Proof of Insurance or Financial Responsibility

Proof of insurance can be brought in person to the Huron Municipal Court for any citation, it can be mailed with payment or faxed to the Court. The Court can take FRA information prior to the case being closed. After the case is closed, this information must be supplied directly to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Proof of insurance is a State of Ohio requirement. If you showed proof of insurance at the time of the offense, then you have complied with the State of Ohio requirements, no further action on your behalf is required. If you did not show proof of insurance at the time of the offense, the Court is required to notify the State of Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles who in turn will mail you a request for proof of insurance. Failure to comply will result in a suspension of your driving privileges. DO NOT SEND PROOF OF INSURANCE TO THE COURT AFTER PAYMENT.


Ohio's Financial Responsibility Law
An Excerpt from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Website

Ohio’s financial responsibility (FR) law was enacted in October, 1953. The FR law applies to owners of Ohio registered vehicles, motorists leasing vehicles from licensed dealers and those applying for any type of drivers license, including a probationary license. The law states that “no person shall operate or permit the operation of a motor vehicle unless proof of financial responsibility is maintained with respect to that vehicle, or in the case of a driver who is not the owner, with respect to his or her operation of that vehicle.” The purpose of the FR law is to assure compensation to victims when injuries or damages are sustained in a crash. Under Ohio’s FR law, motorists are required to sign a separate form acknowledging financial responsibility upon application for a new or renewed drivers license and when vehicle license plates are purchased or renewed.

Financial Responsibility Requirements

There are several ways a motorist can meet FR law requirements. Only one of the following proofs of financial responsibility must be maintained:

  • An auto liability insurance policy. Motorists choosing to comply through insurance will receive ID cards from their insurance company that indicate FR requirements have been met.
  • A surety bond of $30,000 issued by an authorized surety or insurance company.
  • A certificate issued by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) indicating that money or government bonds in the amount of $30,000 is on deposit with the Treasurer of the State
  • A certificate issued by the BMV showing a bond secured by real estate having equity of at least $60,000
  • A certificate of self-insurance issued by the BMV, available to those with more than 25 vehicles registered in their name or a company's name.

FR Proof Requirements

Proof of FR is required for motorists:

  • Involved in a crash requiring a court appearance.
  • Involved in a crash causing injury , death or more than $400 in property damage and you choose to file a Motor Vehicle Crash Report with the BMV.
  • Upon request by law enforcement when stopped for a traffic violation, a vehicle safety inspection or involvement in a traffic crash.
  • When contacted by mail through the BMV's random FR verification process.

One method of proving FR is by showing an “auto insurance identification” card. ID cards are provided by insurers upon issuance or renewal of an auto insurance policy. The card should be kept with the insured vehicle so it will be readily available upon request.

Ways to Prove FR

When law enforcement officers request FR proof and motorists don’t have it available, they are given a notice explaining the options to provide such proof. The options include:

  • Sending a copy when paying the fine
  • Bringing FR proof when appearing in traffic court
  • Sending FR proof when requested by the BMV

Failure to comply initiates the BMV's suspension process.