Here's what you need to know when driving in Ohio
Across the Buckeye State, there are 261,653 miles of road just waiting to be driven. We’ll get you prepped, then you take the wheel.
Affordable Insurance Premiums in Ohio
What's the cheapest car insurance in Ohio?
| Rank | Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merchants Insurance Group | $849 |
| 2 | USAA | $867 |
| 3 | State Farm | $958 |
| 4 | Hastings Mutual | $980 |
| 5 | Erie | $981 |
| 6 | Esurance | $1,082 |
| 7 | Progressive | $1,221 |
| 8 | Nationwide | $1,240 |
| 9 | Grange Mutual | $1,382 |
| 10 | State Auto | $1,664 |
Find the best cheap coverage in Ohio by comparing quotes from dozens of companies. Enter your ZIP code below to get started.
Compare cheap rates from top companies now!
Cheap Insurance for Good Drivers in Ohio
Drivers with good driving records typically enjoy lower car insurance costs than drivers with histories of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or DUI citations. Ohio drivers without a recent at-fault accident typically save 34% on their car insurance premiums — a bit better than the 32% US average. In addition to earning a cheaper premium for driving incident-free, you may qualify for a safe-driving bonus through your car insurance company. The amount of these discounts may vary, but they typically run between 5 and 10%.
| Rating Factor | $ Savings | % Savings |
|---|---|---|
| No Traffic Tickets | $202 | 16.56% |
| No Accidents | $542 | 34.77% |
| Good Credit | $882 | 46.47% |
Cheap Insurance for Young Drivers in Ohio
Young drivers (those between the ages of 16 and 25) pay extraordinarily high auto insurance rates, with those aged 16-19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teens pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. Ohio's teen drivers are lucky, paying just $3,565 per year on average, roughly $1,400 less than the national average — but still three times as much as the average driver in Ohio.
| Age | Annual Rate with Parents | Annual Rate Alone |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $3,533 | $4,659 |
| 17 | $3,235 | $4,440 |
| 18 | $3,130 | $4,013 |
| 19 | $2,777 | $2,735 |
Cheap Car Insurance for Bad Drivers in Ohio
If you have a clean driving record — no at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, or other recent citations — you'll probably enjoy relatively cheap car insurance rates. Conversely, a bad driving record will cause your costs to skyrocket: car insurance premiums typically increase by 40% after a DUI, 34% after an at-fault accident, and 16% after a speeding ticket in Ohio. The post-citation penalties assessed by car insurance companies in Ohio are similar to nationwide averages. If you have a clean driving history, be sure to inquire about your insurance company's safe driver discount.
| Rating Factor | Annual Rate | % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| At-Fault Accident | $1,557 | 34.77% |
| DUI | $1,711 | 40.63% |
| Speeding Violation | $1,218 | 16.56% |
| Bad Credit | $1,898 | 46.47% |
Best Car Insurance Companies in Ohio
Almost every auto insurance company brags about its cheap prices. But just like with any product, the cheapest car insurance isn't always the best option. Considering the stakes, it's worth doing your homework to acquire the insurance policy that can cover your car completely after a collision. Be patient and look for the best value, instead of settling for the most affordable auto insurance in Ohio.
Compare popular auto insurers' financial strength and claims satisfaction ratings to better understand the level of service they will provide. Claims satisfaction — measured by J.D. Power — is rated on a scale of 2 to 5, with 5 being "among the best" and 2 being "the rest." Financial strength — calculated by A.M. Best and ranging from "Superior" to "Poor" — measures an insurer's financial strength and ability to fulfill its contractual and policy obligations.
| Insurance Company | Claims Satisfaction (J.D. Power) | Financial Strength (A.M. Best) |
| AIG | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Allstate | 3 | Superior |
| Atlantic States | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Erie | 5 | Superior |
| Farmers | 3 | Excellent |
| GEICO | 3 | Superior |
| General Casualty | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Liberty Mutual | 3 | Excellent |
| MetLife | 3 | Superior |
| Nationwide | 4 | Superior |
| Progressive | 3 | Superior |
| State Farm | 3 | Superior |
| Travelers | 3 | Superior |
| USAA | 5 | Superior |
| Western Reserve | Not Rated | Excellent |
See insurance rates for Ohio's best companies!
What is the Best Auto Insurance Coverage in Ohio?
The minimum allowed insurance in the state of Ohio is $25,000 Bodily Injury per person, $50,000 Bodily Injury per accident, and $25,000 Property Damage per accident.
If you opt for the minimum allowed coverage in Ohio, be prepared to pay an average of $472 annually. This is cheaper than the national average by 28%. If you opt for a higher level of car insurance coverage, you can purchase a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, insuring against damages caused by vehicle wrecks, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. Better insurance comes at a price: in Ohio, a comprehensive policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $889, 88% more than liability-only car insurance. For comprehensive coverage with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 122% more than you would for basic liability-only coverage.
Examine average prices for liability-only and comprehensive auto insurance options in the following table.
| Location | Liability-Only | Comprehensive — $1,000 Deductible | Comprehensive — $500 Deductible |
| Ohio | $472.45 | $888.84 | $1,050.88 |
| National Average | $657.66 | $1,241.26 | $1,397.94 |
Ohio Auto Insurance Laws
State minimum insurance requirements in Ohio
In Ohio, state minimum coverage requirements include liability coverage amounts of:
- Bodily injury: $25,000 per person
- Bodily injury: $50,000 per accident
- Property damage $25,000 per accident
Optional coverage in Ohio (varies by carrier):
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Loan/Lease Payoff
- Medical and Funeral Services
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
Learn more about car insurance coverage requirements in Ohio.
Driving Laws in Ohio
Ohio Texting and Driving Laws
- Ban on all cell phones for drivers <18 years old
- Ban on text messaging for all drivers
Ohio DUI Laws
The OVI lookback period in Ohio is 10 years. Repeated offenses within a decade subject offenders to harsher penalties. In addition, penalties are enhanced for any OVI in which the driver’s BAC is 0.17% or higher. Each OVI offense results in six points added to the offender’s driving record. The first three OVI offenses are misdemeanors. Four or more OVI offenses in Ohio are classed as felonies.
First-time OVI offenses in Ohio lead to:
- Three days to six months in jail
- $375 to $1,075 in fines
- License suspension for 90 days (administrative) and one to three years (criminal)
- May be able to apply for an ignition interlock device
- May be able to attend a treatment program
Ticket Impact on Auto Insurance Rates in Ohio
If you receive a ticket, your car insurance rates will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your car insurance company's pricing standards, and differences in local insurance risks and regulations. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.
Below is a look at typical auto insurance rates in Ohio after a few common citations.
| Violation | Avg. Annual Auto Insurance Rate | % Insurance Rate Increase | $ Insurance Rate Increase |
| Hit and Run | $1,773 | 72% | $741 |
| Refused Breathalyzer/Chemical Test | $1,592 | 54% | $560 |
| DUI | $1,592 | 54% | $560 |
| Racing | $1,773 | 72% | $741 |
| Reckless Driving | $1,726 | 67% | $694 |
| Driving with a Suspended License | $1,722 | 67% | $690 |
| At-Fault Accident | $1,899 | 84% | $867 |
| Driving with an Open Container | $1,354 | 31% | $322 |
| Operating a Vehicle Without Permission | $1,623 | 57% | $591 |
| Passing a School Bus | $1,455 | 41% | $423 |
| Improper Passing | $1,260 | 22% | $228 |
| Following Too Closely | $1,260 | 22% | $228 |
| Speeding | $1,275 | 23% | $243 |
| Failure to Stop at a Red Light | $1,260 | 22% | $228 |
| Illegal Turn | $1,260 | 22% | $228 |
| Driving Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $1,224 | 19% | $192 |
| Failure to Yield | $1,260 | 22% | $228 |
| Speeding in a School Zone | $1,231 | 19% | $199 |
| Driving Too Slowly | $1,231 | 19% | $199 |
| Distracted Driving | $1,238 | 20% | $205 |
| Driving with Expired Registration | $1,164 | 13% | $132 |
| Failure to Show Documents | $1,164 | 13% | $132 |
| Not-at-Fault Accident | $1,144 | 11% | $112 |
| Failure to Use Child Safety Restraint | $1,070 | 4% | $38 |
| Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | $1,036 | 0% | $4 |
| Driving Without Lights | $1,070 | 4% | $38 |
Get Ohio car insurance now!
Ohio Car Insurance FAQs
Who has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio?
Merchants Insurance Group and USAA are the cheapest insurance options for Ohio drivers. A USAA policy costs $433 per six months, while Merchants Insurance Group charges $425.
What is the average cost of car insurance in Ohio?
The average rate for a six-month liability-only policy in Ohio is $236 compared to a full coverage policy which costs $525.
Is car insurance required in Ohio?
Yes, car insurance is required in Ohio. In order to register your vehicle and drive it on public streets, you must carry at least liability insurance.
What is the state minimum for car insurance coverage in Ohio?
In order to register your vehicle in Ohio, you need to have liability limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury coverage and $25,000 per accident in property damage coverage.
Do I need collision and comprehensive car insurance in Ohio?
If you have a loan or lease on the vehicle, you most likely are required to have this coverage. If your vehicle is worth more than $4,000, carrying collision and comprehensive coverages is encouraged.
How much does car insurance cost in Ohio cities?
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Mansfield, Ohio, and the most expensive in Youngstown, Ohio.
| Rank | City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Youngstown | $1,250 |
| 2 | Cleveland | $1,235 |
| 3 | Toledo | $1,227 |
| 4 | Cincinnati | $1,190 |
| 5 | Columbus | $1,170 |
| 6 | Cleveland Heights | $1,158 |
| 7 | Akron | $1,131 |
| 8 | Dayton | $1,128 |
| 9 | Hamilton | $1,124 |
| 10 | Euclid | $1,106 |
| 11 | Fairfield | $1,094 |
| 12 | Canton | $1,079 |
| 13 | Lakewood | $1,051 |
| 14 | Middletown | $1,051 |
| 15 | Beavercreek | $1,028 |
| 16 | Springfield | $1,027 |
| 17 | Parma | $998 |
| 18 | Cuyahoga Falls | $995 |
| 19 | Lorain | $995 |
| 20 | Strongsville | $992 |
| 21 | Elyria | $986 |
| 22 | Mansfield | $981 |
Recent Ohio Car Insurance Questions and Answers
Can I keep the contents of my house after insurance paid out for them?
Why is it fair that I have to pay the deductible when someone else hit my vehicle and ran?
Do I need a police report to file a claim with insurance if I damaged my own vehicle?
I have full coverage and a non-owner hit a deer. Will insurance cover the damage?
Ohio Tour Guide Scholarship
At The Zebra, we know better than most just what a pain buying car insurance can be. We also know that students suffer from higher-than-average policy rates. Talk about a double-whammy. That’s why, this year, we’ve decided to continue The Zebra’s annual scholarship with the goal of helping to alleviate the financial pressures of college-bound students in the Ohio area, while also getting an insider view of the Buckeye State.
Prompt
So, students, we want to see your favorite road trip destination(s) in your state— from your unique perspective. If it makes sense to hit the open road and be our virtual tour guide, that's great! But there are no limits to what we're looking for: a narrated animation, a slideshow of memorabilia, an illustrated map of the best roadside attractions on the way. This is a chance for you to showcase any place you love in as an original way as possible.
How do I choose a location?
The length of the road trip to your feature destination is inconsequential. So if you have an awesome spot in mind that's just two miles from home, we want to see it.
Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled at or planning to attend a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States. Upon notification, winner(s) must supply a current proof of enrollment or letter of acceptance.
How to Apply
1. Create a video
Your original video should not exceed 2 minutes
2. Post online
The video must be hosted on YouTube or Vimeo
3. Submit by email
Email your submission to scholarships@thezebra.com
4. Please include...
your name, address, and phone number when you submit
Details
Award
Selected winner(s) will be awarded a check for $1,000
Deadline
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 31st, 2020
Notification
Winner(s) will be selected and notified by email by January 31st, 2021
Judges: The Zebra
The winner will be selected based on creativity in the content and presentation
*Upon notification, winner(s) must also supply a current proof of enrollment at a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States.
Fine Print
By participating, entrants represent that the video submitted is their sole and original work and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any other party. In other words, no copyrighted music or images may be used.
Employees of The Zebra and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.
Written credits for any technical or talent positions (e.g., editor, director, actors) should be included with your submission, along with any sources used to create the video.
