This Labor Day 386,000 Oklahomans are expected to hit the road to have fun and visit family and friends. While it can be a great time to catch up with loved ones, the influx of travelers raises the risk of an auto accident. Law enforcement also expects a rise in the number of drunk drivers. Given those two factors, now is a great time to make sure you’re properly insured.

Do not wait until you need to file a claim before evaluating your coverage. By understanding your policies, you can be prepared for any situation and, potentially, save money by avoiding unnecessary costs.

There are several things to consider when purchasing or reviewing an auto policy:

• Liability insurance is required in Oklahoma. It covers medical expenses and damages to another person’s property as a result of a motor vehicle accident caused by the insured’s negligence.
• State law requires that agents offer you uninsured or underinsured motorist protection, which provides coverage for the insured and his or her passenger if they are injured in a crash caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
• Drivers with newer or leased cars may need to carry comprehensive insurance, which covers vehicular damages caused by fire, theft, wind, hail or a run-in with a deer.
• Collision insurance covers the cost of repairs or the actual cash value of the vehicle, if damaged or totaled in a crash or rollover. When financing a vehicle, banks often require comprehensive and collision coverage until the insured has paid off the loan.
• Consumers with large financial assets may want an umbrella liability policy, which provides additional coverage ($1 to $5 million) beyond the primary personal auto liability coverage.

Here is one other important element to remember: Throughout the year, you may encounter changes in employment, salary, geographic location and/or family dynamics. These factors affect your insurance options and the amount of coverage you need. Any time your life situation changes, be sure to review your insurance coverage and make any necessary adjustments. If you have any questions, the Oklahoma Insurance Department is happy to help. Just call our Consumer Assistance Team at 1-800-522-0071.