Ohio Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (December 2024)

Q: Do you need comprehensive insurance in Ohio?

Ohio doesn’t legally require comprehensive insurance . However, protecting against non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism or weather damage is recommended. It’s essential if you have a newer car or are leasing or financing, as lenders often require it.

Ohio's minimum coverage liability limits are 25/50/25. The average cost of minimum car insurance is $362 annually or about $30 monthly.

By Mark Fitzpatrick

Reviewed by Mark Friedlander

Edited by Myjel Guevarra

Updated: December 10, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Ohio mandates that drivers hold a minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident and $25,000 in property damage liability per accident. As an at-fault state, Ohio requires that the responsible driver cover the damages in an accident.

The average monthly cost of state minimum car insurance in Ohio is $30. For those seeking economical options, check out our guide on the cheapest car insurance in Ohio. It's important to ensure you receive quality coverage that fits your budget while meeting legal requirements.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Ohio Minimum Coverage Requirements
Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Ohio
Cheapest Companies in Ohio for Minimum Coverage
Add-On Coverages in Ohio
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Ohio
FAQ

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the Ohio Department of Insurance to get the most accurate cost data for various Ohio drivers.

These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Ohio as of December 2024.

60,776Quotes Analyzed

106Companies Compared

14ZIP Codes

Ohio Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

In Ohio, to legally drive a vehicle, you must have minimum coverage auto insurance. This includes:

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

As Ohio is a fault state, the driver found to be at fault for an accident is responsible for all the damage. Your insurance premiums are influenced by the likelihood of you being found at fault in an accident. As such, the minimum insurance coverage you must carry helps protect against financial loss if you're responsible for an accident.

ARE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGES REQUIRED IN OHIO?

In Ohio, drivers aren't required to carry collision or comprehensive insurance. However, if you finance or lease a vehicle, lenders typically require these coverages to protect their investment. Consider collision and comprehensive insurance for broader protection against potential incidents.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?

What Liability Insurance Covers	What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover
Injuries to others if you're at fault in an accident	Your injuries
Damage to another person’s property if you're at fault in an accident	Damage to your car
Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy	Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal
	Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers unless additional coverage is purchased

The table reflects Ohio's minimum car insurance requirements including bodily injury and property damage liability. Specific coverage details depend on your individual policy's terms and conditions.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Ohio

Age plays a significant role in determining minimum coverage car insurance rates. The age group with the highest premiums in Ohio is 22-29. This is due to insurers perceiving younger drivers as higher-risk because of their limited driving experience.

The table below outlines the average cost of minimum coverage in Ohio for different age groups, providing a clear view of how rates vary as drivers age.


22-29	$439	$37
30-59	$362	$30
60 +	$373	$31

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Ohio

In Ohio, Nationwide and American Family offer the most affordable options for minimum coverage auto insurance.

Nationwide: $226 per year; $19 per month
American Family: $249 per year; $21 per month

While these rates help you meet state requirements, it's important to assess all aspects of a policy to find the best car insurance in Ohio.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:

Age Group

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Age Group:30-59


Nationwide	$226	$19
American Family	$249	$21
Westfield	$279	$23
Auto-Owners Insurance Co	$289	$24
Progressive	$319	$27
Erie	$323	$27
GEICO	$345	$29
Travelers	$383	$32
Grange Insurance	$408	$34
Cincinnati Insurance	$436	$36
Farmers	$488	$41
Allstate	$598	$50

Optional Add-On Coverages in Ohio

In Ohio, drivers can opt for add-on coverages such as collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist, medical payments and rental reimbursement. Collision coverage helps pay for vehicle repairs after an accident, while comprehensive insurance covers non-collision-related incidents such as theft, fire or weather damage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if a driver hits you without insurance. Understanding how much car insurance you need can help you find the best option.

Add-On Coverage	What It Covers	What It Doesn't Cover
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage	Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance	Damage to your vehicle if you're at fault or damage that exceeds policy limits
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)	Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers, regardless of who's at fault	Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver
Roadside Assistance	Services like towing, flat tire changes and jumpstarts when your car breaks down	Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow
Gap Insurance	Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen	Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments
Rental Car Reimbursement	The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event	Fuel, insurance or other rental extras
Collision Coverage	Repairs to your car after an accident, regardless of fault	Damage due to theft, vandalism or natural disasters
Comprehensive Coverage	Repairs to non-collision damage from events like theft, fire or hail	Damage from a collision or personal injuries
Towing and Labor Coverage	Towing and basic roadside assistance labor costs at the site of your vehicle's breakdown	More extensive repairs needed at a garage
Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage	Safeguards aftermarket enhancements like custom wheels or stereo systems	Original parts that came with your vehicle
Accidental Death Coverage	Offers a payout if you or a passenger dies or experiences certain injuries in a car accident	Non-accidental deaths or injuries
Classic Car Insurance	Agreed-upon values for your unique vehicle, tailored for vintage or collector cars	Regular use, like your daily commute

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Ohio

In Ohio, the cost of a ticket for driving without insurance varies depending on whether it’s your first offense or if you've been caught before. If you're a first-time offender, the penalty might be lighter than those with previous offenses, which usually carry stiffer penalties.

Additional penalties for driving without minimum coverage auto insurance in Ohio may include:

Vehicle impoundment with associated fees: Your car can be taken away, and you'll have to pay to get it back.
Vehicle registration suspension: You won't be able to legally drive your car because your registration will be invalid.
License suspension and reinstatement fee: Your driving license can be suspended, requiring you to pay a fee to get it back once the suspension period ends.
SR-22 requirement: You might need to file an SR-22 form, proving you have the necessary insurance coverage.
Up to six months in jail if uninsured in an accident: If you’re in an accident without insurance, you could face jail time.

You must comply with the law by maintaining at least the state minimum coverage to protect yourself and others on the road.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

If your car insurance policy is canceled in Ohio, you shouldn't drive until you secure another policy to maintain at least the minimum coverage. Contact your insurance agent to understand why the policy was canceled and explore options for reinstatement or securing a new policy from a different insurer.

When your insurance is canceled, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will be notified, as Ohio law requires insurance companies to report policy status.

Suppose you're facing difficulty getting car insurance due to a poor driving record or other factors. In that case, Ohio offers the Ohio Automobile Insurance Plan (OAIP) as a last resort for high-risk drivers to get the legally required coverage. Driving in Ohio without at least the minimum auto insurance is illegal and presents a financial risk.

WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in Ohio may be canceled for a few reasons:

Non-Payment: If you missed paying your premium, the insurance company might cancel your policy.
Fraud: Lying or giving false information on your insurance application can lead to cancellation.
License Suspension: If your driver's license gets suspended or revoked, your policy could be canceled.
Too Many Claims: Filing too many claims quickly might result in cancellation.
Policy Violations: Not following the terms of your policy, like not reporting a new driver, could result in your insurance being canceled.

Maintain a clean driving record and pay your premiums to keep your insurance coverage active.

FAQ: Ohio Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

Get answers about what impacts the average cost of car insurance in Ohio and how to find affordable rates.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Ohio?

In Ohio, the minimum car insurance coverage requirements include bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, along with property damage liability of $25,000 per accident.

Why does Ohio require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?

Ohio requires minimum automobile liability coverage to ensure drivers can pay for damage or injuries they cause in an accident. This requirement protects accident victims from high out-of-pocket costs and encourages responsible, financially secure driving in the state.

Do you need comprehensive insurance in Ohio?

Ohio doesn’t legally require comprehensive insurance. However, protecting against non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism or weather damage is recommended. It’s essential if you have a newer car or are leasing or financing, as lenders often require it.

What happens if you drive uninsured in Ohio?

Driving uninsured in Ohio can result in severe penalties, including suspension of your driver's license and vehicle registration, reinstatement fees up to $660, a mandatory SR-22 bond for three to five years and possible vehicle impoundment. Repeated offenses may lead to the loss of vehicle plates and even vehicle forfeiture.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick 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 knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

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