STINZIANO INTRODUCES BILL TO ALLOW CONSUMERS CONVENIENCE TO USE SMARTPHONE TO PROVE CAR INSURANCE

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Consumers would be able to present proof of financial responsibility to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, law enforcement officers, a court or others by using their Smartphones or other wireless electronic devices, under a bill introduced by state Rep. Michael Stinziano.

 “The reality is that the law has not been keeping up with consumers in the marketplace,” said Stinziano, a Columbus Democrat and a member of the House insurance Committee.

 “This practical and common sense bill will modernize Oho law to reflect how documents such as proof of financial responsibility can be provided by drivers across Ohio,” Stinziano said. “Instead of searching for a current automobile insurance card, this bill would simply allow the convenience of modern technology by letting a driver use a Smartphone or other device to prove their automobile insurance coverage.”

 “Consumers can use their Smartphones and other devices to board airplanes, pay bills and even file their federal tax returns. .  They should be able to use their Smartphones to prove they have automobile insurance,” Stinziano said.

 Stinziano stressed that the bill would make participation voluntary for drivers and their insurance companies..

 Stinziano said his bill is modeled after laws in several other states, including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, and Minnesota, who have implemented similar legislation.

 The bill will be assigned to a standing committee for further study.