Stephanie Taylor Christensen

Most drivers are aware that they are legally required to carry auto insurance. But unless you're involved in an accident or stopped by authorities, who really knows which drivers carry the proper coverage?  Now active in many states, insurance verification programs are helping local governments crack down.  But some argue that the programs, designed to lower auto insurance premiums and protect insured drivers, are unfair.  

Ohio’s insurance verification program currently is facing scrutiny. The program, which began in 1998, involves randomly selecting drivers who then must submit proof of auto insurance coverage. Each week, the state mails insurance verification requests to about 5 percent of drivers (5,400 letters a week), according to the Ohio Insurance Institute.

Ohio residents who receive a letter must mail proof of existing auto insurance, or proof of the ability to pay for accident damages in the form of an authorized financial responsibility bond, within 90 days. Those mailing in proof of insurance must include a copy of the insurance card or a copy of the policy's declaration page, according to Ohio's Department of Public Safety.

Failure to comply can result in a 90-day driver's license suspension and a $125 reinstatement fee; the driver also must pay related court costs. According to the Ohio Insurance Institute, this program resulted in nearly 25,000 license suspensions in 2008.

Those who support the verification program argue that, without a system in place, auto insurance premiums for the insured will rise as a way to compensate for the uninsured. But some Ohio lawmakers deem the practice unfair, particularly for those who don't see the mailed notices in time because they travel frequently, serve in the armed forces or maintain secondary residences. House Bill 4, sponsored by Rep. Matt Huffman, R-Lima, seeks to eliminate the program.

Other states have similar programs, although not all are as demanding as Ohio’s system. TexasSure is an insurance verification program in Texas, where roughly 20 percent of drivers lack basic liability coverage, according to the state's Department of Insurance.

Financed by a $1 fee that all Texas drivers renewing vehicle registrations pay, TexasSure also sends letters to thousands of drivers. But, unlike Ohio’s program, communication is limited to those that Texas already suspects are uninsured, based on a database that matches insured drivers with insurance companies and cross-references that information with license plate and vehicle identification numbers. Those who appear to be uninsured receive a letter telling them of the insurance requirement and asking them to verify their auto insurance coverage by mail, e-mail or telephone.