Paper backup is non-negotiable for me, especially with my luck. I’ve had cops pull me over in the middle of nowhere—signal’s dead, battery’s at 2%, and the app just spins. No one wants to hear excuses about “my phone died.” They want to see the card, plain and simple.
Here’s how I do it: print two copies of your insurance card. One goes in the glove box, the other in your wallet. Don’t trust just your phone or the fancy digital stuff. If you ever have to switch insurance (and I’ve bounced between a few in Kentucky), make sure they send you a physical card right away. Some companies drag their feet or just email you a PDF... not helpful when you’re on the side of I-64 in the rain.
Tech is great until it fails, and it always fails at the worst time. Hard copy never lets you down—unless you spill coffee all over it, which I’ve done too. Just print another one and move on.
Couldn’t agree more about the paper backup. I’m all for tech when it works, but I’ve had that same “app spinning, no bars” moment and it’s just not worth the stress. I keep a copy in my glove box too, though I’ll admit I sometimes forget to swap it out when my policy renews... that’s bitten me before. As for insurance companies, I’ve noticed some are way better than others about mailing you real cards. Last time I switched, State Farm was quick, but Progressive just sent a PDF and called it a day. Not super helpful if you’re out in the boonies.
I hear you on the PDF thing—tried pulling one up at a gas station in rural Kentucky once and just about lost my mind. Curious, has anybody actually had a cop give them grief for not having the “official” paper card? I’ve heard mixed stories. Also, does anyone know if any companies will still mail you new cards automatically every renewal, or is that just not a thing anymore?
I’ve actually had a state trooper in Kentucky give me a hard time for showing the digital card on my phone. He didn’t ticket me, but he definitely acted like it was a big deal. I get why they want the paper, but it’s 2024—shouldn’t we be past that? As for companies mailing cards, I know Amica still sends them by default, but most others make you opt in now. It’s annoying, especially if you drive something that draws attention and you want to avoid any hassle.
I’ve wondered the same thing—why are we still stuck on paper cards when everything else is digital? I get that some officers might not trust a phone screen, but it feels kind of outdated. I actually had a friend in Louisville who got pulled over and the cop flat-out refused to look at his app, so he had to dig through his glove box for the paper backup. Makes me think twice about just relying on the digital version.
About switching insurance, do you think it’s worth picking a company just because they still mail physical cards? I mean, I like having the option, but it seems like most of them want you to “go green” now. Is there any actual rule in Kentucky about digital proof, or is it just up to whoever pulls you over? I always assumed the law was on our side, but maybe not everywhere.
