Ohio Auto Insurance Requirements
Reader’s Question:
I moved to Ohio for a job. I’m wondering if there would be changes to my auto insurance now that I am here. (I’m from South Carolina). Care to enlighten me?
Godfrey
Akron, OH
Hello there, Godfrey. Of course, there will be differences in how auto insurance is done in South Carolina and Ohio. Let us start with where you hail from to get a better perspective on things.
South Carolina is one of the states where liability auto insurance is not considered as a requirement. As a refresher, liability auto insurance covers damages sustained in a motor vehicle accident caused by the driver of the policy holder. This may include the bystanders, passengers and drivers of other cars involved in the accident. There is also coverage for property damage (usually the other car). Now, if you read up about this liability insurance on the internet, you would usually see numbers like 15/30/10. These just represent the limits that the auto insurance will cover. That set of number is read as $15,000 per head per accident with a limit of $30,000 for injured people involved. The 10 is $10,000 maximum property damage that the auto insurance company will shoulder. In South Carolina, underinsured/ uninsured motorist auto insurance coverage is a requirement. This type of coverage simply protects the policy holder from damage sustained from other motorists who don’t carry auto insurance.
Now, since you moved to Akron, Ohio, auto insurance will definitely change. In Ohio, the state will require you to carry 12.5/25/7.5 liability insurance on you. But the opposite is true for underinsured/ uninsured motorist auto insurance coverage.
Now, depending on how much your paycheck will allow, it is usually recommended that you get higher limits. Better be prepared than to get caught in a tricky situation like sustaining more damage than what your auto insurance company will shoulder.
Looking For An Affordable Auto Insurance Company in Ohio?
Reader’s Question:
If a friend is driving my vehicle, and my vehicle is not insured, am I going to be held liable if they get into an accident and cause damages? I live in Elyria Ohio. I am looking for an affordable auto insurance company in Ohio
Ricky
Elyria, OH
Normally in an accident auto insurance follows the vehicle first and motorist second, so you as the owner of the car, are primarily responsible. If the motorist causes an accident then both you as the car owner and the driver can be held responsible for the damages the driver caused while driving your car.
In Ohio, you can be ticketed for wrongful entrustment if you permit someone to drive your car without car insurance. If your car is uninsured in Elyria Ohio and you drive it on the roadway, either by driving it yourself or permitting your friend to do so, then you are placing yourself at risk for penalties by the state and financially if the vehicle is in an accident.
First Time Driver Insurance in Ohio
Reader’s Question:
Hello there! It’s my first time to buy car insurance, and I’m really lost. Any tips for a first time driver here in Ohio?
Kate
Columbus, OH
Hi, Kate. Here are some tips to make your first-time auto insurance purchase hassle-free.
First of all, make sure you brush up on your auto insurance lingo to make sure you understand all the terms the agents throw at you. Try to learn about the different types of auto insurance such as liability insurance, collision insurance, comprehensive insurance, etc. You will also want to know the minimum insurance requirements required in Ohio to ensure you get the right amount of coverage.
Next, decide what kind and how much coverage you think you need. This will depend on your lifestyle and your financial standing. When you’re definite about what you need, you will need to look for the auto insurance company that best fits your requirements. You may want to visit websites that offer free auto insurance quotes from different insurers which will allow you to compare their prices. Aside from the price, you may want to do research on each company with regard to their financial standing, their ability to provide great customer service, the discounts they offer and their processes. You will also need to know what your auto insurance company’s process is for filing claims: the paperwork, the time it takes, the people you will need to talk to just in case something happens.
Hope all my tips help you find the right auto insurance – happy hunting!