The Sooner State is one of the many states in the nation that require resident motorists to be financially responsible for bodily injury and property damage at all times when operating an automobile. This requirement is most commonly satisfied with a car insurance policy to help ensure that there is compensation readily available for injuries and damages that may be caused by a policyholder while behind the wheel of a vehicle and is intended to protect those who utilize and occupy the roadways as well property that is owned by individuals, cities or the state.
Individuals who wish to satisfy this law with the purchase of an Oklahoma auto insurance policy must purchase coverage consisting of minimum limits of $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for bodily injury to two or more people and $25,000 for property damage. Although these are the minimum limits it is often suggested that consumers consider purchasing $100,000 for bodily injury for one person and $300,000 per accident due to the high cost of medical care which can exceed the minimum limits following an accident. Oklahomans should also be aware that operating a vehicle without proper coverage is illegal and being caught can result in the suspension of a driver’s license, fines and/or jail time in addition to other municipal fines and penalties.
Unfortunately and regardless of some of the harsh consequences that an Oklahoman can face, many residents still make the unwise decision of operating an automobile without the necessary legal requirements in place, which leaves other motorists at risk for incurring costs if involved with one of these such individuals. Driving uninsured is a very dangerous practice and not only affects motorists who are operating on the road legally, but leaves an uncovered driver taking the chance of having an uncovered traffic accident at which point they will not only incur a financial burden, but can also face legal repercussions.
According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC), an estimated 24 percent of the state’s motorists were operating automobiles without coverage in 2007, which means that a motorist had a one in four chance in being involved in a collision with an uninsured motorist; given the economic downturn that has taken place since then, the percentage today is feared to be higher. Residents should take into deep consideration the purchase of Uninsured Motorist coverage that can protect against such incidents. According to the Oklahoma Insurance Department it is a relatively inexpensive add-on that starts at only a cost of an additional $37; this can prove to be well worth the extra premium if involved in an accident with an uncovered driver.
Source: http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/oklahoma/
