I still keep my “just in case” folder because you never know when someone’s gonna ask for your birth certificate or a blood sample or something ridiculous.
Honestly, I do the same thing. Here’s how I handle it: 1) Keep registration and insurance in the glove box, 2) Store all the extra stuff (maintenance records, etc.) in a folder at home. I’ve never had anyone ask for more than the basics during a stop, but I get paranoid about losing paperwork. Maybe it’s overkill, but better safe than sorry... right?
I get where you’re coming from—my glove box is basically a paperwork graveyard at this point. Years ago, I got pulled over and realized I had three expired insurance cards in there, but not the current one. Officer just laughed and let me pull it up on my phone, but after that, I started keeping a folder at home with all the “just in case” stuff too. Maybe it’s a little much, but hey, I’d rather dig through my own mess than try to track down a lost title or something later.
Honestly, I think you’re onto something with the home folder. I tried to Marie Kondo my glove box once and just ended up with a pile of “important” papers I couldn’t identify. Better to have it all in one spot—even if it’s a little overkill.
I tried to Marie Kondo my glove box once and just ended up with a pile of “important” papers I couldn’t identify.
Haha, this is way too relatable. I thought I was being all organized by putting my insurance stuff in a folder, but now I have like three folders and still can’t find anything when I need it. Honestly, I’m not even sure which card is the current one half the time. Maybe “organized chaos” is just how it’s meant to be? At least if it’s all in one spot, you’re not tearing apart your car at the gas station...
Honestly, I see this all the time—people with a stack of insurance cards and no clue which one’s current. Here’s a trick: grab all the cards, check the “effective date” (usually top right or left), and toss anything expired. Keep just the latest one in your glove box. If you want to go full nerd, snap a pic on your phone too. That way, even if your glove box turns into a paper jungle again, you’ve got a backup. South Dakota does allow digital proof, so you’re covered either way.
