Most states have some type of car insurance policy requirement for all licensed drivers. In the state of Ohio, it is illegal for drivers to operate a vehicle that is not covered by insurance.
Unfortunately, this law does not require that Ohio drivers attain full coverage policies on their vehicles. With that being said, a large number of drivers choose the cheaper option: liability car insurance.
What is the difference between full coverage and liability car insurance?
The state of Ohio requires a minimum of liability car insurance, so why should drivers get anything more than liability coverage? Here are the differences between the two:
Liability car insurance: This policy helps pay a certain amount towards property damage or injuries from a motor vehicle accident caused by you.
- Minimum of $50,000 total for injuries or death to 2+ people in any one accident
- Minimum of $25,000 for injuries or death per person
- Minimum of $25,000 for property damage
Full coverage car insurance: Any additional coverage beyond liability is considered optional coverage. Typically this type of insurance will protect you if an accident happens from no wrong doing of your own.
- Collision (covers car collision-related damages to your vehicle)
- Uninsured/underinsured (coverage that helps with damages in a car accident caused by a driver with no insurance or minimum insurance)
- Comprehensive ( coverage that helps with non-accident related damages like vandalism or theft)
- Towing
While liability coverage seems to be the best short-term money saver, it will not protect you in the event an uninsured driver seriously injures you or loved ones.
I can tell you from experience that there are many drivers on the road without insurance.
In my 34 years of practicing law, I have seen one too many car accidents that left victims seriously injured or worse—dead— at no fault of their own. And in the worst instance possible, there were no repercussions because the at-fault party had no insurance or a lapsed policy!
Always do your research on car insurance coverage before getting behind the wheel. If you or a family member were seriously injured due to a negligent driver, call me today and I will fight for the justice you deserve.
As your Ohio car accident attorney, I’ll be there for you, and I will Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For over four decades, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus, Dayton and neighboring communities.” You can reach Tim by email at misnylaw.com/ask-tim-a-question/ or call at 877.944.4373.