It Figures

60%

A new electronic system to verify automobile insurance in Oklahoma is operational, but accurate only 60 percent of the time, according to an Associated Press report. A law passed in 2006 took effect Jan. 1, 2009, allowing law enforcement agencies and tag agents to check for up-to-date automobile insurance electronically through a database maintained by the Department of Public Safety. But law enforcement officials and tag agents are being told not to rely on the information it provides. The system is able to verify coverage from some insurance companies, but not all have entered clients’ information in the database. Dan Ramsey, president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma, said the main delay has been in the issuance of new security verification cards, which now must include insurers’ five-digit codes from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Ramsey said state Insurance Department rules and procedures for verification forms were finalized in October, which put the insurance industry behind in getting its part done.