Minimum Coverage Requirements in Ohio
Ohio requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 property damage. Drivers convicted of DUI, driving under suspension, uninsured accidents, or accumulating 12 points in 2 years typically face SR-22 filing requirements administered by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The SR-22 certificate proves continuous coverage for a specified period, and any lapse triggers license suspension and restarts the filing clock.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Ohio?
High-risk auto insurance in Ohio costs significantly more than standard coverage due to violation type, driving history, and SR-22 filing requirements. Drivers with a DUI typically pay $200–$400/mo for minimum liability, while those with multiple violations or at-fault accidents may see rates climb even higher. Costs drop as violations age off your record—most traffic offenses impact rates for 3 years, while DUI surcharges can persist for 5–6 years depending on the carrier.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI/OVI convictions typically double or triple base rates compared to speeding tickets or minor violations
- Time since offense: rates decrease as violations age—most drop off after 3 years, DUI surcharges after 5–6 years
- SR-22 filing requirement: adds $15–$50 upfront and signals high-risk status, increasing premiums by $100–$250/mo
- Prior insurance lapse: gaps in coverage result in higher rates and may extend SR-22 filing periods
- Location: urban areas like Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati see higher rates due to accident frequency and theft rates
- Vehicle type: older vehicles with liability-only coverage cost less than newer financed cars requiring full coverage
See how much your violation actually affects your rates
Not every carrier surcharges the same way. Compare quotes from carriers that rate violations differently.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Certificate filed by your insurer to the Ohio BMV proving you carry minimum liability coverage. Required for 3 years after DUI, license suspension, or uninsured accidents.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Coverage for drivers declined by standard carriers due to DUI, violations, lapses, or suspensions. Non-standard carriers specialize in high-risk profiles and offer SR-22 filing.
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. Ohio minimums are 25/50/25, but claims often exceed these limits after at-fault accidents.
Full Coverage
Liability plus comprehensive and collision. Required by lenders if you finance or lease a vehicle, and protects your car from damage, theft, and total loss.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient limits. Optional in Ohio but recommended given the number of uninsured drivers.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault. Required by lenders and optional if you own your car outright.
