As part of the Ohio Department of Insurance's Auto Insurance Awareness Month, Director Mary Jo Hudson is providing important insurance tips and is reminding Ohioans to include a review of their automobile insurance policies as part of their driving season preparation. Ohioans are also encouraged to visit the Department's Auto Insurance On-line Toolkit at www.insurance.ohio.gov.

"Now is the time for Ohioans to review their auto insurance coverage and update it as needed," Director Hudson said. "As the weather warms up, more people will be on Ohio roadways. It's important that Ohioans and their vehicles are adequately covered in the event of an accident."

The Department offers these tips for saving on auto insurance:

• Increase your deductibles.
• Drive safely and reduce the amount you use your car.
• Consider dropping the comprehensive and collision coverage on an older car if the loan is paid off and the title is free and clear. Most financial institutions require comprehensive and collision coverage on vehicles if you have financed the purchase the car through a loan or lease agreement. If you own your vehicle, you are not required to have comprehensive and collision coverage on it. However, if you have a loss with that car, you may not receive money to pay for damages to that car from your insurance company.
• Ask your agent about available discounts, such as a good driver or good student discount.
• Shop around for the best deal. Ohio has the 13th lowest auto insurance rates in the country so more than likely you'll be able to find insurance coverage that fits your budget.

The Department's Auto Insurance On-Line Toolkit, available at www.insurance.ohio.gov, provides guidance on auto insurance needs for different life stages, information on state minimum requirements and a list of frequently asked questions about auto insurance. There are also links to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (NAIC) web site.

Ohio insurance consumers with questions and concerns about their insurance can call the Department's consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526. Free information can also be obtained at www.insurance.ohio.gov.