If you're driving in Newark, Ohio, you're navigating one of Central Ohio's busiest corridors. With SR-16 and I-70 intersecting right in your backyard, you've got easy access to Columbus and beyond—but you've also got higher exposure to accidents. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands on Cherry Valley Road, or heading out to Dawes Arboretum on the weekend, understanding your auto insurance options isn't just smart. It's essential.
Here's what you need to know about auto insurance in Newark, from state minimums to what actually protects you when things go wrong.
Understanding Ohio's At-Fault Insurance System
Ohio is an at-fault state. That means if you cause an accident, your insurance pays for the other person's damages. If someone else causes it, their insurance should cover your repairs and medical bills. Simple in theory, messier in practice.
The state requires every driver to carry liability coverage with minimum limits of 25/50/25. That breaks down to $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total per accident for all injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. These numbers haven't changed for 2025 or 2026, but here's the problem: they were set decades ago when cars cost a fraction of what they do now.
Think about it. The average new vehicle in 2025 costs more than $48,000. If you rear-end a newer SUV or truck at one of Newark's busy intersections, that $25,000 property damage limit might not even cover the vehicle repairs, let alone any other property you damage. And if someone gets seriously injured? Medical bills can skyrocket past the $25,000 per-person limit in a hurry. An ambulance ride, emergency room visit, and follow-up care can easily exceed that amount, leaving you personally liable for the difference.
Driving in Newark: What You're Up Against
Newark is the county seat of Licking County and home to more than 51,000 residents. The population has been growing steadily, which means more cars on the road and more potential for accidents. The city maintains 90 signalized intersections, and with major routes like SR-16 and I-70 cutting through the area, traffic can get heavy during rush hour.
In recent years, ODOT has made infrastructure improvements along SR-16, including replacing older warning signs with radar-based systems at intersections like Licking Valley Road and Marne Road. These upgrades aim to reduce crashes, but accidents still happen. Since the new system was installed in August 2024, there has already been at least one serious crash at the Marne Road intersection. Construction delays and lane changes have also been an ongoing challenge for local drivers.
What does this mean for your insurance? More traffic and ongoing construction increase your risk of fender-benders, rear-end collisions, and intersection accidents. Even if you're a careful driver, you can't control what everyone else on the road does.
Why You Should Go Beyond the Minimum
Carrying just the state minimum might keep you legal, but it won't necessarily keep you financially safe. Insurance experts often recommend 100/300/100 coverage as a more realistic starting point. That's $100,000 per person for injuries, $300,000 total per accident, and $100,000 for property damage. It costs more than minimum coverage, but the extra protection is worth it if you're ever at fault in a serious crash.
Beyond higher liability limits, consider adding uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This protects you when the other driver doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough to cover your damages. It's optional in Ohio, but it's one of the smartest add-ons you can choose. If someone runs a red light and T-bones you at the Hudson Avenue and SR-16 intersection, and they're carrying only the bare minimum, your uninsured/underinsured coverage can make up the difference.
Collision and comprehensive coverage are also worth considering, especially if you have a newer vehicle or still owe money on a car loan. Collision covers damage to your car from an accident, regardless of who's at fault. Comprehensive covers non-accident damage like theft, vandalism, hail, or hitting a deer—something that's not uncommon in the more rural areas around Licking County.
How to Get the Coverage You Need Without Overpaying
Shopping for auto insurance doesn't have to be overwhelming. Start by getting quotes from multiple insurers. Rates vary widely based on your driving record, age, vehicle type, and where you live in Newark. Someone with a clean record in a low-crime neighborhood will pay less than someone with a couple of speeding tickets and a DUI.
Ask about discounts. Many insurers offer lower rates for bundling auto and home insurance, maintaining a good driving record, completing defensive driving courses, or having safety features like anti-lock brakes and airbags. Some companies also offer discounts for low mileage if you're not commuting long distances every day.
Don't just look at the premium. Pay attention to your deductible and coverage limits. A lower premium with a high deductible might save you money each month, but if you have an accident, you'll pay more out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Find a balance that fits your budget and your comfort level with risk.
What to Do After an Accident in Newark
If you're in an accident, stay calm and follow these steps. First, make sure everyone is safe and call 911 if anyone is injured. Move your vehicle out of traffic if possible, but don't leave the scene. Exchange information with the other driver—names, phone numbers, insurance details, and license plate numbers. Take photos of the damage, the accident scene, and any relevant road conditions or traffic signs.
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Even if you think the other driver is at fault, file a claim with your insurer. They'll handle the details and work with the other driver's insurance to sort out liability. If the other driver doesn't have insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage will be your lifeline.
Keep records of everything: medical bills, repair estimates, rental car receipts, and any communication with insurance companies. Documentation makes it easier to get the compensation you deserve.
Getting Started with Auto Insurance in Newark
Choosing the right auto insurance comes down to understanding your risks and protecting yourself accordingly. Newark's growing population, major highway access, and busy intersections all add up to one thing: you need coverage that goes beyond checking a legal box.
Start by comparing quotes, ask about discounts, and seriously consider boosting your liability limits and adding uninsured motorist coverage. The few extra dollars a month can save you tens of thousands if the worst happens. And in a city where SR-16 and I-70 bring thousands of drivers through every day, it's not a matter of if accidents happen—it's a matter of when. Make sure you're ready.
