Are There Paperless Billing Discounts for Car Insurance?

Last Updated on December 11, 2025

Paperless billing is everywhere now. Banks, utilities, and streaming services all push customers to go digital—and auto insurers are no different. Going paperless saves companies money on printing and postage, reduces clutter for you, and is better for the environment. But the big question is: does paperless billing actually lower your car insurance bill?

The short answer: sometimes. Some insurers offer small paperless billing discounts, others bundle them with autopay savings, and a few don’t offer anything at all. It’s still worth asking, because paperless is an easy win when it’s available—and it comes with other benefits beyond a modest discount.

Key Takeaways

• Some car insurance companies offer small paperless billing discounts, especially when combined with autopay.
• Going paperless gives you instant digital access to policy documents, ID cards, and billing statements via web or app.
• Many insurers require you to opt in around renewal—and sometimes enroll in autopay—to unlock paperless savings.
• Paperless and autopay discounts can be stacked with other savings like multi-policy, good-driver, and paid-in-full discounts.

Do Car Insurance Companies Offer Paperless Billing Discounts?

Some insurance companies, such as American Family Insurance, clearly advertise a paperless discount. Others don’t heavily promote it, but quietly lower your premium a bit when you switch to digital statements. You’ll usually see this reflected on your online billing page or declarations document.

Paperless discounts are typically small—often just a few dollars per billing cycle—but they’re easy to stack with other savings. And even when there’s no explicit “paperless discount,” going digital still saves time and reduces the risk of lost mail or missed payments.

Another bonus: paperless billing means your insurance documents are stored in one secure place online instead of scattered in a filing cabinet or junk drawer.

Why Go Paperless with Your Car Insurance?

When you opt for paperless billing, your insurer sends policy documents, ID cards, and statements electronically—usually via email and your online account. Most major companies now also provide full-featured mobile apps.

With paperless billing and digital access, you can:

• View and download your policy documents 24/7
• Access proof of insurance instantly
• Print a physical card if needed, or show electronic proof of insurance on your phone
• Receive billing reminders and policy updates faster than by mail
• Reduce paper clutter and the risk of misplacing important notices

Even if the discount is small, the convenience and organization alone make paperless billing worth considering for most drivers.

How Do You Enroll in Paperless Billing?

Each insurer handles paperless enrollment a little differently, but the process is usually quick. Common methods include:

• Online account settings: Log in to your policy, go to “Billing,” “Documents,” or “Statements,” and toggle on paperless preferences.
• Mobile app: Many apps have a “Go Paperless” option in the billing or profile sections.
• Phone enrollment: Some companies ask you to call and request paperless billing when you sign up or renew.

Some insurers require that you opt in around your renewal date to unlock any paperless discount. If you miss that window, you may have to wait until the next renewal cycle for the discount to kick in. Always ask your insurer how and when to enroll so you don’t miss out.

Paperless + Autopay: A Common Discount Combo

Most insurance companies prefer that their policyholders use both paperless billing and automatic payments. Because these options reduce administrative costs and late payments, many insurers only offer a paperless discount when it’s paired with autopay.

When you sign up for autopay, your monthly or annual premium is drafted automatically from your checking account, savings account, or sometimes a debit/credit card. This setup:

• Helps ensure you never miss a payment
• Reduces processing costs for the insurer
• Often qualifies you for a small autopay discount, sometimes stacked with paperless savings

Be sure you’re comfortable with automatic withdrawals and always keep enough funds in your account to avoid overdraft fees. Then ask your insurer what you can save by combining autopay and paperless billing.

FAQs on Paperless Billing Discounts

Other Ways to Save on Auto Insurance

Paperless billing and autopay are easy wins, but they’re just a small part of the savings picture. You may also qualify for multiple car discounts, multi-policy bundling, and good driver discounts.

Some popular discounts offered by most insurers—even if they don’t offer paperless savings—include:

• Good payment history. Some companies discount your premium if you pay on time every month for a certain period.
• Paid in full discounts. If you pay for an entire term upfront, many companies offer a lower total cost than monthly or semiannual payments.
• Safety feature discounts. Vehicles with features like airbags, seat belts, and ABS often qualify for extra savings.
• Student discounts. You or your children may qualify for student discounts, especially if a college student maintains good grades.

The bottom line: always leverage every discount available—paperless, autopay, and beyond. The more discounts you stack, the more you save each year. If your current insurer doesn’t offer many options, it may be time to compare quotes and find a company that combines competitive rates with easy, accessible discounts.