5-Minute Mid-Year Auto-Insurance Review Guide | Protex Insurance Group

When Should You Review Your Auto-Insurance Policy? A 5-Minute Mid-Year Audit Guide

Driver in Columbus reviewing auto-insurance policy at home

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.

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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

  1. Bundle auto + home (or renters).
  2. Raise deductibles cautiously; stash the savings for emergencies.
  3. Ask about telematics — safe-driver apps can slash 10–30 %.
  4. Pay in full or set up EFT to dodge installment fees.
  5. Shop every renewal; insurers file new rates monthly.
  6. Claim every discount: good student, low mileage, paperless, anti-theft.
  7. 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

  1. Open your declarations page (often page 1 of your policy).
  2. Verify drivers & vehicles — remove any you no longer own or insure.
  3. Check coverage limits: aim for 100/300/100 liability or higher.
  4. Compare deductibles for comp & collision; balance risk vs. savings.
  5. Scan discounts — are good-student, multi-policy, or telematics applied?
  6. Note renewal date; set a calendar reminder 30 days prior.
  7. 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 »