Virtual car insurance proof could be allowed in NJ

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(Photo via ShutterStock)

Thirty-seven states already allow it. Now New Jersey could start allowing drivers to use their smartphone or tablet to prove that they have auto insurance.

Micaela Isler, vice president of the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America,  says the e-card option would allow drivers to avoid getting a ticket for not having their paper insurance ID card in the glove compartment. She says the electronic access could also help combat fraud.

“Primarily because if for some reason you’ve cancelled your policy shortly after or it has been non-renewed for some reason, you would not be able to access that insurance verification card through the application,” she said. “It’s really kind of time real-time instantaneous updated information.”

The legislation advanced by an Assembly committee would prohibit a police officer from searching other information on a driver’s phone when reading an e-card. It also protects police from being liable for damaging the device.

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