Updated April 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Ohio
Ohio requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25 ($25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage). Drivers with DUI convictions, repeat violations, at-fault accidents without insurance, or license suspensions typically must file SR-22 proof of financial responsibility with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). SR-22 filing is not insurance itself—it's a certificate your insurer files to verify you carry continuous coverage. If your policy lapses during the SR-22 period, the BMV is notified immediately and your license is suspended until coverage is restored.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Ohio?
High-risk auto insurance in Ohio costs significantly more than standard coverage due to DUI surcharges, violation points, and SR-22 filing requirements. Drivers with a DUI can expect premiums to double or triple compared to a clean record, with rates ranging from $200–$400/mo for minimum liability and $300–$500/mo for full coverage. Rates decrease gradually as violations age off your record and SR-22 requirements are satisfied, but meaningful rate relief typically takes 3–5 years.
What Affects Your Rate
- Type of violation: DUI/OVI convictions carry the highest surcharges, often 150–300% rate increases for 3–5 years
- Number of violations: Multiple tickets or at-fault accidents within 3 years compound surcharges and may trigger non-standard carrier placement
- SR-22 filing duration: 3-year requirements cost less over time than 5-year DUI filings due to extended high-risk classification
- Age and gender: Young male drivers under 25 with violations face the highest premiums in Ohio, often $400–$600/mo for full coverage
- Credit-based insurance score: Ohio allows credit scoring; poor credit combined with violations can increase rates by an additional 20–50%
- Carrier type: Non-standard specialists charge higher base rates but accept high-risk profiles; transitioning back to standard carriers after 3 years violation-free can cut premiums by 30–50%
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Sources
- Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) — SR-22 and Financial Responsibility Requirements
- Ohio Department of Insurance — Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage Standards
- Insurance Information Institute — Uninsured Motorist Statistics by State