Liability Car Insurance in Ohio: What You Need to Know to Stay Legal
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If you're a licensed driver in the Buckeye State, you need liability car insurance. Liability insurance coverage is a legal requirement for Ohio drivers, so if you're getting your driver's license or considering getting a new car, it's important to comply with the state insurance law.
Here, we break down the state-specific information about minimum coverage requirements to help you avoid penalties.
What Is Liability Car Insurance?
Liability car insurance is a type of auto insurance that helps pay for injuries or property damage after an accident in which you were determined to be at fault. Typically, it's broken down into bodily injury liability and property damage liability, and it may also cover legal fees related to lawsuits filed against you.
Most states require liability car insurance. As of July 1, 2024, New Hampshire is the only state that does not require motorists to have any auto insurance.
Importance of Liability Coverage
Liability coverage is required in most states because it helps protect all drivers. If you cause an accident, your liability coverage helps pay for the damages to the property and body of the other driver, so you don't have to pay out-of-pocket.
Likewise, if you're in an accident caused by another driver, their insurance company will help pay for your vehicle repair and medical expenses. Without it, many people would be on the hook to pay for their own vehicle repairs or medical expenses regardless of whether or not they were at fault for an accident.
Liability coverage can also protect you from uninsured or underinsured motorists who are not compliant with state laws.
Minimum Insurance Requirements in Ohio
Like in most states, there are legally mandated minimum requirements for car insurance in Ohio. We break down Ohio liability car insurance requirements below.
State-Mandated Coverage Levels
According to Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Ohio auto insurance requirements include minimum liability insurance coverage. All drivers must be able to show proof of insurance at traffic stops, accident scenes, and vehicle inspections.
Failing to show proof of insurance may result in severe penalties, including:
- Loss of license for up to two years for multiple offenses
- Loss of license plate and vehicle registration status
- Reinstatement fees of up to $600 for multiple offenses
- Requirement to obtain special high-risk insurance for three to five years
Review the insurance requirements of your state:
Minimum Limits for Bodily Injury and Property Damage
Ohio minimum liability car insurance coverage requirements for bodily injury and property damage are as follows:
- $25,000 for the bodily injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for the bodily injury or death of two or more people
- $25,000 for property damage incurred from an accident
Any auto insurance policy in Ohio will meet these requirements. However, most drivers opt for more comprehensive policies so they're covered for vehicle repairs and medical expenses. Car damage isn't always someone's fault, after all. That's why it's important to consider add-ons like collision coverage or comprehensive coverage to help pay for expenses from hitting other vehicles or unexpected issues like theft, vandalism, or damage from environmental hazards like fires or floods.
What Liability Insurance Is Required in Ohio?
Like most states, Ohio car insurance has legally mandated liability insurance minimums. However, legal minimums often don't provide enough coverage to be genuinely helpful in the event of a severe accident, and they may not cover all types of incidents. To ensure you have adequate coverage for your needs, you may want to consider collision coverage or comprehensive coverage for a more complete insurance policy.
Discover Your Best Rate: Compare Liability Car Insurance Ohio Options Now
Liability insurance in Ohio is a requirement, so it's crucial to understand minimum coverage requirements if you're a new driver or getting a new car. To find the best insurance rate in Ohio, use EverQuote's comparison tools to compare insurance company quotes and coverages to find the best policy for your specific needs.