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Financial Literacy Month:
Get Confident Navigating Insurance
by Judith L. French, Director
April is Financial Literacy Month, a time that highlights the importance of consumers strengthening their financial knowledge. This is an effort that should include enhancing skills to better understand, evaluate, and navigate insurance, which plays such an important part in all of our lives.
The Ohio Department of Insurance is here to support and empower Ohioans throughout their insurance journeys. Consumers can explore a wide range of educational materials and topics, get answers to their questions, or file a complaint if they encounter an issue, such as a coverage or claim dispute. All services and information are provided free of charge.
There are several action items that can help you become a more insurance-literate and confident consumer.
Learn more about the different types of insurance, what is typically covered and excluded, and how coverage limits work. Familiarize yourself with common terms, understand how to effectively compare policies, and know your rights and responsibilities. The Ohio Department of Insurance offers tip sheets, guides, and toolkits at insurance.ohio.gov, and additional consumer-focused resources, including a glossary of insurance terms, are available at naic.org.
It is equally important to review your coverage at least once a year. Insurance is a key part of financial protection, so do not hesitate to ask questions. Understand your policy, explore opportunities to potentially lower your premium, and avoid being underinsured. Lastly, connect with a licensed insurance agent and contact the Ohio Department of Insurance at 800-686-1526 for assistance.
This Financial Literacy Month, take the opportunity to strengthen not just your financial knowledge, but your confidence navigating insurance.
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Conduct a Homeowners and Renters Insurance Review for Spring and Summer Weather Risks
Ohioans are encouraged to review their homeowners and renters insurance policies with an insurance agent for adequate financial protection against spring and summer weather hazards, including thunderstorms, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. Flood insurance is especially important, as it is not typically included in standard homeowners or renters policies and must be purchased separately.
A Severe Weather Preparation and Recovery Toolkit with insurance information, and homeowners and renters insurance guides are available on the Ohio Department of Insurance website at insurance.ohio.gov.
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Tips to Avoid Contractor Fraud
After severe weather events, it is common for home repair contractors to go door-to-door offering services such as roofing, siding, and other repairs.
While most contractors are trustworthy and dependable, a small number exploit homeowners during vulnerable moments. These bad actors often target those eager to repair damage and restore their homes, promising quick solutions but delivering subpar work, charging inflated prices, or even taking payment without completing the job.
To help Ohioans avoid falling victim to scams, the Ohio Department of Insurance provides these valuable tips. By being vigilant, homeowners can protect themselves from fraud and safeguard their hard-earned money.
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Phones Down: April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, serving as an important reminder that in Ohio, it is illegal to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device in the hand, lap, or other parts of the body while driving. If an officer observes this violation, they are authorized to pull over the driver.
To support awareness, the Ohio Department of Public Safety and the Ohio Department of Transportation have partnered behind the theme "Phones Down" and created a toolkit to promote safe driving practices.
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NAIC Spring National Meeting Advances Modernization, Resilience, and Consumer Protection
State insurance regulators, including staff from the Ohio Department of Insurance, gathered in San Diego, March 22-25, for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) 2026 Spring National Meeting to continue working together on key initiatives addressing the challenges and pressures facing consumers and insurance markets.
Joined by their counterparts across the globe, industry leaders, and interested parties, state insurance regulators advanced work on issues including the NAIC’s 2026 strategic priorities.
Ohio Department of Insurance staff, including Director Judith L. French in the photo, participate on 19 NAIC committees and task forces. News from the national meeting is available at naic.org.
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OSHIIP 'Welcome to Medicare' Virtual Educational Event April 8
Join Ohio Department of Insurance Director Judith L. French and staff from the department's Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) for a virtual educational event on April 8 at 10 a.m. to kick off OSHIIP's spring 'Welcome to Medicare' outreach.
OSHIIP staff will provide an overview of Medicare, Part A and B benefits, Part D prescription drug coverage, Medicare supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, eligibility, enrollment, coverage options, financial assistance, and important deadlines. Whether someone is new to Medicare or already enrolled, this free event is the perfect resource to learn more about Medicare. Registration is required.
In 2025, OSHIIP staff and its statewide network of certified volunteers saved Ohioans more than $77 million and assisted thousands of people with Medicare.
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Through the 988 Lifeline, you have access to free, quality, one-on-one assistance. The skilled, judgment-free counselors are there to provide compassionate support. You deserve to feel heard and cared about anytime, anywhere, 24/7/365.
Text 988 or CHAT WITH THE 988 LIFELINE
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