Best Car Insurance In Ohio (2024) (2024)

Written by:

Dash Lewis,

Written by: Dash Lewis Content Writer

Writer

02/18/2024 11:29 am

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Key Points:

• Compared to the national average, Ohio has some of the cheapest auto insurance rates overall.
• While Ohio car insurance can be affordable, your rate can change drastically based on age, driving record, and more.
• Ohio drivers are required by law to have a minimum of liability insurance, but full-coverage insurance may be worth it if you have good credit and a clean driving record.

If you are a driver in the Buckeye State, you want to save money on Ohio car insurance. While there are several ways to lower your car insurance premiums, the best way to cut costs is to find Ohio car insurance with the cheapest rates overall.

Our team has researched and rated the best car insurance companies in the industry. During our research, we were able to determine what auto insurance coverage would also be the cheapest for Ohio drivers.

Cheapest Minimum Coverage Insurance In Ohio

If you don’t want to pay for full auto insurance coverage, you may just want to stick with your required minimum coverage, or liability insurance, instead. Our research shows that Erie Insurance offers the most affordable liability auto insurance rates for good drivers in Ohio at $20 per month or $240 annually:

Cheapest Ohio Car Insurance For 16-Year-Olds

Because young drivers have less driving experience, they pay more as policyholders, and that’s especially true in Ohio. The annual average for full-coverage car insurance for a 16-year-old driver in Ohio is $11,036 compared to the national average of $8,261 for drivers of the same age.

Nationwide offers the most affordable full coverage insurance for young drivers in Ohio. Plans average out at $203 per month or just $2,441 per year. Erie Insurance is similarly priced:

Cheapest Ohio Car Insurance With A Speeding Ticket

While speeding tickets will still raise your insurance rates in Ohio, many providers still offer affordable full-coverage car insurance. Erie Insurance offers the most affordable full coverage in Ohio for drivers with a ticket at $68 per month or $816 per year:

Cheapest Ohio Car Insurance With A Recent Accident

Many Ohio drivers who’ve experienced a recent at-fault car accident can get comprehensive coverage from Erie for just $85 per month or $1,018 per year. Nationwide coverage prices are similar for drivers with a recent accident:

In evaluating the best insurance company options, we found several companies that also suit the needs of Ohio drivers. To determine which company is best for you, you should consider a provider’s reputation, customer service rankings, and costs. From there, it’s good to research the available car insurance discounts and perks.

Our research showed the best car insurance companies in Ohio are USAA, Geico, American Family, Travelers, and Progressive:

If you are a military member in search of car insurance in Ohio, USAA generally offers the best rates.You will also qualify for coverage as a veteran or family member of someone in the service. USAA consistently provides low car insurance rates under a variety of circ*mstances.

While not everyone will be able to get Ohio auto insurance with USAA, it pays to look into the plans. In both the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study^SM and the 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study^SM, USAA had some of the highest scores for customer and claims satisfaction. However, with its limited scope of customers, the company is excluded from J.D. Power study rankings for failing to meet eligibility criteria.

Some of the company’s coverage options that set it apart include:

• Roadside assistance: Get peace of mind knowing that you are covered for towing, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, lockout service, and jump-starts. This optional coverage can be added on for a small fee.
• Accident forgiveness: When you pay for this program, your premiums won’t increase after your first at-fault accident. Then, remain accident-free for five years and USAA automatically adds it to your policy for free.
• Rental reimbursem*nt: If your vehicle goes into the shop for repairs, you can utilize this optional coverage to get a rental car.
• Car replacement assistance: With this plan, you will receive 20 percent more than the actual value of your car after an accident.
• Gap insurance: If you finance your car, you will want to add this protection, and many lenders require it. If your vehicle is declared a total loss, USAA ensures that the loan is paid off. Unfortunately, the company doesn’t provide this protection for leased vehicles, as some other providers do.

USAA provides cheap car insurance and a variety of policy terms. If you can qualify, we believe you will find exceptional coverage through this insurer.

To learn more about the auto insurance provider, check out our review of USAA insurance.

For those of you that cannot get coverage through USAA, the next best option for auto insurance in Ohio is Geico. The company has become known for its gecko mascot and creative commercials. With all the money spent on advertising, you may think Geico has higher prices. Surprisingly, the provider actually ends up being one of the cheapest when comparing car insurance quote information.

The rates for Ohio auto insurance through Geico jump significantly if you have marks on your driving record or have bad credit. For this reason, Geico might only offer competitive rates if you have a good driving record and good credit score, but it doesn’t hurt to get a free quote and see what’s offered.

As far as reputation goes, Geico is one of the top options. The J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study gives Geico an above-average score, and the company maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Policy and add-on options from Geico include:

• Accident forgiveness: Keep the same rate, even after an at-fault accident.
• Roadside assistance: Choose to add access to towing, jump-start services, a locksmith, and more.
• Rental car coverage: You can receive reimbursem*nt for a rental car if your coverage includes it.
• Coverage for belongings: If your vehicle gets broken into, you can use the additional coverage to replace the stolen items.
• Glass coverage: Geico provides full glass protection against road debris or other objects that break your car’s windshield.

While Geico might not have the lowest car insurance rates in Ohio, it’s worth taking a few minutes to see what it offers.

To learn more about the auto insurance provider, check out our comprehensive Geico review.

Another company that we recommend for Ohio car insurance is American Family Insurance. This insurance provider is a good option for parents with teenagers who are starting to drive, seniors, and people looking to bundle multiple policies. The company offers several discounts, many of which are facilitated through the usage-based KnowYourDrive program.

In terms of customer satisfaction with the claims process, American Family scored 882 out of a possible 1,000 points, or above average, in the North Central region in the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. That’s important to keep in mind when you’re trying to find a provider with great customer service.

To learn more about the car insurance provider, check out our review of American Family auto insurance.

Travelers may not be as well known as Geico or USAA, but the company is a big player in the car insurance industry. Like most of its competition, it has an A rating with the BBB and an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best.

Along with basic coverage, you can receive the following through Travelers:

• Roadside assistance
• Rental car reimbursem*nt
• Gap insurance
• New car replacement
• Accident forgiveness

Quotes are available online and by phone, but Travelers primarily works through independent insurance agents. That can be a perk for drivers who want to form a personal connection with one agent.

To learn more about the car insurance provider, check out our review of Travelers insurance.

We also think Progressive is a great option for Ohio car insurance. Progressive came in fifth place in our ranking of national auto insurance companies overall, earning 4.5 out of 5.0 stars.

The auto insurer wrote almost $40 billion in premiums in 2022, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and is the third largest company for private car insurance. It has an A+ rating from AM Best, though it performed average on both of the J.D. Power studies mentioned above.

In addition to standard coverage options, Progressive offers roadside assistance, loan payoff, custom parts coverage, and insurance for rideshare drivers. The company has some decent car insurance discounts, too. You can lower your rate with the Snapshot app, and you can save $50 toward your deductible for each policy term you have without a claim.

To learn more about the car insurance provider, check out our full Progressive insurance review.

Ohio law mandates a certain amount of auto insurance coverage for residents. Drivers must maintain the following minimum requirements:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability for one person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability for two or more people
• $25,000 property damage liability per accident

These car insurance terms only apply to the damage you cause to other people’s property. None of these minimums will cover what happens to your vehicle or your occupants as a result of an accident that you cause.

Each state dictates what type of auto insurance coverage is required. The majority of state-required auto insurance includes some form of bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Other states also require personal injury protection, uninsured motorist coverage, and underinsured motorist coverage.

A serious accident could quickly surpass Ohio’s minimum liability auto insurance coverage requirements. If you don’t want to pay for the bills out of pocket, you should consider carrying more than the state minimum Ohio car insurance. There are a few optional coverages you could choose.

• Comprehensive coverage
• Collision coverage
• Medical payments
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Gap insurance
• Rental car reimbursem*nt
• Roadside assistance

Ohio is considered an at-fault state. This term means that whoever caused the accident is responsible for the damages. Typically, these damages are covered by the insurance company directly, unless the term limits don’t allow for compensation.

Some drivers are denied coverage in the voluntary market because of poor credit, a bad driving record, or other factors. In these situations, drivers must apply through the Ohio Automobile Insurance Plan. This program is a last resort that provides coverage at the highest rates in the state.

There’s also the option to forgo car insurance if you can prove financial responsibility in one of two ways:

• By leaving a $30,000 deposit with the state treasury in bonds or cash
• By purchasing a bond from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for $30,000 using your property that contains equity of at least $60,000.

In the state of Ohio, teen drivers are permitted to receive their probationary license at the age of 15 and a half. Then, the teen must complete a driver education class and finish 50 hours of driving. After six months, and once requirements are met, the young driver may get a license.

Until the age of 18, teens must follow additional driving rules, including:

• No operation of a vehicle between midnight and 6:00 am without a parent (in the first year). After the first year, this changes to 1:00 am until 5:00 am.
• Teens may only have one non-family member in the car without a parent (in the first year).
• Everyone must wear seat belts.
• No use of mobile phones is permitted.

Despite that state having the fifth largest interstate system in the country, Ohio auto insurance rates continue to be on the lower side when compared with other states. This fact, paired with its moderate seasonal weather conditions, makes Ohio a good state for drivers.

If you want to save money on your Ohio auto insurance, we have some tips for you.

• Shop discounts: Each insurer offers its own set of discounts. Browse to see which ones you can qualify for. Sometimes, you can get a better Ohio car insurance rate by choosing a higher-priced company that offers more discounts.
• Bundle your policies: If you already have renters or homeowners insurance, you should seek auto insurance through that provider first. Many companies offer a significant discount if you have multiple policies.
• Adjust your deductible: The deductible is the amount you will pay for your comprehensive and collision claims. The less you pay, the higher your premium will be, and vice versa. If you can afford to pay more out of pocket during an incident, raising the deductible will save you money on your premiums.
• Maintain a good credit score: Having good credit can help you save money. If you pay your bills on time, the insurance company will give you a lower rate.
• Be a safe driver: If you have a clean driving record, you will also get a lower cost. Some companies offer an app that monitors how you drive. If you maintain low speeds and don’t brake too heavily, the company will give you a substantial discount. Consider looking at State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save™ program for one.
• Consider your vehicle: Owning a luxury sports car may affect your Ohio car insurance rates, since providers must take into account the cost to repair your vehicle when determining the price of your policy. If you are planning to purchase a new or used luxury vehicle, talk to your insurance provider first.

We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to shop around when looking for insurance. Cross-reference our top insurance providers guide and get a quote from at least three reputable options.

While Nationwide and Erie offer the cheapest full coverage and liability coverage for many drivers in Ohio, USAA insurance may be more affordable for military members and their families. For those looking for different coverage options, Geico has flexible coverage options with a wide selection of discounts to help make policies more affordable.

The best car insurance in Ohio for you will depend on your driving history, vehicle, credit, and many other factors. As always, consider quotes from multiple providers before committing to an insurance policy.

Our review team extensively researches auto insurance providers to deliver informed and unbiased assessments of leading companies. We evaluate several key rating factors that are important to consumers to determine which providers are the best in the industry:

• Reliability: It’s important that an auto insurer is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong financial strength rating from AM Best score best in this category. Established insurers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
• Availability: Insurance companies that offer wider availability to consumers in terms of state availability and few eligibility requirements are more likely to meet consumer needs.
• Coverage: To determine our coverage score, we look at the number of coverage options available as well as coverage limits and deductible options. Our ratings also take into account additional services and benefits like roadside assistance.
• Pricing: Cost can be difficult to compare between insurers because so many factors impact annual premiums. The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. To determine our cost score, we look at insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, discount opportunities, and consumer reports.
• Service: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. Insurers with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the claims process, giving higher ratings to car insurance providers that offer a smooth experience.
• Technology: Providers with an online quote tool, easy-to-use claims app and a usage-based insurance app score best in this category.