Essential
Why Car Insurance is Important in Ohio
Car insurance isn’t just a legal requirement in Ohio—it’s crucial for financial and personal protection due to the state’s distinctive driving conditions. Risks include:
- Severe Weather: Ohio’s icy winters and summer storms increase accident risks with hazardous road conditions and reduced visibility.
- Urban Traffic: Heavy congestion in cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati raises the likelihood of collisions.
- Rural Roads: Drivers on narrow country roads contend with blind curves, farm equipment, and wildlife crossings.
- Construction Zones and Potholes: Seasonal weather and infrastructure projects contribute to vehicle damage and accidents.
Coverage
What Does Car Insurance Cover in Ohio
Ohio is an “at-fault” state, meaning that the driver who is found at fault in an accident is responsible for covering the damages. When it comes to auto insurance, the minimum required coverage will vary from state to state. For Ohio, that minimum coverage includes:
- Bodily Injury Liability: Coverage for others’ medical costs when you’re at fault. Minimum limits are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
- Property Damage Liability: Coverage for others’ vehicles or property when you’re at fault. Minimum requirement of $25,000 per accident.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: Offered in both bodily injury and property damage. Coverage for both your vehicle and injuries if the other party doesn't have sufficient insurance.
- This coverage is not mandatory in Ohio, but it is typically included in standard policies. If you wish to reject, you must do so with your agent in writing.
- It’s important to note that typical policies don’t include both UM property damage and collision coverage. This is because they pay for the same damages, but collision usually has higher limits. Because of this, the written rejection only applies to UM bodily injury.
If you are the at fault driver, liability only covers the other party. To ensure that you, your passengers, and your vehicle are protected, additional coverage is required.
Options
Recommended Additional Coverage Options for Ohio Drivers
To enhance your protection, consider these commonly recommended additional coverage options:
- Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage: Provides financial assistance for medical expenses resulting from an accident, covering you and your passengers regardless of fault.
- Collision Coverage: Helps pay for damages to your vehicle caused by a covered accident based on your deductible.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Helps pay for non-collision damages to your vehicle caused by a covered accident based on your deductible.
- Roadside Assistance: Helps pay for the cost of towing your vehicle if it cannot be driven due to an accident or breakdown.
- Rental Car Reimbursement: Helps pay for the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident.
- Increase Liability Limits: Some drivers see the benefit of increasing their liability limits to avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses if they’re found to be at fault.
At Goosehead Insurance, we design policies to address Ohio drivers’ specific needs, whether it’s insuring a classic car, offering pay-per-mile options, or providing high-risk driver coverage. Bring up your situation to one of our agents and we’ll work with you to build a policy that works for you.
Whether you’re navigating Cincinnati’s city traffic, driving along Cleveland’s highways, or exploring Ohio’s picturesque backroads, Goosehead Insurance ensures you’re protected.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote to experience how easy it is to find the perfect coverage. With Goosehead Insurance, you can drive confidently, knowing you’re safeguarded against the unexpected.
Cost
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Ohio?
Car insurance in Ohio is influenced by many different factors in addition to coverage level. Some of those factors are:
- Driving Record: Clean records lead to lower rates, while tickets and accidents increase costs.
- Vehicle Type: Premiums are higher for luxury or new cars due to repair or replacement expenses.
- Location: Urban drivers often face higher premiums due to theft and collision risks, while rural drivers encounter hazards like wildlife or debris.
- Mileage: Frequent driving leads to higher risks and premiums.
- Age & Experience: Younger or inexperienced drivers typically pay more.
On average, Ohio drivers spend around $500 annually on a basic insurance policy for their vehicle. Those that opt for more coverage typically spend an average of about $2,000 annually. What you pay ultimately depends on the factors above and what level of coverage you select.
Save
How Can You Save on Car Insurance in Ohio?
Goosehead Insurance is committed to helping you lower premiums without sacrificing protection. Here are some commonly recommended tips for saving on auto insurance:
- Bundle Policies: Combine auto insurance with home, renters, or life insurance for discounts.
- Drive Safely: Maintain a clean record to qualify for safe-driver incentives.
- Claim Discounts: Ask about savings for good students, specific professions, or vehicles with safety features.
- Compare Rates: Shopping multiple providers can uncover better deals and coverage.
Goosehead does the hard work for you by comparing rates from top insurers, allowing you to focus on safe driving.
Choose Goosehead
Why Ohio Drivers Choose Goosehead Insurance
Goosehead Insurance simplifies finding the right coverage. Here’s why drivers trust us:
- Access to Leading Carriers: We partner with top-rated insurers to offer competitive, personalized quotes.
- Customized Coverage: Tailored policies designed with your needs, preferences, and budget in mind.
- Local Expertise: We understand Ohio’s unique driving challenges—from winter hazards to urban congestion.
- Unmatched Support: From policy setup to claims, our team is with you at every step with top-notch service.