I’m with you on the “just in case” approach. I’ve had my phone die at the worst possible time—once right as I was getting pulled over for a busted taillight. Luckily, I had the paper copy stashed away, so it saved me a headache. I get wanting to go all digital, but honestly, it’s not worth the gamble for me. Especially since I drive out in the sticks a lot and cell service is hit or miss.
About the discount thing, yeah, I tried to argue that with my agent too. No dice. They only care about saving on mailing statements, not whether you’re using digital proof at a stop. Kind of a bummer, but I guess every little bit helps.
Never heard of anyone actually getting ticketed for showing digital proof either, but I’ve definitely gotten that “really?” look from an officer before. Maybe it’s just habit for them to expect paper. Either way, keeping both is cheap insurance against a hassle.
That’s wild—my phone died once right as I was trying to pull up my insurance app after a fender bender. Not my best moment. I’m with you, having both is just less stress. But I’ve always wondered, is there actually a law in SD that says digital proof is 100% fine, or is it just “accepted” and up to the officer? I’ve read conflicting stuff online. Also, does anyone actually get a discount for going paperless, or is that just a myth agents use to get us off their backs?
I’ve actually been pulled over in SD and just showed my phone—no issues at all, the officer didn’t even blink. But I get what you mean, it always feels like a risk if your battery’s low or the app won’t load. As for the paperless discount, I’ve never seen anything more than a couple bucks off, if that. Feels more like a way for them to save on postage than to give us a real break. I still keep a paper card in my glovebox just in case... old habits die hard.
I totally get the worry about relying on your phone—tech is great until it isn’t. I always keep a paper card tucked away too, just in case. Those paperless discounts barely make a dent, honestly. Seems more like a convenience for them than us.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot since I started shopping for insurance. It’s wild how everything’s supposed to be “paperless” now, but I’m always worried my phone will die at the worst possible time. Or like, what if you’re in a spot with no service and you need to show proof? I know some apps let you download your card, but I swear I’d still manage to lose it in the sea of random screenshots and memes on my camera roll.
Funny thing—my cousin actually got pulled over near Pierre last winter and couldn’t pull up his insurance on his phone because it froze up (the phone, not the weather… though that too). The cop was chill about it, but still, he got a warning and had to bring proof to the station later. Ever since then, I’m paranoid. I keep a paper card in my glove box, one in my wallet, and honestly, if I could tattoo my policy number on my arm without looking nuts, I’d probably consider it.
And yeah, those paperless discounts are kind of a joke. I mean, sure, saving a couple bucks is nice, but it’s not like it covers the cost of a new phone battery when yours gives up after three years. Seems like it saves them way more hassle than it does for us. Maybe I’m just old-school cautious, but I’d rather have backup than get stuck explaining myself to a state trooper on a back road.
Not sure if there’s an official rule in South Dakota about having to carry a paper copy, but after hearing my cousin’s story, I’m not taking any chances. Better safe than sorry, right?
