There oughta be an app for your auto insurance

This is a no-brainer.

Digging through a cluttered glove compartment to find proof of insurance while a police officer waits may soon be an antiquated frustration in Texas.

Lawmakers are considering bills that would allow drivers in the state to prove financial responsibility using a paperless method — their smartphones. Multiple versions of the bill have been filed including HB 239, authored by state Rep. Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grande City, and HB 336, authored by state Rep. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio.

The measure would allow flexibility and convenience for both consumers and peace officers but would be optional, said Guillen.

“This change would put Texas on the cutting edge,” he said.

State Rep. Gary Elkins, who chairs the House technology committee, said the state should go one step further and include proof of state registration and inspection.

[…]

Guillen also said the bill bans law enforcement agents from searching any other location on the phone and holds wireless carriers harmless of wrongdoing or failure to show proof.

Gotta say, I’m not always so good about remembering to put one of those pieces of paper in my wallet and/or my glove compartment. I’d be all over this if it were an option. Given all the other formerly printed things that you can now carry on your smartphone – boarding passes, event tickets, and so forth – I can’t think of a good reason not to allow this. Please make this happen, OK? Thanks.

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2 Responses to There oughta be an app for your auto insurance

  1. Linkmeister says:

    I get a no-fault card via email from USAA, clearly marked as “not valid as proof of insurance for Hawaii law.” It’s the one that comes in the mail on slightly heavier paper stock that counts as valid. Presumably USAA does this for a reason, so it would need to be addressed before this smartphone app alternative would replace it.

  2. Pingback: There will be an app for your auto insurance – Off the Kuff

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