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How to Identify a Car Insurance Company by Its Policy Number

Last Updated on October 4, 2023

Many people don’t know what to do when they get in an auto accident . It’s understandable, especially considering it can be a very emotional time for both drivers involved. Maybe both of you were in a rush to leave, especially if the accident wasn’t very major.

What are you supposed to do if your only information of the other driver is their auto insurance policy number? Is there a way to identify which insurance company they use by the policy number? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about identifying a car insurance company by its policy number.

What Do Car Insurance Policy Numbers Look Like?

What information should you get after an accident.

First, knowing what information you should ideally get if you are involved in an accident is important. Assuming the other person is fully cooperating, it’s best to obtain:

  • The person’s full name
  • At least 1, if not 2, phone numbers
  • Driver’s license number
  • Vehicle information
  • License plate number
  • Name of the company
  • Contact information of the company
  • Policy number

If you have your phone with you (who doesn’t these days!), then you could ask for permission to take a picture of the other person’s driver’s license and insurance card . At least write as much of this information down as you can.

It’s always a great idea to get the police involved , even in minor accidents. The police will look up the other person’s information and file a police report. You can give the police report number to your insurance company, and they will be able to see all the information relating to the accident and the drivers involved.

What If You Only Have the Policy Number?

That is what would happen in an ideal scenario. But if you’ve already had the claim and a policy number is all you have, it’s not impossible to find out who the driver is and proceed with the claim. Difficult, but not impossible.

Every auto insurance company has a different structure for numbering their auto policies. And there isn’t an encyclopedia of insurance numbers out there, which means it will be impossible to learn every company’s structure unless your hobby is memorizing policy numbers.

You can first try to see if the other policy number looks exactly like yours. For example, if you have an 8-digit number and are insured with Progressive , and the other driver has an 8-digit policy number, chances are pretty good that they are also with Progressive.

Not all auto policies are just numbers. Many are prefaced with one, two, or three letters, such as Safeco (K1111111) or Liberty Mutual (AOX-111-111111-1111).

The following table shows the policy number formats and some example policy numbers for the major insurance companies in the US.

As you can see, there isn’t a standard type of auto insurance policy number. They can be any combination of numbers and digits, with some letters thrown in as well.

You can try to call your insurance company and ask them if they know. If you’re with a direct carrier with a call center, your chances are pretty slim that anyone will be able to help you.

If you’re with an independent insurance agent, then read on!

Ask Around Local Agencies

If the two policy numbers don’t match and your own insurance company can’t help, your best place to go next is a local independent insurance agent. Independent agents represent many companies (often more than ten) and have experience working with competing companies.

There is a good chance that the independent agent will be able to recognize the company or help you look up the policy number. If they do, you can inform your insurance company and proceed with the claim .

Other Options for Identifying Insurance Company Policy Numbers

If an independent agent can’t identify the policy number, you could try calling a few insurance companies directly and asking them. Since you are blindly picking companies, this approach likely won’t result in any success. You could at least try the 5 or 10 largest auto insurers in the country.

If this still doesn’t work, then it’s worth a shot to go to the local DMV and see if they can help you. Due to privacy laws, it’s all but certain that they will not give you any information, but it’s worth a shot if all else has failed.

Gather the Information First

Hopefully, you’re able to identify the company with just the policy number and proceed with your claim. But the best thing to do is to prevent this situation from happening in the future.

When involved in an accident, always gather as much information from the other driver as possible.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Your car insurance policy number is a unique number that identifies your account. Your insurance company uses your policy number to identify your account. You can find your policy number on your insurance card .

The easiest way to check what insurance you have is to check your policy documentation – like your declarations page or the document you keep in your car to verify you have insurance coverage. Alternatively, you can contact your insurer to ask what type of car insurance you have, including which coverages you carry. 

Some policy numbers have letters, while others consist entirely of numbers. Different companies use different policy number identification systems. GEICO, for example, uses a string of 10 numbers with no letters, while Liberty Mutual uses a mixture of letters and numbers. 

Insurance policy numbers should be confidential. Ideally, only you and your insurer know your insurance policy number. Like other personal information, your insurance policy number should be kept private to avoid allowing someone to access your account. However, it’s unlikely someone would be able to access your account or personal information using only your policy number.  

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How to Read Your Insurance Card

Are you planning to enroll in a dental or health insurance plan during the open enrollment period for 2024? If so, you’ll likely receive either a digital or printed insurance card. Insurance cards contain important information, provide proof of insurance, and help ensure you’re charged the right amount for care. They also help your providers keep your insurance information up to date. Here are some helpful tips for reading and understanding insurance cards.

Insurance card example

Reading an insurance card

Insurance cards may contain different information based on the insurance company and type of plan you choose. However, most cards include this information:

Personal information

Most insurance cards include your name and policy number. If you're covered under your spouse’s or parent's plan, your card may include their name, too.

Policy number

The policy number on your insurance card is a unique code associated with your insurance plan. Your insurance company uses your policy number to track and process insurance claims and costs. Policy numbers may also be referred to as subscriber IDs or member ID numbers.

Where is the policy number on an insurance card?

Typically, you can find your insurance policy number on the front of your card. It may be marked as “Policy #” or “Policy ID.” If you’re unable to locate your policy number, reach out to your insurance provider for assistance.

Is a policy number the same as a member ID?

Still not sure about the difference between your policy number and member ID? These terms are often used interchangeably to refer to the code assigned to your insurance policy. As a result, you may see one term on your insurance card and not the other.

Insurance group number

If you have insurance coverage through an employer, your insurance card will likely have an insurance group number, also known as a group plan number. Like your individual policy number, the group number on your insurance card is a code assigned to your employer’s insurance plan. Your insurance group numbers help insurance companies identify the benefits included in your employer’s plan and process claims effectively.

Copays and coverage amounts

The coverage amount refers to how much of your healthcare costs your insurance company will pay. You can usually find this information on the front of your insurance card. Coverage amounts may be listed as fixed dollar amounts or percentages, such as 25%, 50%, or 75%. Often, several amounts are listed together and may correspond to different types of treatments or office visits.  You may also see additional information regarding copays and in-network or out-of-network care. Let’s take a closer look at what these terms mean: 

A copay is a fixed dollar amount you’re required to pay out-of-pocket for certain types of care or treatments. Also known as a copayment , copays vary based on the type of plan you have, the kind of treatments you receive, and whether you use an in-network or out-of-network provider.

You can typically find copays listed on the front of your insurance card.

In-network and out-of-network coverage

Your insurance card may list two coverage percentages for in-network or out-of-network providers . In-network providers are those who have a contractual agreement with your insurance company to provide lower-cost services and treatments. Visiting an in-network provider often results in lower expenses compared to visiting an out-of-network one. For most plans, you can still see an out-of-network provider if you choose to do so. However, you’ll likely pay more for out-of-network care. Contact your provider for more information on in-network and out-of-network providers, along with the costs associated with each.

"> Time To Enroll in a New Insurance Plan? 

Prescription coverage.

Depending on the type of insurance policy you have, your provider may pay for some or all of the cost of prescription medications . In this case, you may find an Rx category on your insurance card. 

Not all cards have an Rx category. If yours does, it’ll list the dollar amount or percentage your insurance company will pay for each prescription. If not, you can contact your insurance company to learn more about coverage and associated costs. 

The RxBIN code helps direct prescription claims to the right insurance provider. They make it easier for healthcare providers, clinics, hospitals, and pharmacists to identify your insurance carrier and submit a claim. 

Insurance provider contact information

Finally, you can find your insurance provider’s contact information on the back or bottom of your card. This information is useful to have in case you need to:

  • Ask questions about your benefits and coverage
  • Find an in-network provider
  • Determine if a service or treatment is covered by your policy

Are you ready for open enrollment?

Now that you’re familiar with the different elements of an insurance card, you’ll know where to find cost and coverage details when you compare plans during open enrollment. With that in mind, take some time to evaluate your existing policy and priorities. Talk with your human resources representative to understand more about your employee benefits options, discuss your eligibility, and find the best insurance plans for your needs.

This article is intended to provide general information about insurance. It does not describe any Metropolitan Life Insurance company product or feature.

What is a car insurance policy number?

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Car insurance can be a confusing world to navigate with so many different policies, coverage options and terms to understand. One essential piece of information you’ll need to keep track of is your car insurance policy number. This unique identifier is like a fingerprint for your insurance policy, and it’s crucial in various situations, from reporting accidents to communicating with your insurance company. In this guide, Bankrate’s team will break down everything you need to know about car insurance policy numbers. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a new policyholder, understanding your auto insurance policy number is essential for managing your car insurance effectively.

One key component of your auto insurance coverage is your policy number, a unique identifier that ties you to your specific coverage details. If you’ve ever glanced at your insurance card or paid a bill, you’ve likely come across this important number.

A car insurance policy number is a unique code associated with your auto insurance policy. Think of it as a Social Security number for your car insurance — it’s how your insurer keeps track of your specific policy amidst the millions they manage. This number, generally ranging between nine and 13 digits, could be a combination of numbers and letters.

Your policy number is vital in situations such as reporting an accident, getting stopped by the police, or when discussing your policy with your insurance company. It’s your unique identifier, allowing your insurance company to quickly access your policy details. You can typically find your policy number on your insurance card, often labeled as “Policy #” or “Policy ID.” It should also appear on your billing statements, policy declarations page and possibly in your online insurance portal or mobile app (if your insurance company offers one). If you ever misplace your policy number, you can usually retrieve it by logging into your insurance account online, checking relevant documents or reaching out to your insurance agent.

When do you need your car insurance policy number?

Anyone with an auto insurance policy may benefit from knowing their car insurance policy number. In many cases, you can look up your policy number if you forget it. However, suppose you’ve just been in a car accident . In that case, you may need to provide the other drivers with your auto insurance information. This information includes your car insurance policy number. You may also need to get the other driver’s policy number, just as you may need to provide yours.

Keeping proof of insurance in your vehicle is legally required in most states. Proof of insurance could be an insurance ID card, certificate of insurance form, or even your policy – although it may have several pages. Each of these documents will include your insurance policy number. Keeping proof of insurance in your vehicle and knowing how to easily access it may save you time and reduce stress if you are involved in an accident or traffic stop.

Here is a list of some situations when you may need to have your car insurance policy number handy:

  • Your vehicle is involved in an accident: You will commonly share your policy number with the other vehicle’s driver as well as the police if they write an accident report. This exchange of insurance information helps both parties involved in the accident file the necessary paperwork for their claims with their respective insurance companies.
  • You are pulled over by police: In most states, the police typically ask for proof of insurance as part of a traffic stop. Being able to hand them your insurance policy number along with your license and registration should help expedite your time spent in a traffic stop if you do happen to get pulled over.
  • You are speaking to your insurance company: Your insurance policy number allows your carrier to quickly locate the details of your policy. You will likely need your policy number when contacting your insurance company or using their digital tools to file a claim, manage your policy or pay a bill.

How to find your car insurance policy number

In addition to outlining your coverage options, the policy documents you receive when setting up your policy should also contain your auto policy number. Beyond that, insurance policy numbers are generally attached to all paperwork associated with that policy. Thankfully, this means that you can typically find it in several ways.

  • Check your insurance card: Your proof of insurance card will have your policy number listed. This number is usually featured prominently in the first few lines of the card.
  • Go through your premium statements: Both paper and digital statements typically have your policy number listed in a similar format as on your insurance card. Some carriers have separate billing and policy account numbers, so double-check to make sure you differentiate the premium account number from your policy number, if applicable.
  • Look at your insurance declarations page: When purchasing your policy, the insurance company should provide paperwork detailing your policy’s coverage types and limits. This is also called a declarations page and will typically have the auto policy number printed on it.
  • Log into your account: If you have an online account with your insurance company, you can likely find your policy number. Go to the company website and log into your account. Once you are logged in, you may see your policy number listed with your account information.
  • Contact your insurance agent: You can always contact your insurance agent during your carrier’s business hours. Inform them of who you are and request your policy number. They may require some proof of identification, so be ready just in case.

How to find someone else’s car insurance policy number

You can find someone else’s auto policy number in a few different ways. If you’re involved in an accident, the other driver will likely give you their insurance information. If they fail to share their policy number, you could file a police report or contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

  • File a police report: If you have a legal cause, like being the victim of a hit-and-run , you may file a police report and request to be informed of whether or not the vehicle was insured. This represents a valid reason because, in this case, the insurance of that vehicle may be liable for damages done to yours.
  • Contact the DMV: If you have a valid reason to know whether a car is insured, but it isn’t a police matter, you can sometimes get that information from the DMV. The DMV will want to know your reasons and will need as much information on the vehicle as you can provide. If you know the car’s VIN (vehicle identification number), the process may go much smoother.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best car insurance company, where should i keep my car insurance policy number, what happens if i tell someone my policy number, what should i do if i lose my policy number, do different vehicles on my policy have different car insurance policy numbers, related articles.

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Car Insurance Policy Number: What It Is and Where to Find It

Learn how to find the policy number on your insurance card and when you might need it.

Christine Lacagnina

Christine Lacagnina has written thousands of insurance-based articles for TrustedChoice.com by authoring consumable, understandable content.

paul martin

Paul Martin is the Director of Education and Development for Myron Steves, one of the largest, most respected insurance wholesalers in the southern U.S.

Woman online using laptop with insurance card. Car Insurance Policy Number.

A car insurance policy number comes with every policy. It's most commonly used to identify your policy when you're speaking to your independent insurance agent, have been pulled over, or have just been in an accident. Understanding what an insurance policy number is can help you locate yours if necessary and know when you might need to reference it. Knowing where to find the policy number on an insurance card and why it's important to be able to locate it can help save you time and energy in the future.

An independent insurance agent can also help you locate your car insurance policy number. Not only that, but they can help you get set up with the right car insurance policy if you're still in need. But for now, let's break down what a car insurance policy number is, where to find it, and when you might need to use it.

What Is a Car Insurance Policy Number?

So, what is an insurance policy number, exactly? A car insurance policy number is an identification number that links your policy to you as the policyholder or driver of the vehicle. If you've been wondering, "What is the policy number on my insurance card?" it's a number that's unique to your account and is used by insurance companies to identify you as the policy owner. 

Your car insurance policy number is just one piece of information found on your insurance card. Other information found on your insurance card includes your name, address, vehicle information (i.e., make, model, year, and VIN), your insurance carrier, and the policy's effective dates. Take time to familiarize yourself with all the information on your car insurance card so you know what to look for in case of an accident or if you need to make a change to your coverage.

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Where Do I Find My Car Insurance Policy Number? 

Where is the policy number on an insurance card? Your car insurance policy number can be found in a variety of locations. Most conveniently, it’s printed on your insurance ID card. If you've been wondering how to find your insurance policy number, consider the following example.

Insurance Policy Number Example

Your insurance card policy number is different from your car's VIN, which is a 16-digit number and letter combination that uniquely identifies your vehicle. This is also located on your insurance card but shouldn’t be confused with your policy number. 

Your policy number can be found in all of the following locations:

  • The insurance card itself
  • Your online account with the carrier
  • The carrier's mobile app
  • Your policy's premium or billing statements
  • Your insurance policy's declarations page
  • Your insurance policy packet

An independent insurance agent can also help you locate your car insurance policy number if you're unable to find it.

When Do I Need My Car Insurance Policy Number?

It's important to always have proof of insurance in your vehicle because there are specific times when you'll need it. Having your insurance policy number on hand helps save time in what can be an already overwhelming situation, such as an accident. There are a few scenarios in which you would need your auto insurance policy number: 

  • You’re pulled over: When you’re pulled over, police officers ask for your proof of insurance so they can check that you are currently insured. You’ll want to hand them your insurance ID card with your policy number on it since this is how they check that you’re properly insured.
  • You’re in a car accident: One of the first things you'll do when you get in a car accident is to call your insurance company or independent insurance agent. You’ll need your insurance policy number for them to locate your account information. You’ll also need your insurance policy number if you’re in an accident with another vehicle and exchange insurance information. 
  • You need to contact your insurer: Whether you have questions about your insurance plan, want to change your coverage, or are simply checking in, any time you contact your insurance company, you need your insurance policy number. 
  • You're test-driving a new car: When test-driving a vehicle , you'll likely need to hand over your car insurance card first. The dealership will need to have your car insurance policy number on file in case something happens during your test drive.
  • You're buying a new car: Before you can purchase a new vehicle, you'll be forced to provide proof of insurance before you can complete the sale and drive the car off the lot. It is illegal to drive without carrying at least your state's minimum required car insurance coverage.

When Do I Need Someone Else’s Insurance Policy Number?

You only need access to someone else’s insurance card policy number if you're involved in an accident with that person. Any time you’re in a collision with another vehicle, you should exchange insurance information . An easy way to take note of someone’s insurance information is by taking a picture of their insurance card with your phone.

If the person doesn't know or have their car insurance policy number on them, you can take a picture of their driver's license or call your insurance company and provide them with the person’s name, license plate number, and the name of their insurance company. In addition to the other driver's auto insurance policy number, you'll need to gather the following information from them:

  • Name of driver/policyholder
  • Contact information/phone number
  • License plate number
  • Insurance company name

If the other driver fails to share their insurance policy number or car insurance card, you can file a police report or contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

What Happens If I Lose My Car Insurance Policy Number?

Any time you lose your insurance policy number, you can request a new insurance card from your insurer. Most companies allow you to easily order new copies of your insurance card online, and many offer digital versions that you can print straight from their app or the insurance website. This allows you to have proof of your insurance card policy number when you need it, such as in case of an accident .

We recommend keeping several copies of your insurance card on hand: one in your glove box, one at home, and a photo on your phone. This way, you’re never without your insurance information, including your car insurance policy number. However, it's important to note that currently, New Mexico is the only state that doesn't accept electronic proof of insurance, including auto insurance policy numbers.

Knowing Your Policy Number When It Matters

While knowing your car insurance policy number doesn’t require you to try memorizing it, it’s important that you know how to access it in a time of need. When you purchase auto insurance, make several copies of your insurance policy number and take note of the places you can access it so you'll be prepared whenever you need it.

Use our independent insurance agent matching system to find the best car insurance plan in your area. You tell us what you’re looking for, and our technology will recommend the best agents for your needs. Any information you give us will only be sent to the agents you pick.

Frequently Asked Questions about Car Insurance Policy Numbers

Does my car insurance policy number change with my car.

As long as you stay with the same insurance company, your insurance policy number will not change. It doesn’t matter if you change cars every year or have the same car forever. Your policy number will remain the same with that company.

If you change car insurance companies, you will receive a new insurance policy number. It’s also possible that your insurance policy number will change if you don't renew your insurance before the renewal date, and the insurance company has to create a new plan for you.

If more than one person is on my insurance policy, do we each get a unique number?

If you have multiple cars or people on your car insurance, the insurance policy number will most likely change with each vehicle and driver. Most commonly, this is a single number change that will be identified on the insurance card.

Where should I keep my car insurance policy number?

It's recommended to keep several copies of your car insurance policy number handy. Keep copies in your glove box, at home, and in digital format as a photo stored on your cell phone. This should allow you to have access to it anywhere, anytime.

What happens if I lose my car insurance policy number?

If you've lost your auto insurance policy number, contact your independent insurance agent or carrier immediately. Your carrier should be able to send you a new insurance card immediately. This new insurance card will contain your car insurance policy number.

Is my VIN number the same as my insurance policy number?

No, your car's VIN is a unique identification number for your vehicle only. An insurance policy number, on the other hand, identifies you as the driver and policyholder of the car insurance policy. It's not related to your vehicle.

How many digits is a car insurance policy number?

A car insurance policy number is typically between nine and 13 digits long.

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Look Up Insurance Policy Number: How to Find & Identify It

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Look Up Insurance Policy Number: How to Find & Identify It

What is an Insurance Policy Number?

Sometimes, it seems life is just a series of account numbers and usernames: You’ve got your bank account, gym membership number, cell phone plan — and the list goes on. So it’s no surprise that insurance comes with its own account system, too. 

For every insurance policy that you have, your insurance provider will also assign you an eight to ten digit string of numbers and letters that identifies the account. This number — known as the insurance policy number — is what you use to make payments, file claims, or review your account information. In short, it’s a unique numerical sequence that identifies your account. 

And that policy number is pretty darn important. In general, you’ll need to provide your full insurance number when:

  • You update information regarding your insurance account
  • Speak with a customer support agent
  • Submit an insurance policy cancellation request 
  • File a claim with your insurance company 

And while car insurance policy numbers look the same as any other policy number, there are a few more instances when you might be asked to provide that number.

insurance company policy number

When Do You Need Your Car Insurance Policy Number?

While we don’t expect you to have your auto insurance policy number memorized, you’ll want to know how to find it — and fast. Here’s are a few common scenarios when you’ll need your car insurance policy number:

  • In the event of an accident, you’ll need to exchange insurance information with other drivers. A responding police officer may also want to see proof of insurance to file a police report. 
  • If pulled over while driving, the police will ask for registration, driver’s license, and proof of insurance. In most states, failing to have any of these documents can lead to trouble.  ‍
  • When renewing your license plate or registering your car, the powers that be at the DMV will ask for proof of insurance. Visit your local DMV to check if your state is exempt.

How To Find Your Insurance Policy Number

While most of us rarely need our insurance policy cards day-to-day, when we do have to find those details, we need them pretty urgently. And just like identifying your closest exit on an airplane, it’s useful to know where your policy number is located well before an emergency.

Check Your Insurance Card

One of the first places to look for your insurance policy number is on your insurance card, which has information about your coverage. While ID cards vary in look depending on the provider, they all contain the insurance policy number.  

If you own more than one car, you can either choose to have the vehicles listed on one policy or open a different policy for each. Usually, insurance companies issue two cards for each policy. This means that if your car insurance covers two vehicles, you’ll get two cards for each car. All the cars included under one policy will share a policy number, whereas cars on different policies will have their own unique numbers.

You must carry your auto insurance card, either physically or digitally, while driving your car . You should keep one card in the vehicle or your wallet, and the other somewhere secure for safekeeping. 

Find a Billing Statement

Your monthly billing statement will list your policy number at the top of the page — so it’s good practice to keep old statements, and not just for your financial records. But while we’re on the subject: we’re often asked how long insurance-related records should be stored, and the truth is that longer never hurts, especially if you store them digitally in your Marble wallet . 

That’s a bit vague, we know, but we do recommend having copies of your insurance ID cards, declaration page , claim documents (if any), and your three most recent billing statements on hand at all times. And we’d suggest holding onto all documents for at least four months after a policy has been terminated. 

Locate Your Policy Paperwork

Your policy paperwork is the most detailed information that you’ll receive from your insurance provider. It contains your personal details, vehicle identification number, information about the rate and deductibles, coverage benefits , and insurance duration, to name a few. 

Your policy number will be on the top of the declaration page, which means you don’t have to sift through the entire policy package to find it. Don’t be surprised if the policy number is labeled ‘Account Number,’ since some providers use the two terms interchangeably.

Contact Your Insurance Agent

If you still can’t find the policy number, contact your insurance company’s customer support team. You may be able to do so online or through your carrier’s mobile app. You can also call your provider directly. An agent will be able to assist you in locating the policy number, but to do so, they will need to verify your account for security reasons — and they may even ask you to confirm your date of birth, address, or other personal details. 

Before you hang up, let your agent know if you misplaced your insurance documents and would like to request a copy for future reference. Some companies may charge you for the new policy documents, but you can ask to have the documents sent digitally, which might eliminate some fees.

Identifying Where Your Insurance Company Policy Number is with Marble

Looking for a better way to organize your paperwork? Sign up for Marble , where you can store all your policy documents in a digital wallet. It’s the easiest way to keep track of your policies, stay organized, and earn rewards just for having insurance. 

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What Is an Insurance Card Policy Number?

Jess Ullrich

10+ years writing insurance and personal finance topics

Former associate finance editor for Investopedia

Jess is a subject matter expert in insurance, banking, and other personal finance topics. Her byline has appeared in numerous top web media, including Investopedia.

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Katie Powers

Licensed auto and home insurance agent

3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

Updated February 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM PST | Reading time: 4 minutes

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If you’re ever involved in a car accident or pulled over by the police in a traffic stop, you’ll likely need to present your insurance card to show proof you meet your state’s minimum auto insurance requirements .

This card includes important information, like the policy number associated with your insurance policy. This number appears on your insurance card, as well as any coverage or billing statements you receive in the mail.

Here’s what you need to know about your policy number and how to find it, along with other information about your auto insurance card.

Learn More: What Does Policyholder Mean in Car Insurance?

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Table of contents, what’s on your insurance card, finding your policy number, insurance card policy number faqs.

Most states require drivers to carry an auto insurance card to prove that they meet their state’s auto coverage requirements. Your insurer will typically issue these cards for each insured household member when you purchase or renew auto coverage.

Keep your car insurance card in an accessible place, like your glove compartment or your wallet, in case you ever need it. In the unfortunate event that you lose your card, you can contact your insurer to get a replacement. You may get a copy in the mail, or you could print one through your online account if your insurer provides the option.

Information on your insurance card

While auto insurance cards may look slightly different depending on your state and insurer, they’ll generally include the following information on the front:

Policy number

Policyholder’s name

Vehicle year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN)

Name and phone number of insurance agent

Card issue or effective date

Card expiration date

It may also include other information, such as your insurance company’s name and address or your home address.

See Also: What to Do After a Car Accident (7 Steps to Take)

Typically eight to 10 digits long, your policy number may be located in the middle, upper-right, or upper-left corner of your card. The location of the number could be different depending on the state you live in and how your insurance company formats its cards. It should be very easy to find your policy number because your insurer will clearly write “policy number” beside it or above it.

Do other policyholders have the same policy number?

You may see multiple policy numbers listed on your card if you insure more than one car with your auto insurance provider. In this case, your policy numbers will be the same, apart from the last digit. One car could have the policy number 12345678-01, for instance, while the other’s policy number might be 12345678-02.

When do you need to know your policy number?

You or someone else may need your auto insurance policy number in a few different scenarios. Because this number proves you meet your state’s auto insurance coverage requirements, you’ll likely need to provide it after an accident, if pulled over by the police, or when modifying your vehicle’s coverage with your insurer.

Following an accident

You’ll need your insurance card close by to exchange insurance information with the other driver when involved in an auto accident. Be sure to write down the other driver’s auto policy number, insurance company name, and agent contact information. You’ll need to provide this information when you file an insurance claim.

The police will also need your insurance information for their report if called to the scene.

Proof of insurance for police

In addition to showing your driver’s license, you’ll also need to show your insurance card if the police pull you over. The police will use your insurance card to confirm you have insurance coverage during a traffic stop.

If you’ve recently lost your card or don’t have it, the police can also look up your insurance information by running your plates. Most police cruisers come equipped with computers that provide this capability.

Contacting your auto insurance provider

When you want to discuss or modify your coverage, you’ll likely need to provide your policy number to your insurer so they can access all your information. For instance, if you want to add a rider to your policy or increase or decrease coverage amounts, your insurance company needs to know your policy number to make adjustments to your coverage.

See More: How Long Does an Accident Affect Your Insurance Rates?

Find answers to some common questions about insurance card policy numbers below.

Where is the policy number on your insurance card?

The location of your policy number on your insurance card can vary. Some insurers include it on the upper-right corner of your card, while others could put it in the middle or upper-left corner.

Generally, your insurer will write “policy number” beside or above the eight- or 10-digit number, so it should be easy to identify.

Is your policy number the same as your VIN?

Though both act as important and unique identifiers, your insurance policy number isn’t the same as your VIN, or vehicle identification number. Your policy number reflects your insurance coverage, while your VIN acts as your vehicle’s unique identifier. Policy numbers are also much shorter than 17-digit VINs.

You can generally find your VIN on your driver’s side dashboard, driver’s side door frame, under the hood of your car, or under your spare tire.

What happens if you lose your insurance card?

If you lose your insurance card, contact your insurance company about getting a replacement. You may also be able to print the digital version of your card by logging into your online insurance account. Your policy number can serve as proof of insurance while you’re waiting for a new card.

What is the policy name on an insurance card?

Your car insurance card will typically include the name of the primary policyholder. The card generally won’t list the names of all those insured under a particular policy. Your name doesn’t have to be on the card as long as you’re included as a covered driver on the policy.

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Jess Ullrich

Jess is a personal finance writer who's been creating financial and business content for over a decade. Her work is published on Investopedia, MoneyWise, NextAdvisor, The HuffPost, and more. Prior to freelancing full-time, Jess was an editor at Investopedia, The Balance, and FinanceBuzz. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

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Car Insurance Policy Number – All You Need to Know

car insurance policy number

All You Need to Know About Your Car Insurance Policy Number

Key Takeaways:

  • Every car insurance policy has an identifying number assigned by the insurance company and used to identify you and the vehicle you are insuring.
  • If you lose your car insurance card, you may need to find your car insurance policy number through your virtual card on the company’s smartphone app until a replacement can be obtained.
  • Only in Connecticut, New Mexico, and Washington, D.C., is a copy or virtual card not considered adequate proof of insurance if you are in an accident or need to provide physical evidence of coverage.

You may have seen an eight to 10-digit number on your car insurance policy documents or on your insurance card and wondered what it’s for? That is your car insurance policy number and it’s used by your insurance company to identify you and the vehicle they are insuring.

Whether you carry a physical car insurance card or opt to use the virtual car insurance card on your insurance company app, you should find your policy number prominently displayed.

If you insure multiple vehicles with the same company, your insurance card may list all vehicles under one car insurance policy number or you may have an individual card for each vehicle that has your policy number followed by an identifying digit, e.g., 0000000000-1, 0000000000-2 and so on.

Car Insurance Policy Number Example

While all insurance companies‘ structure and format their cards differently, most proof of insurance identification cards typically have the following information:

  • The insurance company’s name, address, and telephone number, plus an email address.
  • Your insurance agent’s name and telephone number.
  • Your name and address (although more companies are issuing a card without your address to keep in your vehicle – no address protects your personal property should your car be burglarized, and the contents stolen. At least the thief won’t know where you live).
  • Your car insurance policy number.
  • A claims adjustment phone number – this is the number to call if you are in an accident and need immediate help or advice. These numbers are generally available on a 24/7/365 basis.
  • Make and model of the vehicle
  • Car year of manufacture
  • A vehicle identifying number like your auto VIN number (usually 16 alphanumeric digits).

car insurance card

Source:  Value Penguin

Is There a Difference Between a Car Insurance Policy Number and a Customer Number?

It depends. Sometimes a company may use the policy number interchangeably as a customer number if you have a single policy. However, many of the large national insurance companies assign the policy number to the item being insured and assign a unique customer (or account) number to you for all of your business products.

This is especially helpful to the company if you have a number of policies, e.g., multiple vehicles, home insurance, or life insurance. You will see the customer number on invoices, declaration pages, and policy documents in addition to your car insurance policy number.

What if I Lose My Insurance Card?

If you lose your physical card, your insurance company can expedite a replacement simply by you calling their customer service number. With your name, they should be able to complete a car insurance policy number search and quickly get a new card to you in the mail.

In the meantime, you can rely on your virtual card available through their app or you may be able to print one from the website under the policy documents section.

Either solution is adequate until your new card is received except in Connecticut, Washington, D.C., or New Mexico. In those states, you will want to carry a hard copy of the card until your replacement card is received.

In the other 47 states, many people choose to use the virtual card all the time and that works perfectly fine unless you are in a location without cell service. A prudent choice would be to always carry a hard copy just in case you can’t access your virtual card.

If, for some reason, you don’t have access to your virtual card, you can try looking at one of these documents to find your car insurance policy number:

  • Check your premium bills — Your statements should have your policy number along with the customer number printed on them.
  • Review your insurance declarations page — the declarations page will usually be the first or second page on your car insurance policy itself and is a summary of your policy coverages, including deductibles, limit numbers for the maximums you have coverage for on specific categories like bodily injury coverage, property damage coverage, etc. (like 100/100/300). And it will have your policy number listed at the top.
  • Contact your insurance agent who sold you the policy — your agent should be able to look up your policy with no trouble.

When Do I Need My Car Insurance Policy Number?

In most circumstances, you probably don’t give much thought to your car insurance policy number. It’s one of those things that isn’t top of mind until you need it.

Typically, there are four times when you may need your policy number and insurance card, including:

1. When you’re involved in a car accident.

No one ever wants to be involved in a car accident, but, unfortunately, they do sometimes occur. When that happens, you will want to exchange information with the other driver or drivers.

You will also want to provide information to the police responding to the scene of the accident. Having a police report with your identifying information attached will be a big help if the claim is challenged or goes to court.

2. When you are pulled over by the police.

Depending on your state’s mandatory insurance coverage laws, any encounter with law enforcement will involve you (or whom ever is driving) to produce three things:  a valid driver’s license, a current registration for the vehicle, and an in-force and valid insurance card.

Without those three things, you can be a serious risk of legal action, especially if you are also involved in an accident or have been drinking.

3. If you need to contact your insurance provider.

Whenever you contact your insurance agent or company, they will typically ask for your car insurance policy number. Luckily, if you don’t know the number or don’t have your card available, the insurance company can look up your information using your name or even your social security number.

4. When you are renewing your driver’s license.

This again depends on your state, but a number of states require proof of insurance to register a car or to schedule a driving test. Makes sense — your state wants to be sure you are adhering to the law and will deny your registration if you can’t produce proof.

If you aren’t sure about your state’s requirements for insurance and producing proof of insurance, check out these Auto Insurance State Guides .

When Should I be Sure to Get Someone Else’s Car Insurance Policy Number?

Definitely if you are in a car accident!

Once you are assured that everyone is safe or medical care is being provided, if necessary, it’s time to exchange information. It doesn’t matter who is at fault, each party needs the other’s information so that an equitable solution can be found through the claims process.

By offering your insurance card, you are demonstrating good faith and that can go a long way in a stressful situation like a car accident.

Rather than trying to write down all the details which can be difficult in these situations, take a picture of the front and back of the card. That way, you won’t be missing any information later or find that you have written it down incorrectly. You and your insurance company will be glad you have the full details when you call to initiate a claim.

What Other Details Should I Get Following an Accident?

Since insurance cards have a lot of good information, definitely start there. But also remember to get (if possible), the insured’s phone number, be sure to write that down separately — both landline and mobile if available.

Also get their driver’s license number and license plate number to help further identify the other driver if needed.

What If I Don’t Get All the Right Information?

It can happen, right? There’s a lot going on and it can be extremely stressful. Perhaps the other driver is combative and not willing to cooperate. Whatever the reason, you may walk away from the accident without the needed information, like the policy number.

In that case, you can always try contacting the driver by phone. Perhaps they are more willing to cooperate after the fact. If that fails, go to the police station, and request a copy of the accident report. You are legally entitled to any police report that has your name attached. That report should have the other person’s insurance information listed, so you can submit that information to your insurance company.

As a last-ditch effort, you may call the major insurance companies to see if they insure the person — the top 10 national auto insurance companies insure 72% of all drivers, so there is a better than average chance you can find them.

Try this comparison table if you have the policy number, but don’t know what insurance company — here are some general guidelines by eight of the top carriers:

Car Insurance Policy Numbers Configuration Chart

Remember, if the accident was not your fault, but you can’t identify the other person, you may be responsible for damages to your car which can get expensive with the deductible and the chance that your insurance premiums will go up.

In the Final Analysis

A car insurance policy number is the definitive way for your insurance company to identify you and your vehicle. It may be your customer number as well, but often large insurance companies have two separate numbers with the customer number identifying you as the customer and the policy number identifying the vehicle they are insuring.

If you are insuring multiple vehicles or insure your home and auto through the same insurance company, the policy numbers easily identify each product.

In the event of an accident, you will want to be able to produce your insurance card and your car insurance policy number to demonstrate coverage and to further facilitate claims adjudication once the claim has been filed.

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How to Read Your Insurance Card

Learning how to read an insurance card is easier than you think. It’s important, too. Your insurance card can explain how your health insurance works. It can help you understand where to seek care and how much you might have to pay for care.

Individual HMO Plan insurance card

An insurance card usually shows the name of the person who holds the policy. This may be your name. If you’re a teen or young adult, it might be your parent’s name.

Find your information

An insurance card usually shows the name of the person who holds the policy. This may be your name. If you’re a teen or young adult, it might be your parent’s name. 

Policy number

All health insurance cards should have a policy number. It’s usually called “Policy ID” or “Policy #” on your card. Your insurance company uses this number to keep track of your medical bills. You might be asked for this number when you schedule an appointment with a provider.

Group plan number

If you have health insurance through work, your insurance card probably has a group plan number. The insurance company uses this number to identify your employer’s health insurance policy.  Not all insurance cards have a group plan number.

Insurance company contact information

If you turn over your insurance card and look at the back, you will likely find contact information for your insurance company. This might include:

  • Phone number

This information is helpful if you need to contact your insurance company. They can help you:

  • Check your benefits (what the insurance company will pay)
  • Find out if your doctor is in-network for your plan (covered by your plan for a lower cost)
  • Answer questions you have about how your insurance works

Coverage amounts, networks, and co-pays

This information helps you understand how much you might have to pay for certain types of care.

Coverage amounts

The “coverage amount” tells you how much of your treatment costs the insurance company will pay. This information might be on the front of your insurance card and is listed by percent.

You might see several percent amounts listed together. For example, if you see 4 different percent amounts, they could be for:

  • Office visits
  • Specialty care
  • Urgent care
  • Emergency room care

If you aren’t sure or have questions about what the percentages mean, check your plan materials, or call your insurance company.

You might see another list with 2 different percent amounts.

The first one is how much the insurance company pays providers who are in-network for your plan. Your insurance company has an agreement with these providers.

The second percent amount is the amount your insurance company pays providers who are out-of-network . Your insurance company does not have an agreement with these providers.

You can still get treatment from out-of-network providers. But you will have to pay them more for your care.

You will have to pay the amount that the insurance company does not cover. Call your insurance company if you are not sure if your provider is in network.

You will see dollar amounts on your card, too. This is usually the amount of your co-payment, or “co-pay.” A co-pay is a set amount you pay for a certain type of care or medicine.

If you see several dollar amounts, they might be for different types of care:

If this information isn’t on your insurance card, call your insurance company. They can let you know details about your plan.

Prescription coverage

Your health insurance company might pay for some or all the cost of prescription medicines.

Look for an Rx symbol on your health insurance card. Keep in mind that not all cards have this symbol, even if your health insurance pays for prescriptions. Sometimes, the Rx symbol has a dollar or percent amount next to it. Those show how much you or your insurance company will pay for prescriptions.

If you are not sure if your health insurance pays for prescriptions or how much it pays, call your insurance company.

Questions? Call your insurance company.

If your health insurance card has a symbol or information you do not understand, call them. They can answer any questions you have.

  • Your insurance card has valuable information about how your coverage works.
  • You can usually find information about your network and copays on your card.
  • If you have questions about how your coverage works, call your insurance company.

—  Reviewed: February 2022

Understanding Health Insurance

Most health care in the United States is paid for through health insurance. Health insurance is for an individual or family.

How to Figure Out What Health Insurance Covers

The health care system can be complicated and a source of stress for families. Working with the insurance provider can help families understand their medical plan, what it covers, and where care is available.

Common Health Insurance Terms

Find common terms used in health insurance management from "deductible" to "plan documents" with explanations and specific things to consider.

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What Is The Insurance Policy Number

Insurance policies are vital financial tools that offer our lives protection and peace of mind. Whether it's home insurance, auto insurance, or health insurance, understanding the details of your policy is crucial. One essential element of an insurance policy is the insurance policy number, which serves as a unique identifier for your coverage. This article will delve into What Is The Insurance Policy Number, its significance, and how it differs across different states in the United States.

Duygu Goger

Understanding the Insurance Policy Number: Everything You Need to Know

Insurance policies are vital financial tools that protect our lives and peace of mind. Whether it’s home insurance, auto insurance, or health insurance, understanding the details of your policy is crucial. One essential element of an insurance policy is the insurance policy number, which serves as a unique identifier for your coverage. This article will delve into What Is The Insurance Policy Number, its significance, and how it differs across different states in the United States.

What Is The Insurance Policy Number?

The insurance policy number is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to an individual insurance policy. It acts as an identifier that distinguishes your approach from others held by the same insurance provider. This number plays a crucial role in managing and accessing your policy information.

Why Is The Insurance Policy Number Important?

The insurance policy number holds significant importance, allowing the insured individual and the insurance company to locate and access specific policy details quickly. When communicating with the insurance company, filing claims, or inquiring about your coverage, it is a reference.

The insurance policy number is like a digital fingerprint of your insurance coverage.

How Does the Insurance Policy Number Work?

Each insurance provider has its unique format for generating policy numbers. These formats typically include a combination of letters, numbers, or both and can vary in length. Understanding the structure of your insurance policy number can provide valuable insights into its meaning.

For instance, in some cases, the first few characters of the policy number may represent the type of policy you hold. Auto insurance policies might start with AU, while homeowner’s insurance policies could begin with HO. The remaining characters, usually numbers, might represent essential details such as the policy term or the order in which the policy was issued.

Can Two Insurance Policies Have the Same Policy Number?

No, two insurance policies from the same provider cannot have the same policy number. Since the policy number functions as a unique identifier, it must be distinct for each approach to avoid confusion and ensure accurate record-keeping.

How Does the Insurance Policy Number Vary Across States?

While the general purpose of the insurance policy number remains the same across states, there can be variations in its format and structure. These differences primarily stem from state-specific regulations and the practices followed by insurance companies operating within those states.

Understanding the insurance policy number is essential, regardless of where you reside.

In California, insurance policy numbers often consist of a combination of letters and numbers. Auto insurance policy numbers typically start with CA, followed by digits. Homeowner’s insurance policy numbers frequently begin with HO and are followed by several numbers.

In Texas, insurance policy numbers may vary depending on the type of coverage. Auto insurance policies generally include a mix of alphabetic and numeric characters. Homeowner’s insurance policies often start with a prefix like H followed by a sequence of numbers.

New York follows a different pattern for insurance policy numbers. Auto insurance policies typically include a combination of letters and numbers, often starting with NY. While homeowner’s insurance policies usually begin with HO followed by several digits.

Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions about the Insurance Policy Number

1. how can i find my insurance policy number.

To find your insurance policy number, refer to your insurance policy documents. The policy number is usually mentioned prominently on the policy’s declarations page. Alternatively, you can contact your insurance provider’s customer service for assistance.

2. Can I change my insurance policy number?

No, you cannot change your insurance policy number as a policyholder. The insurance company assigns the number, which remains constant throughout your policy.

3. Is the insurance policy number the same as the group number?

No, the insurance policy number and the group number are distinct. The insurance policy number pertains to an individual policy, while the group number is associated with group insurance plans typically provided by employers or organizations.

4. Why do insurance policy numbers differ in length?

Insurance policy numbers may vary in length due to differences in each insurance provider’s numbering system. Some companies may use shorter numbers for easier management, while others may have more extended alphanumeric codes to accommodate more detailed information within the policy number.

5. What should I do if I lose my insurance policy number?

If you misplace or forget your insurance policy number, don’t panic. Contact your insurance provider’s customer service department and provide them with your personal information, such as your name, address, and possibly your social security number. They will be able to assist you in retrieving your policy number.

The insurance policy number is a vital component of any insurance policy, serving as a unique identifier for your coverage. Understanding its significance and structure can help you navigate your policy more effectively and efficiently communicate with your insurance provider. While the format of insurance policy numbers may vary across different states, their purpose remains consistent — to ensure accurate record-keeping and efficient management of policies. Remember always to keep your policy number handy and refer to it when communicating with your insurance company.

The insurance policy number is like a key that unlocks your coverage details.

By familiarizing yourself with your insurance policy number and its nuances, you can confidently navigate the insurance world and make informed decisions regarding your coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions about Insurance Policy Numbers

1. can insurance policy numbers be reused or recycled.

Insurance policy numbers are unique and cannot be reused or recycled. Each policy number is assigned to a specific policyholder and remains linked to that individual’s coverage throughout the policy term. Reusing or recycling policy numbers would lead to confusion and inaccuracies in record-keeping.

2. Are insurance policy numbers case-sensitive?

In most cases, insurance policy numbers are not case-sensitive. This means the system should still recognize whether you enter the letters in uppercase or lowercase when providing your policy number. However, it’s always best to follow the exact formatting specified by your insurance provider to ensure accuracy.

3. How can I update my insurance policy number if I renew my policy?

When you renew your insurance policy with the same provider, your policy number usually remains. However, there may be instances where the insurance company assigns a new policy number for administrative purposes. They will provide you with the updated policy number and renewal documentation in such cases.

4. Can I have multiple insurance policies with the same insurance policy number?

No, you cannot have multiple insurance policies with the same policy number. Each insurance policy issued by an insurance company must have a unique identifier for proper differentiation and management. If you hold multiple policies with the same provider, each policy will have its distinct policy number.

5. Is the insurance policy number confidential information?

While the insurance policy number itself is not typically considered highly confidential information, it is still essential to keep it secure. Your policy number and other personal details can be used to access sensitive information about your coverage. Therefore, it’s advisable to treat your policy number as confidential and avoid sharing it with unauthorized individuals.

Understanding the insurance policy number is essential for effectively managing your insurance coverage. By familiarizing yourself with its purpose, structure, and state-specific variations, you can confidently navigate the insurance world and ensure smooth communication with your provider.

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State-Specific Variations in Insurance Policy Numbers

In California, insurance policy numbers often follow a specific format. Auto insurance policy numbers typically start with the letters CA, followed by a series of digits. Homeowner’s insurance policy numbers frequently begin with HO and are followed by several numbers. It’s important to note that these are general patterns, and the exact structure of policy numbers may vary among different insurance providers operating in the state.

Insurance policy numbers in Texas may vary based on coverage type. Auto insurance policies generally include a mix of alphabetic and numeric characters. Homeowner’s insurance policies often start with a prefix like H followed by a sequence of numbers. However, similar to other states, the exact format can differ between insurance companies in Texas.

New York follows a different pattern for insurance policy numbers. Auto insurance policies typically include a combination of letters and numbers, often starting with NY. Homeowner’s insurance policies usually begin with HO followed by several digits. As with other states, there may be variations in the specific structure of policy numbers among different insurance providers in New York.

1. Can insurance policy numbers reveal personal information?

No, insurance policy numbers themselves do not typically reveal personal information. They are primarily used as unique policy identifiers and are not associated with sensitive details such as social security numbers or addresses. However, it’s still important to keep your policy number confidential and avoid sharing it with unauthorized individuals.

2. How long is an insurance policy number?

The length of an insurance policy number can vary depending on the insurance provider and the specific format they use. Policy numbers can range from a few digits to a combination of letters and numbers, making them unique to each policyholder.

3. Can I change my insurance policy number?

No, you cannot change your insurance policy number as a policyholder. The insurance company assigns the number, which remains constant throughout your policy. If you have any concerns or issues with your policy number, it’s best to contact your insurance provider for assistance.

4. How can I find my insurance policy number?

To find your insurance policy number, refer to your insurance policy documents. The policy number is usually mentioned prominently on the policy’s declarations page. You can also contact your insurance provider’s customer service to locate your policy number.

5. Can two insurance policies have the same policy number?

No, two insurance policies from the same provider cannot have the same policy number. Each policy issued by an insurance company is assigned a unique policy number to ensure accurate identification and record-keeping. Having distinct policy numbers prevents confusion and ensures each policy is correctly associated with its respective coverage.

Understanding the insurance policy number and any state-specific variations is essential for effectively managing your coverage. You can confidently navigate your insurance policies by familiarizing yourself with the structure and purpose of policy numbers and any regulations specific to your state.

1. Can I have the same insurance policy number if I switch providers?

No, if you switch insurance providers, you will receive a new insurance policy number from the new company. The policy number is an identifier specific to each insurance company, allowing them to track and manage your policy details. Updating your records with the new policy number is essential when switching providers.

2. What should I do if I lose my insurance policy number?

Contact your insurance provider’s customer service department if you lose your insurance policy number. Provide them with your personal information, and they will assist you in retrieving your policy number. It’s essential to verify your identity when requesting such sensitive information.

3. Are insurance policy numbers the same for all policies offered by an insurance company?

No, insurance policy numbers are unique to each insurance company’s offer. Each procedure is assigned a distinct number to ensure proper identification and record-keeping. Even if you hold multiple policies with the same insurance company, each policy will have its unique policy number.

4. Can the insurance policy number change during the policy term?

In most cases, the insurance policy number remains the same throughout the policy term. However, there may be certain circumstances where the insurance company must issue a new policy number, such as policy renewals or significant changes to the policy terms. The insurance company will inform you of the difference if a unique policy number is assigned.

5. Is the insurance policy number required when filing a claim?

Yes, the insurance policy number is typically required when filing a claim. This unique identifier helps the insurance company quickly locate and access your policy details. When filing a claim, providing accurate and complete information, including your policy number, is essential to ensure a smooth claims process.

Apologies for the misunderstanding. Here’s some additional information:

Additional Information about Insurance Policy Numbers

1. importance of keeping a record of your policy number.

It is crucial to keep a record of your insurance policy number in a safe and easily accessible place. This will help you when contacting your insurance provider for inquiries, claims, or any other policy-related matters. Additionally, having your policy number readily available can expedite the process and ensure accurate communication with your insurance company.

2. Identifying policy details through the policy number

The insurance policy number often contains encoded information about your policy. While not standardized across all insurance companies, certain digits or characters within the policy number may represent specific details such as coverage type, effective dates, or endorsements. You can check with your insurer to determine if there are any meaningful identifiers within your policy number.

3. Differentiating between primary and secondary policies

If you have multiple insurance policies with the same insurance provider, such as primary and secondary coverage, the policy numbers may include identifiers to distinguish between them. This could be in the form of suffixes or variations in the numbering system. Understanding these distinctions can help you identify and manage each policy separately.

4. Updating your policy number with relevant parties

If you undergo changes that require updating your insurance policy, such as a change in residence or marital status, it’s essential to inform your insurance provider. They may assign a new policy number to reflect the updated information. Ensure you communicate the revised policy number to relevant parties, such as auto lenders or mortgage companies.

5. Protecting your policy number and personal information

It’s essential to keep your policy number and other personal data associated with your insurance policy confidential. Avoid sharing this information with unauthorized individuals or entities that cannot demonstrate a legitimate need. By safeguarding your policy number, you help protect yourself from potential fraud or identity theft.

Remember, while the general concepts about insurance policy numbers discussed earlier apply in many cases, specific variations and practices can differ among insurance providers and states. Contacting your insurance company directly and referring to your policy documents will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your policy number and usage.

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How Do I Identify a Car Insurance Company With Only a Policy Number?

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If you are wondering how you can identify a car insurance company with only a policy number, this guide will help you figure out how feasible it is to do so. Unfortunately, it is very hard to find an insurance company based solely on a policy number. However, doing so is possible in some states where DMV codes are easier to look up.

We understand that searching for car insurance can be overwhelming, which is why our experts reviewed the best car insurance companies.

Can You Find an Insurance Company With Only a Policy Number?

You can sometimes find an insurance company with only a policy number, but this will not always be the case. In many situations, it will be difficult to do, if not impossible.

That is because there is no master database with insurance policy numbers and drivers. Each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) keeps this information. However, knowing the state that the policy is registered in is not always enough since privacy laws protect the information.

You should know that insurance policy numbers vary by state and company. They are also specific to each driver.

Unfortunately, the best option to find an insurance company with just a policy number is to call various providers in your area. You can give the company the number and ask if it matches one of its insured drivers. 

You will not find this information on any insurance company’s website. Because of privacy laws, the information is not searchable on insurers’ websites. Your only option in most cases is to call companies directly and ask a representative.

Remember that the company will not tell you any information about the driver. This is a matter of privacy for the policyholder. However, the company may confirm that the policy number is associated with one of its clients. Not all companies will do this, though, as the auto insurance policy number is similar to an account number, so privacy rules may apply.

Check DMV Insurance Codes If Possible

No one wants to spend countless hours calling around to various companies in hopes of finding the right company to provide them with the information they are seeking. As such, your Department of Motor Vehicles is the best resource for finding insurance company codes since each state’s DMV is responsible for holding this information.

Although DMVs do not list the full database of individual policy numbers for privacy reasons, some will list codes for various auto insurance companies. The challenge is that most states do not have public lists of codes for all insurance companies.

If you are in New Jersey or New York , you are in luck, as these state DMVs make it easy to find the relevant company codes. You can do a quick online search for your state to see if these codes are readily available. You can also try calling your local DMV to ask about state codes.

If you live somewhere that you can find the codes, look at the beginning of the policy number. If it matches with one of the codes on the state’s list, then you have found the right insurance provider.

You should also keep in mind that this method will only work if you know that the insurance policy is from your state. You could theoretically check several nearby states as well, but that can quickly become time-consuming.

Get the Police Report

Nearly every time that you want to find someone’s insurance company based on their policy number is because you have been involved in a car accident. You likely got some information from the driver at the time of the accident, but then realized too late that you didn’t have enough to make a proper claim.

Assuming that is the case, getting the police report from the accident can give you the information you need. Remember that part of the job of a responding officer is to get all of the relevant information at the scene of the accident. Once you identify yourself, they will likely be able to help you by sharing that information that should be stored in their system.

If you aren’t sure whether anyone made a police report for your accident, consider contacting the police department anyway. They can at least tell you if there is an official report that was filed. If there is no report, you can move on to another option.

Use a License Plate Number

You may not realize it, but looking up insurance information based solely on a policy number is not the easiest route to take. It is actually easier to get the information from a license plate number.

The great thing about getting the information from a license plate number is that you can use this method even if the other driver drove away after the accident without sharing their information, or didn’t have their policy number or ID card handy.

You don’t even have to do any research when using the license plate number, as your insurance agent will completely handle it. Just give the agent the number, and they will do the rest as part of their investigation into your claim. This is also the case for independent agents.

Let Your Insurance Company Figure It Out

Sometimes, you will be in an accident with someone who drives away from the scene. If this happens, chances are you didn’t get enough – or any – information.

If you don’t have enough information to file an insurance claim, let the insurance agent know. Part of the job of the claims adjuster is to thoroughly research the accident as much as possible.

If the agent cannot find enough information for you to make a claim, you can still be covered if you have uninsured motorist insurance. That type of insurance is specifically for hit and run incidents, and you may have it even if you don’t have full coverage insurance. 

How to Avoid This Situation in the Future

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you are trying to find the insurance company based on the policy number, you will likely resolve to never put yourself in this scenario again. There are a few things you can do to prevent this in the future.

Start by always getting as much information as you can immediately after a car accident. Ideally, take pictures of the other driver’s license plate, proof of insurance – like the insurance card – and VIN number (vehicle identification number). You may even want to take a picture of the other driver’s ID card. You should also get the following information from the other driver:

  • Phone number
  • Policy number
  • Insurance agent
  • Insurance company

You should always file a police report whenever you have the option to do so. This will create an official record of the incident and help save the information for future reference if needed.

Our Recommendations for Auto Insurance       

To make sure you get covered even if you can’t find the other driver’s insurance company, you want the best auto insurance policy from a top provider. After extensive research, our team found GEICO, USAA, and State Farm to be the best options.

GEICO: Most Discount Options

GEICO earned a 4.4-star overall rating from our expert team. This reflects a 4.9 for industry standing and a 5.0 for availability, along with strong scores in our other categories.

Read more in our Geico Insurance Review .

USAA: Best for Military

Our team awarded USAA an overall rating of 4.5. The provider stands out with its coverage and affordability scores of 4.8.

Read more in our USAA Insurance Reviews .

State Farm: Best Customer Experience

State Farm earned a 4.6 out of 5.0 overall. This includes strong scores in our industry standing and online experience categories.

Read more in our State Farm Insurance Reviews .

How Do I Identify a Car Insurance Company With Only a Policy Number? : FAQ

Can i look up someone’s insurance policy.

You can’t look up someone’s actual insurance policy, but depending on the state you live in, you may be able to identify their insurance company with their policy number.

Is the policy number the same as the member ID for car insurance?

Your policy number will be the number that appears on your insurance card. In the case of member-based insurance, like AAA, the policy number and member ID will be different.

What do car insurance policy numbers look like?

Car insurance policy numbers are between eight and 13 characters and are typically all numbers.

How do I trace a car insurance policy?

You can check to see which company provides a car insurance policy using the DMV database. Otherwise, your insurance company can trace the policy for you.

I have the insurance company I know the name and policy number what I can’t find is an active phone number any active number for them I’ve googled all disconnected I’ve socia media LinkedIn everything u can think of Kingsway amigo insurance co can u help I have police report there’s no phone number no agency just carrier active phone number please

I have a car the ins company gave me when I applied for insurance. They now say they don’t have anyone with a number like that.

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How to Find Out if Someone Has Auto Insurance Coverage

Having the correct auto insurance information is essential for you and for everyone involved if you are in a collision. Learn more about auto insurance and how to find out if someone has auto insurance coverage.

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What Auto Insurance Information Do You Need?

You need information such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), vehicle license plate number, or owner's driver's license number. You also need the other driver's contact information to find their auto insurance.

Ask the Other Driver

Asking the other driver should be the first action you pursue after a collision. Exchanging insurance information is useful to you and the other driver to make insurance claims. Remain calm when you ask someone for their insurance information. Be ready to give your insurance information to the other driver.

The Information

To make a claim or pay a claim, you need contact and other information. The necessary contact and other information you should get after a collision is:

The Driver's Name: If you are uncertain about the spelling, ask the writer to write the name for you.

Contact information: Contact information could include email address and telephone number. Don't exchange personal addresses. The respective insurance companies have this personal information.

The Name of the Insurance Company: You should exchange information about your insurance companies to file claims.

The insurance Policy Number: Get the insurance policy numbers to help you file claims.

Help From the Police

You can request information from the police about the other person's auto insurance if you have a legitimate reason such as being in a collision with another driver. Provide the license plate number and the incident report to the police officer.

Unfortunately, according to the Insurance Research Council (IRC), 13 percent of drivers on average are uninsured in the United States. The rate of insurance varies by state. This means you should be cautious and do the necessary follow-up.

Other Ways to Get Insurance Information

There are several ways to get insurance information. Some ways to get insurance information are:

Local DMV: You can ask your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for the auto insurance information. However, you will need to give your contact information and reasons for the request. Provide verifiable information to the DMV. The DMV can deny your request if you provide false information or give false reports. Driver information has protection under privacy laws. However, you can ask for insurance information from the state DMV if you were involved in a collision with another vehicle. If you need the insurance company name, take the license plate number to the DMV for that information. Have the police report and other documents to prove you have reasons for wanting this information.

Talk to Your Insurance Company: You can speak with your insurance company if a driver at fault disappears and you cannot contact them.

The First Step to Finding Auto Insurance Information

There are several steps you can take to get information from the DMV or other governmental bodies that can give you auto insurance information. The first important step is filing an accident report with the police. Afterward, the police will take statements from both drivers and any witnesses. From the drivers, the police will request proof of insurance. If a driver refuses to provide you with insurance information, the police should obtain the information from the driver. Don't get into a confrontation with the other driver. The police will obtain this information and enforce the collection of it.

What is in A Crash Report?

An official crash report provides information about accident causes, road conditions during the collision, vehicle types, and names of passengers and drivers. A police officer will also confirm that drivers have liability insurance. You or your injury lawyer will be able to get a copy of the report to help you identify who is at fault in the collision for the insurance company.

What Happens With An Underinsured or Uninsured Driver?

You will need to file a claim with your insurer if the other driver doesn't have insurance. You will need evidence you are not at fault. Use pictures, police reports, and witness reports for evidence. The insurance company will investigate the accident and determine fault. The claim you file with your insurer will use your uninsured motorist coverage policy to reimburse you.

Liability Coverage

Underinsured coverage.

Like liability coverage, there is underinsured motorist insurance to help you if an at-fault driver injures you or damages your car and lacks enough insurance to cover the costs. Having protection against such expenses can be very helpful.

Situations Where You Should Know Auto Insurance

There are many situations where you won't have your car and need to know what auto insurance someone has. Some of these situations are:

Borrowing A Friend's or Family Member's Car: Know the auto insurance status and history of any car you borrow. You should ask the lending person to call their insurance company to verify the insurance is active and sufficient.

Divorce: In the middle of a divorce, both spouses need to be transparent about active auto insurance, such as if the spouses have registered the car in both names.

Small Business: Owners who have a business where employees need to use cars for their jobs should insist on a company policy that employees hold auto insurance, as this helps to shield the owner from liability.

Schools: School administrators should insist on proof of insurance from parents who drive students for field trips.

Other Ownership Proof

Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin: The Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) comes with a new vehicle to verify a car company manufactured the car.

Letter of Release From Lienholder: Banks send letters of release to show you paid off the car and own it.

Bill of Sale and the Registration Certificate: A bill of sale shows you bought and registered the car.

DMV Paperwork and Proof of a Certified Letter Sent to the Seller: You can prove ownership by filling out the proper DMV paperwork.

Check this out if you need additional information, resources, or guidance on car insurance.

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How to Identify Insurance Company by Policy Number

Conduct an online search.

According to the Car Insurance Comparison , there are no databases where you can search for an insurance company by using a policy number. This makes finding the insurance company a somewhat challenging exercise, but you can do it by following a few steps.

Although you don't have to travel to make inquires, thus saving you time, this is a trial-and-error method that may prove unsuccessful.

Understand the policy number format.

Different insurance companies use different policy-number formats. In fact, some use more than one format. To give a few examples:

American Modern Insurance Group  policy numbers

only use a  numerical format of up to 13 digits.

  • GMAC Insurance and Mercury Insurance  policy numbers are in alphanumerical format. The alphabetical code can precede or come after the  numerical digits.

Break the policy down.

If the policy number you're searching for is exclusively in numerical format, break out the first three digits to get the Company Code -- also referred to as the DMV Code in some states. However, sometimes codes can be up to five digits. For alphanumerical policy numbers, check if the letters can give you hints about the location of the policy issuer. If, for instance, A0Z 268 047Z37 705 is your policy number, the code "A0Z" may mean -- but not always -- that the insurance company operates within Arizona.

For clues on the meaning of letters in a policy number to help you narrow your search, websites such as 50states.com and Lib.berkeley.edu can provide you with a list of common abbreviations for places.

Search through look-up websites.

To search your derived code, type " DMV Insurance Codes" in your browser and press "Enter." A number of websites listing insurance companies against their identifying codes will come up -- such as Myportal.dfs.NY.Gov and Eapps.naic.org . Check if your code matches any company on the record. If you are not successful, explore other options for searching the information.

Talk to Your Insurance Agent

Although your state motor vehicles agency can be a good resource for finding an insurance company by using the policy number, in some states, privacy issues may cause delays , because you're required to complete requisition forms first and wait until they're considered or rejected. Instead, talk directly to your insurance company and have your agent help you find the information. In most states, insurance companies are not bound by privacy laws that would restrict your search.

Consult Other Agents

Doing this may help you find the information you are seeking. However, since many insurance companies expect you to file a claim within 24 hours after an accident, some agents may charge you a consultation fee, because they know you desperately need the information. If you find an experienced agent , she can likely recognize the insurance company that uses the number series of the policy number you’ve got.

Approach independent agents first and "tied" agents as your last resort. Tied agents sell policies exclusively from a single insurer and may not be familiar with many policies from different insurers.

  • Car Insurance Comparison:Using a Policy Number to Identify a Car Insurance Company
  • Agents.amig.com: American Modern Policy Number Format
  • Mercury Insurance:Frequently Asked Questions: Where Can I find My Policy Number?
  • Brevard Tax Collector: Finding That Five-digit Insurance Company Code
  • Myportal.dfs.ny.gov:Ins Company Search.
  • National Association of Insurance Commissioners:Consumer Information Source
  • 50states.com: United States Postal Abbreviations for States, Military, Commonwealths, and Territories.
  • Lib.berkeley.edu:Dictionary of Abbreviations and Acronyms in Geographic Information Systems, Cartography, and Remote Sensing
  • US News:Insurance Agent
  • Dfs.ny.gov:Consulting Fee for an Insurance Agent
  • The Law Dictionary: What is FREEDOM OF INFORMATION?
  • Oregon.gov: Can anyone Call Up and Get Information on My Driving Record?

Peter Drea has been a full-time professional content writer and editor for more than 10 years. He has been published in both print and web publications. He has written more than 20,000 articles, primarily on computers, medicine, health, law and automotive repair.

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Tips for improving phone calls between insurance agents and clients

insurance company policy number

Communication is vital in an insurance office. From agents answering questions from current and potential clients, to researching policies with brokers, to scheduling appointments with claims adjusters and everything in between. Effective communications make for a well-functioning insurance office of any size or shape.

The key communication tool in all insurance agencies is still the telephone. So how do you master your insurance phone calls and business phone system? In this post, we’ll take a look at what makes phone calls effective and how you can get a phone system that will help you and your staff be more productive and provide a stellar client experience.

What makes insurance phone calls most effective?

Let’s back up a bit and first go over what makes a phone call effective. A lot of people may first learn about your insurance agency through word of mouth or an internet search. While both may pique interest, most people are going to want to call you first.

Your staff has to be able to promptly and clearly relay information to your potential clients in a phone call. It could be about your area of insurance expertise, office hours, or how to schedule a free consultation appointment to discuss their needs.

Policy holders may be dealing with stressful situations and need help figuring out what steps to take first. If staff can calmly and efficiently answer their questions, you have yourself an effective phone call and, more importantly, a client who feels supported. If they don’t get their needs met, you may have a problem, including eroding any good impression your client might have had.

How can you make telephone calls more effective?

It all starts with clear, simple language and a friendly tone. This is especially hard to do when you are trying to juggle insurance claims, set up client visits and make your business visible in your community. We get it, you have many demands competing for your valuable time, but you also must clearly communicate with everyone who calls your office.

During especially hectic times, answer the phone and politely tell callers that it’s busy and you need to put them on hold. Or get a phone system that takes care of simple requests for you. We’ll get to that in a bit. This way you free up staff to take care of the various needs of your clients.

When talking with a client, keep calm and friendly. Answer their questions to the best of your ability. This means that your front-line staff, whether that be an office administrator or a receptionist, needs to be well versed on your insurance business. If they don’t know an answer, they should offer to schedule a call with the lead insurance agent.

Make great phone calls part of your agency’s culture

Great phone calls and great communication are a pillar of any successful organization.

When you’re hiring staff, make communication a high priority for your candidates. Ask them how they handle conflict, how they communicate, and if they can share specific moments when they’ve had to practice effective communication.

Second, make it an important part of your training procedure. Create documents that can help your staff, new and old, understand how important good communication is for your clients. Train staff how to respond to upset callers and even give them scripts they can use. These scripts can be official policy, like the greeting they say when they first answer the phone, or they can be for specific scenarios, such as when a client calls to see if a type of damage is covered by their policy.

These scripts don’t have to be said verbatim, since that can sound a little robotic and tone is an important part of an effective phone call. You want your staff to be warm, empathetic and energetic—not sound impatient, cold and short. Think about the things you appreciate when engaging with other businesses and implement those ideas with your staff.

How to take phone calls to the next level

Clearly communicating over the phone is a great first step, but there are also technology tools to improve how you manage those phone calls.

A VoIP phone system offers many advanced business features to not only train your staff, but foster effective phone calls with clients. Here are some of the many tools for this available in Ooma Office :

Integrate your phone system with AgencyZoom

When placing or receiving calls using the AgencyZoom integration on the Ooma Office desktop app, you’ll see a Caller ID Pop—a small window on your screen with details about the caller. Think of it as a super-charged caller ID.

In addition to name and phone number, the Caller ID Pop will display info pulled from your AgencyZoom database, such as which policies a potential client is interested in, as well as clients’ current policies, their premiums and starting and ending dates. When there is a caller match in AgencyZoom, a record of the call will automatically be created in your AgencyZoom database.

Record calls for training

Use  Call Recording  to better train your staff. Recorded calls allow you to hear how your staff interacts with callers. When reviewing these calls, take notes and circle back with staff to share tips from real situations so they can diffuse difficult situations, calm nerves, educate and offer support. Call recording can also play a big role when confirming client notes and questions that need a follow-up.

Don’t leave callers hanging

If your front staff is busy and you don’t want your clients left hanging, the Virtual Receptionist  has your back. You can set it up to answer basic questions, like how to start filing a claims form. You can even create a call tree to quickly route callers to a department, or a specific insurance agent or support staff member.

Stay connected on the go

Away from the office for the holidays or visiting a potential client? No worries. With Ooma Office, you can stay connected to your policy holders and staff no matter where you are. Turn your computer into a powerful phone system with the  Ooma Office desktop app , and access your business calls when you’re away from the office with the  Ooma Office mobile app .

Reduce call waiting time

Want your clients to have their phone calls answered quickly? With  Multi-Ring , you can have phone calls ring on multiple phones and devices at the same time, allowing the first available person to answer and help.

Send important documents with eFax

Faxing is still an essential method of communication for many insurance agencies. You can easily send a  Virtual Fax , aka eFax, with just a couple taps. Administrators can access your agency’s virtual fax logs—a handy feature if you need to verify transmissions of faxed invoices.

Manage calls during peak hours

Don’t forget to get ready for the busy times, like Mondays or the days after a major storm, with  Call Queuing . You can create a simple call center and automatically place callers in a virtual waiting room that can be enhanced with recorded announcements until a staff member is available to answer their questions.

Gather remote members of your insurance agency

You don’t need to limit your communication to one-on-one phone calls. With audio conference calls and  videoconferencing , you can assemble your entire staff together to discuss initiatives and challenges—no matter where they are.

Use Hot Desking when remote workers visit your office

Hot Desking is a great feature for insurance offices that have an area with shared phones and desks. Agents simply dial *50 on any unassigned desk phone in your office, enter their extension number and voicemail PIN. Bingo—that phone becomes their business phone line with all the functionality they are familiar with. Outgoing calls show their Caller ID. Incoming callers hear the agent’s voicemail greeting. When the agent leaves, they dial *51 to unassign the phone so it’s available for the next hot desker.

You’re ready to improve your phone calls

Now that you’ve got the basics down, you’re ready to begin making more effective phone calls between your agents, staff and callers. Start an action plan and implement some of the ideas and strategies we’ve talked about here. If you need an advanced, affordable business phone system to take you to the next level,  Ooma  can help. See why Ooma is a great fit for Ida Benavides, a Farmers Insurance agent in San Antonio, Texas, and Bob Powers, a Primerica Insurance agent in Fairlawn, Ohio.

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Mike Butts profile image

Mike Butts, director of product marketing for Ooma, Inc., has more than 20 years of experience helping launch and market services and products for the telecommunications and contact center industries. Throughout his career, he has created and implemented strategies to build awareness for cloud-based unified communications, contact centers, AI technologies and smart security solutions.

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