Ohio Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: Minimum Coverage (2025)

Quick Answer: Ohio Motorcycle Insurance Minimums

Ohio requires all motorcycle operators to carry liability insurance with these minimum coverage amounts:

This is written as 25/50/25—the same minimums required for automobiles in Ohio. Unlike some states, Ohio treats motorcycle insurance the same as car insurance.

---

What Ohio Law Requires for Motorcycles

Under Ohio Revised Code Section 4509.101, motorcycle operators must:

1. Maintain minimum liability coverage at all times
2. Carry proof of insurance while riding
3. Present proof upon request by law enforcement
4. Verify insurance during registration

Understanding the 25/50/25 Coverage

Bodily Injury Liability - $25,000/$50,000

This coverage pays when you injure others:

• $25,000 maximum per injured person
• $50,000 maximum total per accident
• Covers medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering
• Applies to passengers in other vehicles, pedestrians
• Does NOT cover your own injuries

Property Damage Liability - $25,000

This coverage pays for damage you cause:

• Other vehicles
• Guard rails, fences, buildings
• Personal property
• Does NOT cover damage to your motorcycle

---

Motorcycle vs. Auto Insurance in Ohio

While minimums are identical, motorcycle insurance differs:

Key Differences

Motorcycle-Specific Coverage Options

Accessory Coverage

• Custom parts and equipment
• Saddlebags, chrome, windshields
• Sound systems, custom paint
• Typically $1,000 - $5,000 limits

Trip Interruption

• Lodging if motorcycle breaks down
• Transportation home
• Typically $500 - $1,000 limits

Roadside Assistance

• Towing (motorcycle-specific flatbed)
• Flat tire service
• Fuel delivery
• Lockout assistance

Track Day Coverage

• Covers damage during organized track events
• Usually excluded from standard policies
• Separate endorsement required

---

Why Minimums Aren't Enough for Riders

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries:

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Real-World Scenario

Situation: You lose control and sideswipe an SUV with a passenger.

• SUV passenger injury: $75,000 medical bills
• SUV damage: $18,000
• Total: $93,000
• Your 25/50/25 pays: $43,000 max
• You owe: $50,000 out of pocket

---

Recommended Coverage for Ohio Riders

Minimum Recommended: 50/100/50

Better Protection: 100/300/100

Critical Additional Coverage

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)

• Protects you when hit by uninsured drivers
• Especially important for motorcyclists
• Covers your medical bills and lost wages
• Ohio requires insurers to offer UM/UIM
• Must reject in writing if declining

Medical Payments Coverage

• Pays your medical bills regardless of fault
• Covers you and your passenger
• Important since health insurance may have gaps
• Typically $5,000 - $25,000 limits

Collision Coverage

• Pays to repair your motorcycle after accidents
• Required if you have a loan on the bike
• Subject to deductible
• Consider for bikes worth $5,000+

Comprehensive Coverage

• Theft (motorcycles are frequently stolen)
• Vandalism
• Weather damage
• Fire
• Animal strikes

---

Penalties for Riding Uninsured in Ohio

First Offense

Second Offense (within 5 years)

Accident While Uninsured

---

Ohio's Random Verification System

Ohio uses electronic insurance verification:

How It Works

1. BMV randomly selects vehicle registrations
2. Request for verification sent to owner
3. 14 days to respond with proof of insurance
4. Failure to respond = automatic suspension

Consequences of Failed Verification

---

SR-22 Requirements for Ohio Riders

When SR-22 Is Required

• DUI/OVI conviction
• Riding without insurance (accident involved)
• Accumulating 12+ points on license
• At-fault accident while uninsured
• License suspension for insurance lapse

SR-22 Requirements

Maintaining SR-22

• Continuous coverage for full 3-year period
• Any lapse restarts the 3-year clock
• Insurer notifies BMV within days of cancellation
• Immediate suspension if SR-22 lapses

---

How Much Does Ohio Motorcycle Insurance Cost?

Average annual premiums in Ohio:

Factors Affecting Rates

• Rider age: Under 25 pays significantly more
• Riding experience: New riders pay more
• Motorcycle type: Sport bikes cost more than cruisers
• Engine size: Larger engines = higher premiums
• Driving record: Accidents/tickets increase rates
• Location: Urban areas cost more
• Storage: Garaged bikes may cost less
• Annual mileage: Less riding = lower rates

Cost by Motorcycle Type

---

Seasonal and Lay-Up Coverage

Ohio winters make seasonal coverage valuable:

Lay-Up Coverage Options

Full suspension:

• Remove all coverage during storage months
• Risk: No theft/fire coverage
• Savings: 30-50% off annual premium

Comprehensive only:

• Remove liability during storage
• Keep theft/fire coverage
• Recommended for valuable bikes
• Savings: 20-40% off annual premium

Seasonal Coverage Tips

• Notify insurer before storing
• Don't ride with suspended liability
• Reactivate coverage before first ride
• Consider storage insurance for valuable bikes

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Is motorcycle insurance required in Ohio?

Yes. Ohio requires all motorcycle operators to carry minimum liability insurance of 25/50/25. Riding without insurance results in fines, license suspension, and potential vehicle seizure.

Does my car insurance cover my motorcycle?

No. Auto insurance policies exclude motorcycles. You must purchase separate motorcycle insurance. Some insurers offer multi-policy discounts if you bundle both.

Do I need insurance for a moped or scooter in Ohio?

It depends on the vehicle classification. Mopeds under 50cc with limited speed may not require insurance but must be registered. Scooters over 50cc or capable of 35+ mph require insurance like motorcycles.

Can I get insurance with a motorcycle permit?

Yes, but coverage may be limited and premiums higher. Some insurers require a full motorcycle endorsement. Others will insure permit holders but exclude certain coverage.

Does Ohio require a helmet?

Ohio requires helmets for riders under 18 and those with permits. Riders 18+ with endorsements may ride without helmets. However, insurance premiums may be affected by helmet use.

What if someone else rides my motorcycle?

Your liability coverage typically follows the bike, not the rider. However, the other rider must have a valid license and endorsement. Check your policy for specific permissive use rules.

---

Key Takeaways

• Ohio requires 25/50/25 minimum liability for motorcycles
• Same minimums as auto insurance requirements
• State minimums often inadequate for motorcycle accidents
• UM/UIM highly recommended - motorcyclists face greater injury risk
• SR-22 required for OVI, uninsured accidents, and points violations
• Seasonal coverage available for winter storage
• Average cost: $200 - $800/year depending on coverage and bike type

---

Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Ohio motorcycle insurance requirements based on publicly available sources. This is not legal or insurance advice. Insurance requirements can change, and individual circumstances vary.

Always verify current requirements with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Department of Insurance. Consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: November 2025

Sources: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4509, Ohio Department of Insurance