Totally agree about the phone issues. Had a client once who swore by digital proof until he dropped his phone in a puddle right before a traffic stop near Rapid City. Officer was understanding, but it took forever to sort out. Digital's convenient, sure, but tech glitches always seem to happen at the worst possible moment... Paper backup just seems like cheap insurance against Murphy's Law, doesn't it?
I get your point about paper being reliable, but isn't it possible to safeguard digital proof too? Like, what if you saved a screenshot or PDF of your insurance card offline, or even emailed it to yourself as a backup? I mean, paper can get lost or damaged just as easily—coffee spills, anyone? I'm new to this insurance stuff, so genuinely curious if digital backups might be just as safe if we plan ahead a little...
"paper can get lost or damaged just as easily—coffee spills, anyone?"
True, but digital backups aren't foolproof either... phones die, files corrupt, or you might accidentally delete stuff. I'd say keep both handy—digital for convenience, paper as a backup. Better safe than sorry, right?
Good point about digital backups—ever had your phone battery die right when you needed to show proof of insurance? Happened to me once at a traffic stop... awkward moment. Since then, I've kept a printed copy tucked away in the glove box just in case. Digital's great for convenience, but paper can really save you from those unexpected tech fails. Maybe having both is the safest bet?
Yeah, digital is handy until it isn't, right? Most states—including South Dakota—accept digital proof of insurance now, but you're spot-on about tech fails. Batteries die, screens crack, apps glitch... Murphy's law at its finest. Honestly, keeping both digital and paper copies is the smartest move. Plus, some officers still prefer paper since it's quicker and easier to verify. Better safe than sorry, especially in those awkward roadside moments.
