Ohio Car Insurance Requirements (2025)
Ohio car insurance laws and required coverage: Your comprehensive guide to staying protected on the road. Discover the minimum insurance requirements in Ohio, including liability coverage and additional options like uninsured/underinsured coverage. Understand the tort system and how fault is determined in accidents.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed life insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with term life insurance. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
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UPDATED: Jan 13, 2025
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Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 13, 2025
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Ohio car insurance laws and required coverage. In this article, we will provide you with valuable information about the minimum insurance requirements in Ohio, including liability coverage and other essential aspects such as uninsured/underinsured coverage. We will delve into the tort system and how fault is determined in accidents, ensuring you understand your rights and responsibilities.
Additionally, we will discuss optional coverages like collision and comprehensive insurance, offering you added protection for your vehicle. It’s crucial to stay informed and make informed decisions when it comes to your car insurance. To find the best rates and coverage options from top insurance providers, enter your ZIP code now and compare quotes. Your peace of mind and financial security are just a few clicks away.
Required Coverage
Ohio car insurance laws require the following liability coverage requirements for all personal vehicles:
- Bodily Injury
- Property Damage
| Minimum Ohio Car Insurance Requirements | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | $12,500 / $25,000 Limit | ||
| Property Damage Liability | $7,500 Limit | ||
Additional insurance coverage can include:
- Uninsured / Underinsured Coverage
- Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
Uninsured / Underinsured coverage helps pay for damages if you are in an accident with someone who does not have adequate insurance coverage or no coverage at all. It also will assist you in paying for damages if you are involved in a hit and run accident.
Collision and comprehensive coverage are optional coverages that can help provide additional security for you and your vehicle. Collision will help cover car related expenses if your vehicle has been involved in any type of collision while comprehensive covers expenses for non-collision related incidents. Non-collision incidents can include damage done by a blizzard or a fire. It also includes car thefts. We have a list of most stolen vehicles in Ohio. Even if your car isn’t listed doesn’t mean you should skimp on this coverage.
Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility
Establishing proof of insurance and financial responsibility
- Get a standard liability car insurance policy and receive a certificate of insurance
- Post a surety bond in the amount of $32,500 with a licensed insurance agency.
- Deposit $30,000 in cash or government bonds with the Ohio Treasurer
Required Documentation
In order to provide proof of insurance, you can provide one of the following:
- Insurance ID Card
- Insurance Policy
- Section A of a State Crash Report
- Surety bond of $30,000 issued by a company authorized to do business in Ohio
- BMV bond of at least $60,000 that is secured by real estate
- BMV Certificate showing that government bonds or cash in the amount of $30,000 is on deposit
- BMV Certificate of self insurance (this is only available to people/companies who own at least 26 vehicles
You must maintain proof of insurance and financial responsibility and present it:
- When asked by a police officer
- After receiving a letter from the Ohio BMV asking for proof of insurance
- After an accident
- When obtaining or transferring your license or permit
- When restoring your license after having it revoked or suspended
- When obtaining a registration for your vehicle
- Anytime you are operating a vehicle
Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility Penalties
If you are unable to show proof of insurance when asked, you can face one of the following penalties:
- Loss of driving privileges for a minimum of 90 days and maximum of 2 years
- Suspension of license plates and vehicle registration
- Fees between $75 – $600 to reinstate your license plates
- Other additional fees
- Requirement to file SR-22 or bond for a minimum of 3 years and maximum of 5 years
- Having your vehicle immobilized and plates confiscated for 3 – 60 days for violating FR suspension. Further offenses can result in forfeiture of your vehicle and a suspension of your registration for 5 years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum car insurance coverage requirements in Ohio?
In Ohio, all drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage for bodily injury and property damage. The minimum limits for liability coverage are $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
What is the tort system in Ohio?
Ohio operates under a tort system, which means that the driver who is found to be at fault for causing an accident is held financially responsible for any damages incurred by the accident.
Is uninsured/underinsured coverage required in Ohio?
Uninsured/underinsured coverage is not required in Ohio, but it is recommended as it can help pay for damages if you are in an accident with someone who does not have adequate insurance coverage or no coverage at all.
What is collision coverage and do I need it in Ohio?
Collision coverage is an optional coverage that can help cover car-related expenses if your vehicle has been involved in any type of collision. While it is not required in Ohio, it is recommended as it provides additional security for you and your vehicle.
What is comprehensive coverage and do I need it in Ohio?
Comprehensive coverage is an optional coverage that can help cover expenses for non-collision related incidents such as damage done by a blizzard, fire, or car theft. While it is not required in Ohio, it is recommended to have this coverage.
What is the penalty for not maintaining proof of insurance in Ohio?
If you are unable to show proof of insurance when asked, you can face penalties such as a fine, license suspension, or even the loss of your vehicle. It is important to maintain proof of insurance and financial responsibility at all times while driving in Ohio.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed life insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with term life insurance. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.