A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Old Car Insurance Policies

Author

Reads 214

A rusty, broken car wreck abandoned on a quiet roadside with a mountain backdrop.
Credit: pexels.com, A rusty, broken car wreck abandoned on a quiet roadside with a mountain backdrop.

Finding old car insurance policies can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can get the information you need.

You'll want to start by checking with your current insurance provider to see if they have any records of your previous policies. This is often the easiest place to find information, and you may be able to get a copy of your old policy documents.

Typically, insurance companies keep records of policies for 7-10 years, so if you're looking for a policy from more than a decade ago, you may need to look elsewhere. You can also try contacting your state's insurance department for assistance.

Contacting your old insurance company directly can be a good idea, as they may have more information about your previous policies than you think.

Finding Previous Insurers

Finding Previous Insurers can be a challenge, but there are several ways to track them down.

You can start by tracking down old insurance policy documents, which will clearly state the insurer and how to contact them.

Credit: youtube.com, How To Find Old Car Insurance Policies? - InsuranceGuide360.com

Old "pink" liability slips are often found in the glove compartment, and many insurance companies have switched to electronic documents, so be sure to check your email accounts for any old emails with attachments.

You can also check your banking or credit card statements if you paid for your insurance in one lump sum or a monthly plan using this payment method.

If you purchased your insurance through a licensed insurance broker, they would likely have records of your previous policies dating back at least seven years and often longer.

If all else fails, you can order a copy of your insurance history report.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state can also be a great resource for obtaining the name of the insurance company or companies that dealt with your vehicle before you owned it.

To get started, find the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the driver's side dash of your car, on the driver's side door pillar placard, or on your car insurance or title.

Call the DMV in your state and provide the VIN number to a DMV agent, who can then supply you with information about previous insurance policies associated with the vehicle.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Find Car Insurance Records

Here are the steps to follow:

  • Find the VIN number
  • Call the DMV in your state
  • Provide the VIN number to a DMV agent
  • Get the previous insurance policy information

If you have the previous owner's contact information, you can also contact them to get their previous insurer's policy information.

It's always a good idea to keep a copy of your car's title transfer documentation and the bill of sale for your purchase.

Understanding Auto Insurance History

Auto insurance has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century.

The first auto insurance policy was issued in 1897 by the Travelers Insurance Company to Dr. R.W. Stephenson for a Ford Model T. The policy cost $1,000.

In the early 20th century, auto insurance became more widespread, with many companies offering policies to drivers.

The first no-fault insurance law was passed in Michigan in 1973, which required drivers to purchase no-fault insurance coverage.

Auto insurance policies typically included liability coverage, which protected drivers from financial losses in the event of an accident.

In the United States, auto insurance is regulated by each state's insurance department, which sets minimum coverage requirements.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides model laws and regulations for states to follow in regulating auto insurance.

Obtaining Auto Insurance Information

Credit: youtube.com, What to do when your car insurance lapses

You can obtain a copy of your auto insurance history in a few ways. The most common way is to contact your previous insurance company, who can print out a history of your auto insurance coverages and claims.

If you can't remember which insurance company you've used in the past, you can try contacting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). They may have information on your previous insurance policies and can also provide a copy of your motor vehicle record (MVR).

You have the right to see what's in your CLUE report, which is maintained by LexisNexis. You can request a copy by contacting LexisNexis directly at 866-312-8076 or online.

To find out who your previous auto insurance provider was, you can try tracking down old insurance policy documents, which will clearly state the insurer and how to contact them. Many insurance companies have switched to electronic documents, so you can also check your email accounts for old policy documents or "pink" liability slips.

Man Driving An Old White Volkswagen  Kombi
Credit: pexels.com, Man Driving An Old White Volkswagen Kombi

If you purchased your insurance through a licensed insurance broker, they may have records of your previous policies dating back at least seven years. You can also order a copy of your insurance history report, which we'll cover in more detail below.

Here are some options to aid your search:

  • Check your glove compartment for old insurance policy documents or "pink" liability slips.
  • Look through your email accounts for old policy documents or pink slips.
  • Pull up old banking or credit card statements to see if the insurer's name and amount paid appear as a line item.
  • Reach out to your licensed insurance broker to see if they have records of your previous policies.

Every vehicle owner has the right to order a copy of their insurance history report from CGI, which is free and easy to receive. You can use this report to check your car insurance history and correct any information you believe to be false or inaccurate.

If you're leaving the province or country, your new insurance provider may want to see proof of your insurance history. You can obtain this information by contacting the DMV in your state, who can provide the insurance company's name and policy number associated with your vehicle's previous insurance.

Credit: youtube.com, Insurance details of lost insurance policy | lost insurance policy | Insurance Guru |

Here's a step-by-step guide to contacting the DMV:

  • Find your vehicle's VIN number, which can be found on the driver's side dash, driver's door pillar placard, or on your car insurance or title.
  • Call the DMV in your state and provide the VIN number to a DMV agent.
  • Ask the DMV agent to provide you with the insurance company's name and policy number associated with your vehicle's previous insurance.
  • Contact the relevant insurance company to get previous claim information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I research old insurance policies?

Search your state's unclaimed property database or use the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators' search tool to research old insurance policies

Matthew McKenzie

Lead Writer

Matthew McKenzie is a seasoned writer with a passion for finance and technology. He has honed his skills in crafting engaging content that educates and informs readers on various topics related to the stock market. Matthew's expertise lies in breaking down complex concepts into easily digestible information, making him a sought-after writer in the finance niche.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.