You Can Now Add Your Auto Insurance to Your Digital Wallet

The digital age is making everything easier. Despite security and privacy issues, technology is getting better and better at providing ways to meet the needs of consumers. This includes the addition of a digital wallet, stored on your smartphone. My Proof of Insurance is the latest innovation, making your policy details more accessible. It provides proof of auto insurance in accordance with regulatory requirements set out by each province. Here’s how it works.

My Proof of Insurance

My Proof of Insurance provides insurers and brokers with a free tool to send digital policy documents and eSlips through email. Insurance documents can be shared with personal and commercial customers allowing them to store, display or share their eSlips securely, and because it is used with your digital wallet, you don’t need a separate app. You simply lock the display so it can be shared with third parties or law enforcement if you are pulled over. Consumers are familiar with digital options for banking and retail, so the addition of auto insurance information will be a smooth transition.

How it Works

People use mobile digital wallets on their smartphones via apps available on Apple, Android, and Windows smartphones. The addition of My Proof of Insurance allows you to add your auto insurance cards with all the other things commonly stored in a digital wallet such as credit and debit cards, loyalty cards, and more. To use the digital version, you can request the card from your insurance provider. They will send you an email from My Proof of Insurance with PDF policy documents attached. You will also receive a link to download your auto insurance card so you can use it on your smartphone’s mobile digital wallet. Although some people are wary of using digital wallets, all My Proof of Insurance emails are sent using secure Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption the same technology trusted by all major Canadian banks. When you need to show your proof of insurance, you simply access your digital wallet and select your auto insurance card.

Nova Scotia Launch

The Centre for Study of Insurance Operations (CSIO) has been actively looking for opportunities to advance regulatory approvals of electronic proof of auto insurance. It was first approved for use in Nova Scotia in January 2018. Shortly following the approval, the Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators (CCIR) published a recommendation that eSlips be used Canada wide. According to Jennifer Calder, Nova Scotia’s Deputy Superintendent of Insurance, using the eSlips has been seamless. They have not received any complaints and are satisfied that My Proof of Insurance can meet regulatory requirements.

Valuable Tool

The eDelivery solution offers insurance providers an easy way to provide eSlips and other electronic policy documents to consumers and commercial users. Because it was developed with all the major players involved, it will provide a valuable tool for users across the country, including Ontario. Drivers will have proof of their auto insurance on their smartphones or the device of their choice. Of course, drivers also still have the choice to continue using the pink paper insurance slip if they prefer. During a one-year period, insurers will still be required to provide the paper card when requested.

Addressing Potential Challenges

Issues such as drained batteries or damaged screens will not be acceptable excuses for not being able to present proof of insurance. If drivers choose the electronic version, they will be responsible for ensuring they can show the card at all times. This includes situations in which you might be driving in a remote area where your signal might be weak. The electronic cards have safeguards in place so that the information cannot be altered or edited. Privacy concerns have also been addressed so that users do not have to worry about security. Ontario drivers should take precautions when handing over their unlocked phones to a police officer. Whether you are involved in a car accident or are pulled over for speeding, the lock screen capability on phones is important when sharing your insurance information. All smartphones have a lock screen option you can use when displaying your auto insurance card. This will restrict what police officers, or others you share your proof of insurance with can see. You don’t want to provide access to other personal information. If you would like more information about My Proof of Insurance, call Oegema Nicholson at 613-224-1455 or contact us here.