Ohio Car Insurance

In the state of Ohio, all drivers must carry Ohio auto insurance or an insurance alternative in order to drive legally in the state. The minimum amount of liability insurance is $12,500 bodily injury per person, $25,000.00 bodily injury for two or more people, and $7,500 for property damage. Ohio offers a plan where drivers can opt for a surety bond in the amount of $30,000, or a BMV certificate in the amount of $30,000 on a deposit with the State Treasury, as an alternative that shows financial responsibility. All drivers who register a vehicle or apply for a license in the state of Ohio are required to fill out a financial responsibility form that states they will not operate any type of vehicle unless they are properly covered by an Ohio car insurance or alternative plan. In Ohio, the laws are very strict regarding financial responsibility, and drivers are required to carry proof of financial responsibility at all times, and this includes anyone who uses the vehicle. First time offenders who are pulled over and have no proof of insurance or financial responsibility will lose their license for 90 days. Second time offenders will lose their license for a year, and third time offenders will lose their license plates and registration. Drivers will additionally be required to pay a reinstatement fee of $75 to $500, and they will also be required to purchase a form of insurance that is designed for high risk drivers.

It is very important for drivers to have an up to date Ohio car insurance plan in place at all times. When purchasing Ohio auto insurance, a credit assessment may be a requirement, and this can sometimes affect the insurance rates as well as the payment schedule of the driver. Rental cars also must be fully insured in order to be driven in the state of Ohio. Ohio drivers are not required to purchase uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist insurance because this is a Tort state. Drivers can obtain information about Ohio cheap auto insurance and Ohio car insurance quotes through their local auto insurance agent as well as online.

Ohio Car Insurance Rates and Carriers

When choosing an insurance carrier, it is always a good idea to view Ohio car insurance ratings and read reviews. By comparing Ohio auto insurance ratings, a driver can get a good idea of the company they would like to work with, as well as what to expect when it comes to their insurance plan. Progressive Insurance offers a variety of perks for Ohio drivers. They have a Name Your Price option, which is helpful for drivers who are on a budget, and they offer discounts and free extras for their customers. Progressive Insurance rates highly among customers for their service and overall satisfaction with their premiums and plans. Geico Insurance is another popular insurance provider in Ohio, and they offer special plans for beginning drivers, as well as a defensive driver discount. All of these companies offer free Ohio auto insurance quotes and can offer advice on the best plans to suit a driver's needs and budget. Currently, the average annual premium paid by Ohio drivers is $654.00.

Seat Belt Usage

Ohio now has a Click It Or Ticket seat belt enforcement in place, requiring all Ohio drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. In 2011, close to 65 percent of individuals killed in Ohio due to a motor vehicle accident were not wearing seat belts. Ohio's seat belt usage rate is around 83 %, and the State of Ohio is hoping that this new enforcement will bring the number up to 100 %.

Roads and Road Conditions

Ohio has both rural areas and big cities, and city streets and highways are usually easy to navigate, unless there is a road block due to construction or a weather condition like heavy snow, fog, or rain. The Ohio Department of Transportation has a web page called Buckeye Traffic, where travelers can obtain information on traffic and road conditions before they start their daily commute. This assists Ohio drivers with choosing alternate routes during road construction, bad weather, and traffic congestion.

Thefts

Ohio has a relatively high number of auto thefts per year, but State Troopers have been quite successful in recovering stolen vehicles. In 2009, the numer of reported auto thefts was 22,890, which had dropped from 28,738 in 2008. The Ohio Auto Theft Investigators Association was formed in 1981 by a group of police officers and insurance investigators, in order to investigate the level of insurance fraud-related auto theft in Ohio. They are working hard to minimize the number of auto thefts and insurance fraud, and they hold training groups and seminars to stay abreast of the latest trends in auto theft in order to put a stop to it. Ohio drivers can add extra protection to their automobiles by installing alarm systems and using anti-theft devices as a deterrent to criminals.

Most Stolen Vehicles In Ohio

In each state, vehicles that are stolen tend to be makes and models of cars that one would not expect. There are different reasons for this, including insurance fraud and salvageable materials. In Ohio, the top ten stolen vehicles are listed below:

1. 2000 Dodge Caravan

2. 1994 Honda Accord

3. 1994 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size)

4. 1999 Ford Taurus

5. 2000 Honda Civic

6. 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme/Ciera

7. 1996 Buick Century

8. 1997 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup

9. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier

10. 2002 Ford Explorer

The state of Ohio takes their laws regarding auto insurance very seriously. There are hefty penalties for being caught without insurance including license suspension, impoundment, and heavy fines. Drivers are required to carry proof of insurance at all times. Individuals looking to purchase insurance can find low cost options through their local insurance agents, who will put together various factors in order to give the driver a fair quote. The cost of auto insurance will vary due to factors like age, gender, credit history, and make and model of a vehicle. With so many low cost options for consumers, there is absolutely no reason not to have auto insurance. By purchasing an Ohio insurance plan that meets the minimum requirements, drivers are helping make the roads a safer place for everyone.

http://www.insurance.ohio.gov/Pages/default.aspx