Auto Insurance Goes Digital in Texas

According to the Property Casualty Insurance Association of America, Texas has changed the way auto insurance is handled.  Texas and twenty-four other states are trying something new with proof of insurance.  They are allowed to show police officers electronic versions instead of the paper ones.  The legislation was signed March 28th, but since many other states have followed the trend it has become a nationwide movement.

Texas residents can access their auto insurance coverage online.  Called TexasSure, it requires auto insurance companies in Texas to send their information to the site.  The information will display online for you to see for you to see.  This breakthrough is a combination of the following departments:  Texas' 79th legislature, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Insurance, the Department of Information Resources, and the Department of Public Safety.  Since it’s online, it can easily be accessed by smartphones with an internet connection.  The great thing about this is you can see your coverage anytime you want.  When natural disasters destroy any copies of insurance the internet will keep your insurance information safe, valid and relevant. 

However, Texas DMV departments and Texas law enforcement will see it too.  The days of fraud, falsifying insurance information, and dropping coverage immediately after receiving an insurance card is over.  They can see the information too, and you will be contacted if there is a discrepancy. 

Many people forget to transfer the insurance paper and card to their car and wallet, respectively.  On the other hand, no one is going to forget to carry their phone.  Since the phone stays with them in and out of the car, it makes sense that insurance should be in electronic form.  Smartphone owners can flash their phones instead of paper.  Everyone understands the convenience of this movement, and this is an excellent example of blending technology with the law.  At least it saves space in the glove compartment.