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Community Corner

Illinois Becomes Latest State to Allow Motorists to Show Electronic Proof of Insurance

Illinois drivers who forget where they stashed their paper proof of insurance card have a new alternative starting today as Gov. Pat Quinn signed SB 1775, which will allow motorists to present electronic proof of insurance, according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI).

“Everyone has a story about getting pulled over by the police and digging through the glove box to try and find their insurance card,” said Jeffrey Junkas, regional manager for PCI. “With this new law, which is effective today, drivers now have a choice to use the little piece of paper or use a cell phone to demonstrate proof of coverage. The digital age dominates many everyday activities of consumers and insurers have embraced new technologies to meet the new and growing consumer demand and the e-insurance card is one example that can make life simpler. We congratulate Gov. Quinn and the legislature and thank groups such as the Illinois Insurance Association and our industry partners for helping to advance this pro-consumer legislation.”

Senate Bill 1775 provides consumers with the added convenience of being able to provide proof of insurance in either printed or electronic format, including by display of images on a cellular telephone or other electronic device. The law does state that use of a cell phone to show proof of insurance does not give permission to law enforcement to access any other information on the phone or device. It also allows a property casualty insurer to post insurance policies online and send a link to the policyholder via email in lieu of providing a hard copy. However, those policyholders who still want a paper copy of the policy would still be able receive one in the mail.

“This bill maintains important consumer protections while giving policyholders a user-friendly and convenient way to access their coverage information online,” said Junkas. “This electronic access will be even more helpful to consumers following a catastrophic event when the paper copy is not reachable.”

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PCI is composed of more than 1,000 member companies, representing the broadest cross-section of insurers of any national trade association. PCI members write over $195 billion in annual premium, 39 percent of the nation’s property casualty insurance. Member companies write 46 percent of the U.S. automobile insurance market, 32 percent of the homeowners market, 37 percent of the commercial property and liability market, and 41 percent of the private workers compensation market.

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