Proof of insurance must be shown at traffic stops, at accident scenes, and at vehicle inspections. Ohio drivers must demonstrate financial responsibility for any car accidents they may cause, and most do so by purchasing car insurance. In some states, your vehicle can be towed and you won't be able to claim it until you present proof of insurance. The terms, definitions and explanations of insurance are for informational purposes only and do not replace or modify in any way the definitions and information contained in the individual pages of contracts, policies or insurance statements, which are decisive.
If you've been involved in a car accident in Ohio, you might be looking for more than just basic information about the state's auto insurance regulations. If you're ready to contact an Ohio car accident lawyer now, you can use the features on this page to find one in your area. You can carry your insurance card issued by the company in your vehicle in case you're asked to present it to an Ohio law enforcement officer during a traffic stop, or you can get a digital version of the card (or similar official digital documentation of your policy) on your phone or other device. This deposit will be used to pay any claims or judgments against you, just like an insurer would if it had a minimum-liability car insurance policy.
Not having car insurance in many states can make you a high-risk driver when buying car insurance. This means that the person who was at fault for causing the car accident is responsible for compensating anyone who suffered harm as a result of the accident (although from a practical point of view, it is usually the at-fault driver's insurance company that covers these losses, up to the limits of the policy). Some car insurance qualifying factors, such as your driving history, can significantly affect your insurance costs. Ohio follows a fault system when it comes to financial liability for injuries, vehicle damage, and other losses resulting from a car accident.
A minimum car insurance policy in Ohio will include coverage for bodily injury and property damage, which are collectively referred to as liability insurance. When the Department receives sufficient proof that you have the financial capacity to pay potential claims or judgments against you, as would a company with an auto insurance policy, it will issue you a self-insurance certificate. For example, personal injury protection (PIP) or MedPay coverage can be used to pay medical bills for a car accident, and collision coverage can pay for repairs (or replacement) of your damaged vehicle after a car accident. This type of car insurance coverage in Ohio is used to repair your vehicle when physical damage occurs due to incidents not related to a collision (subject to the deductible).
The consequences of driving without insurance exceed the monthly insurance premium and may result in the following penalties.
