Ohio Teen Driver Low Cost Car Insurance
Reader’s Question:
I just bought my own car but my parents would rather I own up to my car’s responsibilities (which include paying insurance bills on it). I’m on a pretty tight budget, how can I get affordable car insurance coverage for a teen driver?
Jamelah
Cincinnati, OH
Its good that you have a car to call your own, and it would even be better if you can get low cost car insurance for it, right? These days there are actually many ways to save some much needed dollars while getting good car insurance. Listed below are a few tips to help you out:
-
Maintain Good Driving History - This is an important key to establishing low cost car insurance in the long run. The better you are as a driver, the less risk you represent to the insurer and the lower your rates become.
-
Good Credit Can Help - Credit is now a factor that most car insurers consider nowadays. Those with good credit have been shown to be safer and more responsible drivers in general.
-
Don’t File Too Much Claims - The number of claims you file is directly proportional to the number of accidents you get involved in. file too much and you’re insurer may soon put you under the high-risk category
-
Get a Higher Deductible - A higher deductible will actually make your premiums cheaper. Just don’t overdo it otherwise you might end up unable to afford a claim when you actually need it.
-
Setup Annual Payments - Annual or Semi-Annual payments can actually get you more savings. This is because most companies nowadays give cheaper rates or discounts to customers who pay a year upfront.
-
Find Discounts - Discounts are a great way to get low cost car insurance, and there are many available. Always ask about discount options you’re eligible for when shopping around for coverage.
-
Compare Rates - Use online car insurance comparison websites. They offer free quotes coming from many different car insurers in your area. Comparing your offers will help you get low cost car insurance in a quick and convenient manner.
Teen Car insurance in Ohio After Auto Accident – Who Pays?
Reader’s Question:
My 16-year-old son lives in Cincinnati Ohio with an Ohio license and auto insurance. His dad lives in WV. If he wrecks while driving his dads car in WV who pays the bill? Does my son need WV insurance or is he already covered on our policy?
Jamie,
Cincinnati, OH
You and your husband should discuss this matter to your insurance company. In an accident where the driver is using someone else’s car, the insurance of the owner’s vehicle would be primarily used. Any excess on that policy limits to be paid, the driver’s coverage in the insurance policy is secondary. Insurance companies typically follow vehicle first and driver second.
It seems your son spends a period of time with his father in West Virginia. In this case, his father will have to check with his insurance company if he needs to add his son in the policy as an occasional driver for his visitation period. Otherwise, his son might not be covered, depending on how the policy is stated and any exclusions that may be indicated , if a car accident occurred.
If his father’s insurance company does not require him to add his son on the policy, I still recommend that you check with your insurance company to ensure that your son is covered while driving in WV with his father’s car under your current Ohio policy.
Penalties For Teen Driver Without Auto Insurance in Ohio
Reader’s Question:
I am sixteen years old and I live in Ohio, what is the consequence for driving a vehicle without auto insurance in Parma, OH and getting involve in a car accident? How about my parents, will they have a penalties as well?
Roy
Parma, OH
It is illegal to operate a vehicle without insurance or any form of Financial Responsibility (FR) on the car in Parma and in any parts in Ohio. It is also illegal for any car owner to permit anyone else to drive the owner’s vehicle with FR proof.
If you are caught driving without car insurance the penalties can include: driver’s license suspension for a minimum of ninety days and up to two years, impoundment of your car and/or license plates plus fines and court costs.
If you are involved in an accident without auto insurance, or other Financial Responsibility coverage, additional penalties may be applied.
You may also be required to maintain special FR coverage on file in the form of SR22 certificate with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) for a period of 3 to 5 years.
If it was your parent’s uninsured vehicle that you were operating, they could have penalties as well. In addition since you are a minor they might be held liable for your actions and therefore be responsible for the damages you caused in the crash.
Loading ...