I get where you're coming from—digital proof is convenient until it isn’t. In South Dakota, they technically accept electronic insurance cards, but I’ve seen officers get skeptical if your phone’s dead or the app won’t load. I keep a paper copy in my glove box just in case. Maybe it’s overkill, but I’d rather avoid the hassle. Honestly, relying on tech 100% of the time just feels risky, especially out here where cell service can be spotty.
Paper copy in the glove box is my go-to too, even if it feels a bit old school. I mean, I’ve had my phone die at the worst times—like, not just low battery, but full-on dead when I needed to show proof of insurance. Not fun.
Honestly, relying on tech 100% of the time just feels risky, especially out here where cell service can be spotty.
Totally get that. I’m always worried about what happens if I get pulled over and my phone’s acting up. Does anyone know if they’ll actually ticket you if you can’t pull up your insurance on the spot? Or do they give you a chance to show it later? I’ve heard mixed things, and honestly, I can’t afford another ticket right now.
Also, is there a cheaper way to get those paper cards? My insurance company charges for mailing extras, which seems kinda ridiculous. Anyone just print their own at home? Wondering if that’s legit or if I’m just asking for more trouble...
Does anyone know if they’ll actually ticket you if you can’t pull up your insurance on the spot?
I’ve heard it depends on the officer, but technically they can ticket you if you don’t have proof right then. Happened to a buddy of mine—he had to show proof later to get it dropped, but still had to go to court. As for printing at home, I do it all the time. As long as it’s got the right info and looks official, never had an issue. Just double-check your state’s rules, though... some are pickier than others.
- Been there, sweated through that.
- South Dakota’s rules are kinda old school—if you can’t show proof right then, you’re probably getting a ticket, but it’s usually “fix-it” style.
- Had a cop once who looked at my phone like it was a magic trick when I pulled up my insurance app. He just shrugged and said, “Good enough.”
- Another time, different officer, wanted the paper. I handed him a crumpled printout from my glove box that looked like it’d survived a coffee spill and a toddler. Still worked.
- If you get ticketed, you can usually show proof later and it gets tossed, but it’s still a hassle.
- Honestly, I keep a paper copy in the car, a PDF on my phone, and probably one in my backpack just in case. Overkill? Maybe. But I’m not risking a court date over a technicality.
- Bottom line: South Dakota’s not the wild west, but they do like their paperwork.
- Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve had a cop in SD barely glance at my phone, but another wanted the paper, too—guess it depends on who you get. Your backup system isn’t overkill at all. Better safe than sorry, right?
