Is car insurance required in Ohio?

Yes, Ohio laws require drivers to purchase auto insurance with liability coverage limits of at least 25/50/25. You should also carry proof of insurance when you drive and present it to a law enforcement officer if necessary. Failure to comply with Ohio car insurance laws can result in fines and penalties.

Do you need car insurance to register a car in Ohio?

The rules for vehicle registration are state-specific. For example, in Ohio, drivers must present proof of insurance when registering a car.

What is “basic” car insurance in Ohio?

Basic car insurance refers to Ohio minimum car insurance. Under state laws, drivers should have 25/50/25 liability coverage limits to drive in Ohio legally.

Does insurance follow the car or driver in Ohio?

There are many factors to consider when determining whether insurance follows the car or driver . These include coverage, insurer and policy. In Ohio, auto insurance typically follows the vehicle. This means if the person who borrowed your car caused an accident, your policy would cover the injuries to other parties and property damage.

Can you get car insurance without a license in Ohio?

Yes, people with no license can get car insurance in Ohio. However, the process may be a bit more complicated. There may also be more requirements. In addition, not all companies offer insurance for people without a license. Shop around and inquire from different insurers to find the [best auto insurance without a driver’s license](https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/how-to-get-car-insurance-with-no-license/).

Is Ohio a no-fault state and what does this mean?

No, Ohio is not an at-fault state. That means the driver’s auto insurance policy that caused the accident will cover expenses for injuries and property damage of the affected party.

Is PIP coverage required in Ohio?

No, Ohio does not require personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. That is because the state is not a no-fault state, meaning the at-fault party’s policy will take care of expenses related to the accident.

Does Ohio require uninsured motorist insurance?

No, Ohio does not require uninsured motorist insurance. This means if a driver with no insurance policy hits you, you will not be covered. So, if you want better protection, consider getting uninsured motorist insurance.

Does Ohio allow for diminished value compensation after an accident?

No, Ohio does not allow policyholders to file diminished value compensation claims after an accident.

How do car insurance requirements change after a DUI in Ohio?

A driving under the influence (DUI) conviction in Ohio will lead to higher insurance rates. You may also be subject to fines and penalties. Additionally, your car insurance requirements will change. You will need to request your insurer to [file an SR-22 form](https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/sr22-car-insurance-ohio/) on your behalf. This document will serve as proof that your auto insurance policy meets Ohio car insurance requirements.

What is a CARCO inspection and is it required?

In some states, a CARCO inspection is necessary to purchase auto insurance. This is a pre-insurance inspection to document the condition of a vehicle. Ohio does not require CARCO inspection.

Ohio Minimum Car Insurance Requirements, Penalties and Other Auto Insurance Laws

Ohio car insurance laws require drivers to have a policy with minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This means you need at least $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident and $25,000 for property damage liability. Auto insurance protects you from possible financial loss in the event of an at-fault accident. It is also a requirement for the registration of a motor vehicle in Ohio. If you want better protection, consider getting higher liability limits and additional coverage.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Ohio
How Much Does Minimum Car Insurance Cost?
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Ohio
FAQs

What Is the Minimum Car Insurance Requirement in Ohio?

To determine how much car insurance you need in Ohio, you have to evaluate your needs and circumstances as a driver. However, it must meet the minimum requirements in Ohio. This means your policy should include:

$25,000 per person for bodily injury
$50,000 per accident for bodily injury
$25,000 per accident for property damage

Ohio minimum car insurance only provides basic protection. If you think you need additional protection, purchase higher liability limits and extra coverage.

What Does This Minimum Coverage Mean?

According to Ohio car insurance laws, you must have a policy with at least 25/50/25 liability limits to legally operate a motor vehicle in the state. Liability insurance would cover the other party’s injuries and property damage if you caused the accident. For a policy with only the state minimum coverage, you can get up to $25,000 for bodily injuries per person and $50,000 per accident for all parties involved. For property damage, the minimum liability limit is $25,000.

How Much Does the Minimum Car Insurance Cost in Ohio?

The cost of your auto insurance in Ohio will depend on your circumstances. Insurers evaluate individualized factors like your age, credit history, driving history and ZIP code, among other factors, when calculating premiums. Rates will also vary depending on the insurance provider. So shop around and compare personalized quotes to find the best policy and price.

Based on average rates for Ohio drivers with minimum liability-only coverage, the cheapest widely available auto insurance option in Ohio is Erie. Their average rate is $274 per year. The most affordable option in Ohio is USAA, with an average annual rate of $238. However, only current military members, veterans and their families qualify for USAA policies.

Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance in Ohio

Cheapest Minimum Car Insurance in Ohio

Company
Annually
Monthly
1.
USAA
$238
$20
2.
Erie
$274
$23
3.
GEICO
$331
$28
4.
State Farm
$343
$29
5.
Progressive
$433
$36
6.
American Family
$447
$37
7.
Nationwide
$470
$39
8.
Allstate
$482
$40
9.
Travelers
$488
$41
10.
Farmers
$608
$51
11.
MetLife
$671
$56
12.
Esurance
$809
$67

These prices are only estimates based on rates for an average Ohio driver and should not be used to compare insurance prices.

For Ohio residents who lease cars, the minimum car insurance coverage requirement may be different. In most cases, leasing companies require a full coverage car insurance policy with 100/300/50 liability limits. But this may vary depending on the insurer. To find out your Ohio car lease insurance requirements, contact your financial leasing company.

If you're instead looking for a policy that balances quality with affordability, MoneyGeek also ranked the top car insurance companies in Ohio.

What Is the Minimum Car Insurance Requirement in Ohio While Leasing a Car?

How much car insurance do you need? This depends on your needs. While a state minimum liability-only policy may be enough for some Ohio drivers, others may need more comprehensive protection. MoneyGeek recommends full coverage insurance with 50/100/50 liability limits.

You may also need additional coverage, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If a driver with limited or no coverage hits you, the expenses you incur for related injuries and property damage will not be covered if you do not have a full coverage policy. In Ohio, 13% of drivers are uninsured.

Penalties for Driving Without Car Insurance in Ohio

Under Ohio car insurance laws, all drivers and vehicle owners must carry an auto insurance policy. It should meet the state minimum requirements. Additionally, you must be able to present proof of insurance to law enforcement officers when needed. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines, penalties and suspension, such as:

First offense: Fines and penalties decided by a court of law, driver's license suspended until all requirements are met. A $160 restoration fee for vehicle registration and license plates or you may have your vehicle and license plates confiscated for 30 days.
Second offense: Fines and penalties decided by a court of law. Your driver's license gets suspended for an entire year. You may be granted limited driving privileges after 15 days, a $360 restoration fee for vehicle registration and license plates or vehicle and license plates confiscated for 60 days.
Third and subsequent offenses: Fines and penalties as decided by a court of law, Driver's license is suspended for two years. Limited driving privileges may be granted after 30 days, a $660 restoration fee for vehicle registration and license plates or your vehicle may be impounded and sold and you may have a five-year suspension on registering vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance in Ohio

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Ohio car insurance.

Learn More About Car Insurance

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick is a senior content director at MoneyGeek with over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, conducting original research and creating content that can be personalized for every buyer. He has been quoted on insurance topics in several publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Mark earned a master’s degree in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his economics and insurance knowledge to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

sources

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Claims Journal. "Does Automobile Insurance Follow the Car or the Driver?." Accessed July 12, 2021.
Consumer Federation of America. "Penalties for Driving Without Auto Insurance by State." Accessed July 12, 2021.
Insurance Information Institute. "2020 Insurance Fact Book." Accessed July 12, 2021.
Insurance Information Institute. "Background On: Compulsory Auto/Uninsured Motorists." Accessed July 12, 2021.
Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Uninsured Motorists." Accessed July 12, 2021.
Kelley Blue Book. "Penalties for Driving without Car Insurance by State." Accessed July 12, 2021.
Nationwide. "What States Have No-Fault Insurance?." Accessed July 12, 2021.
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. "Mandatory Insurance." Accessed July 12, 2021.
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. "You Will Lose Your Driver License If Your Drive Without Insurance." Accessed July 12, 2021.
Ohio Laws & Administration Legislative Service Commission. "Section 4509.101 Operating of Motor Vehicle without Proof of Financial Responsibility." Accessed July 12, 2021.