail, online, or through the mobile app. Compare quotes from 50+ insurers with Jerry in under 45 seconds?
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversWhat counts as proof of insurance?
As with other insurance providers, USAA will issue you an
insurance declaration page
, insurance identification (auto ID) card and, if requested, a binder letter. All of these documents include the key dates of your policy—when it starts and ends—as well as the details of the insurer, your policy number
, and the essential details identifying your car. But what are all of these forms of proof used for? If you’re required to produce proof in court, that would normally involve a binder letter, while the auto ID card is what you’d need to carry with you when driving in case you need to show it to law enforcement or the DMV. In most states, you can also use a digital version of the ID card on the USAA app as proof of insurance.
MORE: The penalties for using fake proof of insurance
How to obtain proof of insurance from USAA
So how do you actually get this proof of insurance from USAA? Here’s some steps you can take:
- If you recently purchased a policy online, USAA will make temporary insurance cards available, along with the declarations page in your My Documents section of the website, in the Insurance folder. This will be valid for 30 days from the start of your policy.
- If you need to replace your auto ID card or get another copy, you can access it from My Account Summary, where selecting Get Proof of Auto Insurance (Auto ID Cards) and Proof of Insurance Cards allows you to select your vehicle and delivery method (mail or email).
- If you need your insurance card right now on the go, you can access your digital audio ID card through the USAA mobile app. The exceptions with this are states that aren’t required to accept digital proof of insurance, which areNew MexicoandMassachusetts.
MORE: Is it legal to show proof of car insurance on your phone?
When do you need to show proof of insurance?
The only states where you aren’t legally required to carry proof of insurance are
New Hampshire
and Massachusetts
, where other forms of proof of financial responsibility are acceptable. In the rest of the USA, you may need to show your proof of insurance to: - Law enforcement: If the police pull you over for any reason, they can request your license, registration and proof of insurance. If you’re not able to provide them, you could face large fines and see your insurance rates go up.
- Other drivers: If you end up beingat fault in an accident, you need to be able to show other drivers your auto ID card so they can use the information to file abodily injuryorproperty damageclaim with USAA.
- The DMV: When you need to renew yourlicense plates, you’ll be asked to bring various documentation to prove your identity, etc, and this includes proof that you have insurance.
- Lenders: The same goes when you’re asking for anauto loan, as potential lenders will have to see that you’re insured before they will lend you any money.
- Employers: This only applies if you’re driving as part of your role in the Armed Forces or post-service career, in which case you will need to have proof of your personal liability insurance.
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FAQs
Can I use a PDF as proof of insurance?
The only state where you can’t use a PDF as proof of insurance is New Mexico. It’s ok everywhere else, as long as it shows your auto ID card.
What is the best way to show proof of insurance?
The traditional approach is the easiest as long as you don’t lose your physical auto ID card and keep it with you while driving. However, insurers and law-makers are accepting that this is increasingly a digital world, so showing the card through your USAA app is also a good option everywhere apart from New Mexico.
Can I use a PDF as proof of insurance?
The only state where you can’t use a PDF as proof of insurance is New Mexico. It’s ok everywhere else, as long as it shows your auto ID card.
What is the best way to show proof of insurance?
The traditional approach is the easiest as long as you don’t lose your physical auto ID card and keep it with you while driving. However, insurers and law-makers are accepting that this is increasingly a digital world, so showing the card through your USAA app is also a good option everywhere apart from New Mexico.
Reviewed by Amy Bobinger.
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