I get where you’re coming from, but isn’t there a middle ground? I mean,
—yeah, that happens, but what about just taking a screenshot of your insurance card and saving it in your photos? That way, even if you’re offline or the app glitches, you’ve still got proof. I’ve done a bunch of long road trips through the Dakotas and Montana, and that backup has saved me a couple of times. Paper’s good, but sometimes it gets lost or crumpled too. Guess it’s all about having a plan B, whatever form that takes.“Phones die, apps crash, data doesn’t load...”
That’s a fair point—having a screenshot is definitely better than relying on just the app. I still get a little nervous about whether law enforcement in every state will accept a digital copy, though. Has anyone actually had to show a screenshot to an officer in South Dakota or Montana? I’ve always kept a paper copy in the glove box just in case, but I wonder if that’s overkill these days...
I hear you on the nerves about digital copies. I’ve wondered the same thing, honestly. Here’s how I’ve handled it after a couple decades of driving around these parts—maybe it’ll help.
Step one: I always keep the paper insurance card in the glove box. It’s old-school, but it’s never failed me, and it doesn’t need a battery or cell signal. Plus, if you ever get pulled over in the middle of nowhere (which, let’s be real, is half of South Dakota and most of Montana), you don’t want to be fiddling with your phone while the trooper stands there waiting.
Step two: I do take a screenshot of my insurance info every time my policy renews. That way, if I ever lose the paper or spill coffee all over it (guilty), I’ve got a backup. I keep it favorited in my photos app so I’m not scrolling through 200 pictures of my dog to find it.
Step three: I checked both SD and MT’s DMV sites a while back, and they technically say digital proof is fine. But here’s the catch—some officers are more comfortable with it than others. Had a buddy get pulled over near Rapid City last year, showed his phone, and the trooper just shrugged and said “works for me.” But another friend in rural Montana got some side-eye and a “next time bring the paper” comment. Guess it just depends who you get.
Is it overkill to keep the paper? Maybe. But I’d rather have it and not need it than get stuck trying to explain my phone died or the app crashed. Plus, glove boxes are basically made for random paperwork, right? At least that’s how mine looks...
Anyway, that’s my two cents. I’m probably paranoid, but between tech glitches and patchy cell service, I’ll stick with both for now.
I’m with you on the “better safe than sorry” approach. I keep my paper card in the glove box too, but I’ll admit, I’m not always great about swapping it out when my policy renews. The screenshot trick is smart—never thought to favorite it, but that would save me from scrolling past a million food pics.
One thing I’ve wondered: has anyone actually had an officer refuse a digital copy outright? Like, not just give you a hard time, but actually say “nope, that doesn’t count”? I get the feeling most just want to see something official and move on, but maybe I’m being too optimistic.
Also, for anyone who’s budget-minded like me—does your insurance company charge for mailing extra paper cards? Mine does if you want more than two, which seems silly but adds up if you’ve got multiple cars or drivers. Curious if that’s just my provider being stingy or if it’s common everywhere.
I’ve actually had the opposite experience—last year, I was pulled over and only had my phone with the digital card. The officer barely glanced at it and seemed totally fine, didn’t even mention wanting paper. Honestly, I think most just care that it’s valid and current, not the format. As for charging for extra cards, my insurer doesn’t charge but they only send two by default. It does seem a bit petty to nickel-and-dime for extra copies... but maybe that’s just how some companies operate these days.
