The best car insurance in Ohio

The average car insurance rate for full coverage in Ohio is $1,038 per year. Compared to the nationwide average of $1,652 per year, drivers in the Buckeye State pay $614 less for their car insurance. According to our research, Ohio drivers have some of the lowest rates in the country.

Your car insurance rates are going to be different from what your neighbor pays. Details like your age, credit score, and driving record all determine the rates you pay. Policygenius can help you see quotes from top insurers so you can choose the best coverage at the right price.

Cheapest car insurance companies in Ohio

If you dream of driving a luxury vehicle, then you should be prepared to pay more to insure it. The more expensive a car is to repair, the higher the insurance will be to keep you legal and on the road. 

Other factors that determine your insurance rates include your location, marital status, and driving history. The table below shows the five cheapest car insurance companies in Ohio.

Cheapest car insurance companies by age in Ohio

It’s no surprise that young drivers pay more for car insurance than any other demographic. Nationwide, statistics show young, inexperienced drivers are more likely to engage in risky behaviors like speeding and texting while driving. Distracted driving can lead to increased accidents and more accident claims, which means increased rates for everyone. 

As drivers reach age 25, rates tend to decrease, but this isn’t always the case. A lot depends on the individual driver. The table below shows the company with the lowest rates in every age group.

Choosing the right car insurance company in Ohio

You’ve probably seen so many advertisements for car insurance that it can be hard to choose a company you can trust. You want a company with a proven track record of reliable customer service and won’t raise your rates if you’re in a wreck.

Here’s what to watch out for when choosing your next insurance company:

• Does the company have offices nearby? Or is it strictly online? 

• Do they make it easy to file a claim? 

• Do they have an app?

Policygenius can help you compare quotes and choose the best coverage for your insurance needs.

Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in Ohio

Getting a ticket for running a red light might not seem like a big deal, but it can raise your insurance rates by several hundred dollars with some companies. 

The average car insurance rates for drivers in Ohio with speeding tickets or other moving violations are shown below.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in Ohio

Did you know that if you continually miss a payment deadline, it could cause your car insurance rates to go up? A bad credit score can make it harder to get a new credit card, lease an apartment, or get a car loan. Below are the average rates for drivers in Ohio with bad credit.

Car insurance costs in Ohio cities

The more people in an area, the more cars on the roads, which means a higher risk of accidents. Below are the average car insurance rates for the ten largest cities in Ohio, based on population.

• Columbus: $1,183

• Cincinnati: $1,209

• Cleveland: $1,227

• Toledo: $1,197

• Akron: $1,126

• Dayton: $962

• Parma: $995

• Canton: $1,066

• Youngstown: $1,213

• Lorain: $1,001

Residents in Cincinnati and Columbus pay the highest rates in the state. But, overall, these rates are still $400 less than the national average.

Buying car insurance in Ohio

If your vehicle is registered in Ohio, state law says drivers must have the following minimum liability insurance requirements or other proof of financial responsibility:

• Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $25,000

• Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $50,000

• Property damage liability coverage: $25,000

• Continuous coverage on a vehicle even if it is inoperable or not being driven.

• A certificate issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, indicating that money or government bonds in the amount of $30,000 are on deposit with the office of the Treasurer of the State of Ohio.

• A certificate of bond issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in the amount of $30,000, signed by two individuals who own real estate having equity of at least $60,000.

•  A $30,000 bond issued by an insurance company or authorized surety.

These are just the basic required minimum rates. However, if you have a car loan or lease a vehicle, you’ll need to have more than liability insurance.

Ohio is a fault car accident state when it comes to accidents. This means that if you cause an accident, you must fully compensate the other driver for any damages to their property up to the required amounts or personal injuries resulting from the crash.

How to get cheap car insurance in Ohio

Most Ohio insurance companies offer ways to save money on your car insurance. These are some of the discounts available to customers:

• Bundling discount: When you get more than one insurance policy (auto and home) from the same insurer 

• Safe-driver discount: For drivers without any accident claims during a given time frame or for those drivers who take a defensive driving course

• Group or association discount: A discount for members of a certain profession or university

• Military discount: A discount for active-duty military and their family

Not everyone will qualify for these discounts. Comparing quotes from top companies can help you make the right choice. 

Methodology

Policygenius has analyzed car insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for every ZIP code in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. For full coverage policies, the following coverage limits were used:

• Bodily injury liability: 50/100

• Property damage liability: $50,000

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: 50/100

• Comprehensive: $500 deductible

• Collision: $500 deductible

In some cases, additional coverages were added where required by state or insurer.

Rates for overall average rate, rates by ZIP code, and cheapest companies determined using averages for single drivers ages 30, 35, and 45. Our sample vehicle was a 2017 Toyota Camry LE driven 10,000 miles/year.

Rates for driving violations and “Poor” credit determined using average rates for a single male 30-year-old driver with a credit score under 578.

Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.