What Is a Car Insurance Policy Number?

Your auto insurance policy number is an important identifier that allows you to not only reference your policy but also access your coverage if you’re involved in an auto accident, need proof of insurance, or want to make changes to your policy. These alphanumeric characters are unique to your policy and can often be found on any official insurance documentation.

Here’s a look at what car insurance policy numbers are, what purpose they serve, and when you’ll need to know yours.

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What is a car insurance policy number?

When you purchase auto insurance, you’ll receive a unique identifier number for that coverage. This is your car insurance policy number. Depending on your insurer, this number may be anywhere from eight to 13 characters long and may include a mix of numbers and letters. It serves as a way of identifying and referencing your policy without needing to use personal details, such as your name, address, or vehicle identification number (VIN).

This assigned number stays with your policy for as long as you remain a customer of that insurer. This number will usually apply to all the vehicles listed on that policy, too, so you may have multiple cars sharing the same auto insurance policy number.

How to find your car insurance policy number

You can usually find your policy number printed on any official documentation your insurer provides. Whether it’s a bill, an official policy notice, or even in your car insurance company mobile app, this identifying number is usually front and center.^[1]

The most common place to find this number is on your proof of insurance card, which includes other relevant information and is provided when your policy is first issued. You’ll get another copy each time your coverage renews. It’s always a good idea to keep this auto insurance ID card in a safe place for future reference.

You may also find your policy number on your:

• Monthly billing statement

• Insurance declarations page

• Coverage renewal paperwork

• Insurer’s website

• Digital ID card (electronic proof of insurance) on a mobile device

When you need your car insurance policy number

Your car insurance policy number is important to have available any time you get behind the wheel of a car or call to speak with your insurance company. In some situations, you may even be required to provide this number. These situations include:

• When registering a car with the department of motor vehicles (DMV): You’ll be asked to provide proof of insurance coverage, including your policy number.^[2]

• If you’re involved in a car accident: You may need to share your personal information and policy number with the other driver, especially if you’re at fault.

• When buying a vehicle from a car dealership: You’ll usually be asked to show proof of coverage before you can drive the vehicle off the lot.

• If you’re pulled over by a police officer: You’ll need to provide proof of valid, state-required minimum coverage.

• If you ever need to reference your insurance policy terms: This includes when you’re considering new insurance products, verifying your policy obligations, shopping for discounts, or tracking your policy period.

• When you use your own vehicle for work purposes: Your employer may ask for (and record) your proof of insurance.

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When you need someone else’s policy number

At times, you’ll also need to obtain someone else’s car insurance policy number. This could be so you can record the number as proof, file an insurance claim, or simply to verify valid coverage.

The most common situation when you’ll need someone else’s policy number is if you’re involved in a car accident. It’s imperative to obtain the other driver’s information — including their name, driver’s license number, auto insurance policy details, license plate number, and contact information — if they’re at fault. Even if they’re not at fault, though, or if fault is still being determined, you may want to gather this information to have on hand.

How to find someone else’s policy number

Sometimes — especially in a high-stress environment, like after an accident — you might find that you didn’t get all the necessary information from the other driver(s). Whether you copied the policy number wrong or forgot to note which insurer they use, you’ll need to track this info down.

Start by reaching out to the other driver if you have their contact information. If law enforcement came to the scene, you can also request a copy of the police report, usually in person, by phone, or by mail. This document should include the other driver’s contact and/or insurance information.

In some jurisdictions, police reports are considered public record. In most states, though, you will only be entitled to a copy of a police report if you were involved in the crash and the report has your name on it. Finally, if you’re out of options and have only the driver’s name and policy number, you may be able to call around to see if you can find the company.

Car insurance policy number FAQs