Car insurance is an essential part of owning and driving a car in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It not only protects you from financial losses but also helps you comply with state laws. However, finding the right car insurance coverage can be overwhelming, given the numerous options and variables involved. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about car insurance in Tulsa.
What is Car Insurance?
Car insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company that provides financial protection in case of an accident, theft, or any other covered event. It typically covers damages to your car, other people’s property, and medical expenses for injuries to you or other parties.
Car insurance is mandatory in Tulsa and throughout Oklahoma, and the minimum required coverage includes:
Coverage Type |
Minimum Coverage |
|---|---|
Bodily Injury Liability |
$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident |
Property Damage Liability |
$25,000 per accident |
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury |
$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident |
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage |
$25,000 per accident |
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage
Bodily injury liability coverage pays for the medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages incurred by other people if you are at fault in an accident. It does not cover your own injuries or damages to your car.
You must have at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability coverage in Tulsa.
For example, suppose you hit another car and the driver and passengers sustain injuries that require medical treatment. Your bodily injury liability coverage will pay for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, up to the policy limits.
However, if the damages exceed your policy limits, you will be responsible for paying the difference out of pocket. Therefore, it is recommended to have higher coverage limits if you can afford it.
Property Damage Liability Coverage
Property damage liability coverage pays for the damages you cause to other people’s property, such as their cars, fences, or buildings, if you are at fault in an accident. It does not cover your own property damages.
You must have at least $25,000 per accident for property damage liability coverage in Tulsa.
For example, suppose you hit another car and damage its bumper and fender. Your property damage liability coverage will pay for the repair or replacement costs of the other car, up to the policy limits.
Again, if the damages exceed your policy limits, you will be responsible for paying the difference out of pocket.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your own medical expenses and damages if you are hit by a driver who does not have car insurance or does not have enough coverage to pay for your losses.
In Tulsa, you must have at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage and $25,000 per accident for uninsured motorist property damage coverage.
Uninsured motorist coverage is optional in Oklahoma, but it is strongly recommended, as roughly 10% of drivers in the state are uninsured, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Types of Car Insurance Coverage
In addition to the mandatory minimum coverage, car insurance companies offer various types of optional coverage that can provide additional protection and peace of mind. These include:
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage pays for the damages to your car if you are at fault in an accident or if you hit an object, such as a tree or a pole. It typically has a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before the insurance company starts paying for the damages.
Collision coverage is optional, but it may be required if you have a car loan or lease, as the lender or lessor may want to protect their investment.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage pays for the damages to your car that are not caused by a collision, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters.
Like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage has a deductible, and it is optional but may be required by your lender or lessor.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
PIP coverage pays for the medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages incurred by you or your passengers in case of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. It typically has a limit of $10,000 in Oklahoma.
PIP coverage is optional in Oklahoma, but it is required in some other states.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Underinsured motorist coverage pays for your own medical expenses and damages if you are hit by a driver who has some insurance but not enough to cover your losses.
Underinsured motorist coverage is optional in Oklahoma.
Factors Affecting Car Insurance Rates in Tulsa
Car insurance rates in Tulsa depend on various factors, including:
Driving Record
Your driving record is one of the most significant factors in determining your car insurance rates. If you have a clean driving record with no accidents or violations, you are more likely to get lower rates than if you have a history of accidents, tickets, or DUIs.
Age and Gender
Younger drivers and male drivers tend to have higher car insurance rates than older drivers and female drivers, as they are considered to be more risky and prone to accidents.
Type of Car
The type of car you drive can also affect your car insurance rates. Sports cars, luxury cars, and high-performance cars typically have higher rates than sedans, SUVs, and minivans, as they are more expensive to repair or replace.
Location
Where you live in Tulsa can also impact your car insurance rates. If you live in a high-crime area or an area prone to natural disasters, your rates may be higher than if you live in a safer or more rural area.
Credit Score
Your credit score can also affect your car insurance rates, as insurance companies consider it as an indicator of how responsible and reliable you are. Drivers with higher credit scores tend to get lower rates than those with lower scores.
FAQ About Car Insurance in Tulsa
What is the average car insurance rate in Tulsa?
The average car insurance rate in Tulsa is $1,724 per year for full coverage, according to Bankrate. However, your rates may be higher or lower depending on your personal factors and coverage needs.
How can I lower my car insurance rates in Tulsa?
You can lower your car insurance rates in Tulsa by:
- Maintaining a clean driving record
- Choosing a car that is cheaper to insure
- Opting for higher deductibles and lower coverage limits
- Shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance companies
What should I do if I get into a car accident in Tulsa?
If you get into a car accident in Tulsa, you should:
- Make sure everyone involved is safe and call for emergency assistance if necessary
- Exchange information with the other driver(s), including names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance information
- Take photos of the accident scene, damages, and injuries
- File a police report if there are injuries, deaths, or damages over $500
- Notify your insurance company and provide them with the necessary information and documents
How long do I have to file a car insurance claim in Tulsa?
In Oklahoma, you have two years from the date of the accident or the date you discovered the damages or injuries to file a car insurance claim.
What happens if I don’t have car insurance in Tulsa?
If you don’t have car insurance in Tulsa, you can face fines, license suspension, and even jail time. You can also be held liable for the damages and injuries you cause in an accident, which can result in costly lawsuits and financial losses.
Can I get car insurance with a suspended license in Tulsa?
No, you cannot get car insurance with a suspended license in Tulsa. You need a valid driver’s license to legally drive and get car insurance in Oklahoma.
Conclusion
Car insurance is an important and mandatory requirement for drivers in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Understanding the different types of coverage, minimum requirements, and factors affecting rates can help you make informed decisions and get the right protection for your needs and budget. Be sure to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best deal.