Reader’s Question:

What happens when the vehicle insurance information was not submitted to DMV for a car that is no longer in use?

Rita

Buena Park, CA

In plain terms, if your vehicle insurance information was not submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), your vehicle’s registration would be subjected to suspension.

You may be subjected to vehicle registration suspension if:

1. Your current policy has been cancelled and you are not able to replace it within 45 days.
2. You have not presented insurance information within a period of 30 days after registration or transfer of ownership.
3. Falsification of insurance information.

Before you cancel your current insurance, you should inform the DMV to avoid suspension of vehicle registration.

If you have decided to cancel your current insurance policy on your registered vehicle that is no longer in use, you must inform the DMV in advance. You can do this by obtaining Affidavit of Non-Use (REG 5090). If you, however, received a notice of renewal from the DMV, you must present a Planned Non-Operation Certification (PNO) or Certificate of Non-operation (REG 102). Doing so would prevent the Department of Motor Vehicles from suspending your registration.

If for some reason, you plan to use the same vehicle and want it restored, you must submit evidence of insurance and Statement of Facts (REG 256).

Your insurance carrier has an obligation to submit an electronic report of your vehicle insurance information to the DMV in order to collect data on your financial responsibility. If, for instance, your insurance company has not submitted your vehicle information, the following may serve the same purpose:

• DMV authorization letter
• SR-22 on owner’s policy as proof of financial responsibility
• Evidence of leased or proof of ownership
• Identification card from your insurance carrier indicating proof of insurance policy.