Ohio requires every car owner to obtain car insurance coverage. The easiest way to meet the state minimum requirements is through auto liability coverage. The minimum requirement is $12,500 for bodily injury coverage per person. If multiple persons are involved in the accident, the minimum requirement is $25,000. The minimum requirement for the property damage coverage is $7,500. It is recommended that you buy a higher coverage so that you can be fully insured against the cost.
Most of the states in the United States have a means that will automatically know whether the resident is covered by a car insurance policy. However, Ohio does not have a system that can automatically detect that you need to be covered by a car insurance policy. When you are required to provide proof, you have to produce the insurance policy or the insurance identification card.
If you don’t want to obtain car insurance coverage, you have to show that you are financially capable of meeting the state’s minimum requirements. There are many ways to produce the proof that you are financially capable of paying for the car insurance. You can produce a $30,000 bond that is issued by that insurance carrier. Your insurance agent can issue a certificate that proves that you are financially capable. The BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicle) certificate can be used as a proof that you deposited $30,000 with the state treasurer. The BMV certificate can be signed by two persons as ownership to a real estate that worth $60,000 and above. The BMV self insurance certificate can be used by people who have more than 26 vehicles registered under their name.
Residents who fail to provide proof of the financial responsibility to the law enforcement officer will receive penalty. If you fail to provide proof, a written notice will be sent to you. The written notice requires you to appear in the traffic court with the proof. You also have to send a copy of the proof of your financial responsibility to the address above. The BMV will select drivers to show proof of financial responsibility randomly by sending a letter to them. The letter contains step by step instructions on how to comply the request.
If you are unable to come up with proof of insurance, your vehicle registration and driving license will be suspended. First time offenders will be penalized with 90 day driving license suspension. Repeat offenders will receive a driving license suspension penalty of up to 2 years.
