Is it OK to have proof of insurance on your phone?

Asked by: Henry Ziemann  |  Last update: August 17, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (27 votes)

As of September 11, 2023, 49 states and the District of Columbia permit drivers to display evidence of insurance coverage with a digital copy of the insurance card. The only exception is New Mexico as “in the absence of a clear law that permits e-proof, drivers can face a ticket even if they possess insurance”.

Is proof of insurance on phone ok?

Yes, you can provide a picture of your vehicle's insurance information. California Vehicle Code 16028 states, “The evidence of financial responsibility may be provided using a mobile electronic device.”

Is it okay to have insurance on your phone?

For the majority of people, it is. Most plans can come in handy if your device breaks, gets lost, or is stolen. They can help you avoid paying the full price of a replacement and protect you from accidents related to liquid damage and cracked screens. Plus, they give you peace of mind.

Can I use my phone as an insurance card?

Can you show proof of insurance on your phone? Some insurers, including Progressive, provide a digital insurance card that you can access on a smartphone or tablet via an app or by logging in to your account. Nearly every state allows you to show that electronic proof of insurance on your phone (your digital ID card).

What states do not allow electronic proof of insurance?

According to Allstate, the only state that currently doesn't accept digital proof of insurance is New Mexico. All 49 other states and the District of Columbia will allow drivers to show physical or digital proof of insurance.

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Can I use a picture of my insurance card?

As of October 2022, 49/50 states and Washington D.C. allow for digital proof of auto insurance rather than a printed paper ID card. The only state not currently included is New Mexico which means in Oklahoma it is perfectly acceptable, and legal, to use an electronic copy on your phone. Have a question?

Does proof of insurance need to be printed?

Customers can then show law enforcement officers proof of insurance on any digital device, including a cellphone or tablet. States that allow electronic proof also accept paper copies of insurance cards for drivers who prefer the traditional format.

How does insurance work on my phone?

What is phone insurance? Cell phone insurance is a protection plan for your phone that covers situations where it's lost, stolen or damaged. With most insurance programs, you pay month-to-month as long as your coverage continues. If you decide to discontinue your coverage, you can cancel at any time.

Do I need to carry my insurance cards with me?

You only need to carry these cards in your wallet if you're heading to an appointment where you might need them. Even if you wind up in the emergency room without your insurance card, the hospital will still treat you; they'll just get your insurance information later.

Can I use my phone instead of card?

To pay in stores using your phone, you'll need to make sure Google Pay is downloaded and set up on your phone first. Get the Google Pay app on your Android phone. It only takes a few minutes to set up Google Pay on your phone. You'll need your credit or debit card info handy to get the app set up.

Are mobile phones insured?

Your smartphone might already be covered by your home insurance for things like loss or damage due to fire, flooding or theft from your home. Or you might be able to add cover for your mobile as an optional policy add-on. But there are often limitations, including how much you can claim for a single item.

How long should you keep insurance on your iPhone?

If you buy a phone through an installment plan, you should carry phone insurance until you've made the last payment. When purchasing an expensive phone, you should consider keeping insurance as long as it has a high resale or trade-in value.

Do mobile apps need insurance?

Clients, landlords, or state laws may require app developers to get insured. Business insurance could prevent financial loss in the event of an injury, property damage, lawsuit, or data breach.

Where to keep a car insurance card?

Consider this: you're asked to show proof of auto insurance at a traffic stop and you have to hand the officer your unlocked phone. It's always best to keep a paper copy of that insurance card in your glove compartment or console.

Can insurance cover a stolen phone?

Most people don't realize this, but renters and homeowners insurance do cover your phone in certain specific circumstances. These insurance policies generally automatically cover your phone (and other stuff) for things like theft, vandalism, fire, and other damages ('perils,' in insurance speak).

Is it safe to text insurance card?

It's Illegal! The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) says that you cannot communi- cate any PHI (Protected Health Information) via any means or medium that is not encrypted. Standard email/texting is not encrypted.

Should I put my insurance card in my wallet?

You should always keep your health insurance card in a safe, but accessible place. Most people carry their health insurance card in their wallet or purse. Your insurance ID card is like a passport or driver's license, it gives you access to care and coverage.

How much money should you carry in your wallet?

Carry at least a day's worth of expenses

While this can vary depending on your day-to-day spending habits, Harrison recommends thinking of how much money you rely on to get through your normal 24 hours. This may include commuting expenses, such as paying highway tolls or parking fees.

Should you carry your social security card in your wallet?

Carrying your Social Security Card puts you at unnecessary risk if your wallet is lost or stolen. Even though you may need your physical Social Security card in select scenarios, in most cases, it's perfectly sufficient to provide your number (or the last four digits) verbally.

Is insurance card on phone OK?

From 1 January 2025, UK motorists can use a digital Green Card on a mobile device as proof of valid motor insurance, instead of carrying a printed copy, when taking a vehicle to any country in the Green Card system.

Is it worth having insurance on your cell phone?

If you're not prepared to spend hundreds of dollars to repair or replace your phone at any moment, cell phone insurance can save you time, money, and the headache of being stranded with a broken phone.

Can you add insurance on your phone?

Compare cell phone insurance plans

Compared to paying $1,000 for a new iPhone, a two-year iPhone insurance plan through Progressive costs as little as $8 per month. Plus, you can make unlimited claims, and you can purchase a plan regardless of whether your iPhone or Android is new or refurbished.

Do you need to keep paper copies of insurance policies?

Generally, you should keep most insurance documents for at least as long as the policy is in effect or, if your policy has ended, until any still-open claims are settled.

Can I use a picture of my health insurance card?

Can I use a picture of my health insurance card? Yes, in many cases, you can use a health insurance card picture for verification during medical visits. However, check with your healthcare provider, as some may still require a physical or digital insurance card.

Can you show proof of insurance on your phone in Texas?

If you're looking to show proof of auto insurance in Texas, you'll be relieved to know that drivers have options. Texans can now show proof of insurance by phone, making electronic proof of insurance a viable way to carry your coverage information.