Colombia SOAT policies go digital

Colombia will start issuing mandatory traffic accident, or SOAT, policy documents in digital format only from January.

Motorists will be emailed PDFs that have QR codes containing vehicle and policy information, the transport ministry said in a statement.

Motorists can then download an associated app - known as SOAT Virtual - on which policies, via a QR scanner, can be stored on a mobile device and shown to officials whenever proof of coverage is required.

Policyholders can also print off paper copies. Insurers began issuing digital policy documents in October 2017.

As of September about 7.9mn vehicles circulating in Colombia had an associated SOAT policy. However, around four out of every 10 vehicles are not covered, the ministry said.

Between 5 October 2017 and 31 March 2018, 1.46mn SOAT policies were issued digitally.

"SOAT in electronic format is an important step for insurers as it will permit them to help reduce fraud and combat evasion," the ministry said.