Why You Should Never Use a Fake Insurance Card
You should never use a fake insurance card unless you want to be charged with insurance fraud. Instead, comparison shop with us and we can help you find the most affordable car insurance plan that fits your budget and needs.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 21, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 21, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Drivers who use fake car insurance cards face fines, jail time, loss of registration, loss of license, and more
- Drivers who use a fake auto insurance card will also have high rates and may have to purchase high-risk insurance
- If you suspect your insurer gave you a fake car insurance policy number, call your state insurance department to see if the insurer is registered
It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book. You print a fake insurance card, then give that auto insurance ID card to another driver after you get into an accident. You escape without penalty, and the other driver has no way to track you down.
The allure of this is why one of the FAQ about understanding auto insurance coverage is “should you use a fake insurance ID card to dupe other drivers?” Absolutely not – and there are many reasons not to use a fake insurance card. Today, we’re explaining just a few of the reasons why you should never use a fake insurance card.
To avoid the temptation to get a fake online insurance card, use our free rate comparison tool to find cheaper auto insurance rates in your area.
Why do drivers use fake insurance cards?
Take a few seconds to Google, “printable fake auto insurance card template” or “make fake insurance card online free,” and you will find thousands of results on how to get fake insurance with a printable fake car insurance template. You’re not the first person to concoct a false insurance card scheme.
There are a number of reasons why someone might make a fake insurance card. Some people simply can’t afford car insurance bills and don’t want to get caught driving without insurance. Other people may be in the country illegally or have some other trouble with the law. Some people seek a fake insurance card for court.
Unfortunately, fake insurance card schemes have risen in popularity in recent years. The internet has made it extremely easy to copy and print fake insurance cards. Within seconds, you can print off an insurance document that looks shockingly similar to a real vehicle insurance card.
The U.S. government does everything it can to shut down fake insurance card websites. For every site they takedown, however, two more appear online. As long as the demand is there for fake proof of insurance cards, phony insurance card websites will always exist.
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Do fake insurance cards work?
Fake vehicle insurance cards can be tough to spot. Many fake auto insurance card downloads use the names and logos of real, well-known insurance companies.
If you are pulled over by law enforcement, the police officer may only perform a cursory visual check of your insurance coverage without verifying the information. In that case, your fictitious insurance card can fool even a police officer.
Some scammers also make a fake insurance card to fool unsuspecting motorists. A scammer might keep a fictitious insurance card in his or her glove box just in case of an accident with another motorist. The other motorist will take down the insurance information in good faith, not knowing that the information is fake.
If anyone decides to check your insurance, however, or contact the DMV, your fake vehicle insurance card scam will quickly be discovered if you offer a fake insurance card for court. Drivers who choose to print fake cards off the internet will face enormous legal consequences. As you’ll learn below, fake insurance card fraud can easily be discovered, leading to jail time and other serious consequences.
Why is making a fake insurance card considered insurance fraud?
There are plenty of obvious reasons why you should never use a fake insurance card. There are moral issues to scamming innocent drivers by getting fake insurance for a car, for example. There’s also the problem of insurance fraud – something that can lead to years of jail time.
Anyone who makes a fake insurance card or uses a fake insurance card is committing insurance fraud. Insurance fraud is illegal, and you will face significant penalties for driving without insurance.
Penalties for Driving Without Auto Insurance by StateStates | Penalties |
---|---|
Alabama | Up to $500, Registration suspension with $200 reinstatement fee |
Alaska | License suspension for 90 days |
Arizona | $500 (or more), License/registration/license plate suspension for three months |
Arkansas | $50 to $250, Suspended registration/no plates until proof of car insurance coverage plus $20 reinstatement fee; court may order impoundment |
California | $100-$200 plus penalty assessments, Court may order impoundment |
Colorado | $500 minimum fine, 4 points against your license; license suspension until you can show proof to the DMV that you are insured. Courts may add up to 40 hours community service |
Connecticut | $100-$1000, Suspended registration/license for one month (show proof of insurance) with $175 reinstatement fee |
Delaware | $1,500 minimum fine, License/privilege suspension for six months |
Florida | Suspension of license and registration until reinstatement fee is paid and non-cancelable coverage is secured; $150 fee for first reinstatement |
Georgia | Suspended registration with $25 lapse fee and $60 reinstatement fee. Pay any other registration fees and vehicle ad valorem taxes due |
Hawaii | $500 fine or community service granted by judge, Either license suspension for three months or a required nonrefundable car insurance policy in force for six months |
Idaho | $75, License suspension until financial proof. No reinstatement fee. |
Illinois | $500 minimum, License plate suspension until $100 reinstatement fee and insurance proof |
Indiana | License/registration suspension for 90 days to one year |
Iowa | $500 if in accident; Otherwise, fine: $250, Community service in lieu of fine. Possible citation/warning if pulled over plus removal of plates and registration possible when pulled over without insurance and reissued upon payment of fine or completed community service, proof of insurance, and $15 fee; possible impoundment when pulled over |
Kansas | $300 to $1,000, Fine and/or confinement in jail up to six months; license/registration suspension; reinstatement fee: $100 |
Kentucky | $500 to $1,000, Fine and/or sentenced up to 90 days in jail; license plates and registration revoked for one year or until proof of insurance is shown |
Louisiana | $500 to $1,000, If in car accident, fine plus registration revoked and driving privileges suspended for 180 days |
Maine | $100 to $500, Suspension of license and registration until proof of insurance |
Maryland | Lose license plates and motor vehicle registration privileges; pay uninsured motorist penalty fees for each lapse of insurance — $150 for the first 30 days, $7 for each day thereafter; Pay a restoration fee of up to $25 for a vehicle's registration |
Massachusetts | $500 to $5,000, Fine and/or imprisonment for one year or less |
Michigan | $200 to $500, Fine and/or imprisonment for one year or less; license suspension for 30 days or until proof of insurance; $25 service fee to Secretary of State |
Minnesota | $200 to $1,000, Fine (or community service) and/or imprisonment for up to 90 days; License and registration revoked for no more than 12 months |
Mississippi | $1,000, Driving privileges suspended for one year or until proof of insurance |
Missouri | Four points against driving record; driver may be supervised; suspended until proof of insurance with $20 reinstatement fee |
Montana | $250 to $500, Fine and/or imprisonment for no more than 10 days |
Nebraska | License and registration suspension; reinstatement fee of $50 for each; proof of insurance to remain on file for three years |
Nevada | $250 to $1,000, Registration suspension — until payment of reinstatement fee and, depending on circumstances, an SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility) if lapsed more than 90 days; reinstatement fee: $250 |
New Hampshire | Not a mandatory insurance state. Proof of insurance may be required as the result of a conviction, crash involvement, or administrative action. If you are required to file proof of insurance and vehicles are registered in your name, you will be required to file an Owner’s SR-22 Certificate of Insurance. |
New Jersey | $300 to $1,000, License suspension for one year; pay surcharges for three years in the amount of $250 per year |
New Mexico | Up to $300, Fine and/or imprisoned for 90 days; license suspension |
New York | Up to $1,500 if involved in accident plus $750 civil penalty, "License and registration suspension – revoked for one year; suspension of license if without insurance for 90 days; suspension lasts as long as registration suspension; Suspension of registration: equal to time without insurance or pays $8/day up to thirty days for which financial security was not in effect, $10/day from the thirty-first to the sixtieth day $12/day from the sixtieth to the ninetieth day and proof of security is provided. Or for the same time as the motor vehicle was operated without insurance. " |
North Carolina | $50, Registration suspension until proof of financial responsibility but 30-day suspension if in car accident or knowingly driving without insurance; $50 restoration fee plus license plate fee |
North Dakota | Up to $1,500, "Fine and/or 30 days in prison; 14 points against license plus suspension; Proof of insurance must be provided for one year; license with a notation requiring that person keep proof of liability insurance on file with the department. The fee for this license is $50, and the fee to remove this notation is $50." |
Ohio | License/plates/registration suspension until requirements are met and $100 reinstatement fee is paid; maintain special high-risk coverage on file with the BMV for three to five years; If involved in accident without insurance: all above penalties and a security suspension for two plus years and an indefinite judgment suspension (until all damages are satisfied) |
Oklahoma | $250, Jail time up to 30 days; license suspension with $275 reinstatement fee. Police can seize license plates and assign temporary plates and liability insurance — in effect for 10 days and can also impound the vehicle. The cost of the temporary coverage is added to the administrative fee and any fines paid for plates to be returned. If the car isimpounded, the owner must also pay towing and storage fees. |
Oregon | $130-$1000 ($260 is the presumptive fine), If involved in accident — at least a one year license suspension; proof of financial responsibility required for three years |
Pennsylvania | Registration suspended for three months (unless lapse was for less than 31 days and vehicle not operated during that time); $88 restoration fee plus proof of insurance required to get it back; $500 civil penalty fee is optional in lieu of registration suspension plus $88 restoration fee — can only use this option once within a 12-month period |
Rhode Island | $100 to $500, License and registration suspension up to three months; reinstatement fee: $30 to $50 |
South Carolina | $100-$200, Fine or 30-day imprisonment; failure to surrender registration and plates when insurance lapses; license/registration suspended until proof of insurance plus $200 reinstatement fee |
South Dakota | $100, Fine and/or 30 days imprisonment; license suspension for 30 days to one year; filing proof of insurance (SR-22) with the state for three years from date of conviction. Failure to file proof will result in suspension of vehicle registration, license plates, and driver license. |
Tennessee | Pay $25 coverage failure fee within 30 days of notice; if not paid, then an additional $100 coverage failure fee with suspension or revocation of registration plus reinstatement fee of no more than $25 |
Texas | $175 to $350, Pay up to a $250 surcharge every year for three years (may be reduced with certain requirements) |
Utah | $400, License suspension until proof of insurance (maintained for three years) and $100 reinstatement fee |
Vermont | Up to $500, License suspended until proof of insurance |
Virginia | May pay $500, Uninsured Motorists Vehicle fee to drive without insurance at your own risk. If this fee is not paid in lieu of insurance, all driving and vehicle registration privileges will be suspended until a $500 statutory fee is paid, proof of insurance is filed for three years, and a reinstatement fee (if applicable) is paid |
Washington, D.C. | Up to $250 or more |
West Virginia | $200 to $5,000, License suspended for 30 days with reinstatement fees, unless there's proof of insurance and $200 penalty fee |
Wisconsin | Up to $500 |
Wyoming | Up to $750, Up to six months in jail |
Penalties vary based on the incident and your state. In some states, drivers who use a fake car insurance policy number will pay a fine of a few hundred dollars. In other states, drivers are fined thousands of dollars. Some states suspend or revoke your driver’s license and vehicle registration after you’re caught using fake insurance.
All of the penalties above are just for using a fake insurance card and driving without insurance in any situation. You may also face further penalties for fraud, as you can’t just make a fake insurance card online for free without consequences. In many jurisdictions, committing insurance fraud will lead to years of jail time and other severe consequences. Bottom line? Don’t even consider how to make a fake auto insurance card, as a fake car insurance template will eventually be discovered and cost you dearly.
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What if you don’t realize you’re using a fake car insurance card?
The internet has given rise to another unfortunate phenomenon: fake insurance card websites that masquerade as legitimate insurance sellers by giving fake car insurance quotes and fake car insurance print outs.
Let’s say you’re looking for cheap car insurance online. You want the cheapest possible car insurance while being able to legally drive on the road. You can’t find anything that meets your needs until you stumble upon one shady-looking website. The site promises to sell you cheaper car insurance than any other provider with its fake insurance quotes. You complete the application process, submit payment, and print off your car insurance card.
The card might look legitimate, as scammers use a believable fake car insurance template. Some feature the names and logos of real, legitimate insurance companies. Unfortunately, the car insurance website just scammed you, stealing your credit card information and sending you a fake insurance policy document in return.
Because of these auto insurance scams worthy of jail time, some drivers are handing out fake insurance cards without realizing the cards are fake. If you suspect your insurance card is a fake, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) recommends calling your state insurance department.
Unfortunately for drivers who have fallen victim to a scam like this, using a fake insurance card is always considered fraud. Even if you used the false card without knowing it was false, using the card is considered a form of fraud, and you may face severe penalties for unknowingly using a fake car insurance template.
It’s illegal to drive without insurance. It’s even more illegal to drive without insurance and use a fake insurance card. For all of the reasons above, it’s not a good idea to use a fake insurance card in any situation whatsoever.
To make sure you aren’t paying for a fake insurance card, use our free rate comparison tool to find legitimate insurance at a price you can afford.
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The Risks and Consequences of Using Fake Insurance Cards
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do drivers use fake insurance cards?
Drivers may use fake insurance cards to avoid getting caught driving without insurance or to deceive authorities due to legal issues.
Do fake insurance cards work?
Fake insurance cards can sometimes fool visual checks or unsuspecting motorists, but they can easily be discovered if insurance is verified or the DMV is contacted.
Why is making a fake insurance card considered insurance fraud?
Creating or using a fake insurance card is considered insurance fraud because it is illegal and can lead to severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
What if you don’t realize you’re using a fake car insurance card?
Using a fake insurance card, even unknowingly, is still considered fraud and can result in significant penalties. It is important to verify the authenticity of your insurance and contact your state insurance department if you suspect fraud.
How can I ensure I’m not using a fake insurance card?
To avoid the risk of using a fake insurance card, obtain insurance from legitimate providers. Use reliable rate comparison tools, like the one offered on our website, to compare quotes from reputable insurance companies and ensure you have genuine coverage.
What does a vehicle insurance card example look like?
A vehicle insurance card typically includes the insurer’s name, policy number, insured vehicle details, coverage dates, and the insured’s name and address.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.