Ohio: Uninsured Motorist Insurance — Mandatory Or Optional?

In Ohio, motorists are not required to carry uninsured motorist insurance. However, it is generally recommended that drivers purchase this additional coverage to protect themselves financially in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. According to the Insurance Information Institute, more than 1 in 10 motorists in Ohio are uninsured, which is higher than the national average. If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver and do not have uninsured motorist coverage, you may have to pay for damages out of your own pocket.

What to do if you're in an accident with an uninsured driver

While it is not mandatory to carry uninsured motorist insurance in Ohio, it is always a good idea to have it. This is because, in the event of an accident, uninsured motorist insurance can protect you from paying out of pocket for damages caused by an uninsured driver.

If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, here are the steps you should take:

Step 1: Call the Police

Firstly, call the police, especially if you've been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. A police record and accident report will be useful when making an insurance claim. It will also help you hold the other driver accountable for their negligence.

Step 2: Collect Information and Take Photographs

While you wait for the police to arrive, collect the other driver's name, license plate number, and contact information. Take photographs of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Also, note down as many details as possible, such as road conditions and your speed.

Step 3: Seek Medical Attention

It is important to visit a doctor as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. This is because some injuries, like whiplash, may not be immediately apparent but can become serious if left untreated.

Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company

Inform your insurance company about the accident and that the other driver is uninsured. If you have Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC), your insurance provider will help cover the costs of bodily injuries and property damage. However, note that UMC usually can't exceed your standard liability coverage.

Step 5: Reach Out to a Lawyer

Consider contacting a car accident lawyer to explore your legal options and increase your chances of recovering damages. A lawyer can guide you through the complex process of dealing with insurance companies and ensure your rights are protected.

Step 6: File a Claim

If you have UMC, file an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance provider as soon as possible. Most insurers have a time limit for filing such claims, often within 30 days of the accident. Your insurer will pay for medical bills and property damage up to your coverage amount.

If you don't have UMC, you can still file a claim under the collision portion of your policy. However, this won't cover any medical expenses, so you may need to pay out of pocket if you don't have health insurance.

Remember, it is always important to have comprehensive insurance coverage to protect yourself financially in case of an accident, especially with an uninsured driver.

How to get compensated after an accident with an uninsured driver

If you've been in an accident with an uninsured driver in Ohio, you may be able to get compensated through a claim with your insurance company or a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get compensated:

Step 1: Call the Police

It is important to call the police, especially when involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. A police record and accident report will make the claims process easier and help you get your damages covered.

Step 2: Collect the Driver's Information

Ask the driver for their name, license plate number, and contact information. They may inform you that they don't have insurance at this time.

Step 3: Gather Evidence

Take photographs of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. These will serve as important evidence for your claim or lawsuit.

Step 4: Seek Medical Attention

Visit a doctor immediately to get treated for any injuries sustained in the accident. Ensure you keep records of all medical bills and expenses incurred as a result of the accident, as these can be claimed.

Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company

Inform your insurance company about the accident and that the other driver does not have insurance. If you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM), you can file a claim with your own insurance company. They will likely open an investigation and assess your medical records and other documents related to your injuries and losses.

Step 6: Consult a Lawyer

Reach out to a car accident lawyer to learn about your legal options and increase your chances of recovering damages. A lawyer can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you navigate the complex insurance system.

Step 7: File a Lawsuit (if necessary)

If the insurance claim is not sufficient or if you don't have UIM coverage, you may need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Ohio is an at-fault state, which means the driver responsible for the accident is liable for paying all damages. Keep in mind that there are time limits for filing a lawsuit in Ohio, typically within two years from the date of the accident.

It is important to note that pursuing compensation after an accident with an uninsured driver can be challenging, as they may not have sufficient income or assets to cover your losses. However, by following these steps and seeking legal assistance, you can improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.

The minimum insurance requirements for motorists in Ohio

In Ohio, motorists are required to demonstrate their financial responsibility in the event of a car accident. While drivers are not technically required to carry car insurance, if they choose to do so, they must meet certain minimum insurance requirements. These requirements are set by Ohio's Financial Responsibility Law.

• $25,000 for bodily injury liability coverage per person injured in a single accident.
• $50,000 for bodily injury liability coverage for all persons injured in a single accident.
• $25,000 for property damage liability for a single accident.

These minimum amounts are intended to cover the expenses that a driver would be responsible for if they cause an accident and are found to be at fault. This includes medical expenses, property damage, and legal fees.

It is important to note that these are just the minimum requirements, and it is often recommended that drivers purchase additional coverage to protect themselves and their assets adequately.

In addition to the minimum insurance requirements, Ohio drivers must also carry proof of insurance and provide it at traffic stops, accident scenes, and vehicle inspections. Failure to provide proof of insurance can result in penalties such as license suspension, impoundment of the vehicle, and reinstatement fees.

The pros and cons of uninsured motorist coverage

While purchasing uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in Ohio, it is a good idea to consider it. Here are some pros and cons of uninsured motorist coverage to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of Uninsured Motorist Coverage

• Financial Protection: Uninsured motorist coverage provides financial protection if you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. It can help cover the costs of repairs, medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses that may arise.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) and uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) policies typically cover hit-and-run accidents, which can give you peace of mind in case the other driver flees the scene.
• Low Cost: Compared to other types of insurance coverage, uninsured motorist coverage is relatively inexpensive. In some states, it might only add a few dollars to your monthly premium.
• No Impact on Premiums: Filing a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage usually does not affect your insurance rates. This means you can seek compensation without worrying about increased premiums.
• Stacking Coverage: If you have multiple vehicles insured under the same policy, you may be able to "stack" your uninsured motorist coverage, increasing the total amount of coverage available.

Cons of Uninsured Motorist Coverage

• Additional Cost: The main con of uninsured motorist coverage is the additional cost to your insurance premium. While it is generally inexpensive, it still represents an extra expense. However, you can choose lower coverage limits to keep the cost as low as possible.
• Not Mandatory: Uninsured motorist coverage is not required in Ohio, so you may choose to forgo it to keep your insurance costs down.
• Not All Plans Cover Hit-and-Runs: While UMPD and UMBI policies typically cover hit-and-run accidents, not all plans do. Be sure to review the details of the specific policy you are considering.
• May Not Cover All Damages: Uninsured motorist coverage may not cover all types of damages. For example, some policies may not include property damage coverage, so review the policy details carefully.

What uninsured motorist coverage includes

Uninsured motorist coverage is an important safeguard for motorists in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Although not mandatory in Ohio, it is highly recommended for all drivers as it provides financial protection and peace of mind.

Uninsured motorist coverage includes protection against bodily injury and property damage caused by an uninsured driver. This means that if you are hit by a driver with no insurance, your uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) coverage may pay medical bills for you and your passengers, while uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage may pay for repairs to your vehicle. This is especially important in Ohio, where approximately 12.4% to 13% of drivers are uninsured, exceeding the national average of 13%.

Underinsured motorist coverage is typically offered alongside uninsured motorist coverage and protects you if the at-fault driver doesn't have sufficient insurance to cover the damages or injuries they caused. In this case, underinsured motorist bodily injury (UIMBI) coverage may pay for medical bills for you and your passengers, while underinsured motorist property damage (UIMPD) coverage may pay for repairs to your vehicle. This is also relevant in Ohio, where many drivers do not have enough insurance to cover serious accidents.

In addition to the financial protection provided by uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, it is important to note that filing a claim under this coverage will not affect your insurance rates. This means that you can seek compensation for your damages without worrying about increased premiums.

Overall, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is a valuable investment for Ohio motorists, providing financial protection and peace of mind in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. By including coverage for bodily injury and property damage, this type of insurance ensures that you and your passengers are taken care of, regardless of the other driver's insurance status.

Frequently asked questions