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.
Learn more: What you need to know about GEICO car insurance quotes
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.
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.
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.
FAQ
- Can I use a PDF as proof of insurance?
- What is the best way to show proof of insurance?
Jessica Gibson is an insurance writer with over 8 years of digital publishing experience. Jessica’s passion for writing and research has shaped her mission of creating thoughtful content rooted in sound investigation, and she enjoys uncovering the history behind almost any topic. As a result, Jessica has written more than 200 articles on car and home insurance topics, including insurance and vehicle guides, car maintenance guides, and licensing guides. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, Jessica created and edited content for wikiHow and earned a Master’s degree in European History.
Pat Roache is an insurance writer with over two years of experience in the automotive industry. With a focus on car insurance, maintenance, and brand reviews, Pat’s mission is to create engaging and accessible content that empowers readers to take autonomy over their car ownership. As a writer and editor with Jerry, Pat has penned over 600 original articles and edited over 1,000. Pat’s 8+ years of experience in the performing arts as a writer, director, producer, and performer lend to their keen eye for research and presentation. Most recently, Pat’s new English translation of Donizetti’s Italian opera “D[x]n Pasquale” had its world premiere in 2022 with Opera MODO (Detroit, MI). Pat also writes grants for an LGBTQ arts non-profit in Chicago, IL.
