Texas Auto Insurance Verification: A Step-By-Step Guide

TexasSure is an online insurance verification system that allows authorised users to check if a vehicle registered in Texas has valid auto liability insurance. It is a joint project between Texas' departments of motor vehicles, insurance, public safety and information resources. The aim of the program is to reduce the number of uninsured motorists in Texas, which currently stands at an estimated 14.1% to 20% of drivers. To verify auto insurance in Texas, individuals can contact the Texas DMV, exchange information with the other party in the event of an accident, or contact the police and insurance companies.

TexasSure: an online insurance verification system

TexasSure is an online insurance verification system designed to reduce the number of uninsured drivers in Texas and cut costs for responsible Texans, who pay almost $900 million a year to protect themselves against those without insurance coverage. It is a joint project of Texas' departments of motor vehicles, insurance, public safety, and information resources. The system quickly identifies vehicle owners without mandatory insurance coverage.

TexasSure is a program created by the state to reduce the number of uninsured motorists in Texas. Local, county, and state law enforcement and vehicle registration offices use TexasSure to check if vehicles registered in Texas have auto insurance. TexasSure is a partnership between the Texas Department of Insurance, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Texas Department of Information Resources.

Texas law requires drivers to show proof that they can pay for any accidents they cause. Most drivers do this by purchasing auto liability insurance. After purchasing insurance, your company will report this to TexasSure. When you receive your insurance policy, check that the VIN on your vehicle matches the one on your policy and vehicle registration. Inform your company if the numbers do not match.

TexasSure is a reliable and safe system, as it was designed by the Texas DMV and insurance companies. All insurers input their customers' insurance information into TexasSure. Only authorized users, such as law enforcement officers, can access the TexasSure system.

Contact the Texas DMV

If you want to verify a driver's auto insurance in Texas, the Texas DMV is the place to go. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains records of registered vehicles in the state and can verify whether a vehicle is currently insured. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to contact the Texas DMV and verify auto insurance:

• Understand the Importance: Texas has a significant number of uninsured motorists, with an estimated 14.1% to 20% of drivers lacking insurance. By verifying insurance, you protect yourself financially in case of an accident.
• Collect Information: Before contacting the Texas DMV, gather as much information as possible about the driver and their vehicle. At a minimum, you'll need the driver's license plate number. Other helpful details include the driver's name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver's license number, and vehicle make, model, year, and color.
• Valid Reasons: The Texas DMV will require a valid reason for requesting insurance information. This could include being the victim of a hit-and-run or a driver refusing to provide insurance details after an accident. Having a police report to support your request is helpful.
• In-Person Visit: You can visit the Texas DMV in person to verify auto insurance. Bring all the information you've gathered, along with any relevant documentation, such as a police report. The DMV staff will be able to assist you in checking the insurance status of the driver in question.
• Online Verification: Texas has an online insurance verification system called TexasSure. However, access to TexasSure is restricted to authorized entities, such as law enforcement officers and DMV staff. While you cannot directly access TexasSure, the information you provide to the DMV will be cross-referenced with this database to confirm insurance coverage.
• Alternative Options: While the Texas DMV is a reliable source for verifying auto insurance, you can also involve the police or your insurance company. They have better access to databases and can assist in checking if a driver is complying with Texas insurance laws. Additionally, exchanging information at the scene of an accident and requesting a copy of the police report are other ways to obtain insurance details.

Remember, the Texas DMV is a valuable resource for verifying auto insurance in Texas. By following these steps and providing the necessary information, you can effectively determine whether a driver has valid insurance coverage.

Exchange information at the scene of an accident

Exchanging information at the scene of an accident is a crucial step in the aftermath of a collision. Here are some detailed instructions on what to do:

Stop Your Vehicle and Return to the Scene

Firstly, it is essential to stop your vehicle as soon as possible after the accident. Texas law requires you to stop as close to the accident scene as possible and then return to the scene if your vehicle is not stopped there. This is mandatory even in cases where there is only damage to a vehicle with no apparent injuries.

Check for Injuries and Offer Help

Check if anyone involved in the accident has been injured. If there are any injuries, you must alert the authorities and provide reasonable assistance. This may include calling for emergency medical services or helping to transport the injured person to a hospital. Failing to meet these requirements is a felony under Texas law and can result in jail time and heavy fines.

Exchange Information with Other Drivers

Exchange the following information with all other drivers involved:

• Name
• Address
• Vehicle registration number
• Insurance carrier
• Driver's license number (if asked)

Additionally, it is helpful to exchange:

• License plate numbers
• Names of any passengers

The more information you collect, the easier it will be to file an insurance claim and have your injuries covered.

Gather Evidence and Contact the Police

Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any injuries you have sustained, and the surrounding area. Look for eyewitnesses or security cameras that may have captured the incident. You should also consider calling the police, especially if the accident is significant. They will collect insurance information from all parties and file a report, which can support any insurance claims or legal proceedings.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries may not be immediately obvious but can still pose serious health risks. Delaying medical treatment could also complicate your insurance claim, as the insurance company may argue that your injuries were not a direct result of the accident.

Remember, exchanging information at the scene of an accident is not just a polite gesture but a legal requirement in Texas. By following these steps, you can ensure you are complying with the law and protecting your rights in the event of any insurance claims or legal proceedings.

Contact the police

If you are involved in a road accident in Texas, it is a good idea to contact the police, especially if the other driver refuses to give you their insurance information or drives away. The police can help you verify the other driver's insurance details and ensure that they are complying with Texas auto insurance laws.

The police have the authority and the means to check the insurance status of any vehicle on the road. They can use real-time electronic systems connected to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to verify a driver's insurance. These systems allow officers to enter a vehicle's license plate number into a mobile device or in-car computer to access insurance information.

In Texas, the police use a program called TexasSure to check if vehicles registered in the state have auto insurance. TexasSure is a partnership between the Texas Department of Insurance, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Texas Department of Information Resources. This program was created to reduce the number of uninsured motorists in the state.

When you contact the police, it is helpful to provide as much information as possible about the other driver and their vehicle. This includes the driver's name, address, phone number, license plate number, and vehicle make, model, year, and color. The more information you can provide, the easier it will be for the police to identify the vehicle and verify its insurance status.

Remember, driving without valid auto insurance in Texas is illegal, and you can face serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even criminal charges. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you and other drivers on the road have the required insurance coverage.

Hire a private investigator

If you require more in-depth information about a driver's insurance status, you can consider hiring a licensed private investigator to conduct a thorough investigation on your behalf.

Private investigators, also known as private detectives or PIs, are professionals who can be hired to gather information and carry out investigations for individuals, businesses, and organizations. When hiring a private investigator, it is important to choose a licensed and insured investigator or agency, such as those recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

• Understanding the Role of a Private Investigator: Private investigators often work independently or as part of a private investigation agency. They specialize in conducting surveillance, gathering information, and performing background checks. When hiring a private investigator, ensure they have the necessary expertise and resources to conduct a thorough investigation.
• Finding a Private Investigator in Texas: There are several ways to find reputable private investigators in Texas. You can search online for investigator directories or use platforms like Bark, which helps connect individuals with local professionals. These platforms often provide customer reviews, allowing you to make an informed decision.
• Consider Specialization and Experience: Depending on your specific needs, consider hiring a private investigator with relevant experience and specialization. For instance, some investigators may have expertise in insurance investigations, infidelity investigations, or background checks. Choosing an investigator with relevant experience can increase the likelihood of a successful investigation.
• Inquire About Insurance and Licensing: Operating without insurance can be risky for private investigators due to the potential for litigation and the sensitive nature of their work. Ensure that the investigator you choose carries appropriate insurance coverage, such as general liability, errors and omissions insurance, and workers' compensation. Additionally, verify that they have the necessary licenses and permits to operate in Texas.
• Discuss the Investigation Process: Before hiring a private investigator, communicate your specific needs and expectations clearly. Ask about their planned investigation process, including the methods they will use to gather information and the expected timeline for completing the investigation.
• Review Cost Estimates and Payment Terms: Private investigation services can vary in cost, so be sure to request detailed cost estimates from multiple investigators. Compare their quotes and assess if they provide a good value for your money. Inquire about their payment terms, including any upfront fees or retainers, and ensure you understand the billing structure before committing.
• Privacy and Confidentiality: Due to the sensitive nature of insurance investigations, ensure that the private investigator you choose adheres to strict privacy and confidentiality standards. Ask about their data protection practices and how they secure the information they gather during the investigation.
• Communication and Updates: Throughout the investigation, effective communication between you and the private investigator is crucial. Discuss their process for providing updates and how you can reach them with questions or concerns.
• Understanding Legal Boundaries: It is important to note that private investigators must operate within legal boundaries. They should be well-versed in privacy laws and ethical guidelines to ensure that their investigative methods do not violate any individual's rights or break any laws.
• Documentation and Reporting: Finally, discuss with the private investigator how they will present their findings. Ask about the level of detail in their reports and what type of documentation or evidence they can provide to support their investigation results.

By following these steps and considerations, you can make an informed decision when hiring a private investigator to verify auto insurance in Texas. Remember to prioritize licensed and insured investigators who demonstrate professionalism, expertise, and a thorough understanding of the investigative process.

Frequently asked questions