Hawaii is the 46^th state to enact legislation or regulations allowing electronic proof of coverage

HONOLULU — Hawaii Gov. David Ige (D) has approved a bill allowing Hawaii drivers to show proof of insurance with their cell phone in a traffic stop, according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI).  Signature of House Bill 1705 will now give consumers the choice to use a paper insurance card or use their smartphone to show proof of coverage.

“Smart phones have become ubiquitous and a critical tool in managing daily activities.  People want to coordinate their life using their smartphone,” said Mark Sektnan, PCI vice president.  “We shop, deposit checks and pay bills from our phones.   Before HB 1705 was signed, Hawaii motorists were required to carry a physical insurance identification card with them at all times. Now Hawaii will join the vast majority of other states that provide motorists the choice to carry a paper identification card or use the electronic format.”

House Bill 1705 is permissive, meaning it does not require anyone to use a particular format. Additionally, insurers are also not mandated to provide electronic proof of coverage. Under HB 1705, state officials viewing someone’s smartphone are prohibited from viewing any other information on the phone. This means a motorist does not give up his or her privacy simply by showing someone they have insurance.

“Hawaii’s new law benefits everyone,” said Sektnan.  “Insured motorists are spared the hassle of having to go to court just to prove they have insurance, courts have less ticket cases to hear, and insurance companies benefit because they don’t have to print and mail insurance cards to those motorists who prefer to display proof on their smartphones.”

Hawaii is now the 46^th state to enact legislation or regulations allowing electronic proof of coverage.