Oklahoma Commissioner Urges Passage of Uninsured Motorists Bill

Uninsured motorists involved in a traffic accident would be unable to receive compensation for pain and suffering damages under a bill approved in the Oklahoma Senate.

The Senate voted 28-20 for SB 272 over the objection of Democrats who say it’s unfair to punish accident victims who are not at fault. It now goes to the House. The measure has the support of Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak, who urged the House to approve the bill and Gov. Mary Fallin to sign it.

Republican Sen. Cliff Aldridge wrote the bill and says uninsured motorists still would be compensated for medical bills, lost wages and damages to their vehicles. He says motorists who break the law by not carrying insurance should not be rewarded if they’re in an accident.

Democratic Sen. Connie Johnson questioned why Aldridge, an insurance agent, would carry a bill that benefits the insurance industry and not recuse himself from voting on it.

“Driving is a privilege, not a right,” Commissioner Doak said in an announcement released by the Oklahoma Insurance Department. “In order to exercise that privilege, we require that drivers be of a minimum age, that they understand our traffic laws and that they have liability insurance. This bill reinforces that requirement,” he said.

Nearly one in four Oklahoma motorists does not have liability insurance, Doak said.

“That is the third highest rate nationally,” Doak noted, “and Oklahomans pay the third highest auto insurance premiums, as well, one study showed. Steps like SB 272 will encourage motorists who might forego liability coverage to obtain it. That will reduce help reduce premiums because no longer will the insured bear the costs of the damage and injuries caused by uninsured motorists.”

Similar legislation was vetoed by former Gov. Brad Henry in 2009.

Doak, a former insurance agent, has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry.

Source: Oklahoma Insurance Department, Associated Press

Topics Oklahoma