Confused about insurance rules in South Dakota—help me figure this out

I’ve actually been pulled over in South Dakota and the officer was fine with the digital card on my phone, but I still get nervous about it. What if my phone’s dead or there’s no signal? I keep a paper copy just in case, even though it feels a bit old-school. The glove box does get messy, though... I wish insurance companies would just send one card and be done with it.

I get what you mean about the nerves with digital cards. It’s convenient until you start thinking about all the “what ifs.” I’m the same way—my phone’s battery is usually fine, but there’s always that one time when it’s at 3% and you’re stuck hoping you don’t get pulled over. And yeah, cell service in South Dakota can be spotty, especially if you’re out on those long stretches between towns.

Honestly, I don’t think keeping a paper copy is old-school at all. It’s just being prepared. I’ve got this little folder in my glove box with insurance, registration, and a few random napkins (because, well... life). It’s not the neatest system, but it beats scrambling for a signal or trying to remember my insurance app password under pressure.

I do wish insurance companies would streamline things. Mine sends me like three cards every renewal cycle—one for each car and then an extra for some reason? They all look the same, so I end up double-checking expiration dates and VINs just to be sure. It’s kind of ridiculous.

At the end of the day, having both digital and paper feels like the safest bet. Maybe it’s overkill, but I’d rather have a messy glove box than an awkward conversation with a state trooper because my phone died. You’re definitely not alone in wanting things to be simpler, though.

At the end of the day, having both digital and paper feels like the safest bet. Maybe it’s overkill, but I’d rather have a messy glove box than an awkward conversation with a state trooper because my phone died.

Couldn’t agree more about the “messy glove box” approach. I’ve got a whole stack of insurance cards in mine—some of them probably expired, but I figure it’s better to have too many than not enough. Honestly, with my old ‘72 Chevelle, I don’t even trust that the digital stuff would work if I needed it. Half the time my phone’s buried under receipts or wedged between the seats anyway.

I do think there’s something to be said for the old-school way. Maybe it’s just nostalgia talking, but paper copies have never let me down. Digital cards are great until you’re in a dead zone or your screen decides to freeze up right when you need it. And yeah, those long stretches in South Dakota? I’ve been out there for car shows and you can go miles without seeing another soul, let alone a cell tower.

The thing that gets me is how insurance companies keep changing up the cards every renewal. Like you said, they all look identical except for some tiny print. I’ve mixed up my daily driver’s card with my classic more than once. You’d think by now they’d color-code them or at least make it easier to tell which is which at a glance.

Curious if anyone’s actually had a cop give them grief for showing a digital card out there? Or if anyone’s ever been in a situation where having just the paper copy saved their bacon? I’ve always wondered if I’m being paranoid carrying all this paperwork, but it seems like most folks still do it.

And hey, random napkins in the glove box are basically a requirement. You never know when you’ll need one for coffee spills or wiping down chrome.

Honestly, I’m with you on the paper backup. I’ve seen too many folks get stuck when their phone’s dead or the app won’t load—especially out in the sticks where service is spotty at best. That said, I’ve also had a few clients tell me some troopers in SD are totally fine with digital, while others still want to see the old-school card. It’s inconsistent, which is half the problem. And yeah, the insurance companies really need to step up their game with those cards—color-coding would save a lot of headaches. I’d rather have a cluttered glove box than risk a ticket over something so basic.

Honestly, I get the frustration.

I’ve also had a few clients tell me some troopers in SD are totally fine with digital, while others still want to see the old-school card.