How to get a new auto insurance ID card

When you lose your insurance ID card...

Have you ever lost your insurance ID card? It’s the one you get in the mail every 6 months or so with your policy. Most of us have misplaced our insurance identification card – also known as ‘proof of insurance.’ It’s not uncommon. Reality is, most of us don’t think about our ID card until a police officer stops us and we’re thumbing through the glove box.

Getting A Replacement ID Card

It’s not the end of the world if you lose your insurance ID card. You get it directly from your insurance company and there’s usually no hassle. It’s easy to get a new ID cards.

First off, call your insurance company. You can get their phone number online or on your policy. Some companies provide this service on the internet. However, you will need your policy information to login to their online system.

Second, once you get a customer service representative on the phone, just ask them for it. Since it is a service request, you don’t even need a licensed agent to send you your ID card. These days, cards can be emailed, faxed, or snail-mailed to customers.

One caveat to this process – some companies may charge you for replacement ID cards. It’s usually just a nominal fee. In my opinion, this is an unnecessary charge. Such nickel-and-dime operations cause the insurance company to lose more goodwill than what they gain from a $5 service charge. If you’re with one of those companies, it’s probably time to shop around. You don’t want a company that sticks it to you every chance they get.

My Experience with ID Cards

When I was an insurance agent, I took many phone calls where my customers probably threw away their policy (and ID cards) before looking in the envelope. It happens. In fact, that was the main reason people customers called our office – a lost insurance card. Whatever happened to it, it got lost in the shuffle and the customer needed a replacement.

I recently called my current insurance company, GEICO, for a new set of ID cards. The representative was very polite and said she could send them out, no problem. That’s exactly the service I expect. Don’t make me feel bad because I misplaced something – just put it in the mail and be done with it. The next time I lose my ID card, that’s the treatment I’ll expect.

How a Hit and Run Incident Affects Your Auto Insurance

A 'Hit and Run' Can Affect Rates.

Unfortunately, ‘Hit and Run’ accidents are a fact of life on the road. Hit and Run incidents are car accidents where one or more parties fails to stop, provide information, and render aid when necessary. In other words, if you have an accident with another vehicle and drive off – even if the other car was parked – you were involved in a Hit and Run accident.

There are many Hit and Run incidents every year on US highways. According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2003-2006, one in eight accidents were Hit and Run. It’s estimated there are over 700,000 Hit and Run incidents every year in the United States. If you haven’t been involved in one yet, chances are you will be in one in your lifetime.

There are two parties in a Hit and Run accident: the person “hitting and running” and the other driver and/or car. Hit and Run accident affects both party’s auto insurance rates differently.

Rates For the Person “Hitting & Running”

If you caused an accident and drove away, you are responsible for a hit and run – even if the other vehicle was unoccupied. If the accident is ever traced back to you, then your insurance could charge you with an at-fault incident. This will probably be a surcharged incident which would result in higher premiums.

Hit and Run incidents are more serious than regular at-fault accidents. It could stay on your driving record for 5-7 years, depending on your state. If your insurance company discovers it’s a Hit and Run, they may also cancel your coverage. This would mean even higher premiums at your next carrier.

Every driver should know a driver’s responsibility in any accident – stop your car at a nearby, safe place, check on the other driver, and give them your information. If you drive off, you could be in more trouble than just rising insurance rates. If the victim is injured or dies as a result of the accident, police will investigate. If you’re guilty of a Hit and Run traffic death, the courts could find you guilty of felony manslaughter. You should contact an attorney in that situation.

Bottom line: if you’re involved in an accident, do the right thing. Stop, provide your information to the other driver, and render aid when necessary – regardless of who’s at fault.

Rates for the Victim of a Hit and Run

If you are the victim of a Hit and Run incident, your rates should be unaffected. Hit and Run accidents are common and insurance companies usually do not fault the other driver for the incident.

However, whether the incident will be covered is a different question. There are two coverages that would cover a Hit and Run: Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) and Collision. Insurance companies offer Uninsured Motorist coverage for times like these. Hit and Run incidents are covered minus your deductible in most cases. If you do not carry UM, then your Collision coverage should pick up the tab – minus your deductible. That’s one of the reasons you should carry UM or Collision at all times.

The particular coverage that would be used to cover your damages from a hit and run accident all depends on the state that you live in and also your insurance company you have coverage with.  For example, in the state of Washington a hit and run accident is covered under the UM coverage and you are required to file a police report. If the driver that hit you is identified the damage is still covered under the UM coverage, but you are subject to a lower deductible than you would be if the other driver was never identified. In the state of Idaho some carriers do not even sell UM coverage and all hit and run accidents are covered under the collision coverage.

Regardless, if you’re involved in a Hit and Run, contact your insurance company. They will provide the best advice for handling your claim. Depending on the severity of the situation, they could also provide legal counsel.

If you have experience with a Hit and Run accident, feel free to leave a comment.