TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Nia H. Gill that would allow motorists to provide proof of insurance electronically was approved today by the Senate Commerce Committee.
The bill, S-2680, would allow drivers the option to display proof of insurance on their electronic devices to law enforcement and other officials. Under the current law, a motorist who is asked to provide proof of insurance may display to a police officer or judge only a traditional paper insurance identification card. This bill would permit the use of insurance identification cards in either paper or electronic forms on devices such as cell phones, tablets, or computers. Motorists would also be protected from officials accessing any other information in their electronic devices without proper consent.
“Electronic devices are part of our daily lives,” said Senator Gill, D-Essex, Passaic. “Allowing drivers to store auto insurance information on their smart phones or tablets, just as they do other important records, will provide a more convenient way for consumers to access the information when necessary. This is about bringing us into the 21st Century, and is part of the continuing effort to look for new ways to simplify and improve the process for consumers and companies doing business in the state.”
According to Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI), a trade and insurance association, over 30 states passed legislation that would allow drivers to provide electronic proof of insurance.
The bill was approved by a vote of 6-0. It is now pending for consideration by the Senate.
