Insurance World

Most states require that a vehicle be insured before it can be driven on public streets and highways. It is important to understand the terminology of your auto insurance policy so that you know that you have the necessary insurance coverages for your area. Take time to review your car insurance to make sure you have what you need.

Deductibles:

The deductible is the portion of a covered loss that is your responsibility. The deductible applies to each covered loss. Deductibles vary by state but are typically in the amounts of $100, $250, $500 or $1,000. Usually, the higher the deductible the lower your premiums. Of course, the amount you must pay out of your pocket increase with the higher deductible.

Coverage:

There can be many types of coverage included within one single auto insurance policy. Insurance coverage requirements vary by state and usually include the following types of coverage:

Liability: Liability coverage pays for accidental bodily injury and property damages to others when the insured person is legally responsible for an accident. Bodily injury damages include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other special damages. Property damage includes damaged property and may include loss of use. Liability coverage also pays defense and court costs.

Personal Injury Protection: Personal Injury Protection is required in some states. It pays medical expenses for covered persons, regardless of fault, for medical treatment due to an auto accident.

Medical Payments: Medical Payments Coverage is available in most states. It pays medical and funeral expenses for covered persons, regardless of fault, when those expenses are related to an auto accident.

Collision: Collision coverage pays for damage to a covered vehicle caused by collision with another object or automobile.

Comprehensive: Comprehensive coverage pays for loss of or damage to a covered vehicles, not caused by a collision or accident. Examples include loss caused by fire, wind, hail, flood, vandalism, theft or hitting an animal.

Uninsured Motorist: Uninsured Motorist coverage pays damages when a covered person is injured by an auto accident caused by a driver who does not have liability insurance.

Rental Reimbursement: Rental Reimbursement pays car rentall expenses when your auto is disabled due to an accident.

Emergency Road Service: Emergency Road Service pays expenses incurred for having your auto towed as a result of a breakdown.

Who is covered under an auto policy?

Your policy usually covers you, your spouse and other relatives who live in your household and others who have permission to drive one of your covered vehicles.

Ohio residents are afforded certain protection when buying health insurance from a state licensed insurer as a result of standards put in place by the Ohio Department of Insurance. Below are some of the standards you should be aware of when buying insurance:

Alcohol Treatment : There must be at least $550 per year in alcohol treatment whether inpatient or outpatient

Mental Illness : On an outpatient basis, there is a requirement for $550 per year for treatment. This applies only if the policy covers in hospital treatment of mental illness.
Kidney dialysis : If an insurer provides coverage for dialysis in a hospital, it must also provide the same coverage for dialysis on an outpatient basis.

Specific practitioners : Health policies in Ohio cannot discriminate against particular health professionals. It must pay any licensed professional who legally performs a service. This includes Chiropractor, dentist, nurse-midwives, Mechanotherapists, osteopaths, Optometrists, Podiatrists, Psychologists

Generic drug use : If a policy covers prescription drugs, it must pay for any legally approved drug prescribed by your doctor even if it has not been approved by the government for treating your particular medical problem or disease.

Pregnancy and Maternity : Insurance companies do not have to offer maternity benefits, However, when it is provided, it may never be considered a pre-existing condition. Although, under certain conditions, an insurer may impose a 270-day waiting period before providing maternity benefits.

Mammograms: Every major medical policy group and individual must cover mammograms for breast cancer screening in adult women.

The frequency varies depending on age:

Age: 35-39 One only

Age: 4-49: One every two years unless your doctor has reason to believe you are a high risk for breast cancer

Age 50-64: one a year.

This is subject to a maximum of $85 per covered mammogram.

Please view our recommended insurance quote companies below. They are also great sources for information about rates and coverages for most of the lower 48 states.