How Much Car Insurance Do I Need in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma requires vehicle owners and drivers to show "financial responsibility" for any car accident they might cause, and most Oklahomans comply with this law by purchasing car insurance that meets these minimum coverage requirements:

• $25,000 per person for injuries or death resulting from an accident caused by the policyholder
• $50,000 total for all injuries or deaths resulting from an accident caused by the policyholder, and
• $25,000 per accident for all vehicle and property damage resulting from an accident caused by the policyholder.

Let's look at the details of Oklahoma's car insurance rules and how they're likely to affect a car accident case.

What Does Liability Car Insurance Cover in Oklahoma?

Liability coverage pays for injuries, property damage, and other losses you cause in a car accident, up to coverage limits. For example, if you rear-end another car at a stop sign, your liability coverage will pay for the injuries and damage you cause.

Your liability coverage will cover anyone named on the policy, most household members, and "permissive users." Permissive users are people who have permission to drive your car. Your liability insurance will also likely cover an accident in a rental car.

What Is the "Financial Responsibility" Requirement for Oklahoma Drivers?

As we touched on at the top of this article, Oklahoma law requires all vehicle owners to show "financial responsibility" for any accident they might end up causing. The vast majority of Oklahomans do this by purchasing liability car insurance policy, but you can also comply with this law by:

• filing proof of financial responsibility with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) through either a deposit of $75,000 in cash directly with the DPS, or with a valid certificate of deposit of $75,000 (Okla. Stat. §§ 47-7-330, 331), or
• by qualifying as a self-insurer with DPS (Okla. Stat. § 47-7-503.)

Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma doesn't require car insurance policies to include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, but insurance companies are required to offer it to anyone purchasing a policy. This coverage protects you and your passengers if you're hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, or if you're the victim of a hit-and-run driver. (Okla. Stat. § 36-3636.)

What Other Kinds of Car Insurance Should I Get in Oklahoma?

Remember that liability car insurance won't cover your own injuries or vehicle damage after a car accident. You'll need other kinds of insurance for that. Let's look at a few examples.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage will pay to replace or repair your vehicle if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object. You can use collision coverage whether you're at fault for an accident or not. Collision coverage is optional in Oklahoma, but your car loan lender may require you to have it.

Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage

Medical payments (MedPay) coverage, also optional in Oklahoma, will cover car accident-related medical bills and funeral expenses for you and your passengers no matter who caused the crash. In Oklahoma, your MedPay coverage typically extends to relatives who live with you.

Proof of Car Insurance Requirements in Oklahoma

Oklahoma requires vehicle owners and drivers to carry proof of insurance in their cars. If you're stopped for a traffic violation or involved in an accident, a law enforcement officer may write you a traffic citation if you can't provide proof of insurance.

Oklahoma's Insurance Commission maintains an insurance verification system (OKIVS) for Oklahoma citizens, vehicle owners, insurers, and government officials, including law enforcement officers.

What Happens to Uninsured Drivers in Oklahoma?

If you get caught driving without insurance in Oklahoma, you can expect penalties, including:

• fines
• driver's license suspension
• administrative fees
• vehicle impoundment
• license plate seizure
• points on your driving record, and
• up to 30 days in jail. (Okla. Stat. § 47-7-606.)

As stiff as these penalties may seem to be, they pale in comparison to the financial hit you could take if you're in a car accident and you don't have car insurance.