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Auto Insurance Basics – Your Guide to Affordable Car Coverage in Arizona & Ohio

By Peter Schumacher, AINS, AIS — Edited and Refined with AI Assistance

This article is covering the basics of auto insurance. Other articles demonstrate available features that you can customize to meet your needs and budget.

Auto insurance policies are actually made of several types of coverage each with its own costs and benefits. Motorists can often select different coverage amounts for the different components, so it's important to know what types of insurance are best for your own situation.

Understanding Auto Insurance – Protecting You and Your Family

Auto insurance can feel complex especially if you’re just starting to shop for a plan or see a renewal increase on your current policy. As your trusted Independent Insurance Agency, PJS Insurance Services is dedicated to making sense of your options so you can confidently choose the coverage that fits your needs and budget.

Whether you live in Arizona or Ohio, auto insurance is more than just a legal requirement it’s a financial safeguard for you, your family, and your vehicle.

Liability Insurance: Bodily Injury & Property Damage Explained

Your First Line of Defense - Liability Insurance

What It Is:

Liability insurance is the foundation of any car insurance policy. It covers costs if you are legally responsible for an accident.

Liability insurance typically includes:

• Bodily Injury Liability:
  Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees for injuries you cause to others in an accident.

• Property Damage Liability:
  Pays for repairs or replacement of someone else’s vehicle or property you damage in an accident

Why It Matters:

Without liability insurance, you could be personally responsible for thousands of dollars in accident-related costs. This protection ensures that you and your family’s financial security is not jeopardized by unexpected events.

Arizona & Ohio Minimum Requirements:

• Arizona auto insurance minimum requirements: Coverage is $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage.

• Ohio car insurance minimum requirements: Coverage is $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

While these are state minimums, many drivers choose higher limits to better protect their assets.

Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Protection – Why It’s Essential

Definition:

Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver with no insurance. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage helps when the other driver’s insurance limits are too low to cover your expenses.

Why It’s Critical:

The Insurance Information Institute reports that in 2023:

• Arizona: Over 10.5% of drivers were uninsured.

• Ohio: About 18.5% of drivers were uninsured.
  
  Without UM and UIM protection, you could face paying your own medical bills and repair costs after an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

How UM/UIM Works for You:

• Pays medical bills for you and your passengers.

• Covers lost wages if injuries keep you from working.

• Helps with long-term rehabilitation costs.

• Protects you against hit-and-run accidents.

Factors That Impact Your Car Insurance Policy & Premiums

Several factors influence your premium:

• Where You Live Matters:

  Rates differ between rural and urban areas based on accident frequency and theft statistics.

• Driving Record and Your Risk Profile:

  Safe drivers pay less because their risk profile is lower. Accidents or violations usually increase premiums.

• Car Coverage Type:

  Comprehensive car coverage, collision, liability, and UM/UIM all affect your total cost.

• Vehicle Type & Use:

  The make, model, age, and value of your car can influence your car insurance price. As well, how you use your car (pleasure, commute for work, business use or ridesharing) will affect the cost.

• Credit Score (in some states):

  In Arizona and Ohio, your credit profile can play a role in determining rates.

How to Compare Insurance Providers for the Best Car Insurance Quotes

As an independent agency, PJS Insurance Services can help you compare insurance providers to find the right car insurance policy at the right price. You don’t have to settle for one company’s rates or limited options — we tailor your coverage to your unique needs.

Benefits of Working with an Independent Agency:

• Access to multiple carriers for competitive car insurance quotes.

• Personalized recommendations based on your driving habits, risk profile, and budget.

• Guidance from a licensed insurance professional with AINS and AIS credentials.

Beginner’s Checklist for Finding Affordable Car Insurance

Whether you’re new to auto insurance or consider yourself a seasoned pro, here’s a helpful checklist:

• Determine legal minimum coverage requirements for your state.

• Evaluate whether higher limits make sense for your financial protection.

• Add UM/UIM coverage to safeguard against uninsured drivers.

• Ask about discounts (safe driver, multi-policy, good student, etc.).

• Compare insurance providers for better value.

• Review your coverage annually to keep it aligned with your situation.

Get Your Customized Auto Insurance Quote from PJS Insurance Services

At PJS Insurance Services, your protection is our priority. We work to get you the coverage you need with premiums you can afford.

📞 Call us today or visit our Arizona or Ohio Contact page.

💻 Request your online quote now — and find out how we can create a customized auto insurance solution for you.

FAQs – Auto Insurance Basics

Q: Is the minimum auto insurance coverage in Arizona or Ohio enough?

A: It meets the legal requirement, and I understand that everyone has a budget. But, the answer is No, the minimum auto insurance coverage in Arizona or Ohio is generally not enough to fully protect you from the costs of a serious accident. State minimums are often insufficient for medical bills and property damage, and they do not cover your own vehicle or passengers. You could be held personally responsible for damages that exceed your policy limits, potentially putting your personal assets and wages at risk.

Q: Why is UM/UIM coverage important in Arizona and Ohio?

A: UM/UIM coverage is crucial in both Arizona and Ohio because it protects you financially when you are in an accident with a driver who has no insurance (UM) or not enough insurance (UIM) to cover your damages and injuries. Without this coverage, you could be responsible for paying significant medical bills, lost wages, and other costs out-of-pocket, even if you are not at fault.

Q: How often should I compare insurance providers?

A: You should compare insurance providers at least once a year or if you have a six-month auto insurance policy, you can compare quotes at each renewal for more frequent rate reviews and the potential to lock in a better price sooner. Also consider doing a review whenever you have a major life event (moving, marriage or divorce, buying a new home or car). This practice helps ensure your coverage remains adequate and that you are not overpaying for your premiums.

Q: Can altering my risk profile lower my car insurance premiums?

A: Yes - altering your risk profile can significantly lower your car insurance premiums. Insurance companies determine your rates primarily by assessing the likelihood and potential cost of you filing a claim; lower perceived risk translates directly to lower premiums. Here are a few helpful tips that you can proactively do to save more.

• Maintain a Clean Driving Record

• Enroll in Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) Programs-download their Safe driving app

• Take a Defensive Driving Course

• Increase Your Deductibles-increasing to $600 or $750 can have a big impact

• Improve Your Credit Score

Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Consult with a qualified insurance professional for personalized recommendations.

This webpage has been created using AI assistance in content drafting, with thorough editorial review and refinement by Peter Schumacher, AINS, AIS. Peter is committed to an iterative prompt refinement process to ensure the accuracy, clarity, and helpfulness of the material.

Serving Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek and the state of Arizona. PJS Insurance Services should be your first and last stop when looking for Arizona Auto insurance.

There is a difference. To find out how your Gilbert Independent insurance agency can help you find the Best Auto insurance Mesa AZ, please contact PJS Insurance Services. Give us a call today at (602) 750-0616.

Now serving Toledo, Sylvania, Ottawa Hills and the state of Ohio. PJS Insurance Services offers you more choices and customized coverages at the lowest price.

Experience the difference. To find out how your Toledo Independent insurance agency can help you find the right Ohio Auto insurance coverage, please contact PJS Insurance Services. Give us a call today at (419) 318-9130.

Auto Insurance in Arizona or Ohio-have more questions?

Call PJS Insurance Services at (602) 750-0616 in Mesa, AZ or (419) 318-9130 in Toledo, OH.

Feel free to go to the main Auto Insurance Basics page for more information. There are a lot of different types of coverages for a lot of different types of vehicles. Here to help with the lowest prices from the best companies.

Select your choice below for additional information and coverage options to customize your plan or send me your questions here.