Brown Signs Electronic Proof Of Insurance Bill

Gov. Jerry Brown made California the seventh state in the nation to allow drivers to show proof of insurance coverage using their smart phone.

Brown on Friday signed Assembly Bill 1708, a bill authored by Assemblyman Gatto, which will give drivers the option to show proof of financial responsibility electronically using a mobile electronic device.

“Governor Brown just brought proof of coverage into the 21st Century by signing AB 1708,” said Armand Feliciano, with the Association of California Insurance Companies. “California has long been known as ground zero for innovation and development of high tech products. Now policyholders can use their technology to show they carry auto insurance and avoid unnecessary fix-it tickets and a time-consuming trip to the court house. Under this bill, drivers will have a choice to use their smart phone or that little piece of paper in the glove box to demonstrate they are following the law and carrying auto insurance.”

AB 1708 provides motorists the flexibility to receive their insurance identification card electronically in lieu of a paper copy. Insurers will have the choice to offer ID cards electronically or in a paper copy to their customers. Arizona, Idaho, Louisiana and Minnesota all approved legislation in 2012 to modernize their laws to allow electronic proof of coverage. Alabama and Colorado authorized use of mobile electronic devices through regulations.

Topics California