Every state has some form or version of mandatory minimum automobile insurance coverage, and the state of Ohio is no exception. All drivers must carry at the very minimum liability coverage that meets the minimum state requirements, and there are serious consequences for violations. In Ohio, it is illegal to drive any motor vehicle without proof of insurance or some other form of financial responsibility.
In accordance with Ohio’s Financial Responsibility Law, every Bureau of Motor Vehicle (BMV) application for registration and every application for a driver’s license or renewal requires that the applicant sign a statement indicating that they will maintain financial responsibility, and will not operate a motor vehicle in the state of Ohio without providing proof of such responsibility.
Ohio’s Financial Responsibility Law prohibits an individual from operating a motor vehicle in Ohio without maintaining proof of financial responsibility continuously throughout the registration period with respect to that vehicle, or, in the cast of a driver who is not the owner, with respect to driver’s operation of that vehicle. The law requires financial responsibility in the minimum amount of $12,500 for bodily injury or death of any one individual in any one accident, $25,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more individuals in any one accident, and $7,500 for property damage in any one accident.
You can be required to show proof of financial responsibility in many instances in Ohio, such as when an individual or vehicle has been in an accident, at the request of a peace officer or State Highway Patrol officer, for any ticket or court appearance, and by the BMV for renewals and registrations or randomly selected for compliance.
If you fail to provide proof of financial responsibility at the time of request the Registrar of Motor Vehicles may impose penalties including loss of driving privileges for a minimum of 90 days up to 2 years, license plate and registration suspension, required SR-22 insurance, as well as license plate confiscation and in extreme cases vehicle forfeiture.
The best move you can make is to get yourself into compliance with the minimum required insurance and stay that way. There are many coverage providers that offer services in Ohio, from companies like State Farm and Allstate, to Geico and Progressive, you can visit an office or shop online and even compare rates, but the bottom line is to get yourself covered. Talk to agents so that you can find a low cost policy that is affordable. If you have teenagers, you should make sure to compare the rates and see if a discount could be attained so that you can save a lot of money.
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