A dirt road runs through grassy fields toward a red barn at sunset, with a weathered wooden fence post in the right foreground and low hills on the horizon.

Ohio Auto Insurance: Requirements & Rates

Ohio requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

Compare my rates

Free to compare

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 as an at-fault tort state, meaning the driver responsible for an accident is liable for resulting damages. All drivers must carry proof of financial responsibility — typically satisfied through liability insurance — and present it during traffic stops or after accidents. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles enforces compliance through the Random Selection Program, which randomly verifies insurance status and suspends registrations for non-compliance.

Bodily Injury Liability

Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for other parties when you cause an accident. Ohio's tort system allows injured parties to sue beyond policy limits, putting your assets at risk if you carry only the minimum.

Property Damage Liability

Pays for damage to other vehicles, buildings, or property when you're at fault. Multi-vehicle accidents or damage to commercial property can easily surpass this limit.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Ohio law requires insurers to offer UM/UIM coverage matching your liability limits, though you can decline in writing. This coverage protects you when hit by drivers with no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay your medical bills and vehicle damage.

Cost Overview

about $79/mo

Average car insurance spending in Ohio

Rate data: NAIC Auto Insurance Database, 2023

What Affects Your Rate

  • Credit-based insurance scores influence Ohio rates significantly — drivers with poor credit may pay double compared to those with excellent credit
A woman in a tan coat, dark jeans and ankle boots carries a leather tote and holds keys while walking across a wet parking lot at night, with a dark SUV and a lit building behind her.

Find Out What Your Coverage Should Cost

Compare Rates and Get Covered

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ohio a no-fault insurance state?

No, Ohio operates as an at-fault tort state. The driver who causes an accident is financially responsible for resulting damages. Injured parties can file claims against the at-fault driver's liability insurance and sue for amounts exceeding policy limits. This differs from no-fault states where each driver's own insurance covers their injuries regardless of fault.

Find Your City in Ohio

Columbus

urban

Cleveland

urban

Cincinnati

urban

Toledo

urban

Akron

urban

Dayton

urban

Parma

suburban

Canton

suburban

Lorain

suburban

Hamilton

suburban

Youngstown

urban

Springfield

suburban