In Ohio, you’re legally required to carry auto liability insurance, and while you can start with the state minimum, many experts recommend higher coverage for better protection.
🚗 Ohio’s Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements
By law, every driver must have at least:
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$25,000 bodily injury coverage per person
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$50,000 bodily injury coverage per accident
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$25,000 property damage coverage per accident
(commonly referred to as 25/50/25) investopedia.com+12bmv.ohio.gov+12nolo.com+12investopedia.com
These limits apply when you’re at fault in a crash and cover the costs for others’ injuries and property damage.
🧠Recommended Beyond the Minimum
While meeting the legal minimum protects you from fines and license suspension, it might not be enough in a serious accident. Insurance experts often suggest:
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$100,000 / $300,000 / $100,000 (100/300/100) liability — covering injuries per person, per accident, and property damage younginjurylaw.cominvestopedia.com
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Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage — at least $50,000, to protect yourself if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance
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Medical Payments (MedPay) — typically $5,000–$10,000, to help with medical expenses regardless of fault fmins.com+13younginjurylaw.com+13bankrate.com+13
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Collision and Comprehensive — optional but recommended if your vehicle is financed or valuable
💸 Why Go Above the Minimum?
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Protect your assets: Serious collisions can quickly exceed minimum coverages, exposing you to lawsuits.
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Better recovery after accidents: UM/UIM and MedPay can ease out-of-pocket costs and medical bills.
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Lender requirements: If you have a car loan or lease, your lender may demand full coverage (collision + comprehensive).
✅ Final Guidance
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Minimum required: 25/50/25 liability
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Better choice: 100/300/100 liability with UM/UIM and MedPay
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Consider full coverage if:
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Your car is new or financed
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You have significant assets to protect
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