Thursday, November 7, 2013
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak has issued a bulletin to property and casualty insurers confirming that Oklahoma law allows them to issue security verification forms in electronic format as well as in paper format.
“We live in a digital world where you can do just about anything on your smartphone or tablet,” said Doak. “More and more insurance companies are offering electronic verification forms and we have to adapt to the times. Oklahoma law doesn’t specify which format the security verification form must take, therefore an electronic version is perfectly acceptable.”
The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) issued the bulletin after a discussion with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS). OID officials informed DPS officials that nothing in the Oklahoma Insurance Code prohibits a law enforcement officer from recognizing an electronic version of a security verification form that has been approved by the OID.
“In Oklahoma, it is the law to carry proof of liability coverage every time you get behind the wheel,” said Doak. “We are happy to provide law enforcement with some clarification on this issue and give consumers options when it comes to complying with the law.”
OID will include the clarification in its uninsured motorist training for sheriffs’ offices across the state. The training, which started Tuesday, takes an in-depth look at the implementation of HB 1792. The new law allows officers to remove the tags from uninsured vehicles and provides temporary liability insurance for the vehicle until private coverage is obtained. Implementation of the law is scheduled to begin on Jan. 1.
Click here to read the bulletin.
For more information contact:
Kelly Collins
405-522-0683
Kelly.Collins@oid.ok.gov
About the Oklahoma Insurance Department
The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.
###