You are not alone in buying car insurance. Everyone in Ohio must buy car insurance because it is illegal to operate a vehicle in the state without it. It may be critical to speak with a skilled car accident lawyer about the importance of insurance. They can arm you with various tips for buying Toledo auto insurance and how it can potentially protect you in the future.
Penalties for Lack of Insurance
If you get pulled over and do not have proof of insurance, you will suffer some or all of the following penalties:
- Loss of driving privileges for a minimum of 90 days and up to two years
- License plate and vehicle registration suspension
- License plate reinstatement fees of $125 for the first violation
- Requirements to regularly register with the BMV to prove insurance coverage for a minimum of three years and up to five years
- Vehicle immobilization and confiscation of plates for 30 to 60 days if the driver violates the suspension
If you are like most people you cannot afford to go 90 days, let alone two years, without the ability to drive a car!
Choosing Insurance Coverage
There is no question that buying insurance can be confusing. Individuals should consider the following tips for buying Toledo auto insurance:
- Knowing the extent of coverage
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
- Umbrella policies
- Family exclusion
- Buy as much insurance as can be afforded
Understanding Types of Coverage
Just about everyone thinks they have full coverage when it comes to their auto insurance. However, there is a good chance your insurance does not cover you as well as you think! Knowing the extent of your coverage now can save you a lot of trouble later. It may be critical to make sure that someone has plenty of uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. This type of coverage protects you if you are involved in an accident with an irresponsible driver who has little or no insurance. Having UM and UIM coverage can mean the difference between getting the compensation you deserve and getting nothing at all.
One of the tips for buying Toledo auto insurance is seriously considering the purchase of an umbrella policy. An umbrella policy will provide you with additional insurance to protect your assets in case your other policies (homeowners, liability, UM/UIM, etc.) do not provide you with enough coverage or compensation. An umbrella policy gets its name from the fact that it sits on top of your other policies and provides an additional layer of protection. Umbrella policies protect you from being left personally on the hook for damages you cause to others, or from being left without any compensation for damages suffered by someone or their family.
What is Family Exclusion?
It may be important to confirm that one’s policy does not include something referred to as family exclusion. Most people assume their insurance policy will provide coverage if their family members are injured in an accident. However, depending on your insurance carrier, it may be the case that loved ones traveling with you in your car will have little or no coverage at all if you are at fault for the accident.
Benefit of a Lawyer
Some insurance companies have a family exclusion plan and some do not. It is vital to know where you stand in order to be completely aware of your level of coverage. It is vital to buy as much insurance as you can afford. There is no denying that times are tough, and many people are trying to save money by cutting back on their insurance coverage.
However, this can end up hurting you financially significantly more than it helps you. In order to maximize your chances at being protected in the event of an accident, there are certain aspects of your policy that you should never skip out on. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to begin reviewing possible tips for buying Toledo auto insurance.