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- Erie Insurance typically provides the cheapest car insurance in Ohio, with minimum-coverage rates averaging $10 per month or $116 each year.
- Cincinnati Insurance comes in with the lowest rates for full-coverage car insurance in Ohio, with prices that hover around an average of $55 per month or $659 annually.
- Car insurance in Ohio costs an average of $53 each month for minimum auto coverage and $117 monthly for full coverage.
From our research, the cheapest auto insurance in Ohio comes from Erie Insurance at an average of $10 per month for minimum-liability coverage. Westfield and Auto-Owners also typically come with reasonable rate estimates in the Buckeye State.
Our research team looked at average car insurance rates in Ohio along with policy options, industry scores, and customer reviews to find the state’s top options. After considering the data, we picked GEICO, Erie Insurance, and Progressive as providers offering the best car insurance in Ohio.
Best Car Insurance Rates in Ohio
Ohio Car Insurance Rates at a Glance
You’ll find detailed cost estimates below, but we’ve listed out the cheapest auto insurance companies in Ohio for various driver profiles right here:
- Cheapest full coverage: Cincinnati Insurance followed by Grange Insurance
- Cheapest minimum coverage: Erie Insurance followed by Nationwide
- Cheapest for teen drivers: Nationwide followed by Erie Insurance
- Cheapest for drivers with a traffic violation: Erie Insurance followed by Progressive
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Ohio
Below are our picks for the best combinations of affordable insurance with high-quality coverage for Ohio motorists. While Erie Insurance had the cheapest minimum-coverage rates in the Buckeye State, GEICO earned the top score for its flexibility and number of discounts.
| Car Insurance Provider | Overall Rating | Average Monthly Rate: Minimum Coverage | Average Monthly Rate: Full Coverage | Number of Discounts |
| GEICO | 4.4 | $51 | $95 | $16 |
| Erie Insurance | 4.6 | $10 | $101 | $6 |
| Progressive | 4.5 | $50 | $302 | $13 |
| Auto-Owners | 4.4 | $26 | $100 | $12 |
| State Farm | 4.6 | $185 | $218 | $12 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Coverage in Ohio
The cheapest auto policy for Ohio drivers is state minimum-liability insurance that meets Ohio’s requirements. However, insurance experts instead recommend getting a full-coverage policy that includes bodily injury and property damage coverage for you and your vehicle.
While full coverage is more expensive, it offers far greater financial protection. If you leased your car or have an active loan on it, your leaseholder or lender may even require it.
Cheapest Minimum-Liability Car Insurance in Ohio
The average rate estimate for a minimum-coverage policy in Ohio is $53 per month or $632 per year. Erie Insurance tends to offer the cheapest minimum-liability policies with estimates of around $10 per month or $116 annually.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Rate for Minimum Coverage | Average Yearly Rate for Minimum Coverage |
| Erie Insurance | $10 | $116 |
| Auto-Owners | $26 | $312 |
| Progressive | $50 | $603 |
| Westfield | $24 | $284 |
| GEICO | $51 | $609 |
| Nationwide | $23 | $278 |
| Cincinnati Insurance | $49 | $584 |
| Grange Insurance | $47 | $560 |
| Allstate | $85 | $755 |
| State Farm | $185 | $2,219 |
Cheapest Full-Coverage Car Insurance in Ohio
In Ohio, the average rate for full-coverage auto insurance is $117 per month or $1,408 per year. Cincinnati Insurance offers the cheapest average rate estimates on full-coverage insurance at $55 monthly or $659 per year.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Rate for Full Coverage | Average Yearly Rate for Full Coverage |
| Nationwide | $148 | $1,775 |
| GEICO | $95 | $1,141 |
| Erie Insurance | $101 | $1,217 |
| Auto-Owners | $100 | $1,195 |
| Grange Insurance | $80 | $958 |
| Progressive | $302 | $3,625 |
| Cincinnati Insurance | $55 | $659 |
| Westfield | $137 | $1,643 |
| State Farm | $218 | $2,615 |
| Allstate | $105 | $2,067 |
Ohio Car Insurance Quotes by Driver Profile
Your coverage rates will probably be different from the ones found in the tables above. That’s largely because car insurance companies base individual rates on multiple variables. Your age, driving record, and location all offer insight when providers set your car insurance premiums.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Ohio: Age
Age is easily one of the largest factors in deciding the cost of auto insurance. Young drivers and teen drivers in particular pay significantly higher rates for auto coverage than other age groups. In the table below are average monthly rate estimates for Ohio drivers of different ages:
| Driver Age | Average Monthly Rate for Full Coverage |
| 16 | $410 |
| 20 | $202 |
| 30 | $120 |
| 40 | $117 |
| 50 | $113 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Ohio: High-Risk Drivers
Your driving history is also a key component in setting your premiums. People with clean driving records get access to cheaper car insurance rates while at-fault accidents and traffic violations such as speeding tickets usually result in higher premiums.
How much these red flags on your driving record could impact your prices varies by provider. Below are top Ohio auto insurance providers and their average minimum-coverage rates for good drivers versus high-risk drivers:
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Rate for Clean Driving Records | Average Monthly Rate for High-Risk Drivers |
| Erie Insurance | $20 | $29 |
| Progressive | $26 | $36 |
| Auto-Owners | $23 | $40 |
| GEICO | $28 | $46 |
| Nationwide | $29 | $49 |
| Grange Insurance | $37 | $52 |
| Westfield | $27 | $55 |
| Cincinnati Insurance | $32 | $59 |
| State Farm | $61 | $70 |
| Allstate | $54 | $72 |
Car Insurance Rates in Ohio: Speeding Ticket
Being given a single speeding ticket can cause your auto insurance premiums to spike. Erie Insurance generally offers the cheapest car insurance for Ohio drivers with a speeding ticket with an average estimate of $59 per month or $707 per year. Nationwide and Auto-Owners also offer some of the more affordable prices for this specific driver profile.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Rate After a Speeding Ticket | Average Yearly Rate After a Speeding Ticket |
| Erie Insurance | $59 | $707 |
| Auto-Owners | $105 | $1,255 |
| Westfield | $126 | $1,506 |
| GEICO | $135 | $1,624 |
| Progressive | $129 | $1,550 |
| Cincinnati Insurance | $161 | $1,937 |
| Nationwide | $65 | $779 |
| Grange Insurance | $137 | $1,643 |
| Allstate | $183 | $2,192 |
| State Farm | $334 | $4,004 |
Car Insurance Rates in Ohio: At-Fault Accident
Ohio drivers will probably see heightened rates if they’re found at fault for a car accident. Erie Insurance tends to offer the cheapest coverage if you’ve got a recent accident with an average rate of $29 per month or $348 each year. Auto-Owners and GEICO also typically offer some of the least expensive coverage after an at-fault accident.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Rate After an At-Fault Accident | Average Yearly Rate After an At-Fault Accident |
| Erie Insurance | $29 | $348 |
| Auto-Owners | $36 | $432 |
| Progressive | $43 | $516 |
| GEICO | $44 | $528 |
| Westfield | $46 | $552 |
| Grange Insurance | $47 | $564 |
| Nationwide | $48 | $576 |
| Cincinnati Insurance | $60 | $720 |
| State Farm | $74 | $888 |
| Allstate | $82 | $984 |
Car Insurance Rates in Ohio: DUI
A driving under the influence (DUI) violation usually causes Ohio auto premiums to skyrocket. For drivers with a DUI on their record, Erie Insurance typically offers the lowest rates with an average estimate of $84 per month or $1,004 per year. Nationwide and Progressive also offer some of the more affordable premiums for these drivers.
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Rate After a DUI | Average Yearly Rate After a DUI |
| Progressive | $115 | $1,385 |
| Erie Insurance | $84 | $1,004 |
| Auto-Owners | $157 | $1,886 |
| Grange Insurance | $153 | $1,837 |
| Nationwide | $101 | $1,217 |
| GEICO | $164 | $1,969 |
| State Farm | $334 | $4,004 |
| Allstate | $202 | $2,419 |
| Cincinnati Insurance | $333 | $3,992 |
| Westfield | $258 | $3,094 |
Average Cost of Car Insurance in Ohio
The average rate for minimum-coverage car insurance in Ohio is $632 per year while it’s $1,408 each year for full coverage. Those prices are almost 17% below the national average for minimum protection and 29% cheaper than the U.S. rate for full coverage.
Average Car Insurance Cost in Ohio by City
Where you live in Ohio can have a major impact on your auto insurance premiums. Potential risk factors such as population density, crime rates, and weather patterns vary between ZIP codes and lead to varying average rates. The following table shows the average auto insurance rates for major cities across Ohio.
| Cities in Ohio | Average Monthly Rate for Minimum Coverage | Average Monthly Rate for Full Coverage |
| Toledo | $42 | $126 |
| Columbus | $41 | $127 |
| Cleveland | $41 | $131 |
| Cincinnati | $41 | $128 |
| Youngstown | $41 | $122 |
| Hamilton | $40 | $119 |
| Akron | $38 | $119 |
| Dayton | $38 | $120 |
| Lakewood | $38 | $112 |
| Canton | $36 | $112 |
| Parma | $36 | $105 |
| Lorain | $36 | $104 |
| Elyria | $35 | $101 |
| Springfield | $32 | $108 |
| Mansfield | $31 | $106 |
Ohio Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Ohio law mandates pretty basic minimum-coverage requirements, only requiring of your policy the following coverage types and coverage limits:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
The majority of insurance agents and experts suggest getting policies beyond the minimum requirements set out by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. That’s because your own vehicle and medical bills won’t be covered if you only get what’s legally required.
Car insurance policies with collision coverage and comprehensive coverage offer protection for your own car. Injury coverage such as medical payments coverage (MedPay) can help to cover medical costs you could incur after an at-fault accident.
Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage (UI/UIM) could take care of claims caused by an at-fault driver who lacks sufficient money or coverage to pay.
Is Ohio an At-Fault State?
Ohio is an at-fault state, meaning that authorities will decide which driver caused an accident. Whoever else was involved in the collision must seek damages from the driver deemed at fault.
Cheap Car Insurance in Ohio: Conclusion
The lowest price we discovered for minimum-coverage car insurance in Ohio came from Erie Insurance for $10 per month. Since rates fluctuate across the state, the best provider for a certain driver in Cincinnati might not be the same as for one in Cleveland.
It’s smart to consider a full-coverage policy, and we found rates starting at $55 each month from Cincinnati Insurance. While you’ll be charged more each pay period, expect far lower bills after an at-fault accident occurs and significantly greater peace of mind.
Best Car Insurance in Ohio: Recommended Providers
By getting free quotes from multiple auto coverage providers, you’ll have a good shot at getting the cheapest car insurance in Ohio that fits your needs. We’d recommend looking at GEICO and Erie Insurance as you begin your search for the best all-around coverage in the Buckeye State.
GEICO: 4.4 out of 5.0
Ohio drivers who pick GEICO typically receive competitive rates on their insurance policies, especially if they’re considering full coverage. It’s easy to save more with the company due to its impressive range of car insurance discounts available in Ohio. The company has an A++ financial strength score from AM Best and the backing of Berkshire Hathaway, so the auto insurer will likely have no issues covering any claims you need to file.
Keep reading: GEICO insurance review
Erie Insurance: 4.6 out of 5.0
Erie Insurance is an exceptional option for Ohio motorists who plan to get a minimum-coverage policy. The company offers the lowest average rates in the state for basic liability insurance and is known to provide superb customer service. While it’s not the largest auto insurance provider, Erie Insurance is often called a strong choice by drivers who consider it.
Cheapest Auto Insurance in Ohio: FAQ
Below, you’ll find answers to some frequently asked questions about auto insurance in Ohio.
Which company gives the cheapest car insurance?
State Farm typically offers the cheapest car insurance when it comes to national average rates. In Ohio specifically, our researchers found that Erie Insurance and Auto-Owners tended to offer the lowest minimum-coverage premiums.
How much is car insurance per month in Ohio?
The average cost of car insurance per month in Ohio is $53 for a minimum-coverage policy and $117 for full coverage. Our team found rates in Ohio as low as $10 per month for minimum coverage and $55 each month for a full-coverage policy.
How to reduce car insurance in Ohio?
You can reduce the cost of car insurance in Ohio by lowering your amount and types of coverage, increasing your deductible, and applying discounts such as for homeowners who bundle policies. Over the long term, you may be able to reduce your premiums by improving your credit score and by staying accident-free. Another method is to look for lower rates as you compare auto insurance quotes.
How much is car insurance on average in Ohio?
On average, car insurance in Ohio costs around $632 per year for a minimum-coverage policy. The average cost of a full-coverage car insurance policy in Ohio is around $1,408 annually.
Is it illegal to drive without insurance in Ohio?
It is illegal to drive without car insurance in Ohio. You can be charged with a misdemeanor criminal offense for driving without auto insurance and could face possible penalties such as fines, loss of driving privileges, and brief jail time.
Is it cheaper to pay car insurance every six months or monthly?
It’s almost always cheaper to pay for car insurance every six months than it is to pay monthly. This is because many companies offer a discount for paying for your policy upfront rather than over monthly payments. Not every auto insurer actually offers this discount, though.
Our Methodology
Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best car insurance providers.
- Affordability: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team considers auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services and discount opportunities when giving this score.
- Coverage: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that a car insurance company offers an array of coverage options. We take into account types of insurance available, maximum coverage limits, and add-on policies.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, financial strength, and years in business when giving this score.
- Availability: Auto insurers with greater state availability and few eligibility requirements are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Customer Service: Reputable car insurance providers operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We consider complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), J.D. Power claims servicing scores, and customer feedback.
- Online Experience: Insurers with easy-to-use websites and highly rated mobile apps scored best in this category.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
