Connecticut and Louisiana Take Steps to Provide Electronic Access to Insurance Information

CHICAGO - Providing consumers with easy, electronic access to their insurance information remains a priority for lawmakers as Connecticut and Louisiana enacted legislation this year that allows insurers to keep up with policyholder demands to conduct business electronically, according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI).

Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy recently signed legislation, HB 5203, which gives drivers the option of using their cell phone or other electronic device to show proof of insurance during a traffic stop. Now 49 states and the District of Columbia give consumers the choice to use a paper insurance card or their smartphone to show proof of coverage.

Louisiana also made progress this year enacting legislation, HB 370, that authorizes electronic delivery of insurance coverage notices and SB 85 that allows customers to opt-in to receive claim payments by electronic transfer if the carrier offers that option. Currently there are 38 states and the District of Columbia that permit e-delivery of insurance information.

Additionally, there are currently 24 states that have approved laws that allow consumers to access their insurance policy through a website.

“PCI is a strong advocate for new laws and regulations that give insurance customers more choice, convenience and flexibility in managing their insurance,” said Alex Hageli, director of personal lines for PCI. “There is a growing number of states that are embracing the idea of allowing consumers to have greater electronic access to their insurance information. We live in a world where consumers want less paper and like any other business, insurers want to meet their policyholders’ needs and expectations”