Cheap Car Insurance Companies In Ohio

The average semiannual cost of car insurance in the state of Ohio is $594.57. An insured premiums are influenced by more variables than purely their place of residence. Car insurance underwriters calculate auto insurance rates after assessing a range of criteria such as the policyholder’s age, driving record, marital status, and credit rating. We examined typical car insurance costs in Ohio across each of the predominant rating factors. We aim to provide consumers insight to identify a car insurance policy that meets their needs and budget.

*Data Methodology – Updated 3/1/2024

The Ohio car insurance rates are based on a 35-year-old male with the most popular car (Honda Accord) living in OH. The Quote is for full coverage with comprehensive at $500 deductible and collision at $500 deductible.

Ohio Minimum Liability Coverage

Ohio requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. The minimum liability coverage required in Ohio consists of three components:

• Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This covers injuries and damages to other people injured in an accident you cause.
• Property Damage Liability: $25,000. This covers damage to other people’s property from an accident you cause.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This covers injuries to you and your passengers if you are in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Ohio

Penalties for driving without insurance in Ohio are among the strictest in the nation. Ohio law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage at all times. If you are caught driving without insurance in Ohio, you will face severe penalties.

The first offense for driving without insurance in Ohio results in a fine between $150 and $1,000. Your driver’s license will also be suspended for 90 days. If you need your license for work, you may be eligible for limited driving privileges during your suspension.

For a second offense within three years, the fine increases to between $300 and $2,000 and your driver’s license will be suspended for one year. You will not be eligible for limited driving privileges during this one-year suspension.

If you are caught driving without insurance for a third time within three years, it is considered a first-degree misdemeanor. You could face up to 180 days in jail and a fine between $300 and $5,000. Your license will also be suspended for three years, and you will not qualify for limited driving privileges.

Your vehicle may also be impounded for up to 30 days for a third offense. Your insurance premiums will also likely increase significantly for several years after any driving without insurance violations due to the points added to your driving record.

Auto Insurance Rates in Ohio

Auto insurance rates in Ohio can vary widely based on several factors. Some of the most important considerations that impact your premiums are your driving record, credit score, age, gender, vehicle make and model, miles driven annually, insurance coverage choices, and location within the state.

Your driving record is one of the biggest influences on your rates. Any traffic violations, accidents, or claims you have filed will cause your premiums to rise. The more severe the incident, the higher your rates will likely go. Maintaining a clean driving record for several years in a row can help lower your rates.

Your credit score is also a key factor used by insurers. People with higher credit scores tend to have lower insurance rates as they are seen as lower risk. Those with poor credit often pay higher premiums, sometimes significantly higher.

The make and model of your vehicle also impacts rates. Newer vehicles and luxury brands tend to have higher rates due to the higher costs of repairs and replacement parts. Sports cars and high-performance vehicles also commonly have higher insurance costs.

The amount of coverage you choose, such as bodily injury liability limits, property damage liability limits, uninsured motorist coverage, and comprehensive and collision coverage, all affect how much you pay. In general, higher coverage limits mean higher premiums.

Within Ohio, rates can vary noticeably between more urban areas and rural regions. Urban areas tend to have higher accident rates and repair costs, leading to higher insurance costs for drivers.

Low Cost Car Insurance Programs and Discounts in Ohio

Car insurance is mandatory in Ohio, but that doesn’t mean the premiums have to break the bank. There are several ways to lower your car insurance costs, including discounts, lower coverage limits, and special programs.

The first step is to shop around for quotes from multiple insurance companies. Prices can vary significantly between providers, so getting several estimates is a good way to find the best deal. Many companies offer discounts for good drivers, students, homeowners, and those with multiple policies. Ask about any discounts you may qualify for to maximize savings.

Coverage limits are another area to consider. The state minimums in Ohio are $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. However, you may be able to lower your premiums by opting for lower coverage limits, especially if you have few assets. Just make sure the limits you choose are enough to cover potential expenses.

Certain groups may qualify for lower rates through specific programs. For example, drivers over 50 often see lower premiums through “senior citizen” discounts. Low-income individuals may be eligible for programs through the Ohio Department of Insurance to obtain more affordable coverage. Teenage drivers can sometimes get lower rates through good student discounts or by adding them as a secondary driver on their parent’s policy.

Ohio Car Insurance Statistics

Ohio drivers are required by law to carry a minimum amount of car insurance coverage. However, many Ohio residents opt for higher liability limits and additional coverage to ensure proper protection. Here are some key Ohio car insurance statistics to consider:

• Liability coverage: Ohio requires drivers to carry at least $25,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 of property damage coverage. However, many experts recommend at least $100,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $300,000 per accident, and $100,000 of property damage coverage.
• Uninsured motorists: Around 15% of Ohio drivers are uninsured. Having uninsured motorist coverage can help protect you in case of an accident with an uninsured driver.
• Collision coverage: Around 65% of Ohio drivers opt for collision coverage, which repairs or replaces your vehicle if you’re in an accident, regardless of fault. Collision coverage is not required by law but can be valuable to have.
• Comprehensive coverage: Approximately 55% of Ohio drivers carry comprehensive coverage, which covers damage from events like theft, fire, vandalism, and flooding. Like collision coverage, it is not required by law but provides important protection.
• Premium costs: The average annual premium cost for car insurance in Ohio is $1,038, slightly above the national average of $1,004. However, premiums can vary greatly depending on your driving history, coverage choices, and vehicle.

The 10 Largest Ohio Car Insurance Companies

Ohio drivers have many options when shopping for car insurance. Here are the 10 largest car insurance companies in Ohio as of 2021 based on the amount of auto insurance premiums written:

1. State Farm – State Farm is the largest auto insurance provider in Ohio, with over 1 million auto insurance policies in force. State Farm is known for affordable rates, multi-policy discounts, and a good claims process.
2. Progressive – Progressive is the second largest car insurance company in Ohio. Progressive is known for having a wide range of coverage options and discounts, as well as a simple online shopping and claims process.
3. GEICO – GEICO provides auto insurance coverage to over 600,000 Ohio drivers. GEICO is known for having affordable rates, a simple claims process, and 24/7 customer service.
4. Nationwide – Nationwide is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, and insures over 500,000 Ohio drivers. Nationwide offers many discounts and tailored coverage options to Ohio drivers.
5. Allstate – Allstate insures over 400,000 Ohio drivers. Allstate offers several coverage options and discounts, as well as 24/7 access to claims and customer service representatives.
6. Liberty Mutual – Liberty Mutual provides auto insurance to over 300,000 Ohio drivers. Liberty Mutual is known for personalized coverage and discounts based on individual needs and budgets.
7. Farmers – Farmers Insurance insures over 200,000 Ohio drivers. Farmers offers many discounts and coverage options designed for Ohio drivers.
8. Travelers – Travelers provides auto insurance to over 100,000 Ohio drivers. Travelers offers an online quote and purchase process and 24/7 access to customer service.
9. Auto-Owners Insurance – Auto-Owners Insurance insures over 100,000 Ohio drivers. Auto-Owners is known for affordable rates and a high level of customer satisfaction.
10. Grange Insurance – Grange Insurance is a regional insurance provider headquartered in Ohio that insures over 100,000 drivers in the state. Grange provides personalized coverage and service for Ohio drivers.