The state of Ohio does require motorist to have either car insurance or other proof of financial responsibility (FR). Another part of the Ohio FR law is it is illegal for a motor vehicle owner to allow anyone to drive their vehicle without FR proof.

To comply with the FR requirements, individuals must maintain 1 of the following:

• A motorist liability insurance policy;
• A $30,000 bond issued by an authorized surety or insurance company;
• A certificate of proof of financial responsibility signed by an insurance agent on a from prescribed the OH Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV);
• A certificate issued by the BMV, indicating that money or government bonds in the amount of $30,000 is on deposit with the Treasurer of State;
• A certificate of bond issued by the BMV in the amount of $30,000 signed by 2 people who own real estate having equity of at least $60,000;
• A certificate of self-insurance issued by the BMV to those with more than 25 motor vehicles registered in their name or a company's name;

If you choose to fulfill the financial responsibility through obtaining auto insurance the state minimum requirements are $12,500 for bodily injury or death of 1 person in any one accident, $25,000 for bodily injury or death for two or more people in any one accident, and $7,500 for injury to the property of others in one accident.

Proof of insurance or other acceptable financial responsibility must be shown at the time of a violation or accident, according to section 4509.101 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC).  If there is not FR in force at the time of the infraction the person's driver's license is suspended.

For a free Ohio car insurance quote, click here.