Carrying auto insurance provides protection for yourself, your vehicle, and other drivers on the road. When shopping for coverage, there are many auto policies available, with each one serving a different purpose and offering different safeguards. The most common types are liability and full coverage, and below is a brief guide that discusses what makes each one unique.

Liability

This type of insurance covers the cost of injuries and vehicle damage for other drivers when you are at fault during an accident. All Ohio drivers must carry liability insurance, with minimum coverage of $25,000 for injury per person; $50,000 total for injuries per accident; and $25,000 for property damage. Carrying liability alone does not cover any personal costs resulting from an accident that you caused.

Choosing this type of coverage means you assume a greater amount of personal risk. Because of this, it is an excellent choice if you drive an older car that does not have significant monetary value. Alternatively, you may opt for liability to keep insurance costs low, while maintaining the state-mandated minimum coverage.

Full Coverage

With full coverage auto insurance, you combine liability coverage with collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision insurance covers the repair costs for your vehicle if another driver or object damages it, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. This means you have protection even if an uninsured driver hits your vehicle. Comprehensive pays up to the stated policy limits for repairs not related to collisions, such as theft, vandalism, and weather events or animals.

While the state of Ohio does not require this type of auto insurance, full coverage offers a wider safety net than liability. Generally, the premium will be higher, but you will have significantly lower out-of-pocket costs if you experience an accident or injury. Also, if you finance or lease the vehicle, the lender or dealership may require you to have full coverage, as the ensures they will receive payment for their investment.

When you need help finding an auto insurance policy that meets your needs and budget, contact 1st Choice Insurance. For more than 30 years, they have been serving drivers throughout Fairfield and Greater Cincinnati, OH. They offer many plans and policies, including car, RV, motorcycle, and SR-22 insurance. Call (513) 860-0666 to request an auto insurance quote. Visit them online for more information about their policies.