How to Find Low-Cost Ohio Auto Insurance Coverage

Finding low-cost Ohio auto insurance coverage may seem like a daunting task, but it can be done. Drivers who are on a budget and want to find the most economical way to get the coverage they need need to start with a plan.

Determine What Type of Coverage is Needed

The first step in the process is to determine exactly how much auto insurance coverage is needed and what type of protection should be added to the policy. A good place to start this process is by reviewing the current coverage to see if it provides a good level of protection and if the policyholder is paying for any extra frills which can be dropped.

Once a driver knows exactly what type of insurance he or she is looking for, the next step is to get quotes from different providers. Going online is an effective way to investigate different Ohio auto insurance companies and to learn about the products they offer and get an idea of how well they treat their policyholders.

Ask About Available Discounts

Many insurance providers offer a number of discounts to their policyholders in different circumstances. Good drivers and customers who buy more than one policy (home and auto, for example) can qualify for price breaks from their insurance provider. Ask whether the insurance company offers a discount to buyers who have completed an approved driver’s education or defensive driving program. Other discounts may be offered to customers who buy a policy online, so be sure to ask about this as well.

Ohio State Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage for Drivers

Under Ohio state laws, all registered vehicles must carry at least a minimum level of liability insurance protection. Third party liability insurance pays for claims made by the occupants of the other vehicle and the driver who has been found at fault for the accident is responsible for paying for the damages caused.

The minimum level of protection required under Ohio state law is:

• $12,5000 in bodily injury liability coverage to pay for injuries and damages claimed by one accident victim
• $25,000 in bodily injury liability insurance to pay for all injuries and damages resulting from the same accident
• $7,500 in property damage coverage to pay for repairs to the other driver’s vehicle and other property damaged or destroyed in the accident

Drivers should consider buying a policy which offers a higher level of protection than the minimum level required by law. These levels of protection will not be high enough to pay for damages caused in a serious accident where one or more people require hospital treatment for their injuries.

Ohio follows a tort system for car insurance purposes, which means that the driver who is found to be responsible for the accident is responsible for paying for the damages caused. The driver’s liability coverage is used to pay for medical bills, rehabilitation services and lost wages incurred by accident victims. It also pays out a certain amount for funeral costs if the accident caused one or more fatalities.