Ohio Auto Insurance Requirements & Rates
Ohio requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Ohio at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
Ohio operates under a traditional at-fault tort system, meaning the driver responsible for an accident is liable for damages. The state requires all drivers to carry proof of financial responsibility—typically satisfied through liability insurance—and enforces compliance through random BMV verification requests. Ohio law mandates electronic insurance verification through the Ohio Insurance Verification System, which allows law enforcement and the BMV to confirm coverage status in real time.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Medical Payments Coverage
Cost Overview
about $79/mo
Average car insurance spending in Ohio
Rate data: NAIC Auto Insurance Database, 2023
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Compare Auto Rates for FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Is Ohio a no-fault state for car insurance?
No, Ohio operates under a traditional at-fault tort system. The driver who causes an accident is liable for damages, and injured parties file claims against the at-fault driver's liability insurance. Ohio does not require personal injury protection (PIP) coverage like no-fault states do.
How does Ohio verify car insurance?
Ohio uses the Ohio Insurance Verification System (OIVS), which allows law enforcement and the BMV to electronically confirm coverage in real time. Insurers report policy data directly to the state. The BMV conducts random verification audits and will suspend registration if coverage cannot be confirmed.
What is SR-22 insurance in Ohio?
SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files with the Ohio BMV proving you carry minimum liability coverage. It's required after DUI, multiple violations, or driving without insurance. You must maintain continuous SR-22 filing for three years—any lapse triggers automatic license suspension and restarts the three-year period.
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others in at-fault accidents. Ohio's 25/50/25 minimum is legally sufficient but financially inadequate for serious multi-vehicle crashes or injury claims involving high earners.
Full Coverage
Bundles liability, collision, and comprehensive to protect both your legal exposure and your vehicle's value. Required by lenders but smart for any car worth repairing after an accident.
Comprehensive Coverage
Pays for vehicle damage from non-collision events including theft, vandalism, hail, flood, and animal strikes. Covers glass damage separately with low or no deductible under Ohio glass coverage rules.
Collision Coverage
Repairs or replaces your vehicle after accidents with other cars or objects, regardless of fault. Pays up to actual cash value minus your deductible.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when an at-fault driver has no insurance or flees the scene. Covers medical bills, lost income, and vehicle damage up to your selected limits.
SR-22 Insurance
Not a separate coverage type but a state filing proving you carry minimum liability insurance. Required after DUI, multiple violations, or driving without insurance.