"Exactly this. It's not about going full old-school, just covering your bases."
Couldn't agree more. Digital is great until it isn't. Had a similar issue myself—phone battery died right when I got pulled over for a busted taillight. Thankfully, I had a printed copy tucked away in the glove box. Officer didn't even blink, just glanced at it and handed it back.
As for SD specifically, from what I've heard, screenshots are usually fine as long as they're clear and show all the necessary info (policy number, dates, your name, etc.). But honestly, it can depend on the officer you get. Some might be sticklers and prefer seeing it through an official app or website to verify it's current. Others might just glance quickly and move on.
My advice? Don't rely solely on screenshots. They're handy, sure, but if your phone freezes or dies, you're out of luck. Keep a printed backup somewhere in your car—doesn't have to clutter your glove box either. I keep mine folded neatly in a small envelope tucked behind the visor. Out of sight, out of mind...until you need it.
Bottom line: tech fails happen at the worst possible moments. Having a simple backup plan saves you stress and possibly a ticket. Good call on keeping that printed copy handy.
"tech fails happen at the worst possible moments."
Haha, isn't that the truth... I've had my GPS app crash right in the middle of nowhere, and suddenly I'm digging through old maps stuffed under the seat. Good call on the printed backup—honestly hadn't thought about tucking it behind the visor. Might have to steal that idea for my next road trip. Thanks for sharing your setup!
Tech glitches definitely have a knack for timing. A couple years back, I was driving through rural South Dakota when my phone decided to overheat and shut down completely—right as I was trying to confirm some insurance details after a minor fender-bender. Luckily, I'd printed out my policy info beforehand (old habits die hard), but it was still stressful. Ever since then, I've made sure to keep physical copies handy... tech is great, but backups are essential.
Totally agree about keeping physical copies handy. Another thing I've found helpful is to keep a quick-reference card in the glove compartment with key insurance details—policy number, emergency contact, and basic coverage info. Phones can fail for all sorts of reasons (battery drain, overheating, signal loss...), so having a simple backup like that can save you from unnecessary stress. Plus, it's quicker to hand over to someone else if you're shaken up after an accident.
Haha, yeah, phones always seem to pick the worst moments to die or lose signal. Another tip—make sure your quick-reference card is laminated or at least in a plastic sleeve. Learned that the hard way after spilling coffee all over mine...not exactly helpful when your policy number looks like abstract art. Also, jotting down your agent's direct line can save you from endless automated menus when you're already stressed out.