Key Takeaways
- Ohio requires minimum auto liability limits of 25/50/25 ($25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident bodily injury/$25,000 property damage)
- Ohio is an "at-fault" (tort) state for auto insurance using modified comparative negligence
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage must be offered at equal to liability limits
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage must also be offered
- Ohio uses electronic insurance verification through the BMV
Ohio Auto Insurance Requirements
Ohio has specific auto insurance requirements that producers must understand.
Mandatory Coverage
Ohio requires all registered vehicles to have liability insurance with minimum limits:
Minimum Liability Limits (25/50/25)
| Coverage | Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury per Person | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury per Accident | $50,000 |
| Property Damage | $25,000 |
Memory Tip: Remember "25/50/25" for Ohio minimum limits. These are the statutory minimums required by Ohio law.
Proof of Insurance
Ohio drivers must maintain proof of financial responsibility:
- Insurance ID card (physical or electronic)
- BMV electronic verification
- Self-insurance certificate (large fleets)
- Bond in lieu of insurance
Penalties for Driving Uninsured
| Violation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| First Offense | License/registration suspension, reinstatement fees |
| Second Offense | Extended suspension, higher fees |
| Driving During Suspension | Criminal charges possible |
Ohio's At-Fault (Tort) System
Ohio is an at-fault (tort) state for auto insurance:
How It Works
- Party at fault is responsible for damages
- Injured parties can sue at-fault driver
- No PIP or no-fault benefits required
- Liability insurance pays for damages caused to others
Modified Comparative Negligence
Ohio uses modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar:
- Fault is allocated among all parties
- Recovery reduced by percentage of fault
- 50% Bar: If 50% or more at fault, NO recovery
Example
If Driver A is 40% at fault and Driver B is 60% at fault:
- Driver A can recover 60% of their damages
- Driver B recovers NOTHING (50% or more at fault)
Exam Tip: Ohio's bar is at 50%, meaning if you are equally at fault, you cannot recover.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
Ohio requires insurers to offer UM coverage:
UM Requirements
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Offered | Must be offered equal to liability limits |
| Required | Can be rejected in writing |
| Coverage | Bodily injury caused by uninsured driver |
| Stacking | Available in Ohio |
UM Rejection
- Must reject in writing using proper form
- Rejection is per policy
- Can select lower limits than liability
- Rejection form kept on file by insurer
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage
Ohio requires insurers to offer UIM coverage:
UIM Requirements
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Offered | Must be offered |
| Rejection | Can be rejected in writing |
| Trigger | At-fault driver's limits insufficient |
| Limits | Equal to or less than liability limits |
When UIM Applies
- Other driver is at fault
- Other driver has insurance but limits are inadequate
- Your damages exceed other driver's limits
- UIM pays difference up to your limits
Medical Payments Coverage
Ohio allows optional medical payments coverage:
- Not required to be offered
- Pays regardless of fault
- Covers medical expenses
- Typically $1,000 to $10,000 limits
Ohio Electronic Verification
Ohio verifies insurance compliance electronically:
How It Works
- Insurers report coverage to BMV
- BMV checks compliance regularly
- Random verification letters sent
- Penalties for lapses in coverage
Compliance Requirements
- Must maintain continuous coverage
- Report changes to insurer
- Respond to verification requests
- Penalties for failure to verify
What are Ohio's minimum auto liability insurance limits?
Under Ohio's modified comparative negligence rule, what happens if a driver is 50% at fault?