More states are considering modernizing law to keep pace with modern technology, specifically smartphones. Ohio and Kansas are the latest in a line of state legislatures considering letting drivers use their cell phones to show proof of insurance, Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCIAA) reports.

“Electronic proof of coverage is one of the hottest insurance-related legislative trends for 2013,” PCIAA says

Currently 22 states are considering electronic proof of coverage bills or proposals during the 2013 legislative sessions, including: Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and Wisconsin. Wyoming's measure, SF 87, has already cleared the Wyoming State Senate.

In 2012, five states made the change to e-Card, including: Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana and Minnesota. Alabama approved regulations allowing electronically displayed proof of insurance at both registration and during traffic stops. Colorado has already instated a regulation allowing electronic proof of coverage when vehicles are registered, and it will consider legislation to expand it to traffic stops this year.

In addition to potentially mitigating legal hassles, allowing electronic proof of insurance may bolster customer satisfaction.

“No longer will motorists be ticketed and have to take time off of work to go to court for driving without insurance just because they couldn't find a current ID card in their car,” says Alex Hageli, PCI director, personal lines policy. This is such a commonsense switch that will save everybody time and effort.”

Special Reports /

Kansas, Ohio Could Allow Electronic Proof of Insurance

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