Clear ID badge holders are a great idea—practical and professional-looking! Zip-lock bags definitely have that sandwich vibe, haha... but honestly, as long as your info stays dry and legible, you're good. I've seen people even use those small waterproof pouches hikers carry, which seem pretty sturdy. The important thing is having your insurance info accessible and protected, especially in unpredictable weather or roadside situations. Sounds like you've already got a solid system figured out.
Haha, zip-lock bags definitely scream "lunchtime leftovers," but hey, whatever works! I actually went through a similar thing last winter—my insurance card got soaked in a snowstorm. Here's my foolproof method now: step one, laminate the card (cheap and easy at any office store); step two, pop it into one of those clear badge holders you mentioned; step three, stash it in the glovebox. Dry, legible, and sandwich-free...mostly. Sounds like you're already ahead of the game though.
Laminating is solid advice, but just a heads-up: some states and insurance companies actually advise against laminating official cards. I found out the hard way when I laminated mine and got a polite lecture from a state trooper during a routine stop in Minnesota. Now I just stick to those clear badge holders—cheap, easy to swap out, and no lectures. Might wanna double-check South Dakota's stance on laminating before sealing the deal...
Yeah, laminating always seemed like a hassle to me anyway—too permanent and kinda pricey for what it is. Those clear badge holders are definitely the way to go. I grabbed a pack of five for like three bucks at the dollar store, and they've lasted me forever. But now I'm curious... does anyone know if digital insurance cards are accepted in South Dakota, or is it strictly paper-only? Seems like that'd solve the whole laminating issue altogether.
Digital cards are handy for sure, but honestly, I'd still keep a paper backup in South Dakota. Last summer, I drove through there on my way out west and got pulled over (nothing major, just a busted taillight—classic road trip luck). Anyway, when the officer asked for insurance proof, I showed him the digital card on my phone. He accepted it without hassle, but mentioned that not every officer might be cool with digital-only. Apparently SD law allows digital proof, but some rural areas or older officers might prefer paper still.
Here's what I'd do: keep your insurance PDF saved offline on your phone (in case signal gets sketchy), but also print a cheap black-and-white copy and stash it in one of those badge holders you mentioned. No laminating needed—just fold it neatly, slip it in, and toss it in the glovebox. Cheap insurance against any potential hassle or confusion... especially when you're out exploring remote spots!
