Question 1

Does Ohio allow UM/UIM stacking?

Accepted Answer

Only if your policy permits it. A policy may, without regard to premiums, include terms that preclude all stacking, both between people who are not in the same household and within a household (R.C. 3937.18(F)). Most policies do, so read yours.

Question 2

Is UM or UIM required in Ohio?

Accepted Answer

No. An auto liability policy may, but is not required to, include uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, or both (R.C. 3937.18(A)).

Question 3

How does Ohio UIM pay?

Accepted Answer

Underinsured coverage applies when the limits available under all liability policies covering the people liable are less than your UIM limit. It is not excess coverage: your UIM limit is reduced by the amounts available under the liability coverage, and it provides no more than your UM coverage would if the other driver were uninsured (R.C. 3937.18(C)).

Question 4

What if I was partly at fault?

Accepted Answer

Your damages are reduced by your share of fault, and you are barred only if your fault is greater than the combined fault of all other persons, so fault above 50 percent bars the claim (R.C. 2315.33).

Question 5

How long do I have to sue?

Accepted Answer

Bodily injury actions must generally be brought within 2 years after the cause of action accrues (R.C. 2305.10(A)). A policy may require a UM or UIM claim to be brought within three years of the accident (R.C. 3937.18(H)). For a minor, the time runs from the end of the disability (R.C. 2305.16).

Ohio UM/UIM Stacking Calculator

Estimate your UM/UIM benefits

Ohio makes UM/UIM optional, pays UIM as your limit less the other driver's coverage, and lets your policy bar all stacking

Ohio UM/UIM Stacking Calculator

Estimate your UM/UIM benefits

Ohio makes UM/UIM optional, pays UIM as your limit less the other driver's coverage, and lets your policy bar all stacking

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