Are Electronic Insurance Cards Legal in Texas
Q: Can I provide digital proof of insurance and registration if I am arrested in Texas? The State Financial Liability Act requires drivers to have minimum liability insurance for their vehicle. Liability insurance pays for the repair of the other driver`s car if that driver is not at fault. He also pays for medical expenses for other people involved in an accident. Texas law currently requires a minimum coverage of $30,000 per injured person under Transportation Code 601.072, up to a total of $60,000 for anyone injured in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This basic coverage is called 30/60/25 coverage. Convincing the soldier without proof can be a waste of time. No matter how many excuses you can find, he will always quote you for the driving offense for which he originally arrested you, as well as for your inability to demonstrate that you can legally drive a vehicle on Texas highways. As with any app, some people love it and want to use it,” said Merritt Vaughn, a state agricultural agent in Amarillo. Some people don`t want to change anything.
They want their cards printed, but we know this is the future. Answer: Yes, it should be sufficient to provide an electronic copy of the insurance to a state official during a traffic control. There are 6 other states that allow insurance verification with a mobile phone: Alabama, Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, and Minnesota. Electronic proof of coverage is one of the hottest insurance legislative trends for 2013, according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). In addition to Texas, 21 other states are considering adding this feature. “Anyone who had a paper ID in the car wasn`t always a valid ID card. It bypasses all of that. That`s right, it`s on time, when they present it, everyone can be sure it`s an active valid insurance card,” Vaughn said. Whether you`re old school and prefer to take the paper proof of the insurance card with you, or you prefer to use your smartphone to provide electronic proof – don`t worry – either will be accepted the next time you`re arrested by a state soldier or local police officer.
Thanks to legislation that currently makes Texas one of 24 states in the United States that allow drivers to use their smartphones to view electronic evidence, you now have everything at your fingertips. Although roadside checks continue to work as before, the new law only allows the driver to present the paper version of his proof of insurance or simply turn on his smartphone with the right application software downloaded for his insurer and display a digital version of the card at the request of a police officer. A bill introduced by the honourable senator. Glenn Hegar, R-Katy, is now deceased, allowing Texans to present proof of auto liability insurance on their mobile phone or wireless device. Senator Hegar says, “This is just another step in the 21st century for Texans. By law, Texas drivers are required to purchase auto insurance at all times. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, drivers should have as much coverage as possible, but the requirements only apply to a defined minimum of liability coverage. Currently, these are: A new law in Texas makes it acceptable to use a cell phone in the car. But only when it comes to proving that you have car insurance. According to the Texas Tribune, a law was passed in 2013 that allows motorists to see proof of insurance on their smartphones.
Most major auto insurance companies offer apps that allow you to easily access your policy. Unless you`re one of the few people who doesn`t own a smartphone, you no longer have to worry about not finding your proof of insurance in Texas. Being stopped by a state soldier or local law enforcement agency can usually be a nerve-wracking experience in all circumstances, especially if you`ve ever been caught without your precious paper insurance card showing that you really have auto insurance. State soldiers always suggest carrying the paper card in your car, just in case. But from now on, e-evidence should work well. Are you sure you`re getting the best price for your car insurance? Freeway Insurance can offer you a variety of great car insurance deals to choose from. Get the best coverage at the best price by getting a free online auto insurance quote today. Texas is now one of 23 states where it is legal to provide proof of insurance by drawing the policy card on your smartphone. Remember, this is for anyone who intends to drive on Texas roads, even if you`re from out of state and you`re just passing through. State law does not require drivers to incur additional costs of PIP bodily injury or any other type of insurance coverage beyond the minimum. As always, the final cost of car insurance depends on a number of factors.
As a result, coverage rates can vary greatly from one insurer and driver to another. That`s why you should consult an insurance agent to get an offer to live with. Copyright 2021 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved. He believes the app will be beneficial as an option for everyone. “There are already a lot of people doing this in vehicles that I`ve stopped in the past, where they`ve presented this,” said Chris Ray, a senior state official. “Of course, this has not been acceptable so far,” he added. It may go without saying, but producing quality journalism is not cheap. At a time when newsroom resources and revenues across the country are dwindling, the Texas Tribune remains committed to maintaining its mission: to create a more engaged and knowledgeable Texas with every story we report, every event we host, and every newsletter we send. As a non-profit newsroom, we rely on our members to keep our stories free and events accessible to the public.
Do you enjoy our journalism? Show us your support. This can significantly reduce the tension for the motorist if he cannot find his card or if he has not managed to change the expired card with the new one. Caution: Always inform the officer that you are reaching your smartphone instead of making unnecessary sudden movements that could cause a dangerous situation for both of you. The reason given by the Texas Insurance Board for proposing new police card legislation, known as Senate Bill 181, passed during the 83rd Legislature, was to take an important step toward Texas` entry into the technological era where smartphones have become an increasingly important part of communications. For vehicle registration, all drivers must present it by affixing a valid Texas Department of Motor Vehicle registration sticker to the front window of the vehicle. The new Act amends section 601.053 of the Transportation Act to allow standard proof of automobile liability insurance in the form of an image on a wireless communication device. The Bill also ensures the confidentiality of the wireless device by adding that the display of an image containing financial responsibility information on a wireless communication device does not constitute effective consent for a law enforcement officer or other person to access the content of the wireless communication device, except to post information on financial responsibility. Do you have a burning question related to H-Town? Send it to us and we will try to find an answer. • $30,000 per injured person • $60,000 for anyone injured in an accident • $25,000 for property damage o This basic coverage is called 30/60/25 coverage.