How do I find out if a vehicle has insurance?

There are a number of ways to determine if a vehicle is insured. This may be as simple as asking the owner of the car the provide proof of insurance. It is required by law that the owner of the vehicle carry proof of insurance with them in the vehicle. The proof of insurance, if provided, will minimally contain the name of the insurance company, all company contact information and the policy status.

The primary piece on information needed to research the insurance status of a vehicle is the 17 digit VIN (vehicle identification number). This is usually located on the left corner of the dashboard and can be viewed through the windshield on the driver's side. If you have access to the VIN, you can request insurance information from the State Motor Vehicle agency, however, this may be difficult to gain access to that information unless you have reported an accident.

There are other ways to access vehicle information. In the event of an accident certain agencies have access to state motor vehicle records which could potentially show insurance status. Examples of these agencies include: Police and highway patrol agencies; authorized traffic court employees; and insurance companies and their agents. Financed, leased and rented vehicles all require current insurance and the associated companies with these services would be able to verify insurance information as well.

You can also contact your personal insurance agent. He will guide you through this process and will potentially communicate with the other insurance agency on your behalf.