Proof of financial responsibility may be furnished by filing with the Department of Motor Vehicles the written certificate or notice by magnetic or electronic media in a manner satisfactory to the department of any insurance carrier authorized to do business in this State certifying that there is in effect a motor vehicle liability policy for the benefit of the person required to furnish proof of financial responsibility. The certificate or notice shall give the date of the motor vehicle liability policy, which must be the same as the effective date of the certificate or notice and shall designate by explicit description or by appropriate reference all motor vehicles covered, unless the policy is issued to a person who is not the owner of a motor vehicle. The policy must be written for a minimum term of six months. A certificate or notice of insurance shall remain in full force and effect for a period of at least ninety days unless the certificate or notice is canceled by the insurance company for some reason other than nonpayment of premium. Should a certificate or notice of insurance be canceled after ninety days for nonpayment of premium, the insurance company issuing the certificate or notice immediately shall notify the department that the reason for cancellation is for nonpayment of premium. Should a certificate or notice of insurance be canceled for any reason other than for nonpayment of premium, the insurance company issuing the certificate or notice immediately shall notify the department that the cancellation is not for nonpayment of premium. The department may refuse acceptance of the certificate or notice of insurance required under this section if the certificate or notice is filed:

(1) by an agent or company found to be in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter; or

(2) for a person who previously has had a certificate or notice canceled for nonpayment of premium, unless the policy under which the certificate or notice is issued is certified to be noncancellable for a period of one year for nonpayment of premium.

No motor vehicle may be or may continue to be registered in the name of a person required to file proof of financial responsibility unless the motor vehicle is designated in the certificate or notice.

HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 46-748; 1952 (47) 1853; 1959 (51) 567; 1977 Act No. 80 Section 3; 1992 Act No. 427, Section 1.