Like in many parts of the world, car insurance is mandatory in Ohio. Ohio takes car insurance quite seriously. You do not have it might lead you to face serious consequences. If you are caught driving without car insurance, the state has the right to either suspend your driving privileges or take or sell your car. It is likely that sooner or later, your state will find out if you are driving a car without insurance. One of the ways you might get caught is, you are required to have your proof of insurance at all times. Failing to do so and getting caught will bring forth issues. But even if you are able to bypass such a situation, you can still get flagged in the state’s electronic database. And you’re likely to get a notice in both of these cases.

What are the penalties?

Ohio has three sets of penalties for someone who has been ticketed for driving without insurance.

First offense

As a result of the first offense -driving the car without insurance- the state will suspend your driving license immediately, and you will be fined with various charges. These charges include reinstatement fee, compliance fee, registrar fee, which in total is $160. However, after you pay all the appropriate charges and provide proof of insurance, the state will allow you to have your driving privileges back. But violating any terms will result in your license plate taken away for 30 days.

Second offense

If you are still driving your car without insurance, and the police convict you again within the five years of your first offense, your driving license will be suspended for an entire year. Although the court of law might grant you a limited privilege of driving after 15 days, nothing can be guaranteed about the same. Your total charges for the second offense are $360 – $300 reinstatement fee, $50 compliance, and $10 for registrar fee. And in any case of violation of any terms, the state will take away your license plate and car for 60 days.

Third offense

The third offense has similar consequences, except it exceeded in days your driving license and plate are confiscated and the number of charges you have to pay. When you are caught driving without insurance the third time in a row within five years, you will have to surrender your license for two years in total. You might be allowed a temporary driving privilege after 30 days, but it is not a guarantee. The total charge of the third offense is $660, which is twice the sum of the second offense. You will have to pay $600 for the reinstatement fee alone. However, in case you have violated any terms, the state will take your car away and sell it, along with keeping all the profit it receives. Also, you cannot register for another car for five years.

What happens if you get into an accident in Ohio while you’re driving without insurance?

If you are caught in an accident while driving your car without insurance and you’re at fault, Ohio’s tort law will require you to pay for the victim’s suffering, pain, loss, and medical expenses. If you cannot afford those payments/expenses financially, you might have to liquidate any assets you have – house, cars, etc. You also might get sued by the victim. If you are not at fault, you will still be charged for driving without insurance.

Conclusion

Ohio State has many drivers driving without insurance. According to official statistics, at least 12% of the state population drive without insurance. And there will be over 24000 in 2020. If you don’t have car insurance yet, you should start getting quotes from a car insurance company. For a minimum, you will have to buy coverage of $25,000 physical injury per person, $50,000 for physical injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. If you are looking for Woostercar insurance, Oyer Insurance Agency can help you with affordable and first-class services. Oyer Insurance Agency is an  car insurance company that has competitive prices. You don’t necessarily have to buy full coverage in case you are struggling financially, but minimum coverage is mandatory. Talk to professional insurance agents to find a suitable insurance policy according to your budget.