What you need to know about car insurance in Ohio

Ohio's car insurance rates are relatively reasonable compared to some other states. Drivers pay an average of $1,417 per year for full coverage auto insurance, nearly $500 less than the national average of $1,897. Ohio drivers also pay less for the mandatory minimum amount of liability car insurance: $362 annually versus the U.S. average of $503.

In this guide to car insurance in Ohio, we’re sharing the most essential things you need to know when searching for an auto insurance policy. Specifically, we’ll look at average costs by policy type and company, explain the coverage requirements, and offer tips for finding the cheapest car insurance in Ohio.

Key highlights

• The average cost of car insurance in Ohio is $1,417 per year for full coverage or $118 per month.
• Ohio drivers must carry personal liability insurance with coverage limits of at least 25/50/25.
• Grange is the cheapest car insurance company in Ohio, with an average full coverage premium of $986 per year.

Understanding car insurance requirements in Ohio

Vehicle owners in the Buckeye State must carry liability car insurance with minimum coverage limits of 25/50/25 to register their cars and legally drive. A state minimum coverage policy includes:

• $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 in property damage liability per accident

“The legal minimum coverage amount is often entirely inadequate to pay for a serious auto accident, so Ohio drivers should consider higher limits that are available,” says Matt Simon, president at CoverLink Insurance, an independent agency with offices in central and northeastern Ohio.

Experts say drivers should have liability coverage limits of at least 100/300/100 to protect their assets in the event of a major at-fault accident.

Average cost of car insurance in Ohio

The average cost of car insurance in Ohio is cheaper than what drivers pay nationwide. This holds for both liability-only and full coverage policies.

The rates below were collected from auto insurance comparison site CarInsurance.com for single, 40-year-old male and female drivers of a 2023 Honda Accord LX with a good insurance score and no violations on their record for full coverage insurance policy with liability limits of 100/300/100 and $500 comprehensive and collision deductibles.

How to find cheap auto insurance in Ohio

Although car insurance premiums in Ohio are cheaper on average than nationwide, the amount you will pay for coverage will vary. Factors like your age, ZIP code, type of vehicle you own, credit history, and driving record can influence the cost of auto insurance.

To find cheaper car insurance, consider asking about common discounts such as bundling your policies, taking a defensive driving course, insuring multiple vehicles on the same policy, or paying your annual premium in full. If you have a teenager who drives, ask about good student discounts.

“If you have a student driver on your policy, check for a good student discount, which typically requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to qualify,” Simon said. “If your student qualifies for this discount, it can lead to substantial premium savings, as teens are often the most expensive drivers to insure.”

If you have full coverage, including comprehensive and collision insurance, you may also want to consider raising the associated deductibles – the amount you must pay before your policy kicks in. The higher the deductible, the lower your premium.

“Car repair costs continue to escalate in the U.S., so having deductibles at $100 or $250 can really drive up the cost of your insurance. Increasing your deductibles to $500 or even $1,000 (if you can comfortably afford it) can help lower your insurance premium,” Simon says.

Car insurance rates, by company, in Ohio

Based on our research, Grange Insurance is the cheapest car insurance carrier in Ohio, with an average premium of $986 per year for full coverage. Auto-Owners ($1,109) and Erie Insurance ($1,132) are also cheaper options.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we found that Allstate is the most expensive car insurance company in Ohio, with an average annual rate of $1,942 for full coverage. Other companies with above-average rates include Farmers ($1,794) and Westfield ($1,673).

The rates below were collected from auto insurance comparison site CarInsurance.com for single, 40-year-old male and female drivers of a 2023 Honda Accord LX with a good insurance score and no violations on their record for full coverage insurance policy with liability limits of 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible.

Comparing car insurance quotes in Ohio

If you’re shopping for car insurance in Ohio, it can be helpful to have a general understanding of average premiums. Here’s a look at the average quotes in Ohio based on insurance company, ZIP code, and driver profile.

Ohio car insurance cost by city

Your city and ZIP code can have a big impact on the cost of your car insurance policy. Based on the rate data we evaluated, Cleveland has the most expensive car insurance rates in Ohio ($1,643). Cincinnati ($1,608) and Toledo ($1,601) also have some of the most expensive premiums.

The cheapest Ohio city for auto insurance is Lorain, with an average annual premium of $1,310 for full coverage. Parma ($1,316) and Canton ($1,417) also have cheap rates.

Frequently asked questions

How can I save on car insurance in Ohio?

Ohio drivers can save money on car insurance by taking advantage of discounts such as bundling their auto and home policies, raising their deductibles, and maintaining a clean driving record. It’s also a good idea to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurers. Comparison shopping can help you find the cheapest policy for your coverage needs and situation.

Is Ohio a no-fault state?

No, Ohio is an at-fault or tort state, which means whoever causes an accident is responsible for compensating the other party for their medical bills and property damages. Drivers who suffer losses after an accident can also seek more compensation for their injuries or other damages.

Methodology

Editors collected rate information from auto insurance comparison site CarInsurance.com for single, 40-year-old male and female drivers of a 2023 Honda Accord LX with a good insurance score and no violations on their record for full coverage insurance policy with liability limits of 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible.

In addition, we also calculated rates for these same hypothetical drivers, but with one or more of the following on their record: speeding ticket, at-fault accident, DUI/DWI, poor credit history, or a lapse in coverage.

We analyzed more than 53 million quotes, more than 34,000 ZIP codes and 170 insurance companies nationwide.

Note: 100/300/100 means up to $100,000 for the medical bills of those you injure, up to $300,000 per accident for bodily injury liability for all persons injured in one accident, and $100,000 to repair other drivers’ cars and property that you damage.