Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual

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Section 11 of 38

Chapter 10: Renewals

10.040 Evidence of Financial Responsibility (VC §4000.37)

Insurance companies are required to electronically report insurance information for all private-use vehicle liability policies. Commercial insurance policies and alternative forms of financial responsibility are not reported electronically.

Renewal billing notices for customers whose insurance information is submitted electronically to DMV will not display the “Evidence of Liability Insurance” request on the front of the renewal billing notice.

Do not ask for an insurance card if the customer’s renewal billing notice does not indicate it is due. Customers without a renewal billing notice must provide evidence of insurance. For most customers that evidence would be an insurance card or binder. Out of country insurance cards are acceptable from Canada and Mexico (only if the insurer or vehicle owner’s address is in Mexico). Insurance from other countries is not acceptable. Compliance is verified with an insurance card or binder. Attach a copy of the insurance card or binder to the renewal document. An insurance card or binder must include the following information to be acceptable:

  • Insured name on the policy or the vehicle owner’s name.
  • Insurance company name.
  • An insurance document with a future effective date is valid; however, it is not mandatory for an insurance document to be dated. If the policy expiration date is present, it must be valid for the registration period for which the fees are paid.
  • A master insurance policy covering multiple vehicles, which is not vehicle–specific, may be accepted for multiple vehicle renewals submitted at the same time.

The vehicle description is not required, however if it is present, it must match the information on the registration card.

When an insurance company informs DMV that the required vehicle insurance policy or coverage is canceled, or when the insurance is not received within 30 days after the registration issuance on original or transfer applications, the registration of the vehicle will be suspended until the registered owner sends in satisfactory proof of financial responsibility.

To reinstate a suspended vehicle registration, the registered owner is required to pay a reinstatement fee. Business partners are prohibited from processing vehicle transactions that have a registration suspension. Instruct the customer to contact DMV or their insurance company.