When Driving Out of State, Carry Proof of Insurance


Wayne Texeira
  Marketing Director, CFMP, AINS, AIS, API

Many other states require that drivers carry proof of insurance and require that insurance companies issue Auto Insurance ID Cards with policies.  However, most drivers in Massachusetts have not heard of such laws because they don’t exist in our state.  This can create stressful situations, which everyone would rather avoid, and it points out the challenges that inconsistencies between state laws can cause.

Recently, one of our customers had an accident while driving out of state, and the police officer asked for a proof of insurance card.  In Massachusetts, however, proof of insurance cards are not issued, and vehicles aren’t required to carry them because this information is electronically available to law enforcement via the RMV.  Gladly, after some back and forth with the officer and providing other information, the person was allowed to leave the scene. Unfortunately, some police officers may not be informed about our laws or be easily flexible about these differences between state insurance requirements.

When you consider it, the Massachusetts method is actually more accurate because police can verify updated RMV information rather than rely on paper documentation that may be out of date if a policy is canceled. However, since laws vary among states, you, as a driver, need to be aware of the possible differences and be prepared in case you have a traffic violation or accident when driving your vehicle in another state.

Murphy Insurance recommends you take a copy of your insurance policy with you if you need the information.  You can then present your registration, which lists your insurance company and notates that “No Insurance Card Required: Massachusetts’ law does not require an insurance card.”, and your policy as proof of insurance.

If you prefer, Murphy Insurance is glad to provide you with an Auto Insurance ID Card upon request. To receive Auto Insurance ID Card(s),  visit our website at dfmurphy.com/autoidcard and complete the ID Card Request Form. We will email you your card(s), which you can print and keep in your vehicle. Please note that the card is only suitable for your insurance term. You will need to request a new card when your policy renews. If you have any questions, give us a call.  We’re glad to provide answers and assistance.

Note: If you are driving to Canada, please Contact Us for a special “Canada Non-Resident Inter-Province Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card.”

Read Other Blog Posts

Drowsy

Preventing Drowsy Driving

Every year, the National Sleep Foundation organizes Drowsy Driving Prevention Week to raise awareness about the dangers of driving while fatigued.
Smoke Detector

Daylight Saving Time Change: A Perfect Reminder to Check Your Smoke and CO Detectors

Daylight savings time is a perfect opportunity to keep your home safe by checking your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Time change days are memorable markers, making it easy to establish this habit without any extra reminders.
Flooding

Why Flood Insurance is Essential: Lessons from Hurricanes Helene and Milton

The devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton have shown that flood risk isn’t limited to coastal areas. These storms have highlighted a crucial gap that individuals and businesses need to be aware of: flood damage is generally not included in typical home, condo, renters, or commercial property insurance, making a separate flood insurance policy essential for true protection.
Deer

Defensive Driving to Avoid Deer Collisions

With deer mating season in full swing from October through December, drivers face an increased risk of collisions. As deer are more active, especially around dawn and dusk, habitat loss has pushed them closer to roadways. Here’s how defensive driving can help you avoid an accident.
Driving Car

Factors Affecting Your Car Insurance Rate

The cost of auto insurance is influenced by a wide range of factors. Together, these variables shape the overall cost of auto insurance. With this in mind, it can be helpful to better understand how the following elements may impact your rates:
Insurance Policy

Why Personal Liability Insurance is Essential for Homeowners, Condo Owners, and Renters

An essential part of home, condo & renter coverage often overlooked is personal liability insurance, which provides financial protection if you’re legally responsible for causing bodily injury or property damage to another person, both on and off your property.
Spam Phishing Scam

Recognize Spam and Phishing Emails

As more of our daily lives move into cyberspace, hackers, cybercriminals and spam bots may lurk behind every new message that shows up in your inbox. Even robust spam filters may not be able to catch every unwelcome email. Fortunately, you can act as an additional line of defense for yourself and your electronic devices by understanding the warning signs of spam and phishing emails.
Distracted Driving

How Distracted Driving and Texting Impact Your Auto Insurance Premiums

One major reason for auto insurance premiums going up is the rise in distracted driving, especially texting while driving. Distracted driving has become a leading cause of accidents, pushing up costs for insurance companies and, ultimately, leading to higher premiums for all drivers.
Apartment living room

Keep Your Home Safe While on Vacation

Taking a trip and exploring the world is fun, but leaving your home unoccupied has some risks.  Before departing, protect your property from accidents and criminals by considering the following precautions.

Visit Our Auto Insurance Page

Auto Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we are here to assist you in obtaining the appropriate auto insurance. Choosing the appropriate auto insurance coverage can be overwhelming. Every insurance company has its unique offerings, making it challenging to compare options effectively. That’s where we shine. We simplify the process by helping you evaluate provider and policy choices, seek out discounts, and optimize your car insurance within your budget constraints. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are well-protected.