Question by rmbjm314: I got a fix it ticket in California for no insurance. It’s in my mom’s name, is that OK?
I received a fix it ticket in CA for not having proof of insurance. The car is registered in my name. The car is covered under my mom’s insurance. I thought I remember hearing that it’s fine for anyone to drive the car that doesn’t share the same address as the person with coverage. Do I need to provide proof of insurance in my name or is it fine to show the insurance card with my mom’s name and my car on the policy? Thanks in advance if there are any details I left out please let me know.
I did have proof at the time but only on my phone as a pdf and the officer wasn’t interested in looking at it.
What do you think? Answer below!
The problem is not that you were driving, it’s that you didn’t produce proof of insurance when requested. You are going to need to furnish proof of insurance to the court.
In the state of California, insurance is specific to a vehicle not a person. If your mom has a current policy for your car then you are indeed covered. However, it is law that proof of insurance must be carried in the vehicle at all times. A PDF or your phone is not going to cut it. However, if you have to go to court for the citation you will get the fine reduced if you can show proof of insurance at the time the citation was issued.
When the policeman asks for “Proof of Insurance” he wants to see a paper certificate that says the car is covered and the policy is current. A PDF on your cell phone doesn’t meet the requirement of the law.
To avoid confusion, the policy SHOULD be in the same name as the registration on the vehicle.
There are two laws in effect here.
1. There has to be insurance on the vehicle
2. You have to show that proof when asked of law enforcement.
Your fix it ticket is for the second problem, you didn’t show it. Do so. And make sure you carry it in the car.