Vehicle Insurance File: What's Inside?

When it comes to vehicle insurance, there are a number of documents that are required to obtain a policy and make a claim. These documents include personal information such as your name, address, date of birth, gender, marital status, and Social Security Number or Social Insurance Number. You will also need to provide vehicle information such as its make, model, year, body style, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), mileage, and registration. Additionally, you may be asked for proof of insurance, a copy of your driving license, and details of any prior insurance coverage. It is important to have these documents readily available when purchasing or renewing a policy, requesting a quote, or filing a claim.

Personal information

Identification and Contact Information

Insurance companies require your full name, date of birth, address, and contact details. The address provided is typically where the vehicle is parked or garaged, as this information is crucial for calculating insurance premiums. Additionally, a valid driver's license is necessary, and some carriers may also ask for a picture of your ID, which can usually be sent electronically.

Social Security Number (SSN)

Your Social Security number is another vital piece of personal information. Insurance carriers use the SSN for verification purposes and, in some states, to check your credit history. It's worth noting that certain states, such as California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan, prohibit insurance providers from checking customers' credit.

Driving History

Your driving record plays a significant role in determining insurance rates. Insurance companies will inquire about your driving history, including any accidents, moving violations (speeding tickets), or serious violations such as DUIs or reckless driving. The number and nature of these violations directly impact your insurance risk profile.

Vehicle Information

While not strictly under personal information, the details of the vehicle you want to insure are crucial. This includes the vehicle's make, model, year of manufacture, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and current mileage. The VIN helps identify specific features of the car, such as engine size. Additionally, insurance providers may ask about any vehicle modifications and the name of the registered owner(s).

Financial Information

When purchasing a car insurance policy, you'll need to make the first payment upfront. This requires providing credit card information or banking details. In some instances, insurance companies may request a voided check if you opt for monthly payments from your checking account.

Additional Personal Details

Insurance companies may inquire about other aspects of your personal life, such as your marital status and gender. These factors can influence insurance rates in certain states. Additionally, if you live in a state where credit scores impact insurance rates, the company will run a soft credit check, which won't affect your score.

Vehicle details

Vehicle Identification

The first step in insuring your vehicle is to identify it uniquely. This is typically done through a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or a registration number. The VIN is a unique code that identifies your car and is usually found on the registration card, etched near the windshield, or on the driver's side door. On the other hand, a registration number is a unique alphanumeric code assigned by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) when you register your vehicle. This number helps identify and track your car and typically consists of a combination of letters and numbers that vary based on the state or region of registration.

Vehicle Specifications

In addition to the identification number, insurance companies will also require detailed information about your vehicle's specifications. This includes the make, model, and year of your vehicle, engine capacity, and vehicle class or type. The insurance company will also want to know the mileage of the vehicle, including the current odometer reading and an estimate of how many miles you drive annually.

Vehicle Ownership and History

Insurance providers will need to know the name and address of the registered owner or owners of the vehicle. Additionally, they may request information about the vehicle's history, such as any past accidents, insurance claims, or significant events. It is also essential to confirm that the vehicle is not stolen and is legally registered.

Vehicle Modifications

If you have made any modifications to your vehicle, it is crucial to disclose this information to your insurance company. Modifications can include changes to the vehicle's structure, engine, or safety features. This information can impact your insurance rates and coverage options.

Vehicle Security and Safety Features

Insurance companies often take into account the security and safety features of your vehicle when determining insurance rates. Therefore, it is essential to provide information about any security or safety features your car may have, such as anti-lock brakes, a lane departure warning system, or any other advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

Vehicle Insurance History

Your insurance company will also need to know about your vehicle's insurance history. This includes information about your current or previous insurance coverage, including policy numbers, coverage dates, and any claims made. If you are switching insurance providers, they may request a copy of your previous insurance policy or declaration page.

In summary, providing comprehensive and accurate vehicle details is essential when applying for or renewing your vehicle insurance. By including the information mentioned above, you can ensure that your insurance company has a clear understanding of your vehicle, which can help tailor your coverage options and rates to your specific needs.

Driving history

A driver's history is a key factor in determining car insurance premiums. A good driving record generally results in lower premiums, while a history of accidents or serious traffic violations will mean higher premiums. This is because a history of accidents or violations indicates that the driver is more likely to make insurance claims in the future.

In the US, a driver's record typically includes:

• Name and address
• Driver's license number
• License status (i.e. valid, expired, suspended, etc.)
• Convictions related to motor vehicle violations
• Accident information
• Driver control actions, such as failure to yield or come to a complete stop
• Total demerit points
• Active fine suspensions
• Driving convictions
• Suspensions and reinstatements

In the US, the Department of Motor Vehicles in each state can provide copies of driving records, usually for a fee. The type of driving record and the information it contains can vary by state. For example, in North Carolina, drivers can obtain a residential history record, a certified true copy, a complete extract copy, or a limited extract copy of their driving record. In New York, the options are a standard, limited, or commercial driving record.

In Canada, driving records are called driver's abstracts or motor vehicle records (MVRs). A basic driver's abstract includes driver identification details, total demerit points, active fine suspensions, driving convictions, and suspensions and reinstatements over the past three years.

In addition to checking driving records, insurance companies may also check an individual's Claims Loss Underwriting Exchange report, which details how often they have made insurance claims on their car and home. This helps predict the likelihood of future claims.

Proof of insurance

If you are stopped by the police or are involved in an accident, you will need to show proof of insurance, along with your license and registration. If you cannot show proof of insurance, you may be fined or ticketed.

When you purchase car insurance, your insurance company will send you proof of insurance, usually in the form of an insurance ID card. This will include the policy number, policy effective dates, covered vehicle, and policyholder name. You may also be able to download a temporary insurance card to use until the hard copy arrives. You will receive a new insurance card whenever your policy renews or changes. It is recommended to keep your insurance card in your vehicle, perhaps in the glove compartment, and to shred and dispose of old cards when you receive new ones.

Most states allow you to use electronic forms of proof of insurance, which you can show on your smartphone if you are stopped by the police. Many insurance companies have apps that allow you to access digital copies of your insurance cards. If you lose your insurance card, you can also access your account online or contact your insurance agent to send you an updated copy.

Financial information

When it comes to purchasing a car insurance policy, you will need to provide financial information to make the initial payment. This can be done by providing your credit card number or banking information. In some cases, your insurance company may ask for a voided check if you plan to have payments taken out of your checking account every month.

Additionally, if you plan to make monthly payments, you can set up automatic payments to deduct from your bank account or debit or credit card on the due date each month.

If you are eligible for any discounts, you may need to provide documentation to receive them. For example, for a good student discount, you will need a copy of your most recent report card. For a military discount, you will need a copy of your military ID and your enrollment paperwork.

Frequently asked questions