Auto Insurance FAQs
When looking for auto insurance, you want to be sure you’re choosing the best policy. It’s only natural to have a lot of questions during your search, but Joe Potts Insurance Agency is here to help you put your mind at ease.
Below are a few of the most common questions that Ohio drivers ask about their auto insurance options, and your Joe Potts expert will be by your side from start to finish.
How does auto insurance work?
Auto insurance is designed to offer you financial assistance in an unexpected, unavoidable loss scenario involving your vehicle. Your plan might pay for costs arising from:
Any of these—and many other—challenges might be costly, time-consuming and worrisome. However, you can rest assured that your policy will ease your financial burden with your auto insurance.
How do auto insurance claims work?
To receive a financial settlement from your auto insurance policy, you’ll have to file a claim with your insurer. To do so, call the claims number listed on your insurance card.
At that time, the insurer will evaluate, appraise and document the damage to your vehicle. They will also review the various terms within your plan—coverage limits, deductibles and exclusions—to calculate precisely how much money (if any) you’re entitled to receive for the various damage and losses.
Usually, the claims process will take a few days or weeks, and your insurer will keep you informed about the status of your claim and notify you about any technicalities that might complicate the process.
How do auto insurance deductibles work?
A deductible is a dollar amount written into your policy that you agree to pay towards the cost of damage on your own. For example, if you have a $1,000 collision deductible, and your car sustains $3,000 worth of damage, you must pay for the first $1,000 worth of repairs, while your insurance will pay the remaining $2,000.
Usually, collision and comprehensive insurance will contain deductibles, while liability insurance will not include this requirement.
What auto insurance is required by law?
Ohio law requires all registered drivers to maintain minimum levels of liability insurance worth at least:
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Bodily injury liability insurance: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
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Property damage liability insurance: $25,000 per accident
The minimum liability coverage will comply with Ohio’s at-fault insurance laws, which mandate that drivers who cause accidents must pay for the damage they do to other parties (i.e., other drivers).
How much auto insurance is enough for me?
Though you must carry at least the minimum required liability coverage, your Joe Potts agent will work with you to further tailor your plan to your needs. Practical ways to optimize your plan include carrying:
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Increased liability insurance limits to ensure that you always have ample financial protection in case of an at-fault accident
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Optional benefits—collision insurance, comprehensive coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage—to help you pay for damage to your vehicle
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Roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement perks to help minimize the inconvenience of having a damaged or broken-down car
How are auto insurance premiums calculated?
Numerous factors influence the cost of your auto insurance policy, including:
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Your age and driving experience
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Your record of making claims on your auto policy
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Your history of tickets or other infractions on your driving record
Plus, the coverage limits, deductibles and other terms you choose to include in your plan can influence your price. However, our agents will work with you to maximize your policy’s efficiency and still give you the ability to save on your rates.
How far back do auto insurers look when determining rates?
Insurers will view your driving record as an indicator of your likelihood of filing a claim. The more blemishes you have on your record, the more you’ll be considered a cost risk; therefore, you’ll likely be charged more for your plan.
However, driving records aren’t permanent, and many infractions will fall off your record after a number of years. Therefore, most insurers will only view the last three to five years of your driving history when setting your rates. So, the more time passes from an infraction, the more likely you are to see your rates fall over time.
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