Ohio law requires every driver to carry liability insurance. The minimum is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 per accident for property damage, often written as 25/50/25. As of 2026 these limits are not changing, but that does not mean they are enough.
What the Minimum Actually Pays
Liability coverage pays for injuries and property damage you cause to other people. It does not pay to repair your own car, treat your own injuries or replace your belongings. If you cause a crash, the other party's medical bills, lost wages and vehicle repairs can quickly pass those limits. Ohio is an at-fault state, so the responsible driver, and their insurance, pays.
Where the Minimum Falls Short
- Medical costs add up fast. A single emergency room visit and surgery can exceed $25,000.
- Vehicles are expensive. Many cars on the road are worth far more than $25,000, and a multi-car accident multiplies the damage.
- You may be sued for the difference. If damages exceed your limits, your savings, wages and home can be at risk.
- Your own car is unprotected. Liability alone pays nothing for your repairs; that takes collision and comprehensive.
Coverage Most Drivers Should Consider
- Higher liability limits. Many advisors suggest limits such as 100/300/100 when your budget allows, and increasing further if you own a home or have savings to protect.
- Uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage. It protects you and your passengers when the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little.
- Collision and comprehensive. Required by most lenders and sensible for any vehicle you cannot afford to replace out of pocket.
- Medical payments. Helps with immediate medical bills regardless of fault.
- An umbrella policy. Adds extra liability protection on top of your auto and home policies.
The Cost Difference May Surprise You
Moving from the minimum to higher limits often costs far less than people expect, because the first dollars of coverage are the most expensive. That is why we shop multiple carriers and show you the price of each limit side by side.
Confirm current requirements with the Ohio Department of Insurance. This article is educational and not a recommendation for any specific policy.