Ohio drivers are legally required to carry minimum auto liability insurance to drive. The state operates under an at-fault system, where the driver at fault covers damages. Below is a refreshed guide to Ohio’s insurance laws for 2025.
Required Insurance Limits to Drive in Ohio
Ohio mandates the following minimum liability limits:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident
Commonly referred to as 25/50/25 coverage.
Uninsured Motorist Is Optional, Is It Worth Having In Ohio?
Ohio requires insurers to offer Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage; you may decline it in writing. This coverage helps pay for your medical expenses if you’re hit by underinsured or uninsured drivers.
Coverages to Consider For Ohio Drivers
For enhanced protection, consider adding:
- Collision and Comprehensive Insurance
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
- Roadside Assistance and Rental Reimbursement
These options help cover damage to your vehicle and other non-medical expenses.
No Car Insurance? Here Is What Can Happen
Driving uninsured in Ohio may result in:
- Fines
- Suspension of your driver’s license and vehicle registration
- Requirement to file an SR‑22 to restore driving privileges
Continuous coverage is crucial to avoid these consequences. Learn more about SR‑22 requirements in Ohio.
Ohio law generally requires an SR‑22 filing (proof of financial responsibility) for 3 to 5 years depending on the offense—such as DUI, repeated traffic violations, or driving without insurance. However, starting April 9, 2025, new rules under House Bill 29 shorten SR‑22 requirements to just 1 year if the suspension is solely for debt-related insurance lapses or unpaid fines.†
Real-World Example: What Happens After a Lapse in Ohio?
Imagine you forgot to renew your auto policy and two weeks later receive a letter from the Ohio BMV requesting proof of coverage. Even if you haven’t been pulled over, this random verification process can suspend your license and registration. You’d then need to pay a reinstatement fee and file an SR-22 — costing hundreds more per year in premiums. Many drivers are surprised to learn this can happen without a single traffic stop.
How I Can Show Proof of Insurance In Ohio
Drivers must carry proof of insurance and present it during traffic stops, after accidents, or when registering a vehicle.
Ohio also accepts digital proof. You may use an insurance app or a photo of your valid card on your smartphone.
Did you know? In Ohio, the BMV uses a random electronic insurance verification system. You can be asked to prove coverage at any time — not just after a ticket or crash.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ohio Car Insurance
What are Ohio’s minimum car insurance requirements in 2025?
Ohio requires at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability coverage.
Does Ohio verify insurance electronically?
Yes. Ohio uses a random selection process to verify insurance electronically. Drivers may be required to provide proof of insurance even if they haven’t been in an accident or traffic stop.
What happens if you’re caught without insurance in Ohio?
Penalties include license and registration suspension, reinstatement fees, and a requirement to maintain SR-22 insurance for up to three years.
Can Ohio suspend your license just for an insurance lapse?
Yes. If you fail to provide proof of insurance when randomly selected or during a stop, the state can suspend your license and registration, even if you weren’t involved in an accident.
How often does Ohio randomly check for insurance?
There’s no fixed schedule. The BMV can send a request at any time. Some drivers report receiving letters twice in one year; others may go years without one. It’s completely random.
Do I need insurance if I’m not driving the car?
Yes, unless you cancel your registration and plates. Ohio can still require proof of insurance for registered but unused vehicles, especially during electronic checks.
How long do I need SR‑22 insurance in Ohio?
You typically must keep SR‑22 on file for 3 years for serious offenses (DUIs, points, uninsured driving). But for insurance lapses or fines, recent legislation reduces that requirement to just 1 year if the suspension is only debt‑related.
Quick Checklist for Ohio Drivers
- ✔ Carry at least 25/50/25 liability insurance
- ✔ Keep proof of insurance in your vehicle or wallet
- ✔ Respond quickly to BMV verification letters
- ✔ Avoid insurance lapses to prevent SR-22 requirements
Official Resources
Compare Ohio’s insurance laws with nearby states:
Pennsylvania,
Michigan,
Indiana, and
Kentucky.