Drivers who are looking for Oklahoma auto insurance must comply with state law and have a certain level of liability and property damage insurance in place. Oklahoma is a tort state, which means when an accident occurs that one of the drivers is determined to be at fault. His or her insurance company is responsible for paying damages to people injured as a result of the driver's error or incompetence.

Oklahoma Auto Insurance: Average Cost of Coverage

The average cost of Oklahoma auto insurance was $2,069 in 2009. This figure is higher than the national average in the United States, which was $1,807. Rates in this state are on the rise, and you want to avoid paying more than you have to for this coverage. You will need to know what type of coverage is mandatory, and how to find the best rates and policy for your needs.

Oklahoma Auto Insurance: Minimum Coverage Required

The minimum level of bodily injury liability insurance in Oklahoma is $25,000 for a single person injured in an accident. Drivers must have at least $50,000 in coverage to pay for medical bills and other expenses of all people injured in a single accident, no matter how many are involved.

Property damage liability insurance is also a requirement for drivers in Oklahoma. This coverage pays for the cost of repairing the other vehicle. If other objects, such your neighbor's fence or mail box, are damaged in the accident, the property damage insurance will pay for it as well. The minimum level of property damage coverage required in Oklahoma is $25,000.

Underinsured/uninsured insurance coverage is not required for Oklahoma drivers. It is a good idea to buy this type of insurance, since it provides coverage for drivers when they are involved in an accident when the at-fault driver either doesn't have any insurance coverage or doesn't have sufficient coverage to pay for the cost of medical bills and other expenses. If your injuries and expenses are higher than the other driver's policy limit and you don't have this type of coverage, you will be responsible for making up the difference yourself.

How to Get the Best Oklahoma Auto Insurance Rates

To get the best rate for your auto insurance coverage, shop around. Each insurance company has its own criteria for setting rates and pricing can vary greatly from one insurer to another. Before you make a choice about which insurance company to get your coverage from, it pays to look at several options.

The Internet is a wonderful source of information and you can check out different insurance companies and their products from anywhere that has an Internet connection. Even if you have been with your insurance company for a while, you may be able to get better rates from a different one.

You should also make a point of asking your insurance company whether you qualify for any discounts on your coverage. Having multiple insurance policies with the same company should qualify you for a better rate on your coverage. Some companies offer a loyalty discount to longtime policyholders, so if you have been with the same insurer for several years, ask whether this is something they are prepared to do to keep your business.

Taking a defensive driving course, keeping your annual mileage low, and having an anti-theft device installed in your car can help to keep your insurance costs down. The make and model of car you drive is also a factor. If you are in the market for a new vehicle, you may want to check in with your insurer before you make a final decision. The company can let you know whether you are looking at a car that is costly to insure.

One of the best things you can do to keep your car insurance costs down is to maintain a good driving record. When an insurance company is considering whether to offer to cover you, it is assessing the level of risk that you present. While an accident where you were not at fault many not affect your rates, being involved in a second accident shortly after the first one may mean you are looking at higher rates as well.

Compare Oklahoma Auto Insurance Quotes

A few months before your existing Oklahoma auto insurance coverage is up for renewal, get some quotes from other companies. That way, you will know whether you are getting a good rate or if it's time to move on to a different company. A good place to start is with our tool at the top of the page. Get started comparing Oklahoma car insurance quotes today!