Is printing it out yourself enough, or does it need to be the official mailed copy from your insurance company? I'm just trying to avoid extra fees... digital seems easier, but now I'm second-guessing it.
Pretty sure digital's fine in SD, but honestly, I'd print one out clearly and keep it handy just in case your phone dies or something weird happens. Better safe than sorry—avoiding fees is great, but avoiding hassle is even better...
Digital might be acceptable officially, but I agree it's always wise to have a printed copy handy. I've had my phone battery randomly die on me, especially on longer drives—nothing worse than scrambling for paperwork when you're pulled over. On a related note, does anyone know if SD has specific requirements for classic or vintage vehicles regarding proof of insurance, or is it the same as regular cars? I've heard some states handle classics differently...
Had a similar situation last summer—my phone overheated and shut down mid-trip, and of course, that's when I got pulled over for a busted taillight. Thankfully, I had a printed insurance card in the glove box. As for SD, I'm pretty sure classic vehicles follow the same insurance proof requirements as regular cars. But classics sometimes have special registration rules or plates, so I'd double-check with the DMV just to be safe...
"Thankfully, I had a printed insurance card in the glove box."
Ha, smart move. Can't tell you how many times I've seen people stuck relying on phones that decide to take a nap at the worst possible moment. Classic cars usually do follow the standard insurance proof rules in SD—at least from what I've seen at work—but you're right about registration and plates being a different ballgame sometimes. I remember a guy once who assumed his antique plate exempted him from certain requirements... nope, still needed proof of insurance just like everyone else. DMV's definitely your best bet for specifics, though. Rules can change, and it's always better safe than sorry.
