Honestly, I get the idea of having both, but I kinda worry about relying on digital proof. What if my phone’s dead or there’s no signal?
I’m leaning toward just sticking with paper for now. Maybe it’s old-school, but at least I know it’ll work even if tech fails me. Guess I’m just paranoid about getting stuck in a weird situation.I keep a crumpled backup in my glove box just in case... never hurts to have both.
Maybe it’s old-school, but at least I know it’ll work even if tech fails me. Guess I’m just paranoid about getting stuck in a weird situation.
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from. But I’ve seen folks get pulled over and scramble for a paper card that’s faded or stuck to something in the glove box. Digital proof is accepted in SD, and as long as your phone’s charged, it’s actually faster. Still, I keep both—just in case. Not a bad idea to hedge your bets.
I’m with you on the “hedge your bets” approach. I’ve definitely had a moment or two where I was digging through a pile of old receipts and napkins in the glove box, hoping my insurance card hadn’t expired. Not my proudest moments. The digital option is convenient, but there’s always that nagging feeling—what if my phone’s dead, or there’s no signal? It feels like tech fails me at the worst possible times.
From what I’ve read, South Dakota law does accept electronic proof of insurance, so technically you’re covered if you just have it on your phone. But I do wonder how every officer handles it in practice. I’ve heard stories about some being fine with a digital card, others wanting to see the paper version anyway—maybe just out of habit? Hard to say if that’s still common or just a leftover from when the law first changed.
Honestly, I keep both versions handy. The paper one’s tucked behind my registration (which is also paper—go figure), and I’ve got the app on my phone. Feels like overkill sometimes, but when you’re trying to avoid a ticket or hassle by the side of the road, it’s worth it.
One thing I’d add: make sure your digital card actually updates when your policy renews. Mine didn’t once, and I almost handed over an expired card without realizing it. That would’ve been awkward... Maybe not the end of the world, but still.
Long story short, seems like either option works in SD as long as you have something current and accessible. But yeah, old habits die hard—I still double-check before any road trip just in case.
Yeah, you’re spot on about South Dakota accepting digital proof, but I’ve seen a few officers still prefer paper—old habits, like you said. Here’s what I usually tell folks:
- Paper card in the glove box = backup for dead phone or tech hiccups.
- Digital card = super convenient, but double-check it updates with your renewal (those apps sometimes lag).
- If you ever get pulled over and the officer seems unsure, just mention the law’s on your side.
Honestly, I keep both too. It’s not overkill if it saves you a headache on the roadside.
Honestly, I’ve had a few “adventures” with this myself. Once, my phone died at a car show in Pierre—thank goodness for the crusty old paper card in my glove box. I’d add:
- Paper never runs out of battery or needs an update.
- Digital is slick, but I’ve had an app glitch right when I needed it. Not fun.
- Some officers still look at you sideways if you only have your phone. Can’t blame ‘em, really—old cars, old habits.
I keep both, just like you. Not paranoid, just practical.
