Providing Proof of Insurance to the Indiana BMV After an Accident

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough without having to worry about providing proof of insurance afterward. However, Indiana law requires drivers involved in an accident to verify their liability coverage to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). This helps ensure all motorists have adequate protection on the road.

Follow these steps to smoothly provide proof of insurance to the Indiana BMV if you are involved in an accident:

Overview of Indiana’s Insurance Requirements

Indiana is a “fault” insurance state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is liable for damages. All drivers must carry a minimum level of liability coverage:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person
• $50,000 bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 property damage

This is known as 25/50/25 coverage. Drivers must be prepared to provide proof of continuous coverage any time they are involved in an accident.

When the BMV Requests Proof of Insurance

The BMV will automatically send you a request for proof of insurance if:

• They receive an accident report listing you as a driver
• There was over $1000 in property damage
• There were injuries

This request will be mailed to your address on file with the BMV. You will have 90 days from the date of the notice to comply before your license is suspended.

How to Provide Proof of Insurance After an Accident

To provide proof of insurance after an accident, have your insurance agent electronically submit a Certificate of Compliance (COC) to the BMV. Here are the steps:

1. Contact your insurance agent – Let them know you need a COC filed with the BMV. Provide your name, policy number, VIN, and accident date.

2. Verify coverage – Confirm your policy was active on the accident date with equal or higher limits than the state minimums.

3. Submit electronically – Your agent will log into the BMV’s EIFS system and file the COC digitally. This is the fastest method.

4. Follow up – Confirm with your agent that the COC was successfully transmitted.

5. Keep documents – Retain a copy of your Insurance Card and COC for your records.

What Information is Needed on the Certificate of Compliance?

The COC form verifies your active auto insurance coverage on the exact date and time of the accident. It must include:

• Your name and driver’s license number
• Date of the accident
• Description of your vehicle (year, make, model)
• Your policy number and effective dates
• Insurance company name

All details must precisely match the information in the accident report.

How Long Does the BMV Take to Process Proof of Insurance?

Electronically filed COCs are typically processed within 1 business day. Your driving record and license status will then be updated to show compliance.

Manually submitted COCs take longer, around 7-10 business days. Make sure your agent files electronically to expedite the process.

What Happens if Proof is Not Provided in Time?

If the BMV does not receive proof of valid insurance within 90 days, your license will be indefinitely suspended.

To lift the suspension, you must have your insurer file proof of coverage and pay a reinstatement fee. You will also need to show proof of future insurance coverage (SR-22) for 3 years before your license is fully reinstated.

Penalties for Driving Uninsured

Operating a vehicle without proper insurance is illegal. Penalties include:

• Fines up to $1000 for a first offense
• License and registration suspension
• Requiring high-risk insurance (SR-22)
• Points added to your driving record

In addition, you can be held personally liable for all damages and injuries to others if you cause an accident while uninsured. Maintaining continuous auto insurance coverage is essential to avoid severe consequences.

How to Prevent Lapse in Coverage

To avoid any lapses in insurance leading to BMV penalties, be sure to:

• Review policy documents and verify coverage regularly
• Pay premiums on time or set up autopay
• Alert your insurer if changing vehicles
• Inform the BMV if you move addresses
• Renew policies well before expiration
• Shop rates periodically to find the best price

Can I Provide Proof of Insurance Before the BMV Requests It?

Yes, you or your insurer can proactively submit proof of insurance to the BMV at any time. However, there is no need to do this unless you have received a specific request to provide coverage details after an accident.

Other Times the BMV Requires Insurance Verification

In addition to accidents, other situations that will prompt the BMV to request proof of insurance include:

• Receiving three moving violation tickets within one year
• Moving violations involving alcohol or drugs
• Receiving a ticket for uninsured motorist
• License reinstatement after a suspension

Always maintain active auto insurance and be prepared to verify coverage. Save your Insurance Card as proof at all times when driving.

Key Takeaways

• Indiana drivers must prove liability coverage to the BMV after any at-fault accident.

• Electronically filed Certificates of Compliance provide proof of coverage fastest.

• Details must exactly match information in the accident report.

• Allow 2-3 weeks for the BMV to process and update your driving record.

• Lapses in insurance lead to severe penalties, including suspension.

• Always keep insurance ID cards handy as proof of active coverage.

Following Indiana’s insurance requirements protects you financially and keeps you legally permitted to drive. Contact your insurance agent right away if you receive a request for proof of insurance from the BMV after an accident. Maintaining continuous coverage andpromptly verifying details with the BMV will help you avoid complications.