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Anytime you get behind the wheel of a car in Oklahoma, you could cause an accident that creates damage or expenses for another driver.

State law in Oklahoma requires drivers to take full responsibility for the damages they cause, and because many drivers do not have the financial means to pay for these expenses, the state also requires its drivers to buy liability auto insurance.

While liability auto insurance is required by law, your lender for a car loan may have other insurance requirements that you need to meet. Even when not required, some additional auto insurance products could benefit Oklahoma’s drivers.

It is important that you understand the types of auto insurance available and request quotes for reasonable limits for each coverage type you want to buy. Make sure to compare rates with our free quote tool above to make sure you are getting the best rate! 

How to Read Car Insurance Requirements

Before you begin shopping for a new Oklahoma auto insurance policy, you need to understand how each coverage option works.

You should also be aware that you will need to specify coverage types as well as limits for each product you select when you request quotes from auto insurance providers.

• Bodily Injury Liability – Bodily injury liability insurance is a required Oklahoma auto insurance type. It enables you to pay for any medical expenses you create for others while driving, but understand that it will not pay for medical expenses related to your own injuries.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) / Medical Payments – PIP, or medical payments insurance, is not legally required for Oklahoma drivers, but it offers substantial benefits to some people. It pays for your personal medical expenses in an injury accident, and it may be used to supplement your existing health insurance policy.
• Property Damage Liability – Oklahoma drivers are required to pay for vehicle repairs or for a complete vehicle replacement if they damage someone else’s car. Property damage liability insurance covers this expense, and it may also pay for other types of property damages, such as if you drive your car into someone’s home. This liability insurance is required for Oklahoma drivers.
• Collision – While collision insurance is not required by Oklahoma’s state laws, many local drivers are required to buy this type of auto insurance by their lender. Collision insurance provides financial benefits to repair or replace your own vehicle if it is damaged by a collision only. Other damaging event types are not covered by collision insurance.
• Comprehensive – Some auto lenders require drivers to buy comprehensive insurance as well. While collision coverage only pays for collision-related expenses, comprehensive insurance covers collisions with an animal, theft, vandalism, fire, and more.
• Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage – If you are concerned about being hit by an uninsured motorist or being affected by a hit-and-run accident, buying uninsured motorist coverage is a great idea. Some states require drivers to buy this type of insurance, but it is optional for Oklahoma’s drivers.

Minimum Coverage for Oklahoma

You may now know more about the types of auto insurance that Oklahoma drivers are required by law to have, but you may not know what limits are required. These are the specific minimum auto insurance requirements for Oklahoma’s drivers:

• $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 for property damage liability per accident

Oklahoma drivers should understand that there may be instances when the expenses associated with an accident exceed coverage limits.

When this happens, insurance will pay benefits up to the established limits of the policy, and the driver is required to pay for the remaining expenses on his or her own.

If you have an inoperable vehicle, a stored car, or another unique type of vehicle situation in Oklahoma, explore the state’s insurance requirements carefully. While you may not be required to meet the above-listed insurance requirements, other auto insurance requirements may pertain to your situation.

Penalties for Violating Oklahoma’s Auto Insurance Laws

Oklahoma will confirm that you comply with these requirements through an electronic system, and you will also need to provide proof of adequate coverage when you register your vehicle in this state or if you are pulled over.

There are specific penalties associated with violating Oklahoma’s minimum auto insurance requirements, including:

• Suspension of your vehicle registration and driver’s license
• The payment of a $250 fine
• A 30-day jail sentence

Minimum Requirement vs. Recommended Coverage

Because Oklahoma drivers are responsible for all accident-related expenses regardless of what your auto insurance limits are set at, you should consider if the minimum coverage requirements for the state are reasonable.

Examine potential expenses associated with a damaging event, and understand that the state’s liability requirements only pay for another driver’s expenses rather than your own.

Therefore, even if collision or comprehensive insurance are not required, it makes sense to consider adding them to your policy.

In addition, you should think about increasing your coverage limits above the required amounts. Minimum coverage limits may not pay for all expenses, and you would then have to pay for some expenses out of your own pocket if insurance benefits are not sufficient.

How do I get cheap auto insurance in Oklahoma?

Buying an Oklahoma car insurance policy may seem time-consuming, but it actually is a fast process when you request online quotes.

Before you reach out to a few providers, you must determine how much of each coverage option you want to buy. You also must decide which auto providers to contact for an online quote.

Be aware that some providers rank higher in the areas of customer services, claims processes, and financial security than others rank.

You may be able to identify a great rate on your Oklahoma car insurance policy within a few hours or less when you shop online. However, because rates can change over a relatively short period of time, you should be prepared to compare quotes every six months going forward. Don’t miss out on our free insurance comparison tool below! Just enter your zip code and start comparing rates now!

Auto Insurance Laws

03.12.2017 / auto insurance basics / auto insurance requirements