Can you show Proof of Insurance on your phone?

It probably goes without saying how important car insurance is these days. It’s a legal requirement for drivers in most states, and even there, driving uninsured it’s simply not a good idea. In the event that you are involved in an accident, being insured can save you from total financial disaster if you have to pay the costs of damages to third parties and your own damages.

So, you may have to show your proof of insurance card to a police officer if he has pulled you over on the road. But what exactly is proof of insurance? Can you show proof of insurance on your phone? Is an electronic insurance card valid? Read on to find out all you need to know about these topics.

What is Proof Of Insurance?

Proof of car insurance is a document that demonstrates your vehicle has insurance coverage. It can also be called PDI by its acronym.

When you get an insurance policy for your vehicle, your insurance provider will mail you a document, your proof of insurance card. In some circumstances, you may need to provide it when you need to prove you have car insurance, for instance, if you are part of an accident, renewing your car license, or if the police pull you over.

Usually, your proof of insurance is a small card that you can carry inside your wallet, but your insurance company may also provide electronic proof of insurance. This proof of insurance shows only the elementary information about your insurance policy. It includes:

• Your name and address
• The year and make of your vehicle
• Your insurance company
• Drivers insured under the policy
• The number of your insurance policy
• The date you must renew your policy (expiration date)

In some states, proof of insurance is not a card; it might be a sticker on your license plates.

There are some states where proof of insurance is not required anymore. Meanwhile, in some others, it is still needed by the state that the cars carry these stickers. Stickers show the expiration date of your car insurance. 

How can you Get Proof of Insurance?

Usually, your car insurance company sends you proof of insurance card after you get your policy. You can print your proof of insurance card when you buy instant auto insurance online. However, this document is usually sent by mail, along with your insurance declaration page and some other material about your insurance policy.

However, car insurance has changed along with the technological world. While a few years ago you used to need a variety of documents to provide proof of insurance, now you can do it very easily from your own phone. Many insurers provide you with smartphone apps and a personal account. You can then log in and check your proof of insurance when necessary. You can acquire electronic proof of auto insurance through your company’s mobile app or as a digital document.

Is an Electronic Proof of Insurance Valid?

Any insured driver is in need of proof of car insurance, but fortunately, it has never been more accessible than now to obtain and show your proof of insurance.

Lately, drivers can electronically provide proof of insurance in an increasing number of states.

In such a way, if you live or drive in a state where you are allowed to submit electronic proof of insurance, you can use your mobile. If law enforcement officers pull you over or you must show proof of insurance for any reason, you can log into your account and just show your online document.

This electronic evidence doesn’t need to be precisely a proof of insurance card. Some states let you show an image of your insurance card on your mobile. It could be a picture of your insurance card or a pdf file.

Is Proof of Insurance Card Something you Need?

When you are going to register your car, most states require that you provide proof of insurance. As your vehicle has to be registered with your state’s DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles), you’ll have to demonstrate that you have car insurance coverage.

When you are pulled over, you will likely need to show proof of car insurance as well. Maybe a police officer asks you to prove you have insurance coverage for your vehicle. After an unfortunate accident, you may also need to prove that your car is adequately insured. If you haven’t, or if your auto insurance has expired, then you’ll get traffic tickets or, perhaps, other adverse results.

Can you show Proof of Insurance on your Phone to Another Driver?

After a car accident, exchanging contact and insurance information with the other driver you were involved in the accident is a good idea. An electronic proof of insurance allows you to easily share your insurance information and take the other driver’s as well. These electronic insurance ID cards contain the same information as regular insurance cards.

Find out from law enforcement or your local department of motor vehicles under what circumstances your state accepts electronic proof of insurance and what conditions you must meet.

Is it Convenient to show Proof of Car Insurance on your Phone?

It is undoubtedly very convenient to have your proof of insurance within a few clicks. Proof of auto insurance on your phone is fully valid and legal in states where it is allowed. Don’t hesitate to carry other forms of proof of car insurance with you, though, perhaps in your wallet or glove compartment. This will prevent you from being in a bind if your phone is lost or broken when you need it most.

At the time you need to show your proof of insurance if you are pulled over by a police officer, keep in mind to let them know in advance that your proof of insurance is on your phone and you need to take it out.

Remember that many officers expect drivers to reach into the glove compartment and may become alarmed if you reach into your pocket and think you are drawing a weapon. Just make sure you let him know what you’re doing up front.

What States allow Showing Proof of Insurance on your Phone?

In the event that the police stop you and ask you to show your proof of car insurance, you need to be sure that you can show proof of insurance on your phone. Whether or not you can use an electronic insurance card as proof of insurance depends entirely on your state law.

As shown in the image below, in virtually all states, including Washington DC, drivers are allowed to show electronic proof of insurance during a traffic stop.

In Massachusetts, vehicle registration certificates include insurance information, so you are not required to show an automobile insurance card as proof of coverage. Regarding New Mexico, digital proof of insurance is not explicitly allowed in that state. 

Finally, can you Show Proof of Car Insurance on your Phone?

Yes, in most states, it is allowed to show proof of insurance on your phone. Proof of Insurance is an essential document that proves you have obtained coverage for your vehicle and allows you, by law, to drive on the roads of the United States. For a while, electronic proof of car insurance was only legal in a few states. But currently, the laws have changed in most states, and it has become a very popular option, as it is very convenient for the insured.

So if you need to prove that you have valid auto insurance, whether to a law enforcement officer or for any other reason, don’t hesitate: you can use your smartphone to show your electronic proof of insurance.