I can't afford car insurance but need my car for work. What can I do?

I live about 10 miles from work and there's no real public transportation where I live. I have bills piling up and I genuinely can't afford car insurance right now, but my car is my only way to get to my job. Is there anything I can do to find coverage I can actually afford?

Shopping around with different companies is usually your best bet. The most important thing is that you don't drive uninsured. Penalties for this in Oklahoma include fines, license suspension, and if you're in an accident, the costs that far outweigh any monthly premium. So the goal is finding the most affordable coverage possible, not skipping it altogether.

Start with liability-only coverage. It's the minimum the state requires and much cheaper than full coverage. If your car is older and paid off, it may be all you actually need, anyway.

A few other things that can help bring costs down:

• Shop around. Rates vary a lot between carriers for the same driver. Comparing quotes is one of the fastest ways to find a lower rate.
• Ask about discounts. Defensive driving courses, paperless billing, and paying in full can all help.
• Look into usage-based insurance. If you're generally a good driver, a telematics program can lower your premium based on how you actually drive.
• Maintain coverage once you have it. Keeping a policy active without lapses helps your rate improve over time.
• Adjust your deductible. Depending on your savings and monthly budget, increasing your deductible slightly means a lower monthly payment (but also means more out of pocket if you file a claim).

It's a tough spot when money is tight, but even a basic policy keeps you legally protected and avoids a much bigger financial headache down the road. You can also reach out to our agents who can help you shop around to find a good fit, or chat with us online. I hope this helps!