The Buckeye State has a lot going for it, from college sports to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In addition to incredible sights and scenery, Ohio has a lower cost of living than the U.S. and the Midwest average, and those savings extend to car insurance.
- Key takeaways
- Best car insurance companies in Ohio
- USAA: Highest customer satisfaction
- Erie: Best for ease of use
- State Farm: Best for senior drivers
- GEICO: Most affordable coverage
- Nationwide: Best for coverage options
- Ohio auto insurance requirements
- How to choose a car insurance provider in Ohio
- How much does car insurance cost in Ohio?
- Ohio car insurance rates by city
- Methodology
- FAQs about car insurance costs in Ohio
Key takeaways
- The best car insurance in Ohio is USAA, which costs $738 per year for comprehensive coverage.
- Drivers with a clean driving record pay an average of $84 monthly in Ohio.
- Senior drivers in Ohio pay an average of $1,162 a year for full coverage, while young drivers spend an average of $2,769 annually.
Best car insurance companies in Ohio
USAA is the lowest-cost carrier in Ohio, averaging about $738 a year for full coverage and $233 for minimum coverage. GEICO was the next most affordable for full annual coverage at $756 a year, and Erie Insurance had the most affordable minimum car insurance at $276 yearly.
Provider | J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating | Estimated annual full coverage | Estimated annual minimum liability coverage |
USAA | 878/1,000 | $738/year | $233/year |
Erie | 844/1,000 | $835/year | $276/year |
State Farm | 837/1,000 | $962/year | $433/year |
GEICO | 831/1,000 | $756/year | $337/year |
Nationwide | 821/1,000 | $974/year | $498/year |
Progressive | 816/1,000 | $925/year | $371/year |
By clicking the button below I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy
Check RatesUSAA: Highest customer satisfaction
USAA earned an 878 out of 1,000 on customer satisfaction, Ohio’s highest rating. USAA is also the most affordable carrier for full and minimum coverage in the state, but its policies are only available to current and former military members and their families. If you qualify, USAA offers a nice mix of standard policies and specialties, though you may find more specialty options with a competitor.
- USAA has the most affordable coverage in Ohio
- It has multiple discounts for active duty military, like a 15% on-base discount
- USAA policies are not available to everyone
- Some competitors have more coverage and discount options
Erie: Best for ease of use
Erie Insurance is generally the most affordable minimum liability coverage after USAA in Ohio. Erie also earned the second-highest customer satisfaction ranking. It has multiple policies and features, including covering up to $500 of your pet’s vet bills if injured in a car accident.
- Erie has multiple agents in Ohio
- It has multiple traditional and specialty coverage options, including pet, glass repair, and personal item coverage
- Erie doesn’t have as many discounts as some competitors
- You may find cheaper full-coverage insurance with a competitor
State Farm: Best for senior drivers
In Ohio, senior drivers pay an average of $1,162 yearly for car insurance, while people in their 30s generally only pay around $1,097. Although State Farm was a more expensive option on our list of best car insurance, it has a high customer satisfaction rating and offers discounts to help seniors save money.
- Offers a defensive driving course discount for people over 60
- There are multiple State Farm offices throughout Ohio
- State Farm doesn’t have some specialty coverages
- It was the second most expensive carrier for full and minimum car insurance
Get a quote now | State Farm review
GEICO: Most affordable coverage
GEICO is the lowest-cost option for full coverage car insurance available to the general public in Ohio. Drivers in Ohio who use GEICO pay an average of $756 yearly for full coverage, significantly less than the national average of $1,582. It has a good mix of coverage and discounts, but you may find lower prices for Ohio’s minimum car insurance requirements.
- GEICO has the lowest full coverage cost of our Ohio providers
- It has multiple discount options, including new vehicles and multi-policy
- GEICO does not offer some policies like gap insurance
- It has limited agents in Ohio compared to some competitors
Get a quote now | GEICO review
Nationwide: Best for coverage options
Nationwide has the most expensive full coverage available in Ohio, but it has many helpful features. It costs $974 yearly for full coverage and $498 for minimum coverage, significantly more than USAA, the lowest-cost competitor. Although Nationwide may be more expensive, it offers multiple policy options and loyalty perks.
- Nationwide has popular coverage options, including accident forgiveness and vanishing deductibles
- It offers perks to drivers, including pet insurance and key fob replacement
- Nationwide had the most expensive full and minimum coverage in Ohio
- It had the second-lowest customer satisfaction rating on our list
Get a quote now | Nationwide review
Ohio auto insurance requirements
In Ohio, drivers must carry the following insurance coverages:
- $25,000 in bodily liability for the death or injury of one person
- $50,000 in bodily liability for the death or injury of two or more people
- $25,000 for property damage in an accident
How to choose a car insurance provider in Ohio
When you’re looking for a new car insurance provider, it’s essential to keep a few things in mind:
- Check financial stability: Before starting a policy with any insurance company, check its financial ability to pay claims on a website like Standard & Poor’s or AM Best. It’s also wise to check with the Ohio Department of Insurance or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to confirm a company is licensed to do business in Ohio.
- Check pricing and discounts: Get quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and discounts. Ensure the policy amounts and coverage options are similar for an accurate comparison, and double-check you’re getting all the discounts you qualify for.
- Ask for reviews: Check review websites like the Better Business Bureau to see what existing customers say. Ask friends and family for recommendations, especially if you know they’ve had a recent insurance claim.
How much does car insurance cost in Ohio?
The average cost of insurance in Ohio is $1,014 for full coverage and $417 a year for minimum coverage. Youngstown drivers generally pay the most for car insurance in Ohio, an average of $1,489 annually. Dayton residents will likely spend the least on car insurance, an average of $1,237 a year.
Ohio car insurance rates by city
The crime rate where you live can significantly impact what you pay for insurance. Drivers in Cincinnati (population of 309,513 in 2022) are likely to spend about the same yearly rate for car insurance as drivers in Columbus (population 907,971).
Although Columbus has almost three times the number of people, which usually means their car insurance rates should be significantly higher, both cities have similar crime rates. According to NeighborhoodScout, both cities scored 5 out of 100, meaning they are only safer than 5% of U.S. neighborhoods overall.
City | Avg. annual full-coverage premium |
Youngstown | $1,489/year |
Cleveland | $1,416/year |
Toledo | $1,388/year |
Columbus | $1,357/year |
Cincinnati | $1,340/year |
Dayton | $1,237/year |
Methodology
Our analysis was conducted using six different auto insurance marketplaces to determine the best auto insurance in each state. The data we analyzed included coverage premiums from up to 10 different insurance providers. We looked at rates by city, driver profile, and credit score, as well as factored in the impact of driving violations. This data is for comparative purposes only. Your actual quote may be different.
FAQs about car insurance costs in Ohio
What are the minimum car insurance coverage requirements in Ohio?
The minimum car insurance coverage requirements in Ohio are $25,000 in bodily liability for the death or injury of one person and $50,000 in bodily liability for the death or injury of two or more people. Drivers must also carry $25,000 for property damage.
How much does car insurance cost in Ohio?
Car insurance in Ohio costs an average of $1,014 a year for full coverage and $417 for the state minimum coverage.
Which car insurance companies cover Ohio?
Several car insurance providers cover Ohio, including Nationwide, GEICO, Progressive, State Farm, and regional provider Erie Insurance.
What is the cheapest car insurance company in Ohio?
USAA is Ohio's cheapest car insurance company, costing an average of $738 a year for full coverage and $233 for the state’s minimum coverage. GEICO is the second-best option, costing an average of $756 yearly for full coverage.