A car insurance agent here in Ohio is offering me a car insurance policy. What coverages are usually included in a policy?

Heather

Columbus, OH

A car insurance policy basically includes a bodily injury coverage, a property damage liability coverage, a collision coverage and a comprehensive coverage.

These coverages can be very useful should an accident happen to you. If you are the one responsible for the accident that resulted to a person getting injured, the bodily injury coverage will pay for the expenses of the injured person. And if damage to property should also occur, the property damage liability coverage will be the one to shoulder the expenses, usually for the repair of broken fences, or damaged lawns or damage to another car. The bodily injury and property damage liability is also very reliable in the event that the injured person sues you.

Sometimes, accidents can take a tragic turn and become much worse. Should your car collide with another car or other objects, it’s very important that you have collision coverage in your policy. A collision coverage will shoulder the damages and will even replace your car. There are also companies there in Ohio that offers collision coverage that is also applicable to rental vehicles. But be sure to consult first with your insurer to be certain about what is included in your policy.

Meanwhile, the comprehensive coverage of your policy safeguards your car should it becomes damaged by certain phenomena like hail, windstorm, flood or fire. If your car gets stolen, the comprehensive coverage may also pay for the replacement of the car.

These are some of the coverages that are included in a basic car insurance policy. But be sure to look around for more information regarding this matter. Call your local insurer or shop on the internet for reliable  companies and Ohio auto insurance coverage.

What is the difference between liability coverage and collision auto insurance coverage? I called an insurance office in Akron Ohio but the agent’s explanation didn’t make sense to me. Please explain it clearly.

June

Akron OH

How unfortunate, June! Rest assured that most auto insurance companies in Ohio are reliable and professional, and would be happy to assist you when you make queries such as this one. Having said this, let me thank you for trusting me to answer your questions.

Yes, sometimes liability and collision coverage may seem similar but they are not. Liability coverage pays for the damages resulting to a collision where you are liable. It will pay for the damages to the car you have hit and for the medical expenses of the passengers of the damaged car. Collision coverage, on the other hand, protects your car from possible damages brought about by collision. Liability coverage has three limits – bodily injury per person, bodily injury total, and property damages. It can happen that sometimes, your car was hit by a reckless driver whose liability coverage limits can not fully pay for the damages made to your car. This is the time when you will make use of your collision coverage.

Liability coverage is the minimum required when you register your car. It will always be the cheapest available auto insurance around Akron. To compare prices, simply get online quotes by entering your zip code on this page. What is critical is for you to evaluate if you will be comfortable with just the minimum auto insurance.

I hope that I have explained it well enough, June; please feel free to contact me again if you have any other questions.

I hope you can help. Please clarify the difference between liability and collision coverage as it relates to my auto insurance policy in Cleveland Ohio. Thanks for the help.

Mary

Cleveland, OH

Hello Mary,

Every auto insurance policy contains liability and collision coverage. With auto insurance policy, basic liability insurance protects you in the event you are the cause of an accident and other people are involved. If other riders are injured, your auto insurance liability coverage will protect you by covering the cost of these damages. Most liability coverage has additional riders to provide a variety of liability protection.

Your auto insurance policy also contains collision coverage. If your car collides with either another car or a stationary object, repairs will be covered up to the actual cash value of the vehicle. Under the terms of your auto insurance policy, the actual cash value is not related to the purchase price of the vehicle, but is determined by the actual book value of the car. Actual cash value takes into account wear and tear of the damaged vehicle.

When considering purchasing your new auto insurance policy, you may want to review all the liability coverage options offered by your carrier. This site provides many options for you to consider. By completing the auto insurance inquiry form at this site, you will receive proposals from several auto insurance carriers in the Cleveland area. These nationally acclaimed auto insurance companies will outline their various liability coverages for you. Good luck, Mary.

I borrowed my boyfriend’s car and just ran out of luck. I crashed his Chevy down the road in Akron, Ohio. How will that position us with her car insurance policy?

Arnie

Akron, OH

So who will foot the bill now? If you’re not sure of any or all of these questions, then you’re like the vast majority of car insurance policyholders who would have this as a scary thought.

Most people frequently let others borrow our cars without considering the insurance ramifications. Lucky you, for I can give you some answers right now, which you might want to tell you aunt and friends.
If you borrowed your boyfriend’s car with permission, your boyfriend is taking on what is known in insurance-speak as “vicarious liability”. This means that your boyfriend will be responsible for both property damage and bodily injury, and his insurance will have to cover the damages. You are off scott-free, although you might get a cold shoulder or never get to drive your boyfriend’s car ever again.

The “insured” does not have to own the auto involved in an accident in order for liability coverage to apply, and the “insured” is defined not only as the named “insured” and his or spouse, but also any child (including foster child) or anyone related to the named “insured” by blood, marriage or adoption who is a resident of the named “insured’s” household in Akron, Ohio. It is very important to understand just who and what is covered by your car insurance in Akron, Ohio.