Living in Hilliard means you're part of one of Columbus's most desirable suburbs—a growing community of about 37,000 residents with a median household income over $122,000. But with easy access to I-270 and daily commutes into Columbus, you're also navigating some of central Ohio's busiest roadways. Understanding your auto insurance options isn't just about meeting legal requirements. It's about protecting yourself financially in a state where the at-fault driver pays for everything.
What Ohio Law Requires
Ohio requires all drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of 25/50/25. Here's what those numbers mean: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for total bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. These minimums haven't changed in 2025, and they won't change anytime soon.
The problem? These limits are low. Really low. If you cause an accident on I-270 during rush hour and injure multiple people, that $50,000 can disappear fast. A single serious injury can easily exceed $25,000 when you factor in ambulance rides, emergency room visits, and follow-up care. And if you total someone's newer SUV or truck, that $25,000 property damage limit might not cover the full replacement cost.
Bodily injury liability covers medical bills and legal defense costs if someone sues you. Property damage liability reimburses others for damage you cause to their vehicles, fences, buildings, or other property. But remember—these coverages only protect others. They don't fix your car or cover your medical bills if you're at fault.
Why Being an At-Fault State Matters
Ohio follows a traditional at-fault insurance system, which has significant implications for Hilliard drivers. When an accident happens, the driver who caused it is financially responsible for all damages and injuries. This means if you're found at fault, your insurance company pays for the other driver's repairs, medical bills, and potentially legal costs.
Here's the catch: if your coverage limits are too low and the damages exceed those limits, you're personally liable for the difference. Let's say you cause an accident and the other driver's injuries result in $80,000 in medical expenses. Your policy pays the maximum $25,000 per person. You're now personally on the hook for $55,000. That can mean lawsuits, wage garnishment, and financial devastation.
This is why many insurance professionals recommend carrying at least 50/100/50 coverage, or even 100/300/100 if your budget allows. Yes, it costs more than minimum coverage—Ohio drivers pay an average of $1,200 per year for full coverage compared to around $400 for minimum liability. But the financial protection is worth every penny when you consider the alternative.
Hilliard's Unique Risks
Living in Hilliard comes with specific driving challenges. I-270, the outer belt that provides convenient access to Columbus, Dublin, and other suburbs, sees regular accidents. Law enforcement agencies including the Franklin County Sheriff's Office and Ohio State Highway Patrol have launched joint operations to crack down on speeding and racing along this stretch. Fatal crashes and serious collisions happen frequently enough that it made local news when multiple crashes brought traffic to a standstill in 2024.
Then there's Franklin County's weather. Ohio's four-season climate means you're dealing with icy winter roads, spring rainstorms that cause hydroplaning, summer construction zones, and fall leaves that get slick when wet. Each season brings its own hazards. Winter storms can leave roads treacherous for days. Spring flash flooding can appear suddenly. These aren't rare "act of God" events—they're routine Ohio weather that happens every year.
This is where comprehensive and collision coverage become essential. Comprehensive covers weather-related damage to your vehicle: hail dents, flood damage, fallen tree branches during storms. Collision covers damage from accidents regardless of fault. Together, they're called full coverage, and for Hilliard drivers who rely on their vehicles for daily Columbus commutes, they're not optional extras—they're necessities.
What Full Coverage Actually Costs
The good news? Ohio is one of the most affordable states for auto insurance. The average cost of full coverage is around $1,200 annually, which is about 27% less than the national average. Some sources cite slightly higher figures—around $1,740 to $1,960 per year—but even at the upper end, Ohio remains significantly cheaper than most states.
Your actual rate depends on multiple factors. Insurance companies look at your age, driving record, credit score, the type of vehicle you drive, and how much you drive annually. They also consider local factors like congestion levels, accident statistics, weather risks, and crime rates. Hilliard's relatively affluent demographics and suburban character generally work in your favor compared to urban Columbus rates.
Want to save money? Shop around. Rates vary dramatically between companies for the same coverage. Bundling your auto insurance with homeowners or renters insurance typically saves 10-25%. Maintaining a clean driving record is huge—a single at-fault accident can raise your premiums by 40% or more for years. Ask about discounts for good students, safe driving courses, and vehicle safety features.
Additional Coverages to Consider
Beyond the basics, several optional coverages deserve your attention. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you when the at-fault driver doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough. Given that some Ohio drivers still carry only the 25/50/25 minimums, this coverage is increasingly important.
Medical payments coverage (MedPay) or personal injury protection (PIP) pays your medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. In an at-fault state, this means you're not waiting for the other driver's insurance company to accept liability before getting treatment. Roadside assistance and rental reimbursement are inexpensive add-ons that provide real peace of mind when your car breaks down or needs repairs after an accident.
What to Do After an Accident
If you're involved in an accident in Hilliard, take these steps immediately. First, check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention. Move vehicles out of traffic if possible and it's safe to do so—I-270 accidents can quickly become multi-vehicle pileups if cars remain in active lanes.
Exchange information with the other driver: names, contact details, insurance information, license plate numbers. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and anything else relevant. Get contact information from witnesses if there are any. File a police report, especially for accidents involving injuries or significant damage.
Report the accident to your insurance company within 24-48 hours. In Ohio's at-fault system, you'll typically file a claim with the other driver's insurance company if they were at fault, or your own company will handle the claim if you caused the accident. Be factual in describing what happened, but avoid admitting fault at the scene—let the insurance companies and police determine liability based on evidence.
Getting the Right Coverage for Your Situation
Choosing auto insurance isn't about finding the cheapest policy. It's about balancing affordability with adequate protection. If you're financing or leasing your vehicle, your lender requires comprehensive and collision coverage anyway. If you own your car outright, consider its value—if it's worth more than a few thousand dollars, you probably want full coverage.
Think about your assets and income too. If you have significant savings, own a home, or have a good income, you're a bigger target for lawsuits after an at-fault accident. Higher liability limits protect those assets. Many financial advisors suggest liability coverage equal to your net worth, or at least enough to make a lawsuit less appealing.
Start by getting quotes from multiple insurers. Compare not just the price, but the coverage limits, deductibles, and available discounts. Read reviews about how companies handle claims—cheap insurance isn't a bargain if the company makes filing claims difficult. Ask about usage-based programs where your rate is based on actual driving behavior tracked through a mobile app or device. Safe drivers can save significantly with these programs.
Living in Hilliard and commuting on I-270 means you need auto insurance that does more than check a legal box. With Ohio's at-fault system placing full financial responsibility on the driver who causes an accident, adequate coverage isn't optional—it's essential financial protection. Take the time to understand your options, compare quotes, and choose coverage that protects both your vehicle and your financial future.
