SKIP TO CONTENTJust like almost all other U.S. states, Oklahoma has a compulsory insurance law that calls for all drivers in the Sooner State to carry auto insurance policies. But do drivers also need to invest in Oklahoma uninsured motorist coverage to stay within the limits of the law?
Find out whether you’re legally required to have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage in Oklahoma below.
To Start, What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of auto insurance coverage designed to protect you, your passengers, and your vehicle during car accidents involving drivers with no auto insurance. If you’re ever in a collision with an uninsured driver, it will provide medical and property damage coverage through your auto insurance policy.
Oklahoma uninsured motorist coverage is also an effective auto insurance tool for those involved in hit-and-run accidents. You will receive the hit-and-run protection you need when this type of coverage is included in your car insurance policy.
Uninsured motorist coverage is not to be confused with underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. This type of auto insurance coverage will come in handy if you’re ever in an accident with a driver who has an auto insurance policy with low coverage limits. A policy like this might not cover the costs associated with accident-related injuries and/or property damage.
Is Oklahoma Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required?
Uninsured motorist coverage is legally required in some states. Oklahoma is not one of them.
You won’t need to add Oklahoma uninsured motorist coverage to your auto insurance policy if you don’t want to. However, many insurance providers offer it and automatically add it to their policies unless people specifically ask that it be removed in writing.
You maintain the right to decide whether or not you think uninsured motorist coverage is worth it. You also aren’t legally required to add optional underinsured motorist coverage to your auto insurance policy in Oklahoma.
Why Should You Consider Adding Uninsured Motorist Coverage to Your Auto Insurance Policy?
Since Oklahoma uninsured motorist coverage isn’t required by law, you might not think twice about asking an auto insurance company to remove it from your policy. However, you shouldn’t necessarily write it off this quickly.
Many benefits come with policy stacking and adding uninsured motorist coverage. It will, maybe above all else, provide you with extra peace of mind when you’re driving around in the state.
Thankfully, the Oklahoma Uninsured Vehicle Enforcement Diversion Program has dramatically reduced the number of uninsured drivers in OK. A decade ago, about 25% of drivers in the state were uninsured, compared to just 13.4% today.
Even so, Oklahoma is home to about 2.6 million drivers, which means that nearly 350,000 are uninsured. You risk being involved in an accident with one of them every time you’re out on the road, and even a relatively minor car accident with one could cost you dearly.
Oklahoma uninsured motorist coverage will safeguard you against drivers without auto insurance policies. It will also make hit-and-run accidents less impactful from a financial perspective.
Contact Us To Work With an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Are you having a tough time recovering from a car accident with an uninsured driver? Whether you have Oklahoma uninsured motorist coverage or not, being involved in a crash with a driver who doesn’t have insurance can present problems. You might also face issues after being involved in a crash with an underinsured driver.
Either way, a car accident lawyer from Bryan Garrett, PLLC, can assist you throughout the claim filing process. Call us today at (405) 725-2661 to schedule a consultation.
