How to Find Out if Someone Has Auto Insurance Coverage

All states in the U.S. require drivers to carry some proof of financial responsibility, which usually means having auto insurance. However, it is not always easy to know whether a negligent driver has insurance. This is why it is important after a car accident to talk with the at-fault party, contact a state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or the local police. An auto accident with an uninsured driver could result in accident victims not receiving fair compensation for their injuries.

Immediately following an automobile accident, it is common for drivers to exchange insurance information. This includes the name of the insurance company involved and the applicable policy numbers.

If drivers fail to do this, an accident victim can often ask his/her local DMV or police department to check on a person’s insurance status. The victim would just have to inform the DMV or police on any information they have on the driver (for example, his/her name, license plate number, and/or contact information).

Insurance is important in auto collision cases because the accident victim can file an injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If successful, the injured driver can receive compensation for:

• medical bills and medical expenses,
• lost wages,
• lost earning capacity,
• property damage,
• out-of-pocket expenses, and
• pain and suffering.

Our California auto accident lawyers will discuss the following in this article:

• 1. Can a crash victim ask for proof of insurance while at the accident scene?
• 2. Can a person contact the DMV to see if a negligent driver has insurance?
• 3. Will the police know if a driver is insured?
• 4. What is insurance so important?
• 5. What is the law in California?

1. Can a crash victim ask for proof of insurance while at the accident scene?

Yes. If someone is hit in a car accident, perhaps the best way to learn if the at-fault driver is insured is to ask the person.

It is perfectly legal after a car crash for an accident victim to ask another motorist for his/her driver’s insurance information, including:

• the name of the driver’s insurance company, and
• the driver’s insurance policy number.

While most states do not require a driver to show a crash victim his/her proof of insurance (for example, an insurance card), many negligent drivers volunteer this information.

An accident victim should also ask for the driver’s name and his/her contact information, including a telephone number and email address. It is also a good idea to take note of a motorist’s driver’s license number.

2. Can a person contact the DMV to see if a negligent driver has insurance?

Yes. An accident victim can contact his/her local DMV office and ask if a person has auto insurance coverage.

Most states say that a DMV office is required to provide a driver’s auto insurance policy information, including liability insurance information, for a valid reason. A “valid reason” typically means because of:

• a car crash,
• a hit-and-run accident, or
• some other car incident involving bodily injury/personal injury.

An accident victim simply has to provide the DMV with whatever information they have on the driver (for example, a license plate number, driver license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), accident report, or driver name). The DMV can then check their files to learn if the at-fault party has auto insurance coverage.

3. Will the police know if a driver is insured?

Sometimes. This is similar to the DMV. If an accident victim has a valid reason to inquire about a person’s car insurance status, he/she can ask law enforcement for any pertinent information.

As with the DMV, a driver should provide a police officer with any information that may assist in discovering the insurance provider (for example, driver’s name, license plate number, contact information, etc.).

The police will check their files and any applicable police reports to see if they can uncover an automobile insurance policy that is in place.

4. Why is insurance so important?

Insurance and liability coverage is important in auto accident cases because the injured party can file an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s insurer.

An attorney can then negotiate with the applicable insurance agent on the claimant’s behalf. Typically, the lawyer can help the claimant receive compensation for:

• medical bills,
• lost wages and lost earning capacity,
• property damage,
• out-of-pocket expenses, and
• pain and suffering.

If a motorist is uninsured or underinsured, an accident victim can try and receive compensation by filing a claim with his/her own insurance company. Perhaps, for example, the victim has uninsured motorist coverage that can prove some sort of payment.

5. What is the law in California?

California law requires motorists to carry car insurance with the following minimum policy limits:

• $15,000 for the death or bodily injury of any one person,
• $30,000 total for the death or bodily injury of all other people hurt the accident, and
• $5,000 for property damage (including the other vehicle and stationary objects such as fences).¹

A driver who is unable to show proof of the above insurance will not be able to register his/her vehicle with the DMV.

If a vehicle is already registered, and a driver is found to have below the minimum insurance coverage, the DMV may suspend the driver’s driving privileges.² In addition, drivers face the possibility that a court will assess a fine or even impound their vehicle.³

Under California Vehicle Code 20002 VC, all drivers involved in a car accident must stop near the accident scene to exchange information with all other drivers involved in the accident.⁴ This “information” includes a driver’s:

• driver’s license,
• vehicle registration,
• contact information, and
• insurance information.

If a party fails to do so, the police can charge him/her with misdemeanor hit and run.⁵

For additional help…

If you or a loved one was injured in an auto accident, we invite you to contact our law firm at the Shouse Law Group. Our attorneys provide both free consultations and legal advice you can trust.

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