Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Ohio
Bellefontaine — home of the highest point in Ohio (Campbell Hill), the “shortest street in America” (McKinley Street) at 20 feet, and the first concrete-paved street (Court Street) in the United States — celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2020. The city, named for the French word meaning “beautiful spring,” is the county seat of Logan County and about 60 miles north of Columbus. U.S. 68 and Ohio State Route 47 pass through Bellefontaine, while U.S. 33 traverses the north side of the city. About 14,000 people live in Bellefontaine.
As you head out for some of the best pizza around on Main Street, wouldn’t it be reassuring to know you and your family have protection from the best car insurance in Ohio? Coverage is required to operate an automobile in the Buckeye State. Keep reading to learn all about what kind of coverage you need, add-on options, average costs, and how to find discounts.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Bellefontaine, Ohio?
As a Bellefontaine, Ohio, resident, you’ll pay around $23 a month for liability and $85 for a full policy. That’s less than the national monthly average of $48 for liability and $147 for full coverage.
What Does It Mean If Ohio Is an At-Fault State?
Ohio is an at-fault state, which means if a distracted driver runs the stop sign where West Street North meets West Sandusky Avenue and crashes into you, they are financially responsible for your damage. If they have state-required liability insurance, that should cover your costs. However, if they are uninsured, and you have full coverage, your uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage would pay for your vehicle expenses.
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Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Ohio
While average rates take into consideration factors such as the number of accidents in your area, agents also consider your city’s healthcare and auto repair costs when figuring out your premium.
Bellefontaine residents pay about the same as residents of some other Ohio cities, as shown here:
City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
Bellefontaine | $85 | $23 |
Ashland | $84 | $23 |
Ashtabula | $89 | $26 |
Cambridge | $92 | $22 |
Toledo | $95 | $36 |
Affordable Bellefontaine Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code
Various other factors, such as cost of living and crime incidents, mean rates may also vary from one zip code within a city to the next.
You can expect to pay around the following rates in Bellefontaine’s only zip code:
Zip Code | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
43311 | $85 | $23 |
Low-Cost Car Insurance Rates by Age in Bellefontaine
Your teen finally earned their driver’s license — it’s time to celebrate! You might be in for a surprise, though, when you see your teenager’s car insurance rates. However, with experience and a clean driving record, those rates are likely to go down. By the time a person reaches their 20s, rates can decrease dramatically with a clean driving record.
At each age shown below, you’ll probably pay somewhere around the following rates:
Age | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
Teenagers | $363 | $118 |
20s | $98 | $26 |
30s | $85 | $23 |
40s | $76 | $22 |
50s | $71 | $20 |
60s | $72 | $22 |
70s | $88 | $28 |
* Methodology: We used the following demographic to determine the average monthly premiums for Bellefontaine residents: a 30-year-old male carrying the state’s minimum liability requirements and the state’s full coverage requirements. Premiums vary due to factors such as age, deductible amount, liability limits, discount program eligibility, type of car, and more.
Driving Conditions in Bellefontaine
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Bellefontaine?
There were no reported fatal accidents in Bellefontaine in 2022. In 2023, there were 991 fatal accidents in Ohio, eight of which happened in Logan County. That same year, there were also 46,875 seatbelt enforcement violations and 21,908 distracted driver violations.
Statistics show that 61% of people who died as a result of a car crash were not wearing their seatbelts and that texting while driving makes you 23 times more likely to have an accident. So buckle up and keep your mind on your driving for maximum safety.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Bellefontaine?
The Bellefontaine Street Department maintains the city’s local streets year-round, including leaf cleanup and public parking lot renovations. The main roads, such as West and East Sandusky Avenue, show average wear and tear in the form of cracked asphalt with no potholes. The Logan County Engineer’s Office (LCEO) maintains Logan County roadways, including those in Bellefontaine, by completing such tasks as snowplowing, fixing potholes, and grading, draining, and paving roads. LCEO also repairs and replaces local bridges, including those in Bellefontaine.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Bellefontaine
Like all Ohio residents, you must have the minimum liability car insurance to drive legally in Bellefontaine. The minimum required coverage is as follows:
- Bodily injury/death of one person: $25,000
- Bodily injury/death of two or more people (per accident): $50,000
- Property damage for an accident: $25,000
This policy protects other drivers by covering any damage you might cause them if you crash into them. But it also covers you by paying for damage (up to policy limits) you’d otherwise have to pay out of pocket in such an accident.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Bellefontaine, Ohio?
While you might think it’s okay to go uninsured if you’re only driving to the store once or twice a week, think again. Statistics show as many as half of accidents happen within five miles of a driver’s home. And you face serious consequences if a police officer catches you driving uninsured. These penalties include:
- Loss of driver’s license
- Loss of vehicle registration
- Hefty fees (license reinstatement, court costs)
- SR-22 requirement for three to five years
The SR-22 requirement means you’ll be considered a high-risk driver and see increased car protection rates. Paying that small monthly insurance fee you’d otherwise spend on a few cups of coffee can save you big money in the long run.
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Factors Allowed in Bellefontaine Car Insurance Rates
Don’t be surprised if your insurance agent asks for your marital status — it’s one of the factors agents consider when figuring out your rates, as well as the following:
- How many miles you drive
- Credit history
- Vehicle age
- Vehicle make and model
- Profession
One of the most important factors is your driving record. You’ll likely pay a lower rate if you have a clean record with no accidents or tickets.
What’s the Best Car Insurance for Teenagers and Their Families in Ohio?
Young drivers are a risky bunch! Teens are more likely to forget their seatbelts and text while driving. Ohio drivers under age 24 make up about 13% of licensed drivers but have about 31% of auto collisions, mainly due to their lack of driving experience.
Liability coverage is a must (it’s mandatory to drive legally) and will pay for damage your teen causes someone else in an at-fault accident. If your teen lacks sufficient coverage, the accident victim is allowed by law to take your assets, such as your car and home, to cover their expenses. Your teen could also be held financially responsible for damages and have future wages garnished.
It’s a smart choice — especially if your teen drives a family car you need for work — to cover your teen with a full policy, which includes collision (that pays for your vehicle’s damage), uninsured/underinsured, and comprehensive coverage, and reimbursement for other expenses like towing and a rental car.
What Are the Best Discounts for Car Insurance in Bellefontaine, OH?
You may be pleasantly surprised to find you are eligible for policy discounts. Here are just a few you can ask your agent about:
Ask your agent about bundling policies. If you need car protection for more than one car, insuring them both with the same carrier will likely earn you a discount. If you need homeowners or renters insurance, bundling them with one agent can also save you some money.
Get an Online Quote for Car Insurance in Bellefontaine Today!
The Ohio Traffic Safety Office reports that 1 in 4 fatal accidents are related to speeding. But you can protect yourself from those drivers who ignore the rules of the road by having the best auto coverage. It only takes a few minutes.
The helpful agents at Freeway Insurance can help you find the cheapest car insurance in Bellefontaine. Choose the way that’s most convenient for you — fill out a form for a quick online quote, visit us in person at your local office, or call us at (800) 777-5620.