CheapInsurance.com has put together expert tips and quote comparisons to help you find affordable car insurance in Ohio.
Ohio is an “at-fault” car accident state, and drivers are financially responsible for any accident they cause.
The average cost of car insurance in Ohio is $1,028 per year—this is 33% less than the national average.
Rates vary on an individual basis, depending on:
- The person’s driving history.
- Credit rating.
- Marital status.
- Age.
- Gender.
- Vehicle type.
- Insurance provider.
- Location within the state.
- Coverage type.
- Set deductible.
To help you find the best deals on car insurance in the state, we’ve compared quotes from car insurers in these Ohio counties:
- Franklin County.
- Cuyahoga County.
- Hamilton County.
- Summit County.
- Montgomery County.
To help you find the cheapest car insurance in Ohio, we’ve compared quotes from these car insurers:
- Mile Auto.
- Nationwide.
- Clearcover.
- Elephant.
- Midvale.
- Liberty Mutual.
- Grange.
Because the cost of car insurance is highly dependent on your individual driving profile, we’ve gone a step further and compared the cost of Ohio auto insurance for these types of drivers:
- Good drivers (those with a clean driving record).
- Young drivers (those aged between 16-25)
- Bad drivers (those with a history of traffic violations).
Is It Legal to Drive without Car Insurance in Ohio?
In Ohio, not having car insurance is illegal. If you are caught driving without it, you will face a number of penalties.
Your license will be immediately suspended and you will be charged with fines amounting to but not exceeding $1,000.00.
If you are subsequently convicted for driving without a valid driver’s license, you will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. This is punished by up to 6 months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
Types of Car InsuranceLiability coverage Liability coverage pays for damages to another vehicle, its driver, and passengers when you cause an accident, or to you when another driver causes an accident. Liability insurance does not pay for damage to the car of the driver who caused the accident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) coverage Uninsured motorist coverage means that a driver’s insurance company will cover damages and injuries caused by another driver who doesn’t have insurance. Personal injury protection (PIP) Several states have made PIP coverage mandatory in an effort to reduce the number of lawsuits following car accidents. PIP covers medical expenses and other costs for the insured driver and his or her passengers, regardless of who caused an accident. Collision If a driver has collision coverage, his or her insurance company will pay for damage to the driver’s vehicle in the event of a collision, regardless of fault. Comprehensive Comprehensive coverage is optional coverage designed to cover theft or damage caused by something other than a collision, such as weather, fires, floods, and vandalism. Comprehensive coverage also insures against damage caused by hitting an animal while driving, which can be very important in some states. |
Minimum Liability Insurance in Ohio
Minimum liability insurance is popular because you pay much cheaper car insurance premiums.
However, it only covers the other driver’s injuries and property damage and does not include protection for damage to your vehicle or injuries sustained by you or your passengers.
The low coverage limits could end up costing you more in the long run if you are the cause of an accident.
It may be worthwhile to compare the difference in price between minimum liability insurance and full coverage insurance.
While each U.S. state will have different minimum liability insurance requirements, it always addresses three key points:
- Bodily injury coverage per person: This covers medical bills, legal fees, or lost wages you might be required to pay to an individual third party.
- Bodily injury coverage per accident: This is the maximum amount your insurer will pay out for medical bills, legal fees, or lost wages in the event of an accident, regardless of how many people are injured.
- Property damage coverage per accident: This is the maximum amount your insurer will pay out for repairs or a replacement if you cause damage to another person’s property.
The minimum coverage requirements in Ohio are:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person.
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident.
- $25,000 in property damage liability.
Drivers should also have the same minimum amounts of uninsured bodily injury coverage to protect themselves if they are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver.
All drivers in Ohio have to meet these liability requirements. If you’re found to be at fault in a car accident and do not meet the minimum liability insurance requirements, you will be held personally responsible for paying the other party’s medical bills, legal bills, and lost wages.
This basic coverage pays for medical bills, vehicle damage, and other costs of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who incur losses from a car accident you cause, up to the coverage limits.
We have found that on average, the cost of a minimum liability car insurance policy in Ohio is $94.51per month.
Mile Auto offers the lowest insurance rates for minimum liability coverage, which costs on average $51.00 per month.
| Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance in Ohio | ||||||
| Provider | Franklin County | Cuyahoga County | Hamilton County | Summit County | Montgomery County | Average |
| Mile Auto | $49.00 | $48.00 | $56.00 | N/A | N/A | $51.00 |
| Nationwide | $83.00 | $81.00 | $83.00 | $116.00 | $151.00 | $102.80 |
| Clearcover | $71.00 | $71.00 | N/A | N/A | N/A | $71.00 |
| Elephant | $84.00 | $83.00 | $94.00 | N/A | $123.00 | $96.00 |
| Midvale | $98.00 | $100.00 | $107.00 | N/A | N/A | $101.67 |
| Liberty Mutual | $114.00 | $119.00 | $137.00 | $171.00 | $182.00 | $144.60 |
Find Cheap Comprehensive Car Insurance in Ohio
Although it’s optional to have a comprehensive car insurance policy in Ohio, you should consider it if you can afford it unless you have savings that can cover damage to your vehicle in the following scenarios:
- Theft or theft of parts.
- Non-crash damage (e.g., natural disasters, fire, flooding).
- Broken windshield.
- Car damage from hitting an animal.
Repairing car damage can cost thousands of dollars. Without comprehensive car insurance, you risk finding yourself in a situation where you can’t drive your car because you can’t afford to get it repaired.
To help you find the cheapest comprehensive car insurance in Ohio, we’ve compared the rates offered by six insurers. We found that the cheapest comprehensive car insurers in Ohio are:
- Mile Auto with average rates of $51.00 per month.
- Clearcover with average rates of $90.00 per month.
- Commonwealth Casualty with average rates of $104.33 per month.
| Cheapest Full Coverage Insurance in Ohio | ||||||
| Provider | Franklin County | Cuyahoga County | Hamilton County | Summit County | Montgomery County | Average |
| Mile Auto | $49.00 | $48.00 | $56.00 | N/A | N/A | $51.00 |
| Nationwide | $94.00 | $95.00 | $93.00 | $159.00 | N/A | $110.25 |
| Clearcover | $90.00 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $90.00 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $98.00 | $94.00 | $121.00 | N/A | N/A | $104.33 |
| Grange | $100.00 | $104.00 | $111.00 | N/A | N/A | $105.00 |
| Midvale | $110.00 | $111.00 | $121.00 | N/A | N/A | $114.00 |
Cheap Car Insurance in Ohio for Drivers with Clean Driving Records
Good drivers (drivers with a clean driving record) are in a good position to find cheap car insurance. Car insurance companies consider good drivers to be people who:
- Have not been the cause of any car accidents.
- Have no traffic offenses.
- Have a good credit score.
- Have no speeding tickets.
- Have no reckless driving charges.
- Have no DUI convictions.
As an incentive, many car insurance companies offer a good driver discount on your car insurance rates, saving you more money.
Some car insurance companies will offer an additional discount if you have completed an accredited defensive driving course.
We’ve looked at the average car insurance rates offered by car insurance companies in Ohio for good drivers. The three cheapest car insurance companies for good drivers are:
- Mile Auto with average rates of $51.00 per month.
- Clearcover with average rates of $71.50 per month.
- Grange with average rates of $100.67 per month.
| Cheapest Car Insurance for Good Drivers in Ohio | ||||||
| Provider | Franklin County | Cuyahoga County | Hamilton County | Summit County | Montgomery County | Average |
| Mile Auto | $49.00 | $48.00 | $56.00 | N/A | N/A | $51.00 |
| Nationwide | $86.00 | $85.00 | $86.00 | $148.00 | $159.00 | $112.80 |
| Clearcover | $71.00 | $72.00 | N/A | N/A | N/A | $71.50 |
| Elephant | $89.00 | $87.00 | $98.00 | N/A | $130.00 | $101.00 |
| Grange | $96.00 | $100.00 | $106.00 | N/A | N/A | $100.67 |
| Midvale | $101.00 | $103.00 | $111.00 | N/A | N/A | $105.00 |
Cheap Car Insurance in Ohio for High-Risk Drivers
Drivers with incidents on their record—such as an at-fault accident or a DUI (driving under the influence) citation—pay higher insurance rates.
The reason for this is that insurance companies believe these drivers are more likely to make future claims against their auto insurance policy.
Some of the offenses that may lead to someone being considered a high-risk driver include:
- Receiving a DUI conviction.
- Reckless driving.
- Speeding tickets.
- Being found at-fault in a major accident.
- Having too many points on your driving record.
- Driving without meeting the minimum liability coverage requirements.
- Unpaid child support payments.
- Unpaid insurance policy premiums.
- A poor credit rating.
Cheap auto insurance in Ohio with bad credit
Your credit score affects your risk profile in most states, even though it has nothing to do with your ability to drive safely.
Drivers with a poor credit score are seen as being more of a risk and they pay a lot more on their insurance policy.
On average, Ohio drivers with poor credit pay 52% more per year than those with excellent credit ratings.
We’ve done the hard work of comparing quotes from various insurers to help you find the best rate.
- The cheapest car insurance company for high-risk drivers is Commonwealth Casualty with average rates of $156.33 per month.
- The most expensive car insurance company for high-risk drivers is Bristol West with average rates of $349.00 per month.
| Cheapest Auto Insurance for Bad Drivers in Ohio | ||||||
| Provider | Franklin County | Cuyahoga County | Hamilton County | Summit County | Montgomery County | Average |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $146.00 | $141.00 | $182.00 | N/A | N/A | $156.33 |
| Elephant | $139.00 | $139.00 | $160.00 | N/A | $197.00 | $158.75 |
| Dairyland | $126.00 | $138.00 | $182.00 | $246.00 | N/A | $173.00 |
| Liberty Mutual | $174.00 | $184.00 | $210.00 | N/A | N/A | $189.33 |
| The General | $253.00 | $297.00 | $308.00 | $274.00 | N/A | $283.00 |
| Bristol West | $275.00 | $275.00 | $339.00 | $227.00 | $629.00 | $349.00 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Ohio for Young Drivers
Since young drivers have less experience behind the wheel, insurers tend to charge them higher rates compared to more mature drivers.
A full coverage policy is recommended for teen drivers if they can afford it. Teens get into accidents more often than adult drivers, so they’re more likely to benefit from having repairs on their car covered.
A minimum coverage policy, though it is much cheaper, could ultimately cost more if a teen gets into a serious accident and has to pay for repairs completely out-of-pocket.
Good student and driver safety course discounts can help young drivers reduce their rates, as can staying on a parent’s policy for as long as possible.
On average, most drivers will see their rates drop as they get older with a significant decrease once they turn 25 years old.
We’ve compared the cost of car insurance for young drivers to help you save on auto insurance costs. The cheapest car insurance for young drivers is Mile Auto at $77.00.
| Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Drivers in Ohio | ||||||
| Provider | Franklin County | Cuyahoga County | Hamilton County | Summit County | Montgomery County | Average |
| Dairyland | $116.00 | N/A | N/A | $602.00 | N/A | $359.00 |
| Elephant | $102.00 | $101.00 | $116.00 | N/A | $191.00 | $136.00 |
| Mile Auto | $76.00 | $77.00 | N/A | N/A | N/A | $77.00 |
| Certainly | $119.00 | $128.00 | $149.00 | N/A | N/A | $138.50 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $179.00 | $176.00 | $225.00 | N/A | N/A | $200.50 |
| GAINSCO | $186.00 | N/A | $279.00 | N/A | N/A | $232.50 |
Need Cheap Car Insurance in Other States?
Out-of-state insurance is illegal in almost all U.S. states and is considered to be insurance fraud. This means that your car insurance must be registered in the state you live in.
Some of the penalties for committing insurance fraud include:
- Up to five years in prison.
- A $50,000 fine.
If you plan to move from Ohio, you will need to find a new car insurance company in the state you move to.
You will usually have a 90-day grace period to cancel your car insurance and get car insurance in your new state.
To find the best insurance rates in other U.S. states, read our articles below:
Top Tips for Finding Affordable Car Insurance
1.Take Note of Lender Requirements
If your car is financed or leased, your lender is likely to require that you have liability insurance, comprehensive coverage, and collision insurance.
In fact, most car dealerships won’t let you drive the car off the lot until you can prove you have full coverage car insurance.
Full coverage car insurance protects your lender if you’re in a car accident or your car is stolen and you can no longer afford to meet your monthly payments.
Key Point: Full Coverage Car Insurance Full coverage car insurance is made up of three different types of car insurance policies:
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If you lose your required insurance coverage, your lender could add single-interest insurance to your loan in order to protect themselves.
You should avoid allowing your car insurance to lapse because single-interest car insurance is much more expensive than standard car insurance.
Key Point: How Can I Lower My Car Insurance Rates for Full Coverage Insurance?
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2.Compare Quotes from Different Car Insurance Companies
Even if you think you’ve found a good deal on car insurance, it’s always a good idea to shop around for a lower rate.
You can do this yourself, but going through an insurance agent can save you time and money.
The only way to be completely certain that you’re getting the best rates on your car insurance is to compare quotes from multiple insurers.
You can do this yourself, but it is time-consuming. You’ll need to phone each car insurance company or fill out an online form for them to give you a quote.
To save time, you can go through a licensed insurance agent or compare quotes from different insurance providers by using our online quote finder.
Top Car Insurance Companies in Ohio
1.Nationwide
Over the last 90 years, Nationwide has grown from a small mutual auto insurer owned by policyholders to one of the largest insurance and financial services companies in the world.
Nationwide offers car insurance coverage in 46 states and a portfolio comprised of a variety of standard and add-on insurance options.
They also offer usage-based insurance, also known as pay as you drive. Usage-based insurance is a type of car insurance whereby the costs are dependent upon the type of vehicle used, measured against time, distance, behavior, and place.
Nationwide has an A+ rating from the BBB and AM Best.
2. Bristol West
Founded in 1973, Bristol West’s national footprint makes it one of the top ten biggest insurance companies in the U.S.
Bristol West was originally created to provide high-risk drivers with affordable insurance policies and has since expanded its services to all types of drivers.
Some of the benefits offered by Bristol West include:
- Multiple policy bundling discounts.
- Personalized car insurance policies.
- Rideshare coverage.
- Medical payments.
- Gap coverage.
- Towing and roadside assistance.
- Rental car reimbursement.
- Ohio has a minimum coverage requirement known as the 25/50/25 rule.
- The average cost of minimum liability auto insurance in Ohio is $328 per year.
- Full car insurance coverage in the state costs an average of $1,024 per year.
- Approximately 13% of drivers in Ohio are uninsured.
- Ohio is an at-fault state for car insurance purposes.
Car Insurance in Ohio FAQs
Is Ohio a no-fault state?
No. Ohio is an “at-fault” state, meaning that if you are hurt in a car accident you can recover costs from the driver who caused the accident.
What is the average cost of car insurance in Ohio
The average cost of car insurance in Ohio is 43% lower than the national average auto insurance premium, and Ohio ranks seventh out of 50 for the most affordable car insurance rates in the U.S.
Every insurer has their own way of calculating premiums, so it’s a good idea to get quotes from at least three different companies to make sure you find the best deal.
What car insurance discounts are available in Ohio?
You can get car insurance discounts in Ohio based on how you drive, the car you own, and your relationship with your insurance company.
In Ohio, car insurance companies consider factors such as employment, credit rating, residential, and marital status when setting premiums.
That means there are also discounts available for being married, and owning a home.
Do I need to buy underinsured motorist coverage in Ohio?
There is no legal requirement in Ohio to maintain underinsured motorist coverage, but it can prove to be valuable protection.
Underinsured motorist coverage provides protection in an accident in which the at-fault driver doesn’t have any or enough insurance to cover all the damages.
This kind of coverage is a relatively inexpensive add-on to a regular auto insurance policy and can prove to be beneficial in the case of an accident.
How much is car insurance in my city in Ohio?
Where you live affects your car insurance rates. If you live in a quieter, rural area you are not seen to be a high risk for an accident.
Drivers who live in more populated areas where there is more traffic are more likely to have accidents and therefore they pay higher premiums.
Minimum Ohio Car Insurance Coverage
If you drive in Ohio, you need to carry at least the minimum car insurance coverage. The state’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles can help you understand the insurance requirements in Ohio.
Ohio requires minimum insurance for bodily injury and property damage liability. Drivers must carry at least the following insurance:
- Property damage: $25,000 coverage for a single accident.
- Bodily injury/death: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident.
Getting Cheap Car Insurance In Ohio
Car insurance coverage in Ohio may already be cheap, but you can get it even cheaper with these tips:
- Shop around: Get quotes from multiple car insurance providers. Cheap Insurance can give you a quote within minutes.
- Get good credit: Car insurance providers are allowed to check your credit score before offering you a quote, so they may base it off your credit. A better score means a better rate, so be financially responsible.
- Consider an older vehicle: If you want cheaper insurance, consider the vehicle. An older sedan is less expensive to insure than a new sports car.
Ohio Car Insurance Discounts
Get the best deal possible on car insurance coverage in Ohio by asking about these discounts:
- Good Driver: A driver with a clean driving history can save 10% or more on car insurance.
- Good Student: Drivers under the age of 25 who attend school and have at least a 3.0 GPA can typically save 10-20%.
- Billing and Payments: Car insurance providers often offer discounts for going paperless, paying online, paying for your policy in full, and setting up automatic payments.
- Bundling: You can get discounts by using the same car insurance provider for all your vehicles, as well as other forms of insurance, such as homeowners and life insurances.
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Ohio?
If you are caught driving without insurance in Ohio, the state may temporarily revoke your driver’s license, license plates, and vehicle registration. You will have to pay up to $660 to get everything reinstated.
What is driving like in Ohio?
While you will need a car to get around, Ohio is known for short commutes and little traffic. However, many of the urban roads are poorly designed and in need of repair. If you enjoy rural driving, there are a lot of country back roads.
How can I save money on my car insurance policy in Ohio?
If you’re looking for cheap car insurance in Ohio, keep these tips in mind:
- Drive safely: A good driving record does a lot to help you save money.
- Negotiate: If you’re not happy with your car insurance bill, try to negotiate with your car insurance provider. This may be easy if you’re a good driver who has been loyal to the company for many years.
- Get a safer vehicle: A newer vehicle with a car alarm, airbags, and other safety features can help you get discounts on your insurance.
Other Types of Coverage
If you’re driving in Ohio, make sure you have adequate insurance besides the minimum insurance; here are some optional car insurance coverages to consider:
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC)/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)
This covers damages caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
Medical Payments Coverage
While it’s not health insurance, this coverage can be used to pay for medical expenses caused by an accident.
Physical Damage Coverage
Comprehensive and collision insurance coverages cover physical damage. Comprehensive insurance covers damages due to weather, vandalism, and theft, while collision insurance covers damages caused by hitting a car or other object.
Endorsements and Riders
Towing and road service: This insurance offers roadside assistance, such as towing and gas, in the event of a breakdown.
Rental car reimbursement: This coverage will reimburse you for a rental car if you cannot drive your vehicle.
Gap insurance: Gap insurance, as the name implies, fills in the gap between the actual value of your vehicle and the amount you owe on it.
Cities We Cover In Ohio
Cheap Insurance can help you save big on your insurance premium. You can find cheap car insurance in the following Ohio cities:
- Canton
- Hamilton
- Lorain
- Parma
- Springfield
- Youngstown
- Akron
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dayton
- Toledo
