Those who've experienced a car crash know the expenses involved can be colossal.
Repairing your vehicle is costly enough, and the bill skyrockets if someone is physically damaged. But that's why we have auto insurance, after all. A great insurance quote can handle the price of a crash, so you don't have to. The truth is, not all coverage is created equal.
Let's see how Ohio's laws in car insurance actually work.
What's Ohio Financial Responsibility Law?
Every U.S state has some sort of duty law that demands motorists to have liability insurance coverage. The Ohio Revised Code Section 4509.101, clearly states that no one can operate or allow the operation of a motor vehicle in Ohio without having evidence of a financial duty unceasingly during the registration period with regard to that motor vehicle, or in case if someone who is not the owner, with regard to that motorist’s handling of that car. That's a lot to digest and boils down to the fact that you're lawfully required to have auto insurance.
In short, Ohio leads a fault-based coverage scheme. That means that if you're the one responsible for the accident, you're required to pay the damages.
Know Your Car Insurance
What’s your coverage type? Is It a comprehensive one or just liability? Comprehensive coverage means you've included both your car as well as statutory coverage for other vehicles. What about limits? Are they minimum or higher? The type of auto coverage you decide to carry is important for multiple reasons.
Your car insurance will conclude whether your personal assets will be insured in case you're involved in an accident and are at fault.
It also concludes if and to what degree you will be ensured if you are included in an accident with an "underinsured" or "insured" driver, and she or he is at fault. Lastly, the coverage type and the amount you have concludes the amount you will pay if you’re at fault.
As of Ohio's fault-based insurance system, if you have a comprehensive insurance policy and you’re included in a car accident, your insurer will pay out to your coverage limits no matter your fault, depending on any applicable policy omissions. For more details, check out this comprehensive Insuranks Car Insurance Quotes Guide to see Ohio's latest insurance rates.
Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers
Although liability coverage is mandatory in Ohio, roughly 12% of Ohio motorists are uninsured.
So, what happened with uninsured motorists involved in a collision? While Uninsured and Underinsured Driver coverage is not optional in Ohio and can cost a bit much each month, it can be a smart investment.
Example 1:
Suppose you were hit by a single dad who has only the minimum limits demanded by the state, which is $25,000 and has very little income.
Now suppose your medical bills are $50,000, and you're losing your wage due to your accident-related injuries for seven months. Here's where underinsured driver coverage intervenes. No matter what you've chosen for your coverage above those $25,000, and have the cheapest car to insurance your insurer will take care of it. In doing so, you're covered even though the other motorist's insurance isn't enough.
Example 2:
Suppose you're driving toward a traffic signal as the light turns red. You're slowing down to stop, but the person behind you drives along with no car coverage as he/she texts and slams into the back of your car. You receive property damages of around $10,000, medical bills of $9.000, and are off duty for four weeks. In that case, uninsured driver coverage can handle the rest. If you don't have one, you can check the cheapest car to insure or you will need to sue the negligent driver to try to collect compensation for your expenses.
Keep in mind that in both of the cases, your insurer will ask you to specify your rights to charge accountable drivers over to the insurance agency. To put it simply, your insurer will take over your right to sue.
What to do Before and After a Car Accident
Before you or someone close is involved in a car accident, you need to be prepared.
- Keep your coverage proof within your reach when you're driving. If someone else's using your vehicle, be it your kid or spouse, make sure that person carries her or his own insurance coverage.
- Keep in mind that your auto coverage follows the vehicle. Therefore, even if you allow your cousin to drive your vehicle and they carry their own insurance coverage, in an accident, their insurance follows after yours. Meaning that if your cousin or whoever drives that car is at fault, your insurance will pay out first, then their insurance handles any remainders.
- After an auto collision, the first priority for those implicated in the accident is medical attention. Clearly, if you witness or are involved in a grave accident, and are capable, call 911.
- If there is no medical crisis to worry about, then make a record by filming or shooting all cars involved in the accident, even interactions, traffic signals and road situations.
- Now that you've gathered enough proof you can ask the coverage details of the other motorists involved in the accident. That shouldn't be hard since all you have to do is to snap a photo with your smartphone. If possible, before leaving the accident scene, call that insurance carrier and confirm that the motorists are actually covered. The sooner you call, the better. Most drivers may have an insurance card of insurance coverage that has actually been postponed due to delayed payment.
Bear in mind that in Ohio, failure to adhere to financial responsibility law can lead to civil penalties, included, but not a limited suspension of your driving license.
The smartest move is to always be prepared before an accident. Have your tips in mind and papers within your reach. The rest is in your insurer's duty to act reasonably and handle your expenses.