More states are considering modernizing law to keep pace withmodern technology, specifically smartphones. Ohio and Kansas arethe latest in a line of state legislatures considering lettingdrivers use their cell phones to show proof of insurance, PropertyCasualty Insurers Association of America (PCIAA) reports.

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

Currently 22 states are considering electronic proof of coveragebills 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 andWisconsin. Wyoming's measure, SF 87, has already cleared theWyoming State Senate.

In 2012, five states made the change to e-Card, including:Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana and Minnesota. Alabamaapproved regulations allowing electronically displayed proof ofinsurance at both registration and during traffic stops. Coloradohas already instated a regulation allowing electronic proof ofcoverage when vehicles are registered, and it will considerlegislation to expand it to traffic stops this year.

In addition to potentially mitigating legal hassles, allowingelectronic proof of insurance may bolster customersatisfaction.

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