That’s a good point about matching the right card to the right car. I once mixed up my cards and handed over my wife’s insurance for her SUV while I was in my old sedan—awkward moment. Ever since, I keep a labeled folder in the glove box for each vehicle. Digital copies are handy, but I still trust paper more, especially when cell service is spotty. Tech is great, but Murphy’s Law always seems to kick in when you least expect it.
Digital copies are handy, but I still trust paper more, especially when cell service is spotty. Tech is great, but Murphy’s Law always seems to kick in when you least expect it.
That’s a fair point—paper just feels more reliable, especially with older cars where you’re already dealing with enough unpredictability. I’ve had my share of glove box archaeology, digging through old registrations and insurance cards from cars I sold years ago. Labeling folders is a solid move.
On the South Dakota rules, it’s worth noting that the state does allow digital proof of insurance, but law enforcement can still ask for paper if there’s any issue verifying electronically. I keep both, just in case. One thing I’d add: if you’re driving something classic or antique, double-check your policy specifics. Some collector policies have restrictions on usage or mileage, and you don’t want to get caught out if you’re pulled over during a Sunday drive.
Honestly, I wish insurance companies would standardize card formats or at least make the car info more prominent. It’d save a lot of confusion when you’re juggling multiple vehicles.
I hear you on the glove box situation—last summer, I found an expired fishing license and a Taco Bell receipt from 2018 while looking for my insurance card. Ended up just keeping a paper copy in a ziplock bag after that. I tried going digital-only for a while, but one time my phone died right as I got pulled over in the Badlands, so that was fun... Now I’m with you: both paper and digital, just to cover all the bases. And yeah, collector car insurance is its own weird world—mine actually won’t cover me if I drive to work, which seems kind of random.
Yeah, collector policies are super strict about “pleasure use only.” I once had a guy get denied coverage because he stopped at the hardware store on the way to a show. It's wild. I keep my docs in a cheap envelope—no more fossilized receipts for me.
I once had a guy get denied coverage because he stopped at the hardware store on the way to a show.
- I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve seen some companies be a bit more flexible, especially if you’re not making a habit of it.
- “Pleasure use” is definitely strict, but I’ve had clients who documented their trips and just explained the odd detour—sometimes that’s enough.
- Honestly, denial for a quick hardware store stop sounds harsh. Was it a specialty collector carrier, or just a regular classic car policy?
- Keeping docs organized is smart, but I’d double-check the actual policy wording. Some underwriters are more reasonable than others.
