Can the police determine whether you have car insurance?

In many states, insurance companies notify the DMV electronically when you start and stop your coverage. If you live in one of these states, then the answer to your question is yes! Once the police officer runs your plates, they’ll see if you have an active policy.

However, mistakes can still happen and electronic reporting isn’t available in every state. It’s always a good idea to keep a copy of your paper or electronic insurance identification cards in the car to show as proof of coverage.

If you’d like to learn more about how police identify uninsured drivers, check out this article: How Police Catch Uninsured Drivers.