Ohio car insurance
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Is car insurance required in Ohio?
In Ohio, liability insurance is mandatory for all drivers. Ohio car insurance requirements specify minimum coverage amounts to help pay for injuries and property damage you may cause to others in an accident.
Specifically, Ohio law requires:
- A BMV certificate showing a deposit of $30,000 or a government bond of the same amount with the State Treasurer
- A certificate of bond from the BMV for $30,000, signed by two real estate owners with at least $60,000 equity
- A certificate of self-insurance from the BMV for individuals or companies with more than 25 registered vehicles
- A $30,000 bond issued by an authorized surety or insurance company
Meeting these Ohio car insurance requirements is essential to legally drive and protect yourself financially on Ohio’s roads.
Is Ohio a “no-fault” state?
Ohio is not a no-fault state. Instead, it follows an at-fault, or tort, system for car insurance, meaning the driver who is determined to be responsible for an accident is also liable for the resulting injuries and property damage. This system allows those affected to file claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance for compensation.
What does car insurance cover in Ohio?
Car insurance in Ohio typically includes liability coverage, collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. Liability insurance is required by law and pays for injuries or property damage you cause to others. Collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your own vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault, while comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision events such as theft, vandalism, or weather damage. Many drivers also choose to add optional protections like uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and medical payments coverage for added peace of mind. While only liability coverage is mandatory, the additional coverages mentioned offer broader financial protection for a wide range of situations on Ohio’s roads.
How much does car insurance cost in Ohio?
The average car insurance cost in Ohio depends on your unique situation. At American Family Insurance, we know every driver’s needs are different, so we encourage you to explore car insurance quotes in Ohio to find coverage that fits your life and budget. Factors like your driving history, age, vehicle type, and even where you live can all influence your premium, so getting a personalized auto insurance quote is a smart way to see what’s right for you. You can also use DriveMyWay to get discounts based on how you drive.
If you’re curious about how much car insurance in Ohio might cost for you, we’re here to help make the process easy and straightforward. Our friendly agents and online tools can help you estimate your auto insurance rate, so you can feel confident you’re getting the protection you need at a price that works for you. For more tips on finding the best coverage, check out our guide on how to estimate your auto insurance rate.
How can I get a lower rate on my car insurance in Ohio?
If you’re searching for affordable car insurance in Ohio, we’ve got good news for you. With American Family, you can take advantage of car insurance discounts that will lower your Ohio auto insurance rates, including:
Common Ohio auto insurance coverages
Collision coverage
Collision coverage helps protect you from collision or rollover damages, no matter who was at fault.
If another car bumps into yours as they back out of a parking spot, collision coverage may assist with repairs you may need.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage helps protect you from damage caused by accidents that don’t involve colliding with another vehicle or object. Examples include hail damage, fire, flooding, theft, vandalism and collisions with animals.
If your car is parked under a tree and a branch falls and damages the windshield, comprehensive coverage may help you cover the replacement costs.
Bodily injury liability coverage
If you cause a car accident that results in injuries, bodily injury liability coverage coverage may help pay for accident-related medical treatment. It may also protect you if you're sued
If you hit another car and the other driver goes to the hospital with a broken bone, bodily injury liability may help compensates for their medical bill.
Medical expense coverage
If you or your passengers were injured in a car accident, medical expense coverage may help pay for medical care, regardless of who is at fault.
If a car backs into yours and causes your passenger to hit their head and need stitches, medical expense coverage can help pay for their cost of treatment.
Additional Ohio car insurance coverages
Emergency Roadside Service
Get service and support if your car breaks down with Emergency Roadside Service coverage.
Rental reimbursement
Cover transportation expenses while your vehicle is being repaired after a qualifying event.
Underinsured coverage
Protect yourself from accident-related losses if another driver doesn't have enough insurance.
Uninsured coverage
Help cover accident-related damages after a collision with an uninsured at-fault driver.
This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of the information. Please check your state and local laws.
The information on this webpage represents only a brief description of coverages, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Coverage features and limits vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Discount availability and eligibility vary by state and policy terms. (Discounts apply to auto and property policies.) Please check with your agent and read the policy for exact details on coverages and exclusions.
References
Ohio Department of Insurance (n.d.). Auto insurance minimum coverage Requirements. https://insurance.ohio.gov/consumers/automobile/auto-insurance-min-coverage-reqs