The personal auto policy itself (Parts A through F, insureds, covered autos and exclusions) is covered in the national Personal Auto Policy guide. Ohio is a tort (fault-based) state. Its compulsory insurance rules are in R.C. Chapter 4509, UM/UIM rules in R.C. 3937.18, and auto cancellation rules in R.C. 3937.30 to 3937.39. This guide covers those Ohio rules.

Financial responsibility: 25/50/25

• An owner's policy covers the named insured and anyone driving with express or implied permission, anywhere in the United States or Canada (R.C. 4509.51).
• Proof must be kept continuously throughout the registration period (R.C. 4509.101). It can be an ID card, the policy or declarations page, a bond, a deposit or a certificate of self-insurance, and it may be shown electronically on a phone. A peace officer enforcing traffic laws asks for it.
• Reinstatement fees after a financial responsibility suspension are $40 for a first violation, $300 for a second and $600 for a third or later (R.C. 4509.101(A)(5)).
• Someone involved in a crash may report within six months that another driver was uninsured. That driver then has 30 days after notice to prove coverage (R.C. 4509.06).
• A person with more than 25 vehicles registered may get a certificate of self-insurance (R.C. 4509.72). A binder for a liability policy counts as the policy (R.C. 4509.56).

UM and UIM are optional in Ohio

• A policy may, but is not required to, include uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage or both. Since 2001, Ohio has no mandatory offer (R.C. 3937.18(A)).
• Uninsured means no liability coverage applies, the liability insurer denies coverage or is insolvent, the driver has immunity, or the driver is unidentified. For an unidentified driver, the insured needs independent corroborating evidence; the insured's own testimony isn't enough (3937.18(B)).
• UIM isn't excess coverage. Its limit is reduced by the at-fault driver's available liability coverage. With $100,000 of UIM and a $25,000 at-fault policy, UIM pays up to $75,000 (3937.18(C)).
• UM/UIM can't be reduced because of workers' compensation benefits (3937.18(E)). Policies may prohibit stacking (3937.18(F)) and may exclude injuries while occupying an owned vehicle not listed on the policy (3937.18(I)).
• Policies may require UM/UIM claims within three years after the accident, or one year after the at-fault insurer's insolvency, whichever is later (3937.18(H)).
• Uninsured motorist property damage: a policy with UM/UIM must make UMPD available for damage by an identified uninsured driver, up to the lesser of $7,500 or the amount otherwise available, with a deductible of no more than $250. It need not be offered if the insured has collision coverage for that damage (R.C. 3937.181).

Cancellation and nonrenewal (R.C. 3937.30 to 3937.39)

• Policy term: every auto policy is issued for at least one year, or is guaranteed renewable to total at least a year (R.C. 3937.31(A)).
• First 90 days: the cancellation limits don't apply to a new policy in effect less than 90 days (R.C. 3937.31(C)).
• After 90 days, cancellation only for fraud or material misrepresentation, loss of driving privileges, nonpayment, or a move to a state where the insurer can't write auto (3937.31(A)). If the suspended driver isn't the named insured or principal operator, the insurer keeps the policy and excludes that driver by endorsement.
• Notice: at least 30 days, or 10 days for nonpayment, stating the reason or offering a written explanation within 5 days of a request (3937.32). Any premium refund must be paid before the cancellation takes effect, or the cancellation is ineffective (3937.33).
• Review: the insured may ask the Superintendent to review a cancellation before it takes effect (3937.35).
• Nonrenewal: at least 30 days' notice (3937.34).
• Prohibited reasons: age alone, race, creed or national origin (3937.38, 3937.39). Accidents by police officers, firefighters and emergency vehicle drivers on duty can't be counted (3937.41), and neither can a civil-violation traffic camera ticket (3937.411).
• Assigned risk plan policies and garage, dealer, repair shop and parking policies aren't covered by these rules (3937.30).

Discounts and rating

• Insureds 60 or older who complete an approved accident prevention course (with classroom instruction and an exam) get a rate reduction (R.C. 3937.43).
• Basing private passenger auto rates solely on where the insured lives is an unfair practice (R.C. 3901.21(CC)).

Claims (O.A.C. 3901-1-54(H))

• If a claimant gets a higher repair estimate, the insurer pays the difference or names a shop that will do the work for its estimate.
• Total loss: a replacement car must be the same make, the same or newer year, similar body style, options and mileage, with taxes and fees paid. A cash settlement may use the average of two or more comparable local cars available in the last 90 days. If the claimant buys a replacement within 30 days, the insurer reimburses sales tax.
• Betterment deductions must reflect a measurable loss in value and be itemized.
• Aftermarket parts must be identified on the estimate with a statutory notice that the customer acknowledges (R.C. 1345.81).

Assigned risk plan

Ohio's auto insurance plan (R.C. 4509.70) includes all insurers authorized to write auto liability or physical damage. Before applying, an agent contacts at least five authorized insurers it represents (or all it represents, if fewer). No answer within 10 days counts as a declination. An agent can't submit an application to the plan if any insurer is willing to write the driver, even if the plan is cheaper.

Common exam traps

• 25/50/25.
• UM/UIM are optional, with no required offer.
• UIM is reduced by the at-fault driver's coverage; it isn't excess.
• 90-day line for cancellation limits; 30 days' notice, 10 for nonpayment; nonrenewal 30 days.
• UMPD: up to $7,500, with a deductible of no more than $250.
• Age 60+ accident prevention course discount.