Collision That Isn’t Your Fault? Good News – No Rate Increases!

Being involved in an accident where the other driver is at fault can bring up many questions and concerns. In Oklahoma, drivers are required to carry a minimum of the following: $25,000 bodily injury liability insurance, $50,000 total bodily injury liability insurance per accident, and $25,000 property damage liability insurance per accident. Many drivers in Oklahoma are not insured or they don’t have sufficient insurance to cover damages and medical expenses from a serious accident. What happens when there is no insurance, or there is not enough?

Naturally an individual would question if their rates will increase after filing a claim on their own insurance policy whether it is for property damage or a bodily injury claim under their uninsured or underinsured policy. After all, the accident was at no fault of theirs but the other driver who failed to carry liability insurance, or enough of it. There’s good news regarding the concern of a rate increase after a situation such as this one occurs.

According to No. Section 941 of the Oklahoma Insurance Code, “No insurance carrier who issues motor vehicle insurance policies in this state shall assign driving record points, cancel, refuse to issue or renew, or charge a higher premium rate for any motor vehicle liability or collision insurance policy for the reason that the insured has been involved in a motor vehicle collision and was not at fault.”

While your insurance rate will not increase, there may be other financial burdens after an accident, leaving you with medical bills and losses. This is why carrying uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance is important. While it is not required in Oklahoma, it’s very important to have it in order to protect yourself and your family from irresponsible, uninsured or underinsured drivers. If you were injured in an accident caused by a driver with no insurance or insufficient insurance, it’s important to speak with an experienced Tulsa injury lawyer who can assist you with uninsured motorists claims, and any other questions you may have.