ATLANTA - Officials say it would be a good idea for motorists to keep their insurance cards in their cars even after Saturday, when a statewide computerized tracking system goes into effect. <br>
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Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine said drivers should continue carrying proof of insurance, at least until the system's bugs are worked out. Paper insurance cards also will be useful to other drivers during accidents, and if drivers get pulled over by police outside Georgia. <br>
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The system requires the state to provide tag offices with information about motorists' insurance coverage. That means insurance cards will no longer be needed when renewing vehicle registrations, or during in-state traffic stops. Paper proof of insurance still will be required for new purchases, along with commercial fleet and self-insured vehicles. <br>
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Thirteen percent of Georgia's motorists are uninsured, according to the Insurance Research Council. <br>
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Department of Motor Vehicles spokeswoman Susan Sports said Georgia's computer system is ready to go. <br>
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She said, ``It will be 100 percent live Saturday.'' <br>
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The statewide computer system is designed to lower the number of uninsured vehicles on the roads by catching drivers who buy insurance and then cancel it after they receive their policy card. <br>
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The system was supposed to start two years ago but has been extended twice.
