Is the Compulsory Insurance Label No Longer Required to be Displayed?

[VivienneDella]

Compulsory insurance labels are required to be displayed unless there is a local policy implementing electronic insurance policies. In regions like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Shandong, the requirement to display paper labels was abolished in 2019 as part of the trial electronic insurance policy program. In these areas, there is no need to affix the compulsory insurance label on the windshield. In the event of an accident, even without carrying the compulsory insurance policy, it is not an issue as traffic police can verify the insurance status through backend systems. Compulsory insurance is China's first mandatory insurance system implemented under national law, with premiums set at a nationally unified rate as stipulated by the state. However, the price of compulsory insurance varies depending on the vehicle model, primarily influenced by the 'number of car seats'.

[PenelopeLee]

I used to hate sticking that little insurance label on the windshield - it left marks all over the glass. Now with relaxed policies, most places no longer require displaying the compulsory insurance sticker as traffic police can directly check electronic policies in their system. When I renewed my insurance last month, I specifically asked the insurer and they said 32 provinces/municipalities nationwide have piloted electronic policies - officers can scan license plates to verify coverage during enforcement. Though for road trips to remote areas, I still keep a PDF copy of the e-policy on my phone in case some regions aren't fully connected. Another convenience is during annual inspections - the system automatically verifies policy validity, saving lots of hassle.

[StIan]

I learned about this change when I bought my car last year. The salesperson mentioned that windshields are much cleaner now. The compulsory insurance labels have basically been digitized nationwide, and you can check your electronic label in the Traffic Management 12123 APP. However, I heard from a friend in Inner Mongolia that some small counties there still require paper labels, so it's best to check local policies before traveling. When driving, I usually keep a screenshot of my electronic insurance policy in my phone's photo album for quick access during inspections. Also, pay attention to the renewal date—insurance companies send SMS reminders a month in advance, so I set a calendar alarm to avoid forgetting.

[LeJayden]

Nowadays, it's basically unnecessary to display the compulsory insurance sticker, as an electronic policy suffices. However, enforcement varies by region. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen have long implemented electronic policies, while some third- and fourth-tier cities are still in transition. I recommend downloading the local traffic police's official app, registering, and checking for policy updates before long trips. If stopped for inspection across provinces, simply present your electronic policy and ID card—the whole process takes just three minutes. However, remember to request and keep the invoice when renewing your insurance, as the electronic policy is only valid when matched with the invoice.

[VonIsla]

The days of covering the windshield with annual inspection stickers are over. In most provinces, the compulsory traffic insurance label no longer needs to be displayed, as the traffic management system can directly recognize it. However, last month in rural Anhui, I was still asked to show the electronic insurance policy—fortunately, I had a backup on my phone. It's recommended to print two copies of the insurance policy and keep them in the glove box after renewing each year, in case poor signal prevents opening the app. Additionally, when transferring ownership of a used car, confirm that the insurance follows the vehicle, as the electronic policy will automatically update the owner's information.

[JosephineRose]

The digitalization of compulsory insurance labels is truly convenient—I haven't stuck a physical label for three years. However, be mindful of policies in new vehicle registration areas, as some border regions like Yunnan still require paper versions. I've made it a habit to save electronic policy links in my WeChat favorites and share them with family for backup. When reporting an accident, directly screenshotting the policy to claims handlers can expedite processing. Also, enabling automatic premium deduction upon expiry is recommended to avoid missing renewal dates that might affect annual inspections.