TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Almost a decade ago, Oklahoma had some of the worst rates of uninsured drivers on the road.

According to the Oklahoma State Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready, The Oklahoma Uninsured Vehicle Enforcement Diversion has brought those numbers down.

The Oklahoma Uninsured Vehicle Enforcement Diversion website says they are committed to helping facilitate access to fair and affordable auto insurance for all Oklahomans.

"Our insured rate here in Oklahoma, and it was always one of the worst in the country, upwards of 25%," said Mulready.

In 2015, One in four drivers in Oklahoma were uninsured.

Amanda Arnall Couch with Oklahoma's Uninsured Vehicle Enforcement Division says their program is making a difference.

"Since the program's been in place, the numbers I have indicate that we're probably in the 10 to 15% range now. So, I think that's a huge improvement," said Arnall Couch.

According to bankrate.com, Oklahoma’s uninsured driver rate is now at 13.4%.

While this is a huge improvement, Oklahoma has the 18th-highest percentage of uninsured motorists in the country.

Arnall Couch says to continue to bring this number down, they send notices to uninsured drivers in the state.

"Asking them to contact us either to enroll in the diversion by getting insurance and paying the fee and promising to keep it or by disputing the matter," said Arnall Couch.

She says the program has a broker that works with various insurance companies specifically for their program to assist Oklahomans in need of high-risk insurance assistance.

"It's not required; you don't have to work through us. It's just something we offer as a service to assist people in this important part of their lives" said Arnall Couch.

Though you don’t have to work with them to get insurance, you do need to have insurance to drive.

"Number one, it's the law. I mean, they have to have auto insurance to drive on the streets here in Oklahoma, we have a financial responsibility law," said Mulready.

According to marketwatch.com, the penalty for a first-time offense of driving without insurance in Oklahoma includes a $250 fine, and license suspension until proof of insurance is provided.

"There's a lot of competition out there. And, you know, our advice is to find an agent and then let them shop around for you and let them advise you," said Mulready.

Mulready says that having agents shop insurance companies for you doesn't cost extra; the agents build their costs into the insurance premiums.

Drivers who have already complied with the program but are not insured have until January 31st to enroll.