Guide to Ohio Auto Insurance

Auto insurance is one of those things no one really likes to think about – until it’s needed.

Having an auto insurance policy in place ensures that you will be covered in the event that you have an accident or your vehicle is damaged in some other way (such as theft or acts of nature).

Driving without insurance can leave you open greater to financial risk and personal liabilities. Not only is car insurance a benefit to you and your family, it is required by Ohio law.

The State of Ohio requires that you have enough auto liability insurance to cover bodily injury ($12,500 per person or $25,000 per accident) and property damage ($7,500) in the event of an accident. This is the very minimum amount of insurance you must carry in order to be compliant to Ohio’s laws.

Because this minimum amount is liability insurance only, it will not cover YOU in an accident if you’re at fault – only the other party involved. If your car is a complete loss, you may be out thousands of dollars depending upon the current value of your car. You may also be in more trouble if it’s determined that the other car’s damage is more than the $7,500 of property damage liability required by Ohio. For that very reason, many people opt to get more insurance coverage to cover themselves and their vehicle in case they make a mistake on Ohio’s roadways.

If you currently have a loan on your vehicle, you may have no choice but to purchase more insurance coverage. The lender requires more insurance to protect their investment in the loan they have with you. If you should wreck your car, the insurance will cover any damages and possibly pay off the loan if the car is a total loss. Not only does the extra insurance reduce the lender’s risks, but it reduces your risk as well as you would not want to continue making payments on a loan for which you longer have a vehicle.

To determine how much auto insurance coverage you may need, you must first determine the amount your vehicle is worth. This value is easy to find by checking the Kelley Blue Book or http://www.kbb.com . Next you’ll need to make the decision as to how much coverage you will need to comfortably cover your family and vehicle. Because each person’s situation is unique, you’ll need to base your decision upon your personal budget and how much insurance would make you feel secure in the event that you need it.

Shopping for auto insurance has become increasingly easier over the past several years, as much of your research can be done online. With just a few clicks of the mouse, comparing rates and plans through different companies can be done in just a few moments. When you think about the hours and energy involved with personally calling or visiting the same amount of insurance companies, the time and financial savings can be huge. Web sites such as http://www.insurance.com , http://www.carinsurance.com , and http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com are great places to begin your search. Simply type in a few important pieces of information, and you can compare and purchase auto insurance in just a few moments.

Finding an auto insurance policy should not be a project to be taken lightly. Purchasing the correct amount and type of auto insurance can give your family the security you need when you’re traveling Ohio roads.