Totally get where you’re coming from. Had a similar thing happen with my old Tahoe a couple years back—dead battery, middle of nowhere, and my phone was useless because it froze up in the cold. I’ve always kept the paper insurance card in the glove box, mostly out of habit, but man, that day it really saved me some hassle. I know everyone’s all about digital everything now, but when tech fails (and it does), having a backup just makes sense.
I’ve heard South Dakota accepts digital proof, but honestly, I’d rather not gamble on my phone working when I need it most. Maybe it’s just old-school thinking, but sometimes the simple way is just less stressful.
Honestly, I get wanting a backup, but I’ve stopped carrying the paper card to cut down on clutter. My phone’s always charged and in a case, so I just trust the digital copy. Haven’t had an issue yet, even in winter. Guess it’s just one less thing to keep track of.
Honestly, you’re not alone—tons of people are ditching the paper cards these days. South Dakota does allow digital proof of insurance, so you’re totally fine showing it on your phone if you get pulled over. I’ve seen more folks go that route, especially since most of us have our phones glued to us anyway.
That said, I’ve had a couple clients who ran into issues when their phone died at the worst possible moment (dead battery in the cold, or just forgetting to charge). It’s rare, but it happens. If you’re comfortable with just the digital copy and your phone’s always good to go, you’re probably set. Maybe just double-check your phone’s charged before heading out in those subzero temps... but honestly, it sounds like you’ve got a good system that works for you. Less clutter is always a win in my book.
“Maybe just double-check your phone’s charged before heading out in those subzero temps...”
That’s solid advice, but do you ever actually remember to check your battery before leaving the house? I swear mine’s always at 15% when I need it most. I keep a paper copy tucked in my glove box just in case—costs nothing, takes up zero space, and it’s there if my phone decides to freeze (literally or figuratively). Anyone else still carrying backup, or am I just paranoid?
I actually think keeping a paper copy is smart, not paranoid. I’ve seen people get stuck in a fender bender and their phone’s dead or too cold to work, and then they’re scrambling for info they need for insurance or to call for help. It’s just one of those things that seems old-school until you really need it.
Out here, especially with the weather, batteries drain fast. Even if you think your phone’s good to go, it can drop to zero real quick in subzero temps. I keep a printed copy of my insurance card and registration in my car, plus I stash an extra charger in the glove box. It’s not just about accidents either—sometimes you need to show proof at a checkpoint or if you get pulled over.
Technically, South Dakota law says you can show digital proof, but if your phone’s out of juice, that doesn’t help much. Paper backup just covers all the bases. Maybe it’s a little over-prepared, but I’d rather avoid the hassle.
