Do you need a physical copy of your car insurance in Florida?

Asked by: Miss Mertie Grant  |  Last update: November 4, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (19 votes)

In Florida, you must carry proof of insurance with you whenever you drive and it must be current. In the event that you're pulled over or in a car accident, you will be asked by law enforcement to show this proof. Registration of any new vehicle also requires that you have proof of Florida coverage.

Do you need a paper copy of car insurance in Florida?

Proof of Insurance (binder, policy, card or affidavit) from a certified Florida agent or broker is required to purchase and renew a license plate in Florida.

Is electronic proof of insurance legal in Florida?

(a) Such proof shall be in a uniform paper or electronic format, as prescribed by the department, a valid insurance policy, an insurance policy binder, a certificate of insurance, or such other proof as may be prescribed by the department.

Does proof of insurance need to be printed?

Nearly every state and the District of Columbia allow electronic proof of insurance. Massachusetts is the only state that doesn't require drivers to carry proof of insurance since state laws require insurance information to be printed directly on the car's registration.

What happens if you lose your insurance paper?

You can do this simply by calling the insurance company to explain the situation. After confirming your identity, the company will typically provide you with a new copy of your policy within weeks.

What Kind Of Insurance Should I Have On My Vehicle In Florida? | Carey Leisure And Neal

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Do you need to keep paper copies of insurance policies?

Generally, you should keep most insurance documents for at least as long as the policy is in effect or, if your policy has ended, until any still-open claims are settled.

What to do if you lose your proof of insurance?

Request a temporary insurance card or proof of coverage from your insurance company. Explore digital insurance card options, like a mobile app provided by your insurance company. Also consider making digital copies or screenshots for immediate use, just in case you need your card before you get a replacement.

Can you show proof of insurance on your phone in Florida?

Advertisers like Geico allow you to pull up your proof of insurance on your phone, but for vehicle registration, it's a different story. The Florida Highway Patrol says proof of insurance is the only thing you are currently allowed to display electronically in the state of Florida.

Do you need to print insurance documents?

No, it's not essential to take copies of your travel insurance documents with you. It's always a good idea to have a copy in your bag or on your phone.

How to get a copy of car insurance online?

Most insurance companies offer the ability to get proof of insurance via:
  1. Mobile app (supported by many major insurance companies)*
  2. Card (usually received by mail)
  3. Paper printout (request the form via email or find it in your company's online portal)

Do you need proof of insurance in Florida?

General Information. Before you register a vehicle with at least four wheels in Florida, you must show proof of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) automobile insurance.

Do you have to carry your registration in your car in Florida?

A registration certificate in the possession of the operator of the motor vehicle or carried in the vehicle at all times per section 320.0605, Florida Statutes. A registration decal is a sticker that is provided on the registration certificate.

What is proof of loss for insurance in Florida?

It serves as the official record of your losses and the compensation you seek. Satisfies Legal Requirements: Many Florida insurance policies require a Proof of Loss to be submitted within a specific time frame (often 60 days from the date of the loss).

Does Florida accept electronic proof of insurance?

When an officer pulls over a driver in Florida, there will be no more riffling through the glove compartment for the current copy of an insurance card. Florida drivers will now have the option to give proof of their auto insurance electronically or show their paper insurance card.

What is the new insurance law in Florida in 2024?

Effective Date: July 1, 2024 with some provisions effective on May 13, 2024, the day Governor DeSantis signed the bill. Allows surplus lines insurance companies that meet certain financial requirements to take out policies from Citizens for dwellings that are not primary residences or homestead properties.

What states do not allow electronic proof of insurance?

According to Allstate, the only state that currently doesn't accept digital proof of insurance is New Mexico. All 49 other states and the District of Columbia will allow drivers to show physical or digital proof of insurance.

Do I need to print car insurance documents?

As of October 2022, 49/50 states and Washington D.C. allow for digital proof of auto insurance rather than a printed paper ID card. The only state not currently included is New Mexico which means in Oklahoma it is perfectly acceptable, and legal, to use an electronic copy on your phone. Have a question?

Do you need papers for insurance?

The short answer is a lot of paperwork as The Balance explains. With so much verification and information required, getting insurance can be a complicated process. You'll need quotes and documents, but it's a necessity given the often legal requirements of insurance.

How do I get my insurance print?

From Your Insurer's Website:

Log in with your credentials, which might include your policy number and registered contact details. Navigate to the dashboard or the specific section for policy documents. Find the option for downloading your insurance policy, usually labelled as 'Download Policy' or 'Get Policy Copy'.

What is needed to get a Florida driver's license?

How to Get Your Florida Driver's License
  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Complete a drug and alcohol course.
  • Pass a vision and hearing test.
  • Pass the Class E Knowledge Exam.
  • Pass the Class E Driving Skills Test.
  • Provide identification and all required documents.

How do I show proof of insurance after a ticket in Florida?

The proof can be a copy of your driver license, registration or insurance card (whichever applies). The proof must show an issued date prior to the date of the ticket. For registration and insurance proof, the vehicle description must also match the vehicle described on the citation.

How to get proof of insurance on your phone?

How to Get Proof of Insurance on Phone. First, check with your insurance provider to see if they offer a mobile app or digital platform. If they do, you just need to download the app, and log in. For those without an app, you can often access your insurance documents through your provider's website.

Can I get proof of insurance online?

A digital insurance card can be substituted for the paper card in 49 states, with New Mexico being the exception. It's also a good idea to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to help stay informed on proof of insurance card requirements.

How do I provide proof of loss of insurance?

Documents you can submit: A letter from an insurance company, on official letterhead or stationery, including:A letter or premium bill from your former insurance company that shows you or your dependent's cancellation/termination from health coverage.

Can I use a picture of my health insurance card?

Can I use a picture of my health insurance card? Yes, in many cases, you can use a health insurance card picture for verification during medical visits. However, check with your healthcare provider, as some may still require a physical or digital insurance card.