Ohio law enforcement investigated 54,662 accidents in 2020 and reported 9,352 distracted-driving violations. They also charged 25,624 drivers for operating a motor vehicle impaired (OVI). According to data from Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were more than 1200 deaths on Ohio roads in 2020.
Ohio law requires all drivers to have at least the minimum amount of insurance. Insurance is essential because it protects drivers from common liabilities and keeps them safe. Continue reading to find out more about Ohio’s car insurance laws.
Ohio has laws regarding car insurance
The Ohio car insurance laws can be described as fairly straightforward. Understanding the Ohio auto insurance laws can be beneficial, regardless of whether you are an Ohio driver or are moving to the state. These are some of the most important Ohio insurance law:
- It is illegal to drive without insurance. Ohio’s law prohibits drivers without insurance. Being caught driving without insurance can result in severe consequences.
- All drivers must have minimum coverage insurance. Ohio’s minimum insurance requirements for drivers are 25/50/25. It is illegal to drive with less coverage than what the state requires. This can lead to license suspension.
- It is against the law to lend your vehicle to an uninsured person. If they are not insured, it is illegal to let a friend or relative borrow your car. To operate a vehicle, every driver must have proof of financial responsibility or some form of insurance.
- Proof of insurance must be carried by drivers at all times. Ohio law requires drivers to show proof of insurance at all times. When law enforcement requests it, drivers must show proof of insurance at a traffic stop or on the spot of an accident.
Ohio has liability insurance
Ohio law requires liability insurance. The Ohio auto insurance requirements can be abbreviated to 25/50/25. This includes the following:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage per individual
- $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage
Ohio drivers who buy minimum coverage car insurance will pay the lowest premium. For cheap insurance, it is not a good idea to opt for liability-only coverage. Car accidents can be expensive and it is not guaranteed that the minimum coverage insurance will cover all costs.
Imagine, for example, that you cause an accident and the victim is rushed to the hospital with multiple injuries. The minimum coverage insurance would cover only $25,000 for legal bills and medical bills. You would have to pay $45,000 extra if the other driver had $70,000 in medical bills.
Ohio drivers need to be aware that minimum coverage insurance doesn’t include coverage for their vehicles. As an example, suppose your vehicle suffered $10,000 damage in an accident. You would then be responsible for all costs.
Is Ohio a no fault state?
Ohio is not considered a state of no-fault. Ohio is a state that is considered a fault, also known as a tort state. No-fault states are those where the driver’s insurer pays all costs and expenses, regardless of who caused it. Ohio is a fault state.
Driving without insurance in Ohio carries severe penalties
Driving without Ohio minimum car insurance is a serious offense. Drivers caught driving without insurance will have their license suspended. These are the Ohio consequences for driving without insurance:
- First offense: The driver’s license is suspended until proof of insurance can be presented. To get their license back, the driver will need to pay a $100 reinstatement charge.
- Second offense: The driver’s license is suspended for one-year and the reinstatement fee of $300 must be paid to get it back.
- Third offense or more: To get their license back, they will have to pay $600 in reinstatement fees.
Failure to surrender a driver’s license will result in a $50 penalty. Drivers caught driving without insurance must also purchase an SR-22 certificate. This certificate will remain on their record for up to three years or five years depending on the offense.
Ohio offers additional options for auto insurance
For extra protection, most Ohio drivers will choose to buy coverage that is more than the minimum state requirements. These are additional options for Ohio auto insurance:
- Collision insurance isCollision insurance. It covers vehicle damage caused by an accident. This policy also covers stationary objects. The average collision insurance cost in Ohio is 297 per annum to provide full coverage.
- Comprehensive insurance:Comprehensive Insurance pays to repair damage to vehicles caused by non-accidental circumstances, such as fire, falling objects or theft. The average cost for comprehensive insurance in Ohio is about 128 per year.
- Gap insurance.Gap insurance provides a benefit for drivers who finance or lease their vehicle. Gap insurance pays the difference between your car’s actual value and your remaining loan balance if your vehicle is damaged in an accident.
- Roadside Assistance:Roadside is a popular addition to your insurance policy. It provides basic car repairs, towing and extrication, fuel delivery, lockout service, battery replacement, and other services. Most insurance companies offer this coverage.
Questions frequently asked
Which Ohio car insurance company is best?
Because every driver is unique, the best Ohio car insurance company can vary. Each driver has different needs and preferences in car insurance. Ohio drivers should compare insurance providers before they choose an insurer.
Which Ohio state has the lowest car insurance?
Ohio drivers have many options for affordable auto insurance. Geico, Erie, and Auto-owners are the most affordable car insurance companies. Car insurance rates can be personalized however. To determine the amount a driver will pay, insurance companies consider factors such as ZIP code, age and credit score.
What is the cost of car insurance in Ohio?
Ohio’s car insurance is less expensive than the national average. The average full coverage policy in Ohio costs $1,119 annually, while the $321 average minimum coverage policy is $321 annually. The average full coverage policy in the United States is $1,738 annually.
