Oklahoma Car Insurance [Rates + Cheap Coverage Guide]

In this article we will discuss:

• Oklahoma Car Insurance Coverage and Rates
• Oklahoma Car Insurance Companies
• Laws in Oklahoma
• Oklahoma Can’t-Miss Facts

With a population of 3,943,079, Oklahoma has a lot of drivers on its roads. With millions of drivers, it also natural that there are numerous car insurance providers offering a dizzying array of coverage and rate options.

Looking at so many Oklahoma car insurance providers is daunting and raises numerous questions. Who are the best providers in Oklahoma? What are Oklahoma’s driving laws, and how do the laws impact rates if broken?

Even if you already have a provider, when an unexpected accident throws a dent in your plans (and your car), it is necessary to know what coverage you have.

Luckily, we cover all this and much more, because we know how important it is to find the right rates and coverage. Finding the right provider can save you money (and headaches) over time. Start comparing rates today by entering your zip code above in our FREE online tool!

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Oklahoma’s insurance providers, driving regulations, and so much more.

Oklahoma Car Insurance Coverage and Rates

If you are moving to or live in Oklahoma, also known as the “Sooner State,” you will have endless attractions to visit. There are beautiful parks featuring waterfalls and natural rock caves scattered throughout the state. There are also cities like Oklahoma City, which ranked on US News top 100 places to live in 2018. If you chose to live in this beautiful state, though, you have to know what it costs to operate a vehicle in Oklahoma.

You might be wondering where to start, and we will break down the car insurance options and rates in Oklahoma for you in order to make the process as easy as possible.

Below, we have provided information and help so you can get the best coverage options for your needs.

– Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Oklahoma

So what is liability insurance? Basically, liability insurance pays all individuals — drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, etc. — who are owed compensation for property damage and/or injuries resulting from a car accident that you or anyone under your policy causes.

Oklahoma is an “at fault” accident state, meaning if you are the driver at fault you are liable for personal injury or property claims.

Oklahoma state law requires drivers to have the following minimum liability insurance in case of an accident:

• $25,000 to cover the death or injury of one person
• $50,000 to cover the death or injury of more than one person
• $25,000 to cover property damage

Bear in mind, though, that minimum liability insurance only covers the minimum amount required by the state of Oklahoma. In the event of an accident, you may find that the minimum liability amount quickly runs out. To avoid this, it’s important to consider additional coverage options.

– Required Forms of Financial Responsibility in Oklahoma

Oklahoma law requires every driver and every owner of a vehicle to have proof of financial responsibility (liability coverage) at all times.

Here are 3 acceptable forms of proof of financial responsibility:

1. Valid Liability Insurance ID cards
2. Copy of your current car’s insurance policy
3. Valid Insurance Binder (a temporary form of car insurance)

Drivers in Oklahoma are required to have at least one form of proof of financial security on their person when operating a vehicle. If you don’t have financial security, you may face fines or jail time.

Driving without insurance can result in the following:

• Fine up to $250
• 30 days in jail
• Suspension of driver’s license
• Suspension of vehicle’s registration

Don’t risk it! Driving without insurance does have consequences.

– Premiums as Percentage of Income in Oklahoma

In a 2018 study by the NAIC, the annual per capita disposable income in Oklahoma was $39,740.

Disposable personal income (DPI) is the total amount of money available for an individual to spend (or save) after his or her taxes have been paid. This means Oklahomans have only $3,311 to spend per month on groceries, rent, and other household budgets.

On average, residents in Oklahoma pay $986 annually for comprehensive car insurance.

That’s $82 dollars a month going to car insurance, and this amount could be much higher if purchasing more than minimum car insurance.

American Consumer Credit Counseling suggests saving 20 percent of every paycheck. With Oklahoma’s DPI, that’s $662 each month. To make sure you’re getting the best deal on car insurance, keep reading to learn about the different coverage and provider options.

– Core Car Insurance Coverage in Oklahoma

The above table illustrates the most recent data provided by the leading source on the matter, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Expect car insurance rates in Oklahoma to be significantly higher from 2018 on.

Don’t forget: Oklahoma has minimum requirements for liability coverage, but experts suggest drivers purchase more than what state law requires, especially when the state is an “at-fault” state like Oklahoma.

You never know when an accident will happen, so it is smart to add extra coverage to your plan. Below, we have covered some of the most popular coverage options to add to a basic auto insurance policy.

– Additional Liability Coverage in Oklahoma

Here’s the deal. Med Pay, Uninsured, and Underinsured Motorist coverages are optional in Oklahoma, but you should still have them. They are important coverages in case of an accident.

Why? Because in 2015, 10.5 percent of motorists in Oklahoma were uninsured. These uninsured drivers will likely go bankrupt before being able to pay off the costs of medical bills and property damage in an accident for which they are at fault.

Did you know? Oklahoma ranks 31st in the nation for its number of uninsured motorists.

Oklahoma’s loss ratios are on the low side, especially when compared to 2015 top insurance companies in the U.S., who had loss ratios that ranged from 94 to 112 percent. From the above table, you can see that Oklahoma’s Med Pay loss ratio has increased over the last years, but Underinsured and Uninsured loss ratios have decreased.

So what does this mean for you?

Companies with high loss ratios mean they are paying out a high amount in claims — but don’t get too excited. Insurers with high loss ratios (over 100 percent) are losing money and run the risk of going bankrupt.

Companies with low loss ratios mean they are not paying claims out.

Bottom line? Avoid companies with very low or very high claims. In the case of loss ratios, a middle number is best.

– Add-ons, Endorsements, and Riders in Oklahoma

Let’s look closer at what extra coverages you can add to your policy. We know that you want to get the complete coverage you need for an affordable price.

Fortunately, there are effective and affordable extras you can add to your policy.

Here’s a list of useful coverage available to you in Oklahoma:

• Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP)
• Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP)
• Rental Reimbursement
• Emergency Roadside Assistance
• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
• Non-Owner Car Insurance
• Modified Car Insurance Coverage
• Classic Car Insurance
• Pay-as-You-Drive or Usage-Based Insurance

– Male vs Female Annual Car Insurance Rates in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, average rates from insurance companies show that males are paying more than females for car insurance. Bear in mind, though, that a common misconception is that males always pay more than females.

In most states, females pay more than males for car insurance. Oklahoma happens to be one of the few states that are the exception. 

Data from our researchers, though, shows that male and female insurance costs are leveling out to an almost equal basis in Oklahoma. Hopefully, insurance rates on the basis of gender will continue to be eliminated.

Bear in mind, your driving record and coverage plan will play a large part in determining your costs — more so than your gender.

– Cheapest Oklahoma Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code

As you can see, where you live does matter in relation to car insurance costs.

According to our researcher’s data, zip codes in Tulsa seem to be the most expensive places to purchase car insurance, with Oklahoma City as a close second.

This is why it is so important to compare car insurance costs, as the area could be a potential cost factor when moving. We have also listed the most and least expensive cities for car insurance in Oklahoma.

Now that we’ve covered rates based on area, let’s look at some of the best and worst insurance companies in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Car Insurance Companies

There are hundreds of providers in the state of Oklahoma. How do you know which one to choose? Finding the right car insurance company is hard. No-one wants to spend hours looking at rates and policies to find the best deal.

That’s why we’ve done the work for you. We’ve researched companies in Oklahoma so that you can choose what is best for you. We’ve broken down companies’ financial ratings, AM best ratings, and who has the most complaints.

Keep scrolling to learn about Oklahoma’s car insurance providers.

– Ratings of the Top Ten Largest Car Insurance Companies in Oklahoma

While it’s important to know a company’s financial security, it is also important to know how a company handles its customers. Outstanding customer service is essential to the good name of a company. We all want to have excellent service, and companies that strive to provide excellent customer service naturally rank higher.

– Oklahoma’s Car Insurance Companies with the BEST Ratings

As you can see from the graph above, some of the largest providers in Oklahoma are also great at customer satisfaction. Farmers insurance and GEICO both rank at the top of the list.

J.D. Power Business Consultant says, “Cost is not the sole indicator of customer satisfaction in the auto insurance industry. Low prices may attract new customers, but it’s service that keeps them.”

– Oklahoma Car Insurance Companies with the MOST Customer Complaints

Above, you will see the number of complaints listed for the biggest insurance providers in Oklahoma. Bear in mind that complaints don’t necessarily mean you should avoid a company. How the company resolves complaints and overall customer satisfaction also plays a role in the quality of a company.

– Oklahoma’s Insurance Providers’ Rates Compared to National Average

State Farm Mutual and GEICO’s rates are lower than the National Average. On the other hand, SAFECO Insurance Co of America and Progressive Northern are significantly higher than the national average. This could be a contributing factor to why they are not on the list of most popular insurance companies in Oklahoma.

-Cost by Oklahoma Companies with Different Annual Commutes

Most of the companies’ rates don’t vary based on mileage and commute distance. But GEICO, USAA, and State Farm all have a hundred dollar difference between a 25-mile commute and a 10-mile commute.

Next, we will look at the coverage level rates for Oklahoma and break them down.

– Coverage Level Rates in Oklahoma

You might be wondering how rates vary based on coverage level. Remember, while it’s tempting to go with the lowest coverage, it is always better to have more complete coverage in case of an accident.

Below, we have listed carriers’ coverage costs in Oklahoma.

– Oklahoma Credit History Rates

Many car insurance companies determine rates by looking at your credit score. What does this mean for you? At most insurance companies, the better your credit score is, the better rates you will receive.

In the state of Oklahoma, the average credit score is 656. This number places Oklahoma in the list of the top 10 states with the lowest credit scores.

At top companies like Liberty Mutual, a good credit score will give you an average annual rate of $4,724. But if you have poor credit, Liberty Mutual’s average annual rate jumps to $9,874! That’s a $5,150 difference!

As you can see, your credit history plays a large role in determining your rates. Keep reading to learn how your driving record can also impact your rates.

– Oklahoma Driving Record Rates

With a clean driving record, your annual rates will be significantly less. As you can see, only one DUI adds $1,752 to GEICO’s annual rate! That’s an extra $146 a month to pay!

– Number of Insurers in Oklahoma

Laws in Oklahoma

Knowing your state’s laws is important. State laws can often be confusing, though, especially if you are a new resident or passing through Oklahoma. Every state has different laws on seatbelt requirements, speed limits, and drunk driving.

The last thing anyone wants is a fine for breaking a law. Especially if you didn’t know that law existed in the first place.

In order for you to avoid a fine and keep your rates low, scroll down to read our summary of Oklahoma’s state laws.

– Car Insurance Laws in Oklahoma

Car insurance is legally required in the state of Oklahoma. As stated before, motorists in Oklahoma must have the required amount of minimum car insurance and proof of financial responsibility.

While Oklahoma state law requires all vehicles to have car insurance, car insurance companies can refuse to give coverage to high-risk drivers.

The DMV tells high-risk drivers to turn to Oklahoma’s Automobile Insurance Plan if they are unable to find providers willing to insure them.

Bottom line? Follow state laws and keep yourself off the blacklist of high-risk drivers.

– High-Risk Insurance in Oklahoma

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, accidents happen and affect our driving records. In the state of Oklahoma, a high-risk driver must fill out an SR-22 form for high-risk insurance.

Here are some of the reasons drivers in Oklahoma may need to fill out an SR-22 form:

• License suspension/revocation due to a DUI/DWI
• Having no insurance in a vehicle accident
• Being involved in an accident that causes serious injury
• Driving while uninsured
• A high number of points on your driving record

– Low-cost Insurance

Oklahoma does not have a government-sponsored car insurance program for low-income families. Only a few states have this program, but don’t be discouraged that Oklahoma isn’t one of them! By shopping around for low rates in your area, you can still save money on car insurance.

– Windshield Coverage

A cracked or broken windshield will likely happen sometime in your driving career. Through no fault of your own, stray stones, branches, and cold can all contribute to a cracked windshield. In Oklahoma, though, insurers are not required to replace your cracked or broken windshield.

Even though Oklahoma law doesn’t require replacement, an insurer may offer replacement with a comprehensive coverage plan.

Insurers who offer windshield repair or replacement with comprehensive coverage may require you to take the vehicle to a specific auto repair shop.

In Oklahoma, insurance companies can also offer to repair your windshield with aftermarket and used parts under a comprehensive coverage plan. If you decline, you will have to pay the cost of repairs to your windshield yourself.

– Automobile Insurance Fraud in Oklahoma

In the state of Oklahoma, automobile insurance fraud is classified as a crime. Breaking this law may result in fines and/or jail time.

IIHS defines fraud as the following:

Hard fraud occurs when someone deliberately fabricates claims or fakes an accident. Soft insurance fraud, also known as opportunistic fraud, occurs when people pad legitimate claims.

The IIHS also reports that property and casualty fraud, in the five year period between 2013-2017, racked up an amount of $30 billion each year!

 In 2018, Oklahoma’s Department of Insurance reported receiving 1,286 complaints of fraud. Authorities recovered $345,924 from auto insurance fraud and submitted $152,456 for criminal prosecution.

Bottom line: don’t fake a claim or add false extras onto a claim. It’s simply not worth it.

– Statute of Limitations

If you are injured or your vehicle is damaged, you only have a certain amount of time to file a claim to receive the money you are owed. Below is the amount of time you have to file claims in Oklahoma.

– State Specific Laws 

Oklahoma has an Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act. Oklahoma law requires insurers to disclose to their clients exactly what their policy covers. The Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act helps prevent insurers from “overlooking” benefits on your coverage policy when you file a claim. Imagine paying your hard-earned money each month on coverage, and the benefits are conveniently forgotten when you need them most.

While this act helps prevent you from being unfairly treated, the best way to avoid being cheated is to know EXACTLY what your policy covers.

Next, we will look at what you need to know about licensing a vehicle in Oklahoma.

-Oklahoma’s Vehicle Licensing Laws

We get it. Paying for insurance is expensive. But the penalties for driving without insurance are steeper.

Acceptable proof of insurance forms include the following:

1. Valid Liability Insurance ID cards
2. Copy of your current car’s insurance policy
3. Valid Insurance Binder (a temporary form of car insurance)

Oklahoma enforces checking for insurance by requiring proof of insurance when registering a vehicle. The state of Oklahoma also has an electronic insurance verification system in place to keep track of Oklahoma resident’s insurance.

Anytime you are pulled over, you also must provide proof of vehicle insurance to the officer.

Oklahoma can also suspend your vehicle registration if you violate insurance laws. These include:

1. Canceling your insurance policy without renewing or replacing it within the required time limit
2. Failing to provide proof of coverage to the DMV within 30 days of vehicle registration or transfer of ownership
3. Registering your vehicle with fake information or false evidence of insurance

You will be sent a letter if your vehicle registration has been suspended. At this point, it is up to you to provide proof of valid auto insurance to reinstate your vehicle registration.

– Teen Driver Laws

In Oklahoma, young drivers can’t get a learner’s permit until they are at least 15 1/2 years old. They must then have the learner’s permit for at least 6 months and fulfill the other requirements listed below before they can apply to have a license.

These rules are not the only ones that must be followed. There are also restrictions in place for young drivers during the period of their learner’s permit or intermediate license.

Take note: If a young driver takes driver education classes, it shaves the waiting period for restrictions in half!

– Older Driver License Renewal Procedures

Going to the DMV is a necessity for all age groups. Older residents in Oklahoma must renew their licenses every four years, the same as the general population. As well, regardless of age, Oklahoma residents are NOT allowed to renew driver licenses by mail or online. While the trip every four years comes around sooner than one thinks, there is one perk to living in Oklahoma:

Unlike other states, Oklahoma doesn’t require older drivers and the general population to pass vision tests before renewing their licenses.

So while you still have to visit the DMV in person, you can (though probably shouldn’t) scratch an eye-doctor visit off your to-do list.

– New Residents

If you are moving to Oklahoma, updating your car insurance is a necessary item on your to-do list. Make sure to inform your current provider of your new address so you can get updated proof of insurance cards. You also need to make sure you have the minimum car insurance coverage required by the state of Oklahoma.

After you’ve registered at your local DMV, some insurers (like GEICO) will require you to take your vehicle to the to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) or Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC). Once there, a tag agent will inspect the vehicle to confirm your vehicle identification number.

– Oklahoma Rules of the Road

The last thing you want is to rack up points on your driving record because you don’t know the rules of the road. To help you avoid breaking the law, we’ve listed some of the main rules you need to know when driving in Oklahoma.

If you don’t know these laws, it is inevitable that authorities will eventually pull you over!

– Fault vs. No Fault

Oklahoma is an at-fault state. But what does this mean?

When a vehicle accident occurs in Oklohoma, police will find one of the drivers to be at-fault. The result is that the at-fault driver has to pay for medical expenses, damages, and all other costs caused by the accident.

If you don’t have insurance or the right coverage, your resources will quickly be drained if you are found to be at-fault in the state of Oklahoma.

– Keep Right and Move Over Laws

If you are driving slower than the speed limit, you are NOT allowed to drive in the left lane. The general rule of thumb is that if you are slower than general traffic, keep to the right side of the road.

Passing on the right is allowed under CERTAIN circumstances.

If you do pass on the right, JUSTIA US law says, “Every driver who intends to pass another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, which requires moving his vehicle from one lane of traffic to another, shall first see that such movement can be made with safety and shall proceed to pass only after giving a proper signal by hand or mechanical device.”

– Oklahoma Speed Limits

To help you avoid a ticket, here are the speed limits across the state of Oklahoma.

– Seat Belt and Car Seat Laws

Everyone knows wearing a seatbelt is important. But do you know the specific laws in the state of Oklahoma? Don’t fear, we have listed them for you! Keep reading to learn about Oklahoma’s seat belt laws.

Most importantly, we want to keep our children safe. There are strict laws in place to ensure our children’s safety in the state of Oklahoma. Below are the main car seat laws you need to know.

The first time you break car seat laws, you face a fine of $50 plus fees.

There is no Oklahoma state law restricting riding in cargo areas. It is still best to use caution when riding in cargo areas, though, and make sure to exercise your best judgment to ensure everyone’s safety.

– Ridesharing in Oklahoma

Two of the biggest ridesharers in the U.S. are Uber and Lyft. If you want to ensure your vehicle to rideshare, you must choose from one of the following insurers in Oklahoma.

• Allstate
  
• Farmers
  
• Geico
  
• Mercury
  
• State Farm
  
• USAA

Each insurer has different coverages and requirements, so make sure you choose one that best fits your needs. Most ridesharing companies will also have you complete vehicle safety checks in addition to purchasing ridesharing insurance.

-Safety Laws in Oklahoma

26.4 percent of all traffic-related deaths in Oklahoma are alcohol-related. In 2017, there were 165 fatalities caused by alcohol-related accidents. Drunk driving often comes with terrible costs, which is why Oklahoma has strict laws in place to control drunk driving related incidents.

As you can see, the first Driving While Impaired (DWI) offense is a misdemeanor, whereas the second offense is a felony. Below, you can see the penalties in Oklahoma for first-time and consecutive offenses.

Clearly, it does not pay to drive drunk. The same goes for marijuana-impaired driving in Oklahoma. The state of Oklahoma has a zero-tolerance law for the use of THC and metabolites.

Best policy? Avoid driving drunk or impaired. Having just one too many can result in an injury or a tragic accident.

– Distracted Driving Laws in Oklahoma

Do you know what is just as deadly as driving impaired? Driving distracted. Below are Oklahoma’s laws about cellphone use while driving.

What does this information mean? Basically, young drivers with learner’s permits or intermediate licenses are prohibited from using cell phones while driving. As well, drivers of all ages are prohibited from texting while driving. So save the texts until you get home.

Oklahoma Can’t-Miss Facts

Wherever you live, it is important to know the risks you face when you are out on the road. We know you want to be as safe as possible when driving. One of the ways to accomplish this is by knowing what to keep an eye out for in Oklahoma.

We have collected all the facts you need to know about owning and operating a vehicle in Oklahoma so that you can feel confident about what is going on in your hometown.

From theft to fatality rates, we have covered it all for you here.

-Vehicle Theft in Oklahoma

Full-sized pickups are definitely on the hit list in Oklahoma. If you own one of these cars, you may want to keep a closer eye on it. Next, the worst cities for vehicle theft in Oklahoma according to a 2013 report by the FBI.

-Fatality Rates in Oklahoma

Let’s jump into the sobering fatalities in Oklahoma and the main causes.

Two of Oklahoma’s cities made it onto NHTSA’s list of fatal crashes.

Next, let’s look at traffic fatalities in rural vs. urban environments.

Clearly, rural roads are more dangerous than urban. This may be unexpected to you because urban roads are more congested. If you consider factors like increased speed on rural roads, though, the higher fatality rate starts to make sense.

Get this: person type also shows trends in fatalities. By person type, we mean pedestrian vs. occupant of the vehicle and the vehicle type. Let’s dig a little deeper into Oklahoma’s fatality rates.

Passenger cars and pickups are involved in the most fatalities in Oklahoma. But beware, because non-occupants are also fatalities of accidents. When you are walking or bicycling near a roadway, make sure you keep an eye on the road for vehicle traffic.

Let’s now jump into crash type fatalities in Oklahoma.

Now that we know the where, who, and why of fatalities happening in Oklahoma, let’s dig a little deeper and look at the five-year fatality trend for counties in Oklahoma.

Bear in mind that Oklahoma’s fatality numbers are actually low compared to other states.

In comparison, California’s state fatalities totals were over 3,000.

However, you can clearly see that speeding is a problem in Oklahoma. Especially when you consider that fatalities due to rollover where likely caused by speeding. Still not convinced? Let’s examine fatalities involving speeding in each county of Oklahoma.

Tulsa ranks highest on the list in the number of speeding deaths. Next, let’s look at the other major claimer of lives.

Drunk driving is a prevalent problem across America, and Oklahoma is no exception.

Unfortunately, drunk driving is also prevalent among young drivers. Alcohol and inexperience often make for a deadly combination in teen drivers, although drunk driving is dangerous at any age. That extra drink is simply not worth it!

In the U.S., the average amount of underage, alcohol-impaired deaths per 100,000 people is 1.2 fatalities.

Oklahoma’s underage fatalities due to alcohol impairment are 1.3 fatalities, which is slightly above the national average.

With the number of accidents caused by alcohol impairment and other factors, the next question is naturally how long does it take for help to arrive? If you are in an accident, you want help to arrive as fast as possible. That’s why we are going to show you Oklahoma’s EMS Response Time, so you can feel secure that help will arrive shortly.

– EMS Response Time in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s response time is pretty good, as it only takes four to nine minutes for help to arrive and under an hour to be taken to the hospital from the time of the crash.

If you live in an urban area in Oklahoma, help will come faster than in a rural area.

– Transportation

How many cars do you own? In Oklahoma, the average number of cars owned as of 2016 is two.

Nobody wants to spend a huge chunk of their day commuting. Luckily for residents in Oklahoma, the average commute is less than the national average of 25 minutes.

On average, Oklahoman’s spend 20 minutes or less commuting.

Curious how people are commuting in Oklahoma? The most common method is driving alone, but there are other ways to commute in Oklahoma.

– Top Oklahoma Cities for Traffic Congestion

Traffic is the worst. Miles of cars slowly rolling forward, impatient honking, and a lot of teeth-gritting. Here are the worst cities in Oklahoma for traffic congestion. While there isn’t information on the percentage of time spent in congestion during peak time, it is clear that Tulsa and Oklahoma City residents spend quite a bit of time in traffic.

Oklahoma City ranks 46th in the U.S. for the most congested cities. Tulsa ranks 61st.

While it is discouraging that Oklahoma City and Tulsa are on the list, the rest of Oklahoma’s cities are not! So rest assured that Oklahoma is not a state where you will spend hours sitting in congestion.

We hope this comprehensive guide on Oklahoma has proved useful to you. Start comparing car insurance rates today by entering your zip code below in our FREE online tool!