What Information and Documents You Need to Get Car Insurance

What you need before you contact an insurance company

To get a car insurance quote or buy a policy, you need your driver's license number, the vehicle identification number (VIN) from your car, and your driving history. Most insurers also ask for your Social Security number to run a background check. You do not need to have all of this memorized — you can look up your VIN on your registration or the driver's side door jamb, and your insurer can often pull your driving record themselves once you give them permission.

If you are insuring a car you do not yet own, you can still get quotes using the make, model, and year. Once you buy the car, you will update the VIN and finalize the policy. If you are switching from another insurer, have your current policy number handy so the new company can coordinate the changeover and avoid a gap in coverage.

Key Takeaways

• You need your driver's license number, the vehicle's VIN, and your Social Security number to get a quote or purchase a policy.
• Your driving history — including accidents, tickets, and violations — affects your rate, and insurers can request this from your state's motor vehicle department.
• If you are financing or leasing a car, the lender or lessor will require you to carry specific coverage types and minimum amounts before you drive off the lot.
• Proof of prior insurance or a letter from your previous insurer can help you avoid a lapse in coverage and may lower your rate.
• You do not need to provide documents upfront for most quotes, but you will need them before the policy becomes active.

Your driver's license and driving history

Your driver's license is the first thing an insurer asks for. They use the number to verify your identity and check your state's driving record. This record shows accidents you have been in, traffic violations, and suspensions — all of which affect your rate. You do not have to pull this record yourself; the insurance company requests it from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles once you authorize them to do so.

If you have been in an accident or received a ticket, be honest about it when you get a quote. Insurers will find it anyway, and hiding it can give them grounds to deny a claim later. If you have a poor driving record, some insurers specialize in higher-risk drivers, though their rates will be higher. Shopping around is especially important in this situation.

Your vehicle identification number and car details

The VIN is a 17-character code that identifies your specific car. You can find it on your registration, insurance card, or on the driver's side of the windshield where it meets the dashboard. Insurers use the VIN to confirm the car's make, model, year, and safety features. Some cars cost less to insure because they have better safety ratings or are less expensive to repair.

If you are buying a new car, you may not have the VIN yet. In that case, give the insurer the make, model, and year, and update the VIN once you have it. If you are insuring a used car, the VIN helps the insurer check whether the car has been in major accidents or has a salvage title, which affects coverage and cost.

Social Security number and personal information

Insurers ask for your Social Security number to verify your identity and check your credit history. In most states, insurers are allowed to use credit-based insurance scores — a calculation based on your credit report — as one factor in setting your rate. This is not the same as your credit score, and a lower credit score does not automatically mean you will pay more, but it is part of how they assess risk.

You will also provide your date of birth, current address, and occupation. Some insurers ask about your annual mileage and how you use the car (commuting, pleasure, business). These details help them understand your exposure to risk. If you have moved recently, update your address before you buy a policy, because rates can vary by location.

Proof of prior insurance and coverage requirements

If you already have car insurance with another company, your current policy number and expiration date help the new insurer coordinate the switch. Some insurers offer a discount if you have had continuous coverage without a lapse. A lapse is a gap of even one day between when your old policy ends and your new one starts, and it can raise your rate or make you ineligible for certain discounts.

If you are financing or leasing a car, your lender or leasing company will require you to carry liability coverage (which pays for damage you cause to others) and collision and comprehensive coverage (which covers damage to your own car). The lender will specify the minimum amounts. You cannot buy a policy without these coverages if the car is financed — the lender will not release the loan funds until proof of insurance is on file.

What you do not need upfront

You do not need to have your full driving record printed out, your car's maintenance history, or photos of your car. You do not need to visit an office in person to get a quote. Most insurers let you get quotes online or by phone using just your license number and VIN. The detailed paperwork comes later, after you have chosen a policy and are ready to buy.

You also do not need to have decided on coverage limits or deductibles before you contact an insurer. They will explain the options and show you how different choices affect your rate. Many people get quotes from three to five insurers to compare prices and coverage before making a decision.

What happens after you buy a policy

Once you purchase a policy, the insurer will send you a declarations page — a document that lists your coverage types, limits, deductible, and premium. Review this carefully to make sure everything matches what you agreed to. You will also receive an insurance card to carry in your car; this is proof of insurance if you are pulled over or in an accident.

If you made any mistakes on your process, contact your insurer right away to correct them. If your situation changes — you move, buy a second car, or change jobs — let your insurer know, because it may affect your rate or coverage. Most insurers let you update your information online or by phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have the car registered before I buy insurance?

No. You can buy insurance before registration is complete. In fact, most states require you to show proof of insurance before you can register a car. Once you have the VIN, you can get a quote and buy a policy. Registration and insurance are separate processes, though both are required to legally drive.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Some insurers accept this; others do not. Call ahead to ask whether your ITIN will work, or ask about insurers that specialize in drivers without a Social Security number.

Can I get insurance for a car I do not own yet?

Yes. You can get quotes using the make, model, and year of a car you plan to buy. Once you purchase the car and have the VIN, you update the policy. Some insurers let you bind coverage (make it official) before you have the VIN, as long as you provide it within a set number of days.

What if I have not driven in several years?

Tell your insurer about the gap. Some will ask you to take a defensive driving course to lower your rate. Others may charge more because you are considered higher-risk after a long absence from driving. Rates vary by insurer, so get quotes from multiple companies.

Do I need to show documents to the insurance company before I buy a policy?

Not for a quote. Most insurers give you a quote based on what you tell them over the phone or online. Before the policy becomes active, you may need to upload a photo of your driver's license or provide other proof, depending on the insurer's requirements. They will tell you what they need before you finalize the purchase.