Beyond Minimum Coverage: Why You Need More Auto Insurance in Ohio
In Ohio, like many states, drivers are required to carry car insurance. But what most people don't realize is that the state's minimum liability limits may not be enough to protect them financially in the event of an accident. It is importnat to understand  the dangers of minimum coverage and why talking to a trusted insurance agent is crucial for getting the right protection for your needs.
The Importance of Having the Right Auto Insurance CoverageHaving the right auto insurance coverage isn't just about complying with the law; it's about safeguarding your financial future. Imagine this: you're involved in an accident and are responsible for damages. Minimum coverage might seem like a budget-friendly option now, but it could leave you financially devastated later.

What Happens When Your Auto Insurance Isn't Enough?
Let's break down the pitfalls of minimum coverage in Ohio:

• Bodily Injury Liability: The state minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident sounds reasonable, but what if a serious injury requires extensive medical care? A single medical bill, especially one involving air transport, could easily surpass this limit.
• Property Damage Liability: With expensive cars and new technology on the road today, $25,000 in property damage coverage might not be enough to cover the cost of repairs if you damage another vehicle.

Don't Let a Car Accident Wipe You Out Financially
In the unfortunate event of an accident with inadequate coverage, you could face:

• Financial Responsibility for Remaining Costs: Any damages exceeding your policy limits become your personal responsibility. This could mean dipping into savings, taking on debt, or even losing assets.
• Lawsuits and Lost Wages: The injured party could sue you for additional damages beyond what your insurance covers. Legal fees and potential lost wages due to the accident could add further financial strain.

How Much Auto Insurance Do I Need?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but a trusted insurance agent can help you assess your risk factors and determine the right coverage amounts for your situation. Consider:

• The Value of Your Vehicle: Higher property damage liability limits ensure you're covered if you damage a more expensive car.
• Your Assets: If you have significant assets like a home, increased coverage protects them from potential lawsuits.
• Your Driving Habits: Even with a good driving record, consider higher bodily injury liability limits. Commuting frequently or driving in high traffic areas can increase your risk of being involved in an accident.

The Importance of Talking to a Trusted Insurance Agent
Don't gamble with your financial security! A trusted insurance agent can explain different coverage options beyond minimum liability, such as:

• Higher Bodily Injury and Property Damage Limits: Gain greater peace of mind knowing you're financially protected in case of a serious accident.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): Protects you if the driver who hits you doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough coverage.
• An Umbrella Policy: Consider an umbrella policy for an extra layer of protection. This additional insurance kicks in when your underlying policy limits (like your auto or homeowners insurance) are exhausted.

While safe driving habits can potentially lead you to qualify for discounts on your premium, it's important to remember that even the most cautious driver can be involved in an accident. Unexpected events happen on the road, and minimum coverage simply doesn't offer enough protection in many situations.

Get a personalized quote today and ensure you have the right auto insurance coverage to navigate the road with confidence.
#OhioAutoInsurance #AutoInsuranceAwareness #AVInsGroup

Insuring Your Kia or Hyundai Might Be a Challenge: Here's Why
Kia and Hyundai owners, buckle up! You might face some serious roadblocks when shopping for car insurance. Recent years have seen a surge in thefts and vandalism targeting specific Kia and Hyundai models, leaving insurance companies wary and causing headaches for car owners.
Why the Spike?
The problem lies in a lack of engine immobilizers in certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles from past years. This technology makes it significantly harder for thieves to steal a car. Unfortunately, many Kia and Hyundai models from 2011-2021 (Kia) and 2015-2021 (Hyundai) lack this crucial safeguard.
Here's a breakdown of the impacted vehicles:

• Kia (2011-2021): Forte, Optima, Sportage, Soul, Sorento, Rio, and Sedona
• Hyundai (2015-2021): Sonata, Elantra, Tucson, Santa Fe, Accent, Kona, Veloster, Genesis, Palisade, and Venue

What This Means for Insurance
The increased theft risk has insurance companies taking action:

• Soaring premiums: Insurers may significantly raise your rates to cover a car they consider a prime target for theft.
• Coverage denials: In extreme cases, some insurers might flat-out refuse to offer coverage for these specific Kia and Hyundai models.

Limited Options, But Don't Give Up!
While the situation is challenging, there are still ways to navigate this insurance maze:

• Shop relentlessly: Get quotes from a multitude of insurance companies. Rates can vary greatly, so don't settle for the first offer.
• Consider additional security: While even after-market immobilizers and alarms haven't proven entirely effective in deterring these thefts, they might still make you eligible for discounts from some insurers.
• Talk openly with your agent: Be upfront with your agent about your car's model year and the theft risks. They can explore all coverage options and find the best fit for your situation.
• Stay informed: The situation is constantly evolving. Keep an eye out for news on Kia and Hyundai addressing the security vulnerabilities and how it affects insurance rates.

Considering a New Car?
If you're already in the market for a new vehicle, and the insurance hassles and potential cost increases are a concern, you might want to avoid these particular Kia and Hyundai models (2011-2021 for Kia and 2015-2021 for Hyundai) altogether. Newer models may have addressed the security vulnerabilities, but it's always wise to check with your chosen manufacturer and insurance company before finalizing your purchase.
The Bottom Line
Owning a Kia or Hyundai from the impacted years doesn't automatically mean sky-high insurance costs. However, you'll likely face more challenges and require more effort to find affordable coverage. By being proactive, persistent, and staying informed, you can still secure your car and your wallet. But if you're shopping for a new car, consider these insurance realities when making your choice.

A question that our agency heard today, "Why is the rate for this dwelling higher than the home I currently live in which  is worth much more.
Seasonal and rental property insurance rates can be influenced by several factors. Let’s explore some of the key reasons why these rates tend to be higher:​

1. Location. The geographical area where your property is situated plays a significant role. Here are some location-related factors:  ​​​
   
   1. ​Distance from fire department and water hydrant are rating factors.
   2. Urban vs Rural- Urban areas may have higher crime rates, including theft and vandalism, leading to more insurance claims. Additionally, large cities tend to have higher real estate values, which impact construction costs for repairs.
   3. Regional Weather Patterns- Areas with specific weather patterns may experience more significant claims.
2. Rebuild or Replacement Cost. Insurance providers consider the rebuild or replacement cost of your property. Replacement cost refers to the amount needed to rebuild the same house from scratch, while market value includes other factors like land value and neighborhood appeal. It is important to have an insurance professional review the coverage to avoid overestimating or underestimating as this can effect immediate cost or have negative consequences in the event of a future claim.
3. Age and Condition of the Property. 
   
   1. Older Properties: Older homes may have features that don’t meet modern building standards, leading to higher insurance rates. Updating these features can help reduce premiums as discounts may be available for updated systems or a replaced roof.
      
   2. Vacation and Secondary Homes:  The insurance cost for a secondary home is often higher since the owner is not always living there. Having someone occupy the home helps to protect it against risks and deters burglars.
4. Risk Exposure. Properties in areas with rapid economic growth, vacation spots, or retirement destinations face unique challenges. Secondary homes and investment dwellings may take longer before discovery of a claim so the cost paid out will be higher.
5. Bundle vs Package. A primary home will sometimes have more discounts available and is traditionally a more bundled policy. It has been designed to bundle the coverages that a majority of consumers would want resulting in a lower price overall since those coverages are always written. A seasonal or investment dwelling is more of a package policy because there are many more variables as to what is needed so a larger amount of coverage or endorsements are individually selected. Since less are chosen the individual cost is higher.
   

Remember that insurance rates are influenced by a combination of these factors, and each provider may use different criteria to calculate premiums. If you have specific concerns about your seasonal or rental property insurance, consider discussing them with your insurance agent. 

Planning to Rent a Vehicle for Personal Use...Do you need to purchase their insurance, or will your insurance extend to the rental vehicle?

​This depends on several factors. 

• What type of vehicle are you renting. ? A personal passenger vehicle like a car or minivan, or a box truck moving vehicle? A personal vehicle in most cases would be covered if it is a temporary replacement of your covered vehicle.  Typical insurance policies would cover a rented personal passenger type vehicle for the same coverage  that has  been purchased on your personal policy.  Therefore, you would have the same liability limit and  physical damage coverage deductibles  on the rental vehicle that exists on your personal vehicle.  If you  only carry liability coverage on your policy your policy  probably will not cover physical damage to a rental car as you have not purchased that coverage on your policy.

• However, a moving truck (box truck) is a commercial vehicle and is typically excluded from coverage on a personal auto policy.  Some large pickup trucks might be excluded as well depending on their weight and how the policy is worded.

Do you carry physical damage coverage on your personal vehicle or only liability coverage? 

• If you  only carry liability coverage on your policy, it most likely will not cover physical damage to a rental car, as you have not purchased that coverage on your policy.

Another factor to consider when determining whether to purchase the rental companies insurance is your deductible. 

• If you purchase the rental companies  insurance  you  most likely  will not have to pay a deductible in the event of a loss.   If you need to set up the claim on your insurance any damage to the rental vehicle would  have the same deductible as carried  on your policy and you would be responsible for paying it.  You also have to recognize that a claim on your policy  could make more of an impact on  your future rates than  if  the rental company  pays the claim.  Although, if you are at fault your insurance rates will reflect any violations or accidents that appear on your Motor Vehicle Record.   

Where are you driving the rental car?

• If you are renting a vehicle and driving in a location that is not covered by your personal auto policy the coverage would not extend.  If you are planning to drive anywhere out of the United States it is essential that you speak with your insurance agent to find out if there is coverage.

​
What insurance company is your insurance with?

• Although most insurance policies are developed from similar forms, each insurance company has written their policy independently.  A coverage that is included with one company may not be given with the policy from another insurance carrier.

The best bet anytime you are concerned about coverage  is to consult your agent. This is another example of how a local agent can be of great value to the policyholder. They can explain whether your policy will or will not cover the rented vehicle.