There are numerous numbers that we use in our lives for identification and verification. From your social security number to your driver’s license number, there are numerous numbers to prove that you are a citizen, that you are a legal driver, or that you have an insurance policy.
Just as your health insurance policy number verifies that you’re a policyholder, your car insurance policy number links you and your car to your insurance policy. Your car insurance company will assign a number specific to you and your policy when you purchase coverage.
Insurance policy numbers will vary in length based on the insurance company and can have both numbers and letters. If you have multiple cars on your insurance policy, you might have one number for all of them or different numbers for each car. Your number will appear on your policy documents and id cards. Let’s take look at the importance of your policy number.
What is a car insurance policy number?
New drivers or new policyholders might wonder what is an insurance policy number. As discussed, when you purchase automobile insurance, you will be issued an insurance policy number that is a unique identification number. Similar to a bank account number, your policy id number identifies you and your policy.
Your number will remain the same as long as you keep and maintain the policy. If there is a lapse in your policy for any reason, you might require a new number. Also, your number will change if you get a new policy from a different insurance company.
Where can you find your insurance policy number?
If you have health insurance, you have a health insurance card that lists your policy information and number. You need this card to show to your doctor and pharmacists to receive your benefit. Similarly, your car insurance card contains your insurance policy number and insurance information. You’ll need it as proof of insurance.
Besides your id card, however, your number can also be found in a few other locations. If you have a hard copy of your insurance coverage documents, your number can be found on the declaration page of the policy.
You can also find it on any monthly policy statements you receive from the insurance company. Additionally, many insurance companies now have websites and smartphone apps where you find digital copies of your policy information and number.
Why is your auto insurance number important?
Your insurance policy number will be required if you need to contact your insurer for any reason. Since your number connects you and your car to your policy, this is how you can access your insurance information. If you’re involved in a car accident or you’re stopped by the police, you’ll need to have your policy number.
The police officer will require your card and number as proof of insurance. If you are in an accident, the other driver will also need the number for their insurance company. Your policy number will be needed by the other driver’s insurance company no matter who is at fault.
What if you can’t find your policy number?
If you’re unable to locate your insurance information, you can request a new insurance card from your insurer. As discussed, most providers now have options to let you download an electronic format of your insurance card. This will be the quickest way to get your policy number on it instead of waiting for the mail or an email. You should try to keep multiple copies of your insurance documentation in safe places around your home so that you will have backup information.
Like all of the other id numbers that you are required to maintain, your car insurance policy number is also important. Your number will tie you to your insurance information and your policy details. If you need to file a claim or provide proof of insurance, you will need your policy number. Be sure to carry your insurance card and have backup copies in case you need your information.
Interesting related article: “What is Insurance Deductible?”