Paper backup just covers all the bases.
Honestly, couldn’t agree more with the “paper backup just covers all the bases” mindset. I’ve seen too many people rely on their phones and end up in a bind. Digital is convenient—until it isn’t. I always tell folks, a printed insurance card costs nothing but a few cents, and it can save you a world of hassle if you’re stranded or if tech fails you. It’s not about being paranoid, it’s just practical, especially with South Dakota winters.
a printed insurance card costs nothing but a few cents, and it can save you a world of hassle if you’re stranded or if tech fails you.
That’s true, but I’ve run into folks who forget to update their paper cards after a renewal. Then you’ve got the right coverage but the wrong dates on your backup—kind of defeats the purpose. Do you keep both old and new cards, or just swap them out? I’m always a bit paranoid about tossing the old one too soon...
I’m always a bit paranoid about tossing the old one too soon...
I totally get that feeling. I usually keep the old card tucked in my glovebox for a month or two after the new one arrives, just in case there’s some weird overlap or I need proof for something retroactive. But yeah, it’s easy to end up with a stack of outdated cards if you’re not careful. I try to make a habit of swapping them out right when I get the renewal notice—less clutter, less confusion. It’s not a perfect system, but it’s saved me some headaches on long trips.
I get where you’re coming from—insurance stuff in SD can be weirdly vague sometimes. I’ve had my share of “wait, is this card still good?” moments, especially after a renewal. Like you said:
I’m always a bit paranoid about tossing the old one too soon...
Honestly, I don’t think that’s a bad instinct. Here’s how I usually handle it, just to keep my bases covered (and yeah, I’ve had a couple tickets, so I’m extra careful):
1. When the new card comes in, I check the dates right away. Sometimes there’s a gap or overlap, and you don’t want to get caught with an expired one if you get pulled over.
2. I keep the old card in the glovebox for at least a month, just in case there’s some weird delay with the new one showing up in their system. Had a cop once who wanted to see both, which was odd, but whatever.
3. After that, I’ll shred the old one. I used to just toss them in the glovebox, but then I ended up with a pile of expired cards and couldn’t tell which was which in a hurry. Not fun when you’re on the side of the road.
4. If you’re worried about proof for something retroactive, maybe snap a pic of the old card before you get rid of it. That way you’ve got a record, but you’re not carrying around extra paper.
I get the urge to hang onto everything “just in case,” but honestly, it can make things messier. South Dakota cops seem to care most about the current dates matching up, at least in my experience. Still, your system of keeping the old one for a bit isn’t overkill—if anything, it’s smart. I’d just say, don’t let the glovebox turn into a filing cabinet like mine did for a while.
If you ever get pulled over and there’s any confusion, just be upfront. Most officers I’ve dealt with are reasonable if you can show you’re insured, even if you have an extra card or two floating around. It’s the folks with nothing at all who get in real trouble.
Anyway, you’re not alone in being cautious. Insurance rules aren’t always as clear as they should be, but your approach sounds pretty solid to me.
Do you know if digital proof (like showing the card on your phone) is actually accepted everywhere in SD? I’ve heard mixed things from friends—some say it’s fine, others say the cop wanted the physical card. Just curious what people have run into.
