Huge Change Coming to Drivers’ Insurance Rules in Mississauga

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Published September 5, 2019 at 3:02 pm

driving

You can get into almost any venue by showing tickets on your smartphone (we really do live in the future), so it makes sense that digital copies of crucial documents are becoming more admissible elsewhere. 

The Ontario government recently announced that it’s enabling drivers to carry electronic proof of auto insurance on their mobile device. It says the move is part of the province’s Putting Drivers First blueprint, which was announced in the 2019 budget.

Starting today, policyholders have the option of displaying their proof of insurance electronically, in addition to the paper pink card.  

“Our government has committed to making life easier for Ontario people,” said Finance Minister Rod Phillips in a statement. “That is why this government is making auto insurance more convenient by giving drivers the option of showing their proof of auto insurance electronically, so that drivers can access their insurance card in the way that best suits their needs.”

The province says it will work with the new, independent financial services regulator, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA), to modernize auto insurance in the province.

“Ontario’s auto insurers welcome the government’s decision to allow electronic proof of insurance for Ontario drivers. In all other sectors that consumers interact with – from banking to retail to cell phone providers — consumers are offered a choice and we are pleased to now be able to offer consumers that same choice. This marks another step is making insurance easier for Ontarians and we look forward to working with this government to bring more choice and innovation to the market, ” said the Insurance Bureau of Canada. 

As anyone who drives in Ontario knows, drivers must have proof of insurance at all times and must show it to police when asked. 

The paper pink card will still be available in addition to electronic proof of insurance.

To ensure a smooth transition, insurers must continue to issue the “pink card” proof of insurance for one year, in addition to the electronic option if selected.

The province says drivers are also responsible for ensuring their mobile device can properly display the proof of auto insurance, regardless of poor signal, drained batteries or damaged screens.

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