Car Insurance in Shaker Heights, OH

Even the most cautious drivers can be in collisions. That is why vehicle owners in Shaker Heights need car insurance. A good policy can save you from facing significant financial losses whether you are in a multi-car collision on the highway, a fender bender in a parking lot, or anything in between.

Independent agents can worth with multiple insurance providers to help you find a suitable policy at a competitive price. Talk to an independent insurance agent in the Shaker Heights area to learn more about car insurance and to start comparing a selection of customized quotes.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Shaker Heights, OH?

The average cost of car insurance in the Buckeye State is much lower than the national average. This is welcome news for Shaker Heights residents looking for an affordable policy.

• National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
• Ohio average annual car insurance cost: $843

Of course, this average rate can only give you a ballpark idea of what you might be expected to pay. Auto insurance companies calculate costs based on several factors, such as:

• The year, make, model, and value of the vehicle(s) you are insuring
• Your age, gender, occupation, driving record, and credit score
• Information about any other licensed drivers in your household
• Whether you own or rent your home
• The amount of liability insurance you want to purchase
• Which, if any, coverage options you wish to include in your policy
• The auto theft and collision rates in the vicinity of your home
• The amount of your deductible

Every insurance company has a specific way of assessing risk and calculating rates. Therefore, you are likely to receive a different quote from every company you contact for rates.

Comparing a few car insurance quotes enables you to choose the policy that offers the coverage you want at the lowest price. Independent agents make comparison shopping easy by contacting insurance providers on your behalf.

Is Car Insurance Required in Shaker Heights, Ohio?

If you own a vehicle in Shaker Heights, state law requires you to cover it with a car insurance policy that meets or exceeds Ohio’s minimum coverage requirements.

In Ohio, all car insurance policies must include:

• Liability coverage: This can cover your financial obligations to other people if you are responsible for a collision that causes injuries or property damage. The minimum coverage your policy can have is:
  • Bodily injury liability insurance per person: $25,000
  • Bodily injury liability insurance per accident: $50,000
  • Property damage liability insurance per accident $25,000

If you cause an accident and your policy’s limits are too low to cover your liabilities, you will need to make up the difference out of pocket. That is why many drivers in Shaker Heights buy more liability coverage than the state requires. Some also supplement with umbrella insurance.

In addition to the liability coverage required by law, if you are leasing or financing your car, your dealership or lender may mandate that your car insurance policy include:

• Physical damage coverage: This can cover repair or replacement costs for your vehicle. Physical damage coverage has two parts:
  • Collision coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
  • Comprehensive coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft.

Once you own your vehicle outright, physical damage coverage is optional.

What Else Does Car Insurance Cover in Shaker Heights, OH?

In addition to the liability and physical damage coverage mentioned above, most car insurance companies offer a variety of coverage options. These may include:

• Uninsured motorist insurance: This can cover property damage and injuries sustained in a collision caused by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver.
• Medical payments insurance: This can help pay for costs related to any necessary medical treatment you or your passengers may need if you are injured in a collision, regardless of fault.
• Gap insurance: This can pay off your car loan or buy out your lease if your vehicle is totaled in a covered event, but you owe more than it is worth.
• Auto glass insurance: This can cover replacement costs, including labor, if the safety glass in your windshield, sunroof, or windows is cracked, shattered, or otherwise damaged.
• Rental car reimbursement coverage: This can cover the cost of renting a vehicle while you are having yours repaired for damage sustained in a covered event.
• Roadside assistance coverage: This can cover the cost of needed assistance if your vehicle breaks down or is otherwise inoperable and you have to call for help or a tow truck.

Take the time to review all your coverage options and their costs to determine which are a good fit for you and your family.

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What is the Penalty for Driving without Insurance in Shaker Heights, OH?

Driving without insurance is illegal in Ohio. If caught, you can face consequences that include:

• The suspension of your driver’s license:
  • First offense: Until you obtain insurance coverage
  • Second offense: For one year
  • Third and subsequent offense: For two years
• The confiscation of your vehicle’s registration and plates
  • First offense: For 30 days
  • Second offense: For 60 days
  • Third and subsequent offenses: For two years
• A restoration fee to reinstate your registration and plates
  • First offense: Fee is $160
  • Second offense: Fee is $360
  • Third and subsequent offenses: Fee is $660
• Additional fines as imposed by a court of law
• Higher car insurance rates

There are very harsh consequences if you have had at least three uninsured driving violations and you violate the terms imposed by your penalties. In this case, your vehicle will be impounded and sold, and you will be unable to register another vehicle for five years.

Despite all this, many people in this state are driving around in uninsured vehicles.

• Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13.0%
• Percentage of Ohio drivers who are uninsured: 12.4%

If you are in a collision caused by an uninsured driver, that person is responsible for covering your property damage and the treatment of injuries for you and your passengers. However, collecting these funds can be difficult, especially if the at-fault driver has no money or assets to go after.

Fortunately, if you have included uninsured motorist insurance in your auto policy, you can rest assured that if this happens to you, your insurance company can immediately provide you with the compensation you are due. Your insurer will then attempt to sue the at-fault driver to get the funds back.

Can Drivers in Shaker Heights, OH Get Discounts on Car Insurance?

One of the easiest ways to earn significant car insurance discounts on your car insurance is through bundling. Bundling means purchasing your car insurance policy from the same insurance company as your other coverage, like your homeowners insurance or renters insurance.

Many insurance providers also offer other money-saving incentives. Some of the potential discounts you may come across when contacting different insurance companies for quotes include:

• Multi-vehicle discounts
• Safe driver discounts
• Good student discounts
• Military discounts
• Teacher discounts
• Discounts for having a car with safety features and/or anti-theft devices

A good insurance agent will ensure that you receive any offered discounts for which you qualify.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Shaker Heights, Ohio?

The best car insurance companies in Ohio are the ones that have a solid reputation for consistently providing their policyholders with reliable coverage, responsive customer service, and reasonable rates.

Independent insurance agents in Shaker Heights have developed partnerships with many of the area’s most highly rated insurance companies. Therefore, you can rest assured that any policies your agent recommends are from insurance companies you can trust.

How Can an Independent Agent in Shaker Heights, OH Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance?

Local independent agents are available to answer your coverage-related questions, explain your various options, and help you review prices from a few competing providers. That way, you can purchase the policy that offers the protection you want at the most affordable price.

It doesn’t cost anything to consult one of these experienced insurance professionals for guidance and advice. Contact an independent insurance agent with an office near you to learn more.