Not having insurance in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, can get drivers a citation, which means they have to go to court. Many states require a minimum of liability to cover the other driver, but drivers may opt for full coverage. This coverage encompasses several types of additional coverage besides liability.
Minimum liability
Oklahoma is a fault state, meaning the driver who causes the accident must pay for damages with their liability insurance. Liability covers bodily injury caused by at-fault drivers up to the policy limits, but it doesn’t cover their own injuries. It also requires property damage coverage to pay for accident-related damage, such as running into fences.
Each state requires drivers to buy a minimum amount of coverage for bodily injury per person, per accident and property damage represented by three figures. For example, in Oklahoma, the minimum coverage is 25/50/25, which means $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage. Liability also applies when someone other than the driver operates the vehicle with their permission.
Other options for full coverage
Minimum coverage may not be enough to cover some motor vehicle accidents, leaving drivers open to lawsuits. Furthermore, liability doesn’t pay for the at-fault driver’s vehicle repairs, so they can add collision insurance.
Collision coverage pays for damages to the driver’s vehicle even if they caused the accident, such as hitting a pole. Comprehensive insurance is another optional coverage that pays for non-accident damage, such as fire or theft.
Personal injury protection pays for medical expenses, funeral expenses and lost wages of all parties regardless of fault. Some states require this coverage, but Oklahoma doesn’t although it can help reduce medical expenses not covered by health insurance. While Oklahoma doesn’t require uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, it can ease the burden of debt caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
Car accidents are much more costly without auto insurance, but some drivers still don’t buy it. Even if an at-fault driver has no insurance, injured parties may still be able to settle damages out of court or sue the at-fault driver with the help of a personal injury attorney.
