Liability insurance is often the very basic level of insurance required to drive a vehicle in Toledo. The result is that many people carry liability insurance only, and other drivers worry that it simply won’t be enough or that you’ll be in a position where their insurance doesn’t cover your injuries or your property damage.
This type of insurance, liability insurance, will only cover a crash that is that driver’s fault and is in a situation that the insurance is active. If the driver’s policy has lapsed or it’s not the driver’s fault, then the policy won’t activate.
If you have need legal representation contact one of our Ohio Car Accident Lawyers today.
Does Car Insurance Really Follow the Driver?
It’s a common myth that your insurance will follow you no matter what car you’re driving, but you need to carefully consider the situation. If you’re driving a vehicle that doesn’t have insurance through another driver and are at fault, then your liability coverage would cover the wreck. But, if you’re driving, say your parent’s car, and they gave you permission, then it’s more likely that their coverage would handle the wreck.
If you’re not driving your vehicle, then it’s critical that you understand that you need to provide the other driver with both your insurance information and the insurance policy that covers that vehicle.
In theory, the car insurance only covers the vehicle on the policy. However, in some situations, car insurance providers will acknowledge that their driver, who is covered, was responsible and that their policy takes priority on the resolution. Now, in the event that they were driving a car without permission, then their liability coverage would cover the crash and damage.
What if Someone Else Was Driving?
So on the flip side, if someone else is driving your car, with your permission, then it’s most likely your insurance that will take the hit. You should basically only allow other people to drive your car when you’re so sure that they won’t get in an accident that you’re willing to let them drive your vehicle.
When someone else is driving, your coverage should still be the first line, and that applies to anyone who had permission to drive your vehicle or access to your keys. Unless you specify to your insurance that your roommates, siblings, or others do not have permission to drive your car, your insurance will assume that the car is a “family” car. What we mean is that all the people in your house have access to your car, and if you leave the keys in an accessible place, then the assumption is that others will drive your car.
Should You Worry About Getting More Coverage?
If you only have liability coverage, then you should consider expanding into collision, or even comprehensive. Both offer benefits in the event that you’re at fault or that there are unforeseen circumstances. What you should do is contact your insurance provider and discuss what type of coverage you need.
The Basic Minimums for Insurance in Ohio
Although liability is the only requirement in Ohio because it follows your car and not the driver, you should consider going beyond the minimum in liability. In Ohio, the basics include $25,000 for each person up to two people for bodily injury and then $25,000 in property damage. For liability insurance, that means that the victim in the crash has access to those funds, not you, the driver who caused the crash.
Now, if you’re the victim of a wreck where the other driver had liability only, then you would only be able to recover the max of each segment. It’s something to consider adding on collision or UIM/UM to ensure that you can get all the compensation that you need, whether the crash was your fault or if it was some other driver’s fault.
Get a Cleveland Car Accident Attorney in on Your Case
Getting the right Cleveland attorney might seem like a bit challenge ahead because there are so many attorneys and so many insurance claims. The thing is, you only need to find the right attorney for your case, and you can start your search with 1Ohio. At 1Ohio, you can meet with different attorneys from our practice who have the experience, know-how, and drive to take on your claim.
Liability insurance can open up many legal questions, and what you can do now is to contact an attorney right away. That way, you’ll have access to proper answers for all of your legal questions regarding insurance coverage and relief from the crash. Contact 1Ohio today.
