Minimum Coverage Requirements in Ohio
Ohio requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Drivers with DUI convictions, license suspensions for certain violations, uninsured accidents, or repeat offenses typically face a 3-year SR-22 filing requirement enforced by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. After your SR-22 filing ends, these minimums still apply, but your rate depends on how long ago your violation occurred and which carrier you choose.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Ohio?
After your SR-22 requirement ends in Ohio, your rate depends primarily on violation type, time elapsed since the offense, and which carrier you choose. Post-SR22 drivers who completed filing for a DUI typically pay $2,400–$4,800/year in their first year after filing ends, while those who completed SR-22 for a suspension due to points may pay $2,000–$3,600/year. Rates drop 15–25% at each renewal if you maintain a clean record, with full rate recovery typically occurring 3–5 years after your original violation date.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI/OVI results in higher post-SR22 rates than suspensions for points or lapses
- Time since offense: Rates drop approximately 15–25% at each annual renewal with a clean record
- Carrier choice: Non-standard carriers that wrote you during SR-22 often charge more post-filing than standard carriers now willing to insure you
- County and zip code: Urban areas like Cuyahoga County (Cleveland) and Franklin County (Columbus) typically see higher rates due to accident frequency and theft
- Credit-based insurance score: Ohio allows insurers to use credit history in pricing, which significantly affects post-SR22 premiums
- Bundling and loyalty: Multi-policy discounts and shopping immediately after SR-22 ends can save $50–$100/mo compared to staying with your current insurer
Your SR-22 period is ending — you can access standard rates again
Most drivers see significant savings when they transition off SR-22. Compare current rates now.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. Ohio requires 25/50/25, but post-SR22 drivers often raise limits to 100/300/100 to appeal to standard carriers and protect assets.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, collision, and comprehensive. Essential for financed vehicles and recommended for newer cars to protect your investment after an at-fault accident or total loss.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you if you're hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Not required in Ohio, but adds critical protection given the state's uninsured driver population.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers theft, vandalism, weather damage, and animal collisions. Valuable in Ohio due to deer strikes in rural areas and severe weather including hail and winter storms.
SR-22 Insurance
SR-22 is a filing, not a policy type. Your insurer submits proof of coverage to the Ohio BMV for 3 years. Once your requirement ends, you no longer need the filing, but your violation history still affects rates.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Coverage from carriers specializing in high-risk drivers. Common during SR-22 periods, but post-SR22 drivers should transition to standard carriers as soon as eligible to reduce costs.
