Tell me about it—my glove box is a black hole for paperwork. I just keep insurance and registration on top, everything else gets tossed. Honestly, I’ve never had anyone ask for more than that during a stop. Digital’s great until your phone’s dead... then what?
I hear you on the glove box chaos. Here’s how I handle it:
- Insurance and registration on top, just like you.
- Keep a paper copy of both, even though I have digital backups. Phones die at the worst times.
- I also stash a photocopy of my license, just in case. Not required, but it’s saved me hassle once when my wallet slid under the seat.
- Illinois only asks for proof of insurance and registration if you’re pulled over. Never been asked for anything else.
- Honestly, digital is convenient, but nothing beats paper when tech fails.
I probably overthink it, but I’d rather be over-prepared than scrambling on the shoulder.
Honestly, I’ve seen way too many people get tripped up by relying only on their phones for proof. Had a claim last winter where the driver’s phone was dead and it turned a quick fender-bender into a 45-minute ordeal. I always tell folks—paper copies are old school, but they work when nothing else does. The photocopy of your license is smart, too. Not technically required, but if you ever need to ID yourself and your wallet’s MIA, it can save a ton of hassle. Over-prepared beats under-prepared every time in my book.
I get where you’re coming from about paper copies, but honestly, I’ve just kept everything digital for years and haven’t had any major issues. Most cops around here seem fine with pulling up insurance on your phone, and I’d rather not carry extra stuff if I don’t have to. That said, I do keep my phone charged and a backup battery in the glove box—maybe that’s my version of “over-prepared.” I guess it depends on what you’re comfortable with, but I haven’t felt the need to go back to paper yet.
I hear you, but after a couple of run-ins where my phone was dead or the app glitched, I started carrying a paper copy again. Maybe it’s just my luck, but I’d rather not risk it—especially with my driving record. Digital’s great until it isn’t, you know?
