Oklahoma has consistently had a reputation for being one of the most expensive auto insurance states in the United States. Even though the auto insurance rates dropped in 2012, as of December 2013 Oklahoma is the 4th most expensive auto insurance state in the country. The hazardous weather conditions with frequent blizzards, storms, hail, tornadoes have had a considerable impact on the accident rates, and in turn on the insurance rates. Another factor that contributes toward high insurance rates is the percentage of uninsured drivers.
The average annual insurance rate in Oklahoma is $2074. Bartlesville has the lowest average premium in Oklahoma, at $1743, which is still considerably higher than the national average, which is $1496. Tulsa has the highest average insurance rate, at $2217. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, there were 696 fatalities in 2011 due to accidents, of which 222, i.e., 32% were alcohol-impaired driving fatalities. In 2012, the total number of fatalities increased to 708, but the alcohol-impaired fatalities were 205, i.e., 29%. This is still a significant percentage of accidents.
Drunk driving increases auto insurance premiums and one alcohol-related offense conviction in Oklahoma will increase your premium to $3242 in Bartlesville. In Enid, your premium will increase from $1857 to $3454. In Broken Arrow, where the average premium is already high ($2105) a DUI conviction will increase your premium to $3915. In Tulsa, you could have to pay an average of $4124 after a DUI conviction. Most car insurance companies keep your rates high for at least three years after your first conviction.
Taking a defensive driving course could help lower your premium to $2756 in Bartlesville, $2936 in Enid, $3328 in Broken Arrow, and $ 3505 in Tulsa. Moreover, it could help you brave the dangerous weather conditions in the state and make you a better driver. A defensive driving course completion certificate is expected to lower your rates by 15 percent. It could also help make you a better driver in the stormy weather of Oklahoma.