It's wise and prudent to have proper auto insurance, but there's no denying that it raises the cost of driving. The good news is that premiums can range from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars based on a variety of factors. Verify your coverage at renewal time to ensure it meets your needs, and use these practical methods to save money on your auto policy.
Tulsa, Oklahoma's second-largest city, contributes significantly to the state's 2.5 million licensed drivers. Tulsa is highly inhabited and fast increasing, resulting in not just longer than normal commute times but also a high rate of traffic accidents. The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office reported 1,459 car accidents in 2019, with 38 of them resulting in fatalities.
Vehicle insurance rules in the state require automobile owners to have a minimum level of liability coverage in order to drive legally. You're not only putting your finances at risk, but you're also risking penalties and license suspension if you don't have proper insurance.
Tulsa drivers pay greater premiums than the average Oklahoma driver, with minimal coverage costing $555 per year and full coverage costing $2,108 per year. These rates can be steeper or lower for each person depending on a variety of circumstances.
You are likely to look at which companies offer the best quotes for the coverage you need when searching for providers. To find Tulsa's best auto insurance, examined multiple companies in the area based on average premiums and third-party customer satisfaction ratings.
Although there are numerous companies to pick from, what works for one person may not work for another. As a result, the best auto insurance provider for you will most likely be determined by your needs, budget, and a thorough investigation of what is available in your city.
How much does Tulsa vehicle insurance cost?
Tulsa residents pay more for vehicle insurance on average than other drivers in the state, partly due to the city's dense population. Although these prices are higher than the national average, automobile insurance in states like Louisiana and Florida is significantly more expensive. Your exact quoted cost will be determined by a number of criteria, including your age, driving record, and coverage options.
In Tulsa, how much automobile insurance do I need?
To be able to drive in Tulsa, you must have at least basic liability insurance. In Oklahoma, the state's minimum liability coverage requirements are 25/50/25. To safeguard against theft, fire, flood, and storm damage, collision or comprehensive coverage is strongly advised.
Insurance requirements in Tulsa
To be allowed to drive anyplace in Oklahoma, you must have auto insurance. The following is the mandatory minimum insurance coverage:
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $25,000 per accident
Keep in mind that the bare minimum of insurance only protects you if you cause damage to another person's vehicle, property, or person. You'll need more than just basic coverage to safeguard yourself and your vehicle from harm. Tulsa experiences adverse weather for several months of the year, making driving in the rain, sleet, or snow a safety risk. To safeguard against unforeseen damage and financial loss, full coverage auto insurance is generally advised.
Car insurance discounts in Tulsa
Taking advantage of discounts wherever possible is one of the best strategies to reduce the cost of the annual premium. Car owners in Tulsa might receive discounts based on a variety of variables, including:
- Customer loyalty: You may be eligible for discounts and price reductions if you stay with the same insurer for numerous years.
- Good driver: Some Tulsa insurers provide discounts to those with a clean driving record and no claims.
- Policy bundling: Bundling discounts are frequently available when you purchase your auto insurance and house or renters insurance policies from the same company.
- Safety features: Certain insurance companies in Tulsa may charge you less to insure your automobile you have additional safety equipment in your car such as (airbags, anti-lock brakes, and daytime running lights).
- Anti-theft devices: The dashboard camera, steering wheel lock, and car alarm are all gadgets that help to decrease and prevent auto theft. Many carriers give discounts for having these features implemented as a result of improved security.
How can you save money on your Tulsa car insurance?
v When it comes to car insurance, shop around.
Prices fluctuate from one provider to the other, so comparison shopping is a good idea.
Get at least three quotations from different insurance companies and different types of insurance businesses, such as those that sell through their own agents, independent agents, and companies that sell directly to consumers over the phone, through an app, or on the Internet. Before making a commitment, ask friends and relatives for suggestions based on their experiences, and perform your own due diligence by investigating the company.
You should know enough about auto insurance to be able to ask smart inquiries to a potential insurer. Anyone you speak with should take the time to provide you with a satisfactory response. Remember, if the worst happens and you need to file a claim, they are the people you'll turn to.
Remember that the cheapest choice isn't necessarily the cheapest. Make sure the firm you choose is respectable, and that the service you receive from the insurance professionals you interact with is satisfactory. To help you choose the best insurance company for your needs, your state insurance department or internet consumer information sites may provide information on customer complaints by the company.
v Before you buy a car, compare insurance costs.
The cost of repairing the car, its overall safety record, and the possibility of theft are all factors that go into determining auto insurance prices. Many insurance companies provide discounts for features that lessen the danger of automobile theft or personal injury, as well as for vehicles that are regarded to be secure. When you're comparing new and used vehicles, look at how much they'll cost to insurance. To begin, use the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) online Top Safety Pick rating tool to look up individual model safety ratings.
v Increase your deductible amount.
You can dramatically reduce your premium rates by picking a greater deductible on your auto insurance. Naturally, make sure you have enough money set aside to cover the larger deductible in the event of a claim.
v Reduce the amount of optional insurance on your older vehicle.
In principle, it may not be cost-effective to have a collision and/or comprehensive coverage if your older car worth less than 10 times the insurance premium. Check the worth of your vehicle to see if this holds true for you. Websites like Kelley Blue Book, the National Association of Auto Dealers (NADA), and TrueCar can help you figure out how much your automobile is worth for free.
v Combine your insurance policies and/or continue with the same provider.
Many insurers provide discounts if you buy two or more types of insurance from them, such as homeowners and cars, or if you insure more than one vehicle. Customers who have been with a company for a long period may be eligible for a discount. There are no assurances, so do your research and compare the costs of a multi-policy discount from a single insurer with the costs of buying your insurance separately from other firms.
v Maintain a positive credit score.
Having a good credit history has a lot of advantages, including lower insurance prices. Credit information is used by many insurers to price auto insurance coverage. (Studies show that those who manage their credit well file fewer claims). It's a good idea to check your credit report on a frequent basis to ensure that all information is correct so that you get the good credit you deserve.
In conclusion
There are numerous insurance companies in Tulsa from which to pick that can save you money on your car insurance. It's vital to read customer evaluations about the insurance company from whom you're getting auto insurance quotes. Reading the insurance company's Google Reviews is one of the greatest ways to do this. This provides you a true picture of what people are saying about the insurance company you're considering from their perspective. This shifts your focus from merely considering the price to additionally considering customer experience when making your ultimate decision.
Additional Resources
All About Auto Insurance in Tulsa
All About Full Coverage Insurance
How to Find Cheap Liability Car Insurance
How to Find the Cheapest Auto Insurance Rate