How to provide proof of insurance, Bay Area, CA

[supertom]

Hi folks,

I'm in the Bay Area (Santa Clara county) and recently got a vc-16028a (proof of insurance) violation for not having the insurance card available for the police officer. The car was certainly insured, so that's not my issue. The officer explained that this is a "fix-it" ticket and that I just need to provide proof to the court. (I also received a violation for using a cell phone, not related to my question) OK, no problem.

My question is: "HOW do I actually show them proof?" I received a "courtesy notice" (Palo Alto Courthouse) in the mail listing the two violations and asking me to pay for the cell phone ticket. Can I just send back a copy of my insurance card in the envelope with the payment and courtesy notice? Will someone actually see it and clear it up? Do I actually need to go to the court? I wouldn't even know who to talk to, so I'm hoping I can just mail it in, but I'll do what I have to do.

There's also a pay-online option, but that doesn't list any options of providing proof (like uploading or emailing a document).

Anyone with experience and from the Bay Area know how to handle this?

Thanks,

Tom

[marinepilot]

Here in Florida you would have to go to the court and show them an insurance card that clearly stated you had insurance active at the date and time you got the ticket. I wouldn't trust it to the mail because if it's lost on the way, you could have a suspended license (or worse) and not know it. Next time you get pulled over, you could end up taking a ride in the officers single-destination taxi, sporting new, shiny bracelets...

[retdetsgt]

In states where you are required to show proof, insurance companies send you a card with the info on it. If you don't have that, contact them. Use your policy then to show proof. I assume you have that?

[supertom]

Oh yeah, I definitely have the card and can print it from they website no problem. It's literally "how" I prove it to them.

I'll call the courthouse and see if I can get to someone who can tell me what to do.

[marinepilot]

I'll call the courthouse and see if I can get to someone who can tell me what to do.

Probably the best plan of attack.

[MPI1]

Had the same thing happen to me (different state, same situation) I went to court with my policy in hand and showed it to the judge (small town) and he dismissed all violations (this was when I was 16 :D).

[supertom]

So, called the courthouse and spoke to the clerk. She insisted that I can mail my insurance card in with the form they sent me and all will be good. So, that's what I'll do.

Fingers crossed.

Thanks for all the help here folks!