California auto insurance has just taken a high tech step forward with electronic proof of coverage.
Rooting around to find proof of coverage when you’ve been pulled over is about to become a thing of the past as California auto insurance goes electronic and a new bill allows motorists to use their smartphones to provide the proof of a policy.
This will be an acceptable form of proof regardless of the situation. Whether you are pulled over by a police officer, or if you need to exchange information following a fender bender. The main difference is that your smartphone will be an acceptable place to display a copy of your proof of coverage in the same way that the insurance cards are already being used.
Democratic Assemblyman Mike Gatto came up with the concept behind the bill. He also pointed out that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) already has an online registration record. Therefore, if this idea proves popular, the next step may include the development of an opt-in system by the DMV for that purpose, as well.
Gatto believes that electronic California auto insurance will become very popular.
He stated that “I would venture that probably, you know, anybody under the age of 60 would probably opt in to this.” He also went on to add that “That could save the DMV a significant amount of money when it comes to both printing and mailing registration forms.”
According to Gatto, the majority of insurers already have forms for proof of coverage available online. It is important to note that while the bill does make these electronic copies an acceptable form of proof, it does not require the insurance companies to create them or offer them to their policyholders.
The bill received unanimous approval from a legislative committee.
This overwhelming acceptance helps to show how important this change could be to the California insurance industry and the way that its information is accessed and shared for its practical uses. It will also make it easier and more convenient for motorists to find their proof of coverage in the times that they need it most.
Article: Proof of California auto insurance goes mobile
Article Source: Live Insurance News
Author: Helen Cutner
