Plate 0′ Shrimp

I just received my new automobile registration and sticker from California DMV. In it was a slip of paper titled “Be Sure to Insure!” It says:

“Here are some things you need to know about recent vehicle liability
insurance changes:

• On January 1, 2006, all insurance companies were required to report
  insurance status to DMV for all private use vehicles.
• As of July 1, 2006, law enforcement and court personnel have access to DMV
  records to verify that your California registered vehicle is currently
  insured.
• Effective October 1, 2006, your vehicle registration is subject to
  suspension if the liability insurance is cancelled, OR if your insurance company
  has not electronically provided evidence of insurance when you purchase and
  register your vehicle, OR if you provide DMV with false insurance
  information.

These chances provide you with increased assurance that fewer uninsured vehicles will be on California’s roadways.

(REG 1100, Rev. 8/2006)”

Well, I guess, that’s a good idea in general, but a couple of things bug me about it.

1. All this information bouncing back between law enforcement and your insurance company is without your knowledge and out of your control.
2. Should your insurance company mess up in providing this information to the government, YOUR registration could be suspended.