Honestly, I get the whole paper backup thing, but isn’t there a risk with that too? Like, what if your glove box gets cleaned out and you forget to put the new card in, or it gets lost under the seat? I’ve had that happen and didn’t realize my proof was expired until I needed it. I kinda wish there was a way to just have a sticker or something on your plate that shows you’re insured, like registration tags. Would save a lot of hassle and stress, especially for folks like me who are always worried about missing something.
Yeah, I get what you mean about losing the card. I’ve had mine fall out of my wallet and end up under the seat for weeks. Honestly, I just started taking a photo of my insurance card on my phone. Not sure if every cop will accept that, but it’s better than nothing if you’re stuck. The sticker idea would be way easier, though… less to keep track of.
I get the idea behind snapping a pic of your card, but I’ve actually heard mixed things about whether that flies in Iowa. My cousin got pulled over last year and the officer wouldn’t accept his phone image—said it had to be the physical card or a legit digital version from the insurance app. Maybe it depends on the cop? Anyway, I just keep a backup card in my glove box now. Not perfect, but at least it’s there if my wallet goes missing again...
Maybe it depends on the cop?
That’s what I’m thinking too. Had a buddy try to show a photo once and the trooper just shook his head—didn’t care. I keep a paper card in the sun visor now. Curious, has anyone actually had luck with just the insurance app in Iowa?
Yeah, it’s hit or miss. I’ve had a trooper in Iowa accept the app once, but another time the deputy wanted the paper card—wouldn’t even look at my phone. Guess it depends on their mood or maybe department policy. I just keep both handy now, just in case.