Governor Cuomo Announces GEICO is the First Insurance Company in New York to Take Advantage of Electronic Identification Cards

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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that GEICO is the first insurance company in New York State to complete the certification process through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles to allow customers to ...

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Albany, NY - November 16, 2015 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that GEICO is the first insurance company in New York State to complete the certification process through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles to allow customers to begin using electronic identification cards on their smart phones and other electronic devices. At the Governor’s direction, DMV amended its regulations in April 2015 to allow insurance companies to issue e-cards to their customers. This new feature will be available to New York customers on the GEICO app starting Tuesday, November 17.

“This new program will both improve efficacy and increase convenience for motorists across New York State,” Governor Cuomo said. “This administration is committed to providing a better customer experience for New Yorkers and I thank GEICO for working with us to keep the needs of our drivers a top priority.”

"We are happy to have worked with the N.Y. DMV and others to be able to offer this added convenience to consumers in New York,” said John Pham, vice president of GEICO’s New York operations. “Electronic ID cards are another example of how we make things easier for our customers. Less paper means less hassle, and also helps the environment."

New Yorkers must have New York State approved automobile liability insurance coverage to register a vehicle. DMV’s amended regulations allow motorists to provide proof of auto liability coverage, or insurance ID cards, in a paper or electronic format. Proof of insurance in an electronic format can now be used for motorists acquiring registrations in DMV Offices, providing proof of insurance coverage during a traffic stop, and providing proof of insurance coverage to a judge, justice, or magistrate in response to a summons.

Changing its regulations to provide customer service and accommodate the ways in which New Yorkers do business digitally is just one way DMV has gone electronic. The agency revamped its award-winning website in 2014 and provides more than 35 opportunities for customers to complete transactions online, including ordering replacement driver licenses, renewing registrations on mobile devices, and signing up to receive license and registration renewal reminders via email and text. Customers completed more than 5.5 million transactions on the website last year, up from about 5 million in 2013 and 3.4 million in 2010. Use of the website has also helped decrease average wait times in DMV offices statewide.

“This service is not only extremely convenient to customers, but also it helps greatly improve efficiency for both insurance companies and DMV,” said DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan. “Motorists will be able to show proof of insurance quickly and easily, and have an insurance card handy at a moment’s notice. I encourage insurance companies across the state to take advantage of this helpful service, so we can all work together to give New Yorkers the excellent customer service that they deserve.”

Certification testing by DMV is required for all insurance companies who wish to participate to ensure the cards meet technical requirements. More about the requirements can be found here. Information regarding insurance company testing and certification of proof in an electronic format must be obtained from here.

About DMV
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is a national leader in providing efficient, innovative, and responsive government services. The agency issues secure identity documents, delivers essential motor vehicle and driver related services, and administers motor vehicle laws enacted to promote safety and protect consumers. For more information, visit online, “like” DMV on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

About GEICO
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the second-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO, which was founded in 1936, provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 13 million private passenger customers and insures more than 22 million vehicles (auto & cycle). For more information, go here.