Immediately after a car accident, the most important concern is whether anyone was injured. Once that’s established, the attention turns to who caused the collision. In some states, there are at-fault insurance laws while others operate under no-fault insurance rules. Ohio falls into the first category. The following is a guide on the differences between the two types of coverage.

At-Fault Insurance

When a driver is responsible for causing a vehicle accident, they are required to pay for the affected person’s repair and medical costs. To recoup these expenses, the affected person can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance provider. If they choose to file with their own provider, the latter will most likely pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. 

As in most states, Ohio drivers are required to have at the minimum, liability coverage. This means they must have $25,000 to cover property damage, $50,000 for all injuries or fatalities, and $25,000 for the injury or fatality of one person. In all of these cases, the coverage amounts are paid out if you caused the accident.

No-Fault Insurance

This designation means if a driver is involved in an accident, they are required to file a claim with their own auto insurance providers -- despite who caused the collision. In states that follow no-fault insurance laws, drivers can also sue for pain and suffering based on the injury’s severity and the cost of medical expenses. 

Drivers in no-fault states are required to obtain personal injury protection (PIP) coverage in addition to the minimum liability insurance. PIP coverage pays for your and the passengers’ medical expenses if injured in an accident. Depending on the policy, the protection may cover you even if you’re in someone else’s vehicle. You can also recoup lost wages if the injury caused you to miss work. 

Since 1954, Siemers Insurance Agency has been the firm drivers turn to for reliable and affordable coverage. Based in Cincinnati, OH, the independent agency can shop for the best rates for clients from some of the nation’s leading auto insurance providers. If you live in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Florida, North Carolina or South Carolina — the company is licensed in all of these states — give them a call at (513) 469-8877 or go online for a free, no-obligation insurance quote.