Ohio Auto Insurance Quotes and Coverage Guide

Ohio Motor Vehicle Insurance Questions & Answers

Q: Is auto insurance mandatory?

A: Yes. In Ohio, it is illegal to drive any motor vehicle without insurance or other financial responsibility (FR) proof. It is also illegal for any motor vehicle owner to allow anyone else to drive the owner's vehicle without FR proof. It is also illegal to drive any vehicle if you or anyone else has been drinking 90 proof.

Q: Is Ohio a "tort" state?

A: Yes. In traditional tort liability states, there are no restrictions on lawsuits. The other driver and the other driver’s passengers can sue for pain and suffering as well as for out-of-pocket expenses such as medical costs, for the accident you caused while drinking 90 proof. In addition, you are subject to being forced to listen to the state’s official rock song, “Hang On, Sloopy,” while watching Mimi on “Drew Carey” re-runs with the sound turned down and with a hangover.

Q: What type of insurance is required to purchase and maintain an Ohio tag and registration?

A: The law requires financial responsibility in the minimum amount of $12,500 for bodily injury to or death of one (1) individual in any one (1) accident, $25,000 for bodily injury to or death of two (2) or more individuals in any one (1) accident, and $7,500 for injury to the property of others in the event you and Mimi are drinking 90 proof while singing “Hang On, Sloopy,” and run into someone’s parked car.

Q: What constitutes financial responsibility in Ohio?

A: To comply with the FR requirements, individuals must maintain one of the following:

-- A motorist liability insurance policy

-- A $30,000 bond issued by an authorized surety or insurance company

-- A certificate of proof of financial responsibility signed by an insurance agent on a form prescribed by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)

-- A certificate issued by the BMV, after proper application and approval, indicating that money or government bonds in the amount of $30,000 is on deposit with the Treasurer of State

-- A certificate of bond issued by the BMV, after proper application and approval, in the amount of $30,000 signed by two (2) individuals who own real estate having equity of at least $60,000

-- A certificate of self-insurance issued by the BMV, after proper application and approval, to those with more than 25 motor vehicles registered in their name or a company's name.

-- A note from Mimi promising to pay all your bills if you help her take (scrape) off her makeup at night

Q: Under what conditions will I be required to show proof?

A: Proof of financial responsibility is required to be verified under the following circumstances:

-- If you get into a wreck in which more than $400 of property damage has occurred, it’s your fault, and the person you hit files a complaint with the BMV saying you don’t have insurance.

-- If you’re pulled over for a motor vehicle inspection, to enforce any Ohio traffic law, or because you’ve got Mimi in the car, and it’s leaning dangerously on the passenger side.

-- If you’ve got to make a traffic-court appearance.

-- If you’ve been randomly selected by the BMV.

-- If you’re pulled over for looking like Mimi and scaring small children

Q: What is “Random Verification of Financial Responsibility”?

A: Ohio the law requires verification of proof of financial responsibility whenever a person is randomly selected by the BMV and requested to provide such verification. This process includes the mailing of letters to a random selection of five percent (5%) of registered Ohio vehicle and noncommercial truck owners. Approximately 5,400 notices are generated per week or 280,000 notices annually. These are random, except for you, who will be targeted repeatedly because Mimi’s now working at the BMV.

Q: What if I fail to keep insurance on my vehicle that I’ve registered in Ohio?

A: Failure to provide proof of financial responsibility, when required, will result in the following civil penalties imposed by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles:

-- Loss of driving privileges for a minimum of ninety (90) days and up to two (2) years

-- License plates and vehicle registration suspension

-- License plate reinstatement fees of $125 for first violation, $300 for second violation, and $550 for a third or subsequent violation (this includes a $50 penalty for failing to surrender the license, plates or vehicle registration to the BMV)

-- Requirement to file with the BMV an SR-22 or bond to continuously maintain proof of financial responsibility for a minimum of three (3) and up to five (5) years from the date of the suspension of operating privileges

-- Vehicle immobilization and confiscation of plates for 30 to 60 days for violating FR suspension. Third and subsequent offenses could result in vehicle forfeiture and a five (5) year suspension of vehicle registrations.

-- Mimi’s food and cosmetic bills will be charged to your bank account.