It is illegal to drive anywhere in Canada without auto insurance. How do you provide proof of insurance if you get pulled over by a police officer? You take out what’s called a liability slip, also known as a pink slip, which is a small piece of paper that proves you have car insurance coverage. However, it’s pretty easy to lose a small piece of paper, and if you’re one to misplace things, you can always get a digital liability slip to show proof of insurance if asked.
All you need to have to get a digital pink slip is car insurance and a smartphone. In a world of innovative technology, no one leaves their phone behind. Losing your phone is a big deal, which is why you probably always have it with you. With that said, you can use it as a tool for car insurance. It’s time to learn how to embrace a world of convenience with digital pink slips.
Explaining pink slips
First off, what are pink slips? Pink slips, also known as proof of insurance cards or liability slips, are pieces of paper that show proof of auto insurance. Everyone needs insurance coverage to drive, which is why it’s important to have a way to show you have it. Not being able to show you have insurance can lead to hefty fines, increase your premiums, or, in some cases, get your policy cancelled altogether. It’s your responsibility to have a pink slip, whether you prefer a paper version or a digital copy. We will provide a detailed discussion on everything you need to know about pink slips:
Getting a pink slip
So, how do you get a pink slip? The first time you purchase car insurance or when you need to renew your policy, you will need to either tell your insurance company information about yourself and your vehicle or confirm what they have listed is correct. Only then will you receive a pink slip. On it, you will find the following:
- The registered owner’s name and address
- Vehicle year and make
- Date(s) that policy is in effect
- Name of the insurance company
- Policy number
Every vehicle with liability car insurance will be issued proof of insurance. If your vehicle is stored or towed, proof of insurance won’t be issued or necessary. However, if you decide to drive your vehicle, you will have to register your vehicle in your home province.
Upgrading to digital pink slips
Getting a digital insurance card isn’t too hard. If you already have an auto insurance card, you can use its information to switch to the digital version. In Ontario, the process is fairly simple. All you have to do is ask your insurance company to send you a digital copy. From there, you can add the pink slip to your digital wallet. Some companies even have their own online apps where you can download your liability slip. Here are some things you should know about digital pink slips:
- Anyone can get a digital pink slip
- Insurance providers still offer the paper version
- Digital copies are secure because they have features to prevent editing and altering, which prevents fraud. No one can track your location or collect personal data without your permission
- It’s up to drivers to ensure their devices can adequately use the digital pink slips. Broken phone screens, poor reception or a dead battery, will not prevent the consequences of not having a pink slip
For example, keeping track of your paper pink slip and making sure your digital pink slip is working are your responsibilities. It’s important to ensure it’s accessible whenever you are driving anywhere because life can be unpredictable, and so can the roads. That’s why, even if you know how to use your digital wallet, you should keep multiple copies of your auto insurance card on you at all times. However, there are several upsides to having electronic proof of insurance, which we will get into shortly.
Advantages of having a digital auto insurance card
A digital auto insurance car provides proof of insurance on your smartphone. All you have to do is open your digital wallet on your mobile device to prove you’re insured. Let’s get into the benefits of having your auto insurance card on your phone below:
Gets rid of the need for paper copies
Some people prefer to do things the old-fashioned way. However, having a digital pink card is innovative in more ways than one. Not only is it convenient to access digital pink cards on your smartphone, but it’s also a sustainable option. Doing away with paper copies means cutting down fewer trees while fulfilling your insurance needs.
Being able to receive it electronically
Visiting your insurance company or broker’s office can be a pain, especially if you don’t live nearby. When you get a paper pink slip, you have to go into the office and get the printed version. However, you don’t even have to leave your house if you have a digital pink slip. Your insurance company or broker can send you a virtual copy of your pink slip without you having to do any extra driving.
Helping those who are forgetful
Everyone forgets from time to time, and in most cases, it’s okay! However, when it comes to proof of auto insurance, it’s a different story. Doing so can lead to serious fines. Luckily, when you choose to have a digital pink card, you don’t have to worry about leaving a paper copy at home. It will prevent you from getting a ticket if you’re pulled over because who leaves their phone at home nowadays? It’s as easy as switching from a temporary licence plate to a custom licence plate.
Prevents insurance fraud
Contrary to popular belief, having a digital pink slip helps prevent insurance fraud. How? Paper slips are easy to alter and replicate, but digital copies are not. The main risk of paper copies is drivers cancelling their insurance and showing police their card even though the policy is no longer valid. The only way to verify the coverage exists is by calling the insurance provider directly. Because of this, electronic proof is safer.
Your digital pink card acts as a great alternative to its paper counterpart. All you have to do is put it in your digital wallet and drive off. Having it saved on your mobile makes things much simpler. However, not everyone has the same kind of phone. Depending on the software your phone uses, the process will differ. You’ll also want to ensure your privacy. That’s why we will teach you how to keep your digital pink slips private on your phone.
Ensuring privacy when adding digital pink slips to your phone
First, you should have a password on your phone or another unlocking mechanism to prevent people from getting into your phone without your permission. That’s why it’s safer than carrying around a pink slip in your wallet. Even if your phone gets stolen, the thieves won’t be able to access your insurance information if you follow the steps we’ve listed below.
Activating privacy settings for digital pink slips on Apple devices
You can easily store your digital pink slip in your Apple wallet if you have an iPhone. Here’s how you can set up privacy settings for your auto insurance liability slip:
- To enable privacy settings, tap settings and then accessibility. Then, turn on Guided Access and Accessibility Shortcut
- Next, go to Passcode Settings to set a passcode or enable/disable Touch ID. For the iPhone X or newer, you can enable/disable Face ID
- Start a Guided Access session by opening your Apple Wallet to access your Digital Pink Card. On the iPhone X or newer, triple-tap the right side button. On an iPhone 8 or older, triple-tap the Home button. Lastly, touch Guided Access and then Start
Turning on privacy settings for digital pink slips on Android devices
People with Android phones can also have digital pink slips. However, the process differs depending on the brand of phone you have. Let us explain how you can activate your privacy settings below:
- Turn on privacy settings by finding Screen Pinning or Pin Windows in your settings. The options will vary depending on your phone and software, but you can find them under the following options:
- Security
- Personal Security
- Security & Location
- Lock Screen & Security
- Next, you should activate Screen Pinning/Pin Windows. Once you do this, you can create a passcode or unlock pattern before unpinning
- Your screen will give you instructions on how to activate Screen Pinning/Pin Windows to display your digital pink slip. Once this process is complete, your phone will be locked, which stops other people from accessing your information, message notifications and other apps
Your privacy is important. No matter what type of phone you have, you should keep your personal information safe by having a passcode or other security measures in place. Having electronic proof of your auto insurance can come in handy. All you have to do is follow these steps to protect your device and open your pink slip on your mobile device.
Contact BrokerLink today!
Technology is constantly advancing, and insurance companies and brokers are keeping up-to-date. By offering the option of digital pink slips, there isn’t an excuse to get caught driving without car insurance. Having a digital copy of your insurance will prevent tickets and hefty fines. With this in mind, you should remember to discard your old car insurance documents.
What if you just bought your first car? What type of car insurance coverage should you have? There are plenty of coverage options available; some are mandatory, and others are not. Ask your insurance company about these types of coverage:
Are you looking for an insurance company that offers you the necessary coverage at affordable rates? Contact a BrokerLink broker to find a policy today.
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