Crashes, insurance and registration in Indiana

By the end of this topic you can

• You can carry out the legal duties of a driver after a crash.
• You can decide when to move your car and when to leave it in place.
• You can state Indiana's minimum liability insurance.
• You can respond correctly to a BMV request for proof of insurance.
• You can describe how and when to title and register a vehicle in Indiana.

What you need to know and understand

• After any crash you must stop at or as near the scene as possible without blocking traffic more than necessary.
• You must give your name, address and vehicle registration number to anyone involved, and show your driver's license.
• If anyone is injured or killed, give reasonable help as directed by police, medical staff or a 911 operator, and make sure police are notified quickly.
• If you hit an unattended car or property, try to find the owner. If you cannot, contact law enforcement.
• Indiana's minimum insurance is $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25).
• Leaving the scene is at least a Class B misdemeanor and becomes a felony when someone is seriously hurt or killed.
• New residents have 60 days to title and register their vehicles. After buying a vehicle, you must apply for its Indiana title within 45 days.

At the scene: step by step

1. Stop as close to the crash as you safely can.
2. If the crash is in a travel lane, move the car off the road nearby, unless someone is hurt, killed or trapped, or hazardous materials are involved. In those cases leave the vehicles where they are.
3. Turn on your hazard lights and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
4. Help injured or trapped people as directed by police, medical staff or the 911 operator.
5. Exchange names, addresses and registration numbers, and show your license.
6. For an unattended vehicle or property, find the owner or call police with your details.

Insurance and the Certificate of Compliance

You may not drive in Indiana without financial responsibility, which for most people means a 25/50/25 liability policy. After a crash, after some traffic violations, or after a serious offense, the BMV may write asking you to prove you were insured. Ask your insurer straight away to send a Certificate of Compliance electronically. If the BMV does not receive it within 90 days of its letter, your license is suspended.

Driving uninsured brings a suspension and reinstatement fees of $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second and $1,000 for a third or later. You may also need an SR22, which is your insurer's promise to the BMV that you have continuous coverage; keeping an SR22 on file for 180 days can end an indefinite no-insurance suspension.

Titling and registering a car

• The vehicle must be titled before it can be registered.
• Bring the title, proof of address, proof of Social Security number if asked, and proof of insurance.
• Cars from another state need a VIN inspection at the branch, or a law enforcement inspection form.
• Vehicles registered in Lake and Porter counties must pass an emissions test.
• Renew your registration on or before its expiration date to avoid a $15 administrative penalty.

Staying safe while you wait

If your car breaks down or you are waiting after a minor crash, pull onto the shoulder if possible and switch on your hazard lights. The manual suggests placing a red reflective triangle about 200 feet behind the car, or 500 feet back on a hill or curve, and getting out on the passenger side away from traffic.

Common mistakes

• Driving away from a minor bump in a parking lot without leaving your details.
• Moving cars after a crash where someone is injured.
• Ignoring a BMV letter about insurance because you know you were covered. The insurer must still file the certificate.
• Buying a used car and missing the 45-day deadline to apply for the title.

Test yourself: Crashes, insurance and registration in Indiana

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Indiana Bioptic Driver Program
• Indiana Permit Test
• Indiana BMV Points System and License Suspension