Electronic Proof of Auto Insurance Gets the Green Light

Some states have started to allow electronic proof of insurance as acceptable insurance verification.

Electronic proof of insurance is now being accepted in some states.

With computers and internet being an important and prevalent part of our lives, it was only natural that our insurance activities and electronic proof of insurance have moved online as well. We can get insurance quotes online, purchase insurance, and even get all of our insurance documents sent directly to our email or phone now.

So when we are asked for insurance now, a lot of us were emailed our verification and forget to print it out, which can lead to trouble. For all of us in the electronic age and who now receive our insurance documents electronically, never fear, most politicians have our back this time.

What is Electronic Proof of Auto Insurance?

Electronic proof of auto insurance is any proof of insurance that is displayed on an electronic device, instead of in the old card or paper form. These electronic devices can include cell phones, iPads, or any other device that has a display screen and can pull up a PDF, website or a scanned copy of your proof of insurance.

What States Now Allow Electronic Proof of Insurance?

As of August 1st, Louisiana will be just the third state to have approved the use of electronic proof of insurance. In March, both the states of Idaho and Arizona signed their own laws into effect. Other states around the nation are slowly following suit and we could see a lot more states allowing electronic proof of insurance as they start up their legislative sessions over the course of the next year.

At the moment, California is currently looking into allowing electronic proof of insurance. While the states of Colorado and Alabama don’t allow electronic proof of insurance if you get pulled over, but they do allow it when you are registering your vehicle.

A Word of Caution about Electronic Insurance

Electronic proof of insurance is a great way to save on paper every six months when you have a new policy term. Overall, going electronic for all of your documents is great way to no longer have to pack around a bunch of paper, and it decreases the chance that you will accidently lose it.

However, what would happen if you left your electronic device at home or lost it and you were pulled over? Without your electronic device in the car and no paper proof of insurance in your glove box you will be cited for having no proof of insurace.

So, while electronic proof of insurance is convenient and nice to be able to provide; always have a backup plan.