When Should You Review Your Auto-Insurance Policy? A 5-Minute Mid-Year Audit Guide
Stuck in summer road-construction traffic on I-70, you may not be thinking about your coverage. Yet mid-year is the ideal moment to review your auto-insurance policy before rates climb again. A quick audit can uncover easy savings, plug dangerous gaps, and keep you compliant with Ohio’s 25/50/25 minimums. Average full-coverage premiums have already jumped 12 % in 2025 to $2,638 nationwide (Bankrate, 2025), so a five-minute check-up now can protect your wallet all year.
Get a free quote in 2 minutes »
Why a Mid-Year Review Matters in 2025
- 30 % cumulative increase since 2023 (Bankrate, 2025)
- Columbus drivers now average $2,204 for full coverage — 16 % below the U.S. mean yet 22 % higher than in 2022 (Bankrate, 2025)
- Texas motorists pay $2,601, just 1 % under the national mark (Bankrate, 2025)
Staying ahead of these spikes means reviewing your declarations page before renewal, not after the rate shock.
What Should Trigger a Policy Review?
- Buy or sell a car (new safety tech can trim premiums)
- Move neighborhoods or states (ZIP codes drive rates)
- Add a driver (teens, spouses, ride-share gigs)
- Change your commute (remote work = low-mileage discounts)
- Improve credit (many insurers reward better scores)
- Complete driving courses (defensive-driving certificates often cut costs)
Columbus tip: If ODOT’s Route 315 expansion has you detouring downtown daily, let your carrier know when that project wraps; a shorter commute can mean lower risk.
Why Are Rates Rising in 2025?
Global supply-chain hiccups and pricier repairs push claims costs up. More claims = higher premiums. The table shows how Ohio and Texas stack up.
| Region | 2025 Avg. Full Coverage | % vs. U.S. Avg. | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $2,638 | — | Bankrate 2025 |
| Ohio | $1,806 | –31 % | Bankrate 2025 |
| Columbus, OH | $2,204 | –16 % | Bankrate 2025 |
| Texas | $2,601 | –1 % | Bankrate 2025 |
Even within one state, rates vary block by block. Reviewing mid-year catches those micro-shifts before they empty your bank account.
7 Proven Ways to Lower Your Bill
- Bundle auto + home (or renters).
- Raise deductibles cautiously; stash the savings for emergencies.
- Ask about telematics — safe-driver apps can slash 10–30 %.
- Pay in full or set up EFT to dodge installment fees.
- Shop every renewal; insurers file new rates monthly.
- Claim every discount: good student, low mileage, paperless, anti-theft.
- Review auto-insurance policy details for unnecessary extras (e.g., roadside if AAA already covers you).
Local Considerations: Ohio vs. Texas Minimum Limits
| State | BI per Person | BI per Accident | Property Damage | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $25,000 | $50,000 | $25,000 | Ohio BMV |
| Texas | $30,000 | $60,000 | $25,000 | Texas TDI |
If you split time between Columbus and Austin, always meet the higher limits (Texas’s 30/60/25) to stay covered in both states.
How to Review Your Auto-Insurance Policy in 5 Minutes
- Open your declarations page (often page 1 of your policy).
- Verify drivers & vehicles — remove any you no longer own or insure.
- Check coverage limits: aim for 100/300/100 liability or higher.
- Compare deductibles for comp & collision; balance risk vs. savings.
- Scan discounts — are good-student, multi-policy, or telematics applied?
- Note renewal date; set a calendar reminder 30 days prior.
- Get a comparison quote — even one other price check keeps insurers honest.
Total time: about the length of a drive from German Village to the Short North on a good traffic day.
FAQ
How often should I review my auto-insurance policy?
Twice a year or after any major life change.
Will checking rates hurt my credit?
No. Most insurers use a “soft pull” that doesn’t affect your score.
Can I switch insurers mid-term?
Yes. You’ll receive a prorated refund for unused premium.
Does Ohio really allow 25/50/25?
Yes, but it may be too low to cover serious accidents (Ohio BMV, 2025).
How do Texas minimums compare?
Texas bumps BI to 30/60 but keeps PD at $25 k (TDI, 2025).
Will a policy review save money?
On average, shoppers who compare quotes save $447/year (Bankrate, 2025).
Conclusion: Review Auto-Insurance Policy Now & Lock In Savings
A mid-year check takes five minutes but can save you hundreds and shield you from uncovered claims. Review your auto-insurance policy today, apply the tips above, and enjoy the rest of 2025 knowing you’re properly protected.
Call Protex Insurance Group at (614) 612-0409 or start an online quote now »