Yeah, digital cards are convenient until they're suddenly not. Honestly, I'd never rely solely on my phone for something as crucial as insurance proof—especially at the DMV or during a traffic stop. I always keep a printed copy in the glove box just in case. Tech glitches happen way too often, and the last thing you want is to be fumbling around nervously when it counts. Better safe than sorry...
Totally get where you're coming from—tech is great until it decides to bail on you at the worst moment. South Dakota actually does accept digital insurance cards officially, but like you said, relying solely on your phone can be risky. I've had clients who got stuck with dead batteries or spotty reception during a stop...not fun. Keeping a printed backup in your glove box or wallet is definitely smart. Saves you stress and keeps things smooth if your phone decides to act up.
"Keeping a printed backup in your glove box or wallet is definitely smart."
Honestly, I get the logic, but printing stuff out just feels outdated to me. Instead, here's what I'd suggest: keep a screenshot of your insurance card saved offline on your phone. No internet needed, no worries about reception. And if battery's the issue, just stash a cheap portable charger in your car. Problem solved without cluttering up your glove box with more papers you'll probably lose anyway...
"Honestly, I get the logic, but printing stuff out just feels outdated to me."
I see your point about paper feeling outdated, and your suggestion about screenshots is pretty practical. Reminds me of a client who once got pulled over late at night in rural South Dakota. He had his insurance card saved digitally, but his phone had died earlier that evening (he forgot his charger—typical!). Luckily, he had a printed backup tucked away in the glove box from months earlier, and it saved him from a ticket and a headache.
I agree digital backups are usually enough, but sometimes low-tech solutions still have their place, especially when things go sideways. Maybe it's not about cluttering your glove box, but having a simple backup plan for those rare "just in case" moments. Either way, it's good you're thinking ahead—insurance rules can be tricky enough without added stress.
I get the convenience of digital, but honestly, tech can fail at the worst times. Had a similar scare myself—phone froze up right when I needed to show proof of insurance. Luckily, I had a printed copy stashed away.
"Maybe it's not about cluttering your glove box, but having a simple backup plan..."
Exactly this. It's not about going full old-school, just covering your bases. Curious though, anyone know if SD cops accept screenshots officially, or does it have to be through an app?
