You can find your car insurance policy number on a physical or digital copy of your car insurance card.
If you have car insurance
, you have an accompanying car insurance policy number. You’ll need to provide your policy number if you get in an accident, get stopped by the police, or need to update your insurance information. To help you figure out where to find the policy number for your car insurance, Jerry
the trustworthy insurance shopping super app
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How to find the policy number on an insurance card
On your card or your billing statement, look for a number at the top that’s between nine and 13 digits long. It may start with a letter in some states. That’s your policy number
. You need to have your policy number on hand before you get behind the wheel of your car, so you should either carry your insurance card with you or access it online. The policy number will often be listed beside a heading that says "POLICY NUMBER."
Be sure you don’t confuse the policy number with the vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN is used to identify the features of your car. It contains 16 digits and will include both numbers and letters, while your policy number will only have numbers.
If you own multiple cars, your policies may be listed together on one card or have separate cards. If they’re listed separately, always keep both on hand.
Take note that your policy number might change if your coverage lapses
or you change providers—so it’s important to make sure your policy number is up to date. Key Takeaway Your policy number is an 8–10 digit number found on your car insurance card.
How do I find my insurance policy number online?
Most insurance providers will allow you to log in to your account—either online or via an app—to access a digital copy of your insurance number.
A digital copy of your insurance card will suffice in every state except Connecticut, New Mexico, or Washington D.C. Still, it’s good practice to keep a physical copy in your glovebox for backup.
When do I need my policy number?
Your policy number is proof of insurance
, and you always need to have proof of insurance on hand when driving. But you may need access to your policy number when you aren’t driving, as well. Here are the three main scenarios where you will be asked to provide your insurance policy number.
If you get pulled over
If you get pulled over by the police, they will ask for your insurance policy number plus your license and vehicle registration. The police will use your policy number to ensure you have the minimum insurance required in your state
. If you get in an accident
If you have a car accident
with another driver, you will need to exchange the names of your insurance companies and policy numbers. Exchanging policy numbers is necessary to start the car accident claims process, regardless of who was at fault. If the police are called to the scene, you will have to provide your policy number when they write out their report.
To make changes to your policy
You’ll have to provide your policy number to change or cancel your insurance policy. Having your policy number on hand will also help ensure that any interaction with your insurance provider goes smoothly.
MORE: The penalties for using fake proof of insurance
When do I need to get somebody else’s policy number?
If you’re in an accident, you’ll need to collect the policy numbers of all the other drivers involved.
Be sure to exchange information regardless of who appears to be at fault. You will use the other driver's insurance policy number when you call the insurance company to file a claim.
And even if you won’t be filing a claim
, it’s always a good idea to notify your insurance provider of an accident and who was involved. Since policy numbers can be challenging to read, try to take a photo of the insurance card instead. Just be sure to ask the driver first, and make sure you have a clear, readable image of both sides of the card. Don’t forget to write out the full name and phone numbers of any other drivers involved.
What if I don’t get the driver's information?
Accidents can be stressful and you might not always be able to get the other driver’s policy number before they leave the scene. It can be easy to miscopy numbers or forget to take down the insurance provider in these types of scenarios.
If you got the driver’s contact information, you could use it to reach out and clarify the details.
If someone called the police to the scene, you could also ask for a copy of the police report. Police reports provide insurance information for any drivers involved in an accident, and you’re legally entitled to a copy as long as your name is on it.
If you have the policy number but not the insurance company, you can try calling up the top providers to see if there’s a match.
It might be tedious, but the odds of finding the right provider are pretty good. Most Americans are insured by a few large insurance companies that account for almost 75% of the US car insurance market. Some agents might even recognize the provider based on the number itself.
Key Takeaway If you’re involved in an accident, you’ll need to get the insurance policy numbers of the other drivers.
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Finding an affordable car insurance policy
If you’re looking for a new policy or to switch providers, comparison shopping is the way to go. But if you’ve ever completed forms for online quotes, you know how time-consuming and miserable they can be.
Jerry
is the free insurance shopping app that will help you save. If you’re hesitant to switch plans or insurance providers because you’re worried about the work involved, don’t be. Jerry does all the paperwork for you—you’ll never have to print anything, go to the post office, or get on the phone. Jerry handles it all!
And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal so that you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price. This level of service is why Jerry earned a 4.6/5 rating on the App Store and made it the top insurance app in the country.
"Jerry is better than any other insurance app! I’ve tried lowering my insurance rates before, and there’s always a catch—but not with Jerry. There is no need to worry about getting annoying calls from companies, and Jerry saved me a lot of money! Jerry even canceled my old policy and handled the switch, so I don’t have to. Even better, with Jerry handling my renewals, I don’t have to worry about shopping for insurance at all anymore. It doesn’t get better than this!" —Satisfied Jerry customer
Frequently asked questions
What if I lose my policy number?
If you lose your policy number, you should be able to access or print your insurance card online. You should also contact your insurance company and ask them to send you a new paper copy of your card.
Is the ID number the same as the policy number?
Yes. Your insurance ID number is the same thing as your policy number. "Policy number" is a more common term, but they may be used interchangeably.
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