There are many options for auto insurance in Ohio but some drivers do not carry enough—or any at all.
Here is an overview of auto insurance requirements in the state and what accident victims can do if the at-fault driver either has no insurance or is underinsured.
Minimum requirements
It is illegal to drive in the state of Ohio without auto insurance or alternative coverage. Here are the minimum limits:
- $25,000 per accident property damage liability
- $25,000 per person bodily injury liability
- $50,000 per accident bodily injury liability
If you are the victim of a crash caused by a driver who only carries minimum insurance coverage, medical care for the injuries you sustain could easily surpass these limits. Insurance companies recommend that motorists carry more than the minimum limits and add options such as collision and comprehensive as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. Perhaps you have followed that advice.
Other options
Drivers who cannot obtain auto insurance through traditional companies due to issues such as a bad driving record or poor credit can apply to an alternate source: the Ohio Automobile Insurance Plan.
There is another option that allows financially responsible drivers to forego having to carry insurance at all. They can deposit $30,000 with the state treasury or, if they are property owners, they can purchase a $30,000 bond from the Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles.
What to do after an accident
If you suffer injuries in a vehicle crash, you may seek compensation for your medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, if applicable, and more. Your hope is that the driver who caused the accident has either a traditional insurance plan or an alternative that is sufficient to cover your needs, but what if his or her coverage is inadequate or nonexistent?
If this is the case, you should call your insurance company, report the accident and make an uninsured/underinsured claim under your own coverage. You will be very glad that you decided to carry more than the minimum limits.
