What Are the Consequences of Driving Without Insurance in Ohio? A Guide for Akron Drivers
Driving without insurance in Ohio carries significant consequences for vehicle operators. If the police pull a driver over or are involved in a collision, they risk penalties that could limit their driving privileges, fines, and possible civil consequences. This could also limit your ability to secure fair compensation if an uninsured driver causes your accident.
Ohio’s Mandatory Insurance Law: What You Need to Know
Ohio requires all drivers to carry insurance. Uninsured individuals may not operate a motor vehicle in Ohio. Drivers involved in a collision, pulled over by law enforcement, submit their vehicle for inspection, or apply for a driver’s license are required to produce proof of insurance coverage.
All Ohio drivers must carry the following minimum liability coverage:
- $25,000 for the injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for the injury or death of two or more people
- $25,000 for property damage
Despite these laws, the Insurance Information Institute estimates that approximately 17.1 percent of drivers in Ohio are uninsured.
Consequences of Driving Without Insurance in Ohio
In Ohio, driving without insurance carries serious consequences under state law, which mandates that all drivers maintain financial responsibility, typically through insurance, to operate a vehicle. Failing to comply with this requirement can result in the following penalties:
- License Suspension – A person’s driver’s license is suspended for a first offense until they obtain insurance. For a second offense, suspension lasts for one year. For subsequent violations, the license is suspended for two years
- Loss of License Plates and Vehicle Registration – This consequence lasts until the driver meets the insurance requirements and satisfies other conditions.
- Payment of Reinstatement Fee – For a first offense, the reinstatement fee is $40. For a second offense, it is $300. For third and subsequent offenses, the fee is $600.
- Additional Financial Penalties – For failure to surrender their driver’s license, plates, or registration, a $50 penalty can be assessed.
- High-Risk Insurance Requirement – Coverage must be maintained and on file with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles for three to five years.
Driving without insurance exposes a driver to additional civil penalties if they’re involved in an accident and injure someone. They could face personal liability for financial and personal losses they cause and be required to pay out-of-pocket for any injuries or property damage. Failure to do so may lead to potential civil lawsuits.
These consequences are designed to enforce Ohio’s requirement that all drivers be adequately insured to cover potential liabilities in the event of an accident.
What Happens if You’re in a Car Accident with an Uninsured Driver?
If you’re involved in a collision with an uninsured driver in Ohio, you may face challenges recovering the compensation you deserve. Ohio law does not require drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, but having this coverage can be critical when facing financial challenges due to medical expenses and missed work. Without UM coverage, you may have to pursue a lawsuit against the uninsured driver, though collecting compensation can be difficult if they lack the financial resources to pay. Consulting a car accident attorney can help you understand your options.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation with Our Ohio Car Accident Lawyers
Suppose you suffered injuries in a collision with an uninsured driver. In that case, the Akron car accident lawyers at Amourgis & Associates, Attorney at Law are ready to support you in seeking compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, vehicle damage, and other losses. Contact us today to discuss your case in a free consultation.
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At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we only represent consumers. We fight for regular people who have been seriously hurt in accidents. We fight for people who are being crushed by overwhelming debt and need a fresh start. We fight for individuals and families. Never businesses. Never insurance companies. We are loyal to the consumer.
