OID and Lawmakers Taking a Step to Solving Uninsured Driver Problem

Uninsured Driver Study to Look at Cause and Solution
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Insurance Department and lawmakers are taking a needed step to solving our state’s uninsured driver problem. An interim study on the issue will be held tomorrow at the State Capitol.
“Oklahoma has the highest percentage of uninsured motorists in the country,” Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak said. “Every driver in this state is affected by paying higher premiums, which is why we must do something to stop this free ride. Tomorrow we will be hearing from consumers, industry experts, attorneys, regulators and law enforcement so we can move forward with a possible solution.”
Sen. Corey Brooks, R-Washington, and Sen. Ron Sharp, R-Shawnee, are conducting the study with the help of the Senate Public Safety Committee. The purpose of the study is to learn more about the cause of the uninsured motorist problem and what can be done to improve Oklahoma’s uninsured driver rates.
Presentations will cover the spectrum of the problem including:
- An Oklahoma driver who was hit by an uninsured motorist
- Representatives from the insurance industry
- A representative from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
- Law enforcement agencies including the Department of Public Safety, Sheriffs Association and the Association of Chiefs of Police
- State agencies like the Oklahoma Insurance Department and the Oklahoma Tax Commission
Lawmakers will use the findings from this study to decide whether to change any laws in the upcoming legislative session.
The public is encouraged to attend. The study will be held at the State Capitol in Room 419C from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.