News out of Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday may mean big changes for many Ohio drivers in the near future. Beginning this Sunday, December 22, the minimum liability coverage that Ohio motorists carry is scheduled to substantially increase.

As per the OII (Ohio Insurance Institute), the new minimum coverage for bodily injury or death will increase 100% for one person, doubling from $12,000 to $25,000. For multiple occupants, liability coverage for injury, death, and property damage is said to more than triple, reaching upward to approximately $40,000.

If you are an Ohioan whose automobile insurance was issued or renewed at some point in 2013, then the new minimal requirements will not go into effect until your insurance policy expires. When it does expire, the increase in minimal coverage could result in higher premiums. The amount in which those premiums increase will depend on the company that insures you and your driving history.

One Ohio government official says that he believes premiums will increase in specific instances for companies, like Safe Auto, that only go after minimum coverage drivers. He also adds that he believes the increase in premiums will not exceed what drivers are able to pay and that automobile coverage will still be affordable in the state of Ohio.

Currently, Ohio has the lowest minimum liability limit in the entire country and the OII reports that most Ohioans are already subscribed to insurance plans that cover them and their passengers well above the new proposed minimum limits.

Source: WFMJ NBC Ohio, "Major changes coming in Ohio's auto insurance requirements" 18 December 2013