"Digital backups are great, but paper never glitches out or dies mid-check."
Exactly. I keep a printed copy tucked in my glovebox for exactly this reason. Tech is convenient until it decides to randomly betray you at the worst possible moment... Learned that lesson after my phone overheated and shut down during a road trip last summer. Officer wasn't amused, but thankfully let me off with a warning. Paper might seem old-school, but reliability beats convenience every time.
"Paper might seem old-school, but reliability beats convenience every time."
Yeah, I get the appeal of digital, but honestly, paper's saved me more than once. Last winter, my phone battery tanked in the cold right when I got pulled over (again, ugh). Officer wasn't thrilled waiting for me to reboot, and neither was I—especially since fines aren't exactly cheap. Now I just print it out and stash it in the glovebox. Might seem outdated, but why risk paying extra for tech issues?
Totally agree about paper being a lifesaver sometimes. Digital's great until it isn't—like when your phone decides to update at the worst possible moment. One thing I'd add is to double-check South Dakota's rules specifically, because some states still require physical proof of insurance regardless of digital options. Had a friend get dinged for that exact reason last summer. Anyone know if SD officially accepts digital proof, or is paper still mandatory there?
Yeah, digital proof is convenient, but honestly, I'd never rely solely on it—especially in states like SD. Last I checked, South Dakota does officially accept digital insurance cards, but I've heard stories similar to your friend's where officers weren't fully aware or didn't accept it on the spot. Better safe than sorry, right? I always keep a printed copy tucked away in my glove box as backup. It's a small hassle compared to dealing with a ticket or court date later...
"Better safe than sorry, right? I always keep a printed copy tucked away in my glove box as backup."
Exactly. Digital proof is great until your phone decides to die or freeze at the worst possible moment (ask me how I know...). Here's what you do: print your insurance card, laminate it (trust me, coffee spills happen), and stash it in the glove box. Takes five minutes tops, saves you from awkward roadside debates with officers who missed the memo.
