The minimum limits for auto insurance are going up in Ohio. Governor John Kasich has signed House Bill 278 which increases the statutory minimum financial responsibility limits for auto insurance.
The new minimum coverage will be: $25,000.00 to pay the cost of injuries to one person involved in an accident, $50,000.00 for all persons involved in the accident, and $25,000.00 for property damage. In addition to the minimum limits increase, the bill makes it illegal for an insurance company to have an “intra-family exclusion” in auto policies when a family member is killed in the accident. This is a huge benefit to families who find themselves victims of the most tragic auto accidents.
The effective date of the new law was March 22, 2013. However, you probably have not heard much about it because the minimum coverage increase takes effect nine months after the bill became law, i.e. on December 22, 2013.
Drivers should not worry too much about the administrative process of making sure they are in compliance. First of all, if you carry more than the state minimum $12,500 in auto insurance (which you should!), the law does not affect you. But, if you do currently have the state minimum $12,500 in auto insurance, the next time you renew your policy the increase will automatically be factored in. In the meantime, you will be “grandfathered” so that your $12,500 policy will remain legal until the time for renewal comes around.
I have advocated for this type of a law for years. I believe it will help ensure that accident victims are properly compensated and do not end up with bills that they simply cannot afford to pay. While there is still more to do, it is certainly a step in the right direction.
I offer motor vehicle insurance coverage advice free of charge. I will be happy to discuss your current coverage and make recommendations about any changes you might want to make in order to be sure that you and your family are properly protected. I have actually previously published a blog post regarding how much car insurance you should carry based on your budget. If you want to take me up on my offer for a free personalized review of your coverage or if you have any questions about this change in the law and how it affects you, feel free to give me a call at my office at 216-916-8336 or after hours at 440-590-2907.
Click below to read the full text of House Bill 278:http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=129_HB_278
If you have questions about any of the legal issues raised in this blog, contact Dodosh Law Offices, LLC at 844-253-5291. Or, you can fill out a contact form and Attorney Dodosh will get in touch with you.