Will Car Insurance Keep Getting Worse in Tulsa During 2023?

 

As we enter the year 2023, many Tulsa residents are left wondering if car insurance in their city will continue to get worse. Unfortunately, the answer to this question is not a simple one. While some factors indicate that car insurance rates may continue to rise, others suggest that the situation may stabilize or even improve. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the key factors driving the cost of car insurance in Tulsa and attempt to provide a comprehensive answer to this question.

 

First, let's take a closer look at why car insurance rates have been increasing in Tulsa over the past few years. One of the primary factors driving these rate hikes is the high rate of car accidents in the city. According to data from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, Tulsa County consistently ranks among the top three counties in the state for total car accidents and fatalities. This means that insurance companies are paying out more claims than they would in a city with a lower accident rate, which in turn drives up the cost of insurance for everyone.

 

Another factor contributing to the rising cost of car insurance in Tulsa is the high rate of uninsured drivers in the state. According to a 2021 report from the Insurance Research Council, Oklahoma has the second-highest rate of uninsured drivers in the country, with an estimated 26.1% of drivers on the road without insurance. When uninsured drivers cause accidents, the cost of the resulting claims is often passed on to insured drivers in the form of higher premiums.

 

In addition to these factors, there are several other trends that could potentially contribute to higher car insurance rates in Tulsa. For example, advancements in car technology have made vehicles more expensive to repair, which means that insurance companies have to pay out more money to fix damaged cars. Additionally, as the population of Tulsa continues to grow, there are more cars on the road, which increases the likelihood of accidents.

 

Despite these factors, there are also some reasons to believe that car insurance rates in Tulsa may stabilize or even decrease in the coming years. One of the most promising trends is the increasing availability of usage-based insurance (UBI) programs, which allow drivers to pay premiums based on their actual driving behavior rather than on traditional risk factors like age, gender, and location. These programs are becoming more popular among insurance companies and could help to incentivize safer driving habits among Tulsa residents.

 

Another trend that could potentially drive down car insurance rates in Tulsa is the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs). While EVs are still relatively rare in Oklahoma, their numbers are growing quickly, and they could eventually make up a significant portion of the state's vehicle fleet. Because EVs are generally safer and less expensive to maintain than traditional gasoline-powered cars, they could potentially lead to lower insurance rates for all drivers in the long run.

 

Finally, it's worth noting that there are steps that individual drivers can take to reduce their own car insurance rates, regardless of broader trends in the market. For example, maintaining a clean driving record and avoiding accidents can help to keep insurance rates low, as can choosing a car with a high safety rating. Additionally, shopping around for insurance quotes from multiple providers can help drivers to find the best rates available.

 

So, is car insurance in Tulsa keep getting worse in 2023? The answer is not a simple one, as it depends on a variety of factors. While the high rate of car accidents and uninsured drivers in the city are certainly cause for concern, there are also promising trends that could potentially help to stabilize or even decrease insurance rates in the future. Ultimately, the best course of action for Tulsa residents is to stay informed about these trends and to take steps to reduce their own risk on the road.