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How do I tell if a car is insured or not?

I'm trying to figure out if a car has insurance. I was in an accident and the driver wasn't able to show proof of insurance. They said they have it, but I want to verify it. How would I tell if they have insurance?

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Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Trying to verify insurance after an accident isn’t something you want to deal with, but thankfully, it is fairly easy to do so.
If another driver can’t produce
proof of insurance
, you should find out:
  • What company they’re with and policy number, if possible
  • Name
  • Address
You should also take a picture of their driver’s license. With this information, you can call their insurance to confirm a policy and submit a claim, if necessary.
If you call the police or file a police report, the police officer may be able to give you their insurance information.
If you can’t gather any information from the other driver, you may be able to find the information through the DMV. Most states require that
car insurance
companies report drivers’ insurance coverage to the DMV.
Beyond that, you can also see if your car insurance company can find the other driver’s insurance information. Insurance companies have access to insurance history, so they may be able to track down the information for you.
Check with your insurance to determine if you can submit a claim on your policy. If you can’t find their policy information or submit a claim to your insurance, consider adding
uninsured motorist coverage
to your current policy.
If your car insurance doesn’t offer it, shop around. You can gather quotes from different companies or go to
Jerry
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