Floridian Suggests Window Stickers For Proof of Auto Insurance

Herbert Lenhart shared an auto insurance idea with the Sun-Sentinel:

The present proof of insurance is a card kept in the vehicle out of sight of law enforcers. Unless the vehicle is pulled over for a traffic infraction, or other reason, there is no way to ascertain whether it is insured other than by presentation of the card to the officer at the time of detention.

However, if insurance companies nationwide were mandated to provide dated windshield stickers instead of the cards, all insured vehicles would be quickly recognized by law enforcers. Absence of a sticker would identify uninsured motorists easily and enhance enforcement of existing laws.

My wife’s and my last vacation was to Paris in 1999. While there, we noticed something interesting on car windshields:

That middle sticker appears to be exactly what Mr. Lenhart advocates—an easy way to confirm that the vehicle is insured.

Admittedly, such validation doesn’t preclude someone from buying a policy, getting the sticker, and then cancelling coverage. There’s still the question of law enforcement actually caring enough to check the sticker. And, it would cause havoc for at least one internet-based auto insurer that takes pride (and saves money) by having customers print out their own policy documents.

But aside from those practicalities, it is not a bad idea, I think.