Navigating your way around Ohio car insurance can be overwhelming, especially since they have some of the lowest rates in the country. We put together this guide to help you navigate car insurance in Ohio. We want your car insurance buying process to fit your personal needs- at the lowest rate. 

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Minimum Requirements

The minimum car insurance requirements for Ohio are about average compared to other states. However, you must have car insurance to drive. If you do not have car insurance you will be met with some inconvenient penalties. Here is a list of the minimum requirements and the limits: 

Is the Minimum Car Insurance Coverage Enough?

We encourage you to purchase more than the minimum car insurance coverage. If you decide to go with only the minimum car insurance requirements in Ohio, your insurance company will pay for injuries and damage to the other party if you are found to be at fault. You will not be covered for your bodily injuries or property damage. With just the minimum car insurance you are paying out-of-pocket for your damages and injuries. Adding additional coverage to help offset out-of-pocket costs is a great idea.

Additional Coverages Available in Ohio 

We always recommend purchasing additional coverages to add to your minimum required car insurance. Here is a list of additional coverages and how they can add protection: 

• Collision Coverage- Collision insurance will cover repairs to your vehicle in an accident you are at fault for. 

• Comprehensive Coverage- Comprehensive insurance covers you for other situations than a car accident; if you hit an animal, vandalism, fire, hail, flooding, or of your car is stolen. 

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists- Optional coverage that protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or too little insurance to cover the accident. 

• Medical Coverage- Optional coverage that will pay for medical bills when health insurance exceeds coverage amounts and covers medical expenses for you and your passengers. Do you walk or bike? This policy offers additional coverage if you are struck by a car in those instances. 

• Gap Insurance- Optional coverage that will pay if you don’t own your car outright and have an accident. Gap insurance will pay the difference between the cash value of your car and the current balance on your loan or lease. This policy is best for newer non-owned cars.

• Personal Injury Protection- Depending on your state this type of insurance can be a requirement or an add on. Regardless of fault personal injury protection will cover medical expenses and loss of wages for you and your passengers (up to your limit). It also includes up to $5,000 for funeral expenses.

Teen Drivers in Ohio 

In Ohio, at 15 ½ a teen can start driving with their permit. Soon after that, they can test to get a drivers license, visit the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles for all the details. Once your teen starts this journey it is important to get car insurance. This will be a defeating task because teen drivers are high-risk drivers, therefore expensive to insure. If you add your teen to your existing policy your car insurance rates will rise. Even though the rates rise drastically this is the cheapest route normally. There are a few discounts available for teens, this might help with the new rise in premiums. Teen drivers in Ohio are held to the same standards as adult drivers, so it is important they have car insurance. 

Multiple Drivers in the Same House

Do you have more than one driver in your house? If so, it is important to inform your insurance agent. This will ensure proper coverage and lessen the possibility of any back premiums or loss of coverage. 

If you do not want other drivers listed on your policy you can exclude them. Be sure to tell your car insurance agent. Don’t let an excluded driver use your car because they will not be covered. Any damages that occur will be your responsibility and be an out-of-pocket expense.

Penalties for Driving Without Car Insurance in Ohio

If you are driving in Ohio without car insurance you are in for some hefty fines if you are caught. The minimum required car insurance must be met to be in compliance with state law. It is always best to comply with the law and get car insurance coverage. Here is a list of penalties if you are caught driving without car insurance:

• First Offense- Your driver's license will be suspended until you can show proof of insurance and pay all fines and fees. You will pay a $160 restoration fee for vehicle registration and license plates. Additional fines or penalties may be given by a court of law as they see fit. 

• Second Offense- Your driver’s license will be suspended for a full year. You will pay a $360 restoration fee for vehicle registration and license plates. Additional fines or penalties may be given by a court of law as they see fit. 

• Third and Subsequent Offenses- Your driver's license will be suspended for two years. You will pay a $660 restoration fee for vehicle registration and license plates. Additional fines or penalties may be given by a court of law as they see fit. 

Car Insurance Savings in Ohio

There are so many options for getting a discount on car insurance. However, discounts are dependent upon your car insurance company. We encourage you to ask for a full list of discounts from your car insurance company to see what discounts you qualify for. Here is a list of common discounts in Ohio: 

• Good Driver- Maintain a good driving record free of accidents, tickets, and any moving violations. 

• Multiple Policy- Most insurance companies will offer a discount for having multiple policies such as car insurance, renters insurance, homeowners insurance, or motorcycle insurance. 

• Good Student- If you are a student enrolled in high school or college curriculum and maintaining a B average most companies offer a discount. 

Get a Quote for Car Insurance in Ohio 

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