About The Zebra's recommendations

The Zebra’s product features real quotes from some of the companies we review. However, our content and reviews are unbiased and never commissioned-based.

Reference our editorial standards or learn more about how we make money.

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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

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Beth Swanson

SEO Content Strategist

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. She is a licensed insurance agent whose goal is to make insurance content easy to r…

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Car insurance quotes in Ohio

In 2024, the average cost of car insurance in Ohio is $739 for a six-month policy — 32% cheaper than the national average.[1] We recommend checking with USAA and State Farm first as they offer the cheapest average quotes in Ohio.

40% of Ohio drivers feel they are overpaying for auto insurance. Since many people want high-quality insurance at a reasonable price, The Zebra's experts analyzed Ohio car insurance rates to help you find the company that offers the best value: Erie Insurance. 

USAA logo
Cheap full coverage in OH
USAA logo
Cheapest liability in OH
Erie Insurance logo
Best Customer Service in OH
Erie
Best Car Insurance in OH — Overall

Ohioans pay around $739 per six-month period for a full coverage policy. While full coverage is more expensive than liability-only, it has many benefits, part of why 59% of The Zebra's Ohio customers receive quotes for full coverage insurance.[2]

Full Coverage Quotes in OH

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $575 $96
Travelers $601 $100
State Farm $642 $107
Erie $662 $110
Progressive $692 $115
GEICO $747 $125
Farmers $890 $148
Allstate $1,100 $183

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra’s auto insurance data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.

Zebra Tip: Search out these car insurance discounts

  1. Payment method. You can often save money by choosing advance purchase, electronic billing, or paying the full amount upfront.
  2. Driver discounts. Take advantage of savings through bundling policies, insuring multiple cars, maintaining a good driving record, being a good student, or having a military affiliation.
  3. Vehicle discounts. Discounts are available for new cars, vehicles with safety features, telematics devices, or anti-theft systems.

Find the best coverage and price in Ohio with The Zebra.

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What are the best car insurance companies in Ohio?

Erie Insurance is our top pick for Ohio drivers (with State Farm a close second) based on consumer reviews, reputable third-party ratings, our analysis of Ohio rates data and their available coverage options, and unique features like Erie Rate Lock. 

Erie Insurance logo
Overall best car insurance company in Ohio — Erie Insurance

As mentioned earlier, it was a close tie between Erie Insurance and State Farm, both earning top marks for customer and claims satisfaction from reputable sources like J.D. Power and our Customer Satisfaction Survey.[3, 4, 5] They offer similar cheaper-than-average prices, a variety of coverages and discounts, apps for managing policies, and both have highly-rated local agents who can service your policy.

However, Erie offers a few standout features that State Farm does not, including ERIE Rate Lock (keeps your rate stable despite claims), first accident forgiveness, and an optional endorsement with many additional benefits called Erie Auto Plus.

Pros
  • Top customer ratings

  • Customizable coverage

  • ERIE Rate Lock

  • Erie Auto Plus endorsement (diminishing deductible, waved deductible for some claims, extra loss of use coverage )

  • Local agents

Cons
  • Only available in 12 states (a concern only if you plan to move)

  • Limited web-based services (e.g. inability to add Auto ID card to Apple Wallet)

Best car insurance in Ohio — honorable mentions

While Erie won the top spot, several other companies also scored well on J.D. Power's Auto surveys and consumer reviews we collected from thousands of drivers across Ohio and the rest of the United States.

Best car insurance companies in Ohio

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $483 $80
Travelers $488 $81
Erie $547 $91
GEICO $597 $100
Progressive $599 $100
Allstate $1,048 $175
State Farm $1,798 $300

Source: The Zebra

How did we pick what company has the "Best Value" in Ohio?

The author's recommendation for "best value" is based on:

  • The Zebra's 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey
  • J.D. Power's 2023 Regional Customer Satisfaction Study
  • Each company's average cost of car insurance in Ohio
  • Available coverage options
  • The author's 5+ years of insurance industry experience

Our reviews are based on The Zebra's unbiased and impartial editorial standards. Our ratings of insurance companies are never commissioned-based nor is our content impacted by any partnerships.

For more information, see our editorial standards page.


Cheap liability insurance in Ohio

Our analysis shows that USAA, State Farm, and Erie Insurance have the cheapest liability-only insurance in Ohio. Their prices are much less than the state average of $243 for a 6-month policy.[1] 

The following table shows monthly and 6-month liability insurance policy rates from some of Ohio's top insurance companies.

Cheapest Liability Coverage in OH

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $140 $23
State Farm $154 $26
GEICO $164 $27
Travelers $191 $32
Progressive $226 $38
Farmers $289 $48
Allstate $294 $49

Source: The Zebra

Ohio's minimum required limits are 25/50/25 with $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,00 for property damage per accident. The Zebra discovered that 41% of Ohioan drivers insure their vehicles with liability-only policies. 

Amber Vigil, licensed insurance agent at The Zebra Insurance Agency
For Ohioans, is the liablity insurance enough?

Amber Vigil, licensed insurance professional at The Zebra.

41% of The Zebra's Ohio customers receive quotes for minimum liability coverage. However, the bodily injury liability amounts are likely enough to cover minor injuries, but likely wouldn't cover more severe accidents. And, while $25,000 is better than some states, it doesn't begin to cover the cost of a newer vehicle. I recommend you increase property damage liability to $50,000 and add UIMBI/UIMPD coverage, which covers your medical expenses and vehicle repairs if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.

See our guide to  Ohio car insurance limits and laws for more information.

Cheapest Liability & Full Coverage Quotes in Ohio

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Company Liability Coverage Full Coverage
USAA $166 $575
State Farm $212 $642
Erie $214 $662
Travelers $220 $601
Progressive $223 $692
GEICO $241 $747
Nationwide $322 $738
Allstate $428 $1,100

Source: The Zebra


How have car insurance costs in Ohio changed?

In Ohio, average annual auto insurance costs actually dropped by over $50 this past year. The year-over-year trend in Ohio leans toward less expensive auto insurance costs compared to the national average.

The steepest decrease occurred from 2019 to 2020, while the highest surge occurred from 2017 to 2018. And while recent years have seen less steep fluctuations, the overall trend is an increase in prices.

Car Insurance Costs in Ohio Since 2014
Year Avg. Annual Premium Yearly Change
2024 $1,334 -$54
2023 $1,388 $209
2022 $1,179 $151
2021 $1,028 $102
2020 $926 -$98
2019 $1,024 -$28
2018 $1,052 $684
2017 $1,736 $288
2016 $1,448 -$29
2015 $1,477 $46
2024 $1,431 $176
If your insurance rate is increasing faster than the state average, it might be time to shop around for a better deal. Use The Zebra's car insurance comparison tool to get personalized quotes based on your unique profile. Enter your ZIP code below to get started and see how much you can save.

Find an affordable policy in Ohio in minutes!

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Car insurance in popular Ohio cities

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, including the location of the vehicle. The cheapest car insurance is found in Stony Prairie, Ohio, and the most expensive is in Cleveland, Ohio.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Ohio's biggest cities.

Auto Insurance Quotes in Ohio's Biggest Cities

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City Avg. Annual Premium
Akron $1,275
Cincinnati $1,334
Columbus $1,350
Toledo $1,367
Cleveland $1,522

Source: The Zebra


Ohio auto insurance quotes after an accident or ticket

You'll probably pay less for car insurance if you have a clean driving record in Ohio — no at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, or other recent citations. If you receive a ticket, your car insurance rates will probably rise. 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.

Best Insurance Companies in OH After an Accident

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Travelers $2,198 $366
Auto-Owners $2,434 $406
Allstate $2,732 $455
USAA $2,791 $465
GEICO $3,315 $553
Progressive $4,446 $741
State Farm $4,609 $768

Source: The Zebra

Zebra Tip: Don't forget about claims satisfaction

Ideally, you'll never need your insurance, but a stress-free experience is crucial if you do. In our 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey, we gauged satisfaction among those who filed claims. Erie emerged as the top choice and is worth considering if you live in Ohio.

If you get a ticket or citation in Ohio, your auto insurance premiums will probably go up. How much they increase will depend on the type of violation, your insurer's pricing, and specific insurance rules and risks. This means that tickets can impact your insurance differently in each state.

Ohio Auto Insurance Quotes by Violation

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Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium $ Rate Increase
None $1,479 $0
One Med/PIP claim $1,515 $36
Not-at-fault accident $1,535 $56
Two Med/PIP claims $1,569 $90
One comp claim $1,572 $93
Two comp claims $1,638 $159
Failure to show documents $1,659 $181
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,692 $213
Driving without lights $1,697 $218
Driving with expired registration $1,723 $245
Child safety restraint $1,733 $254
Speeding in school zone $1,783 $304
Driving too slowly $1,783 $304
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,785 $306
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,788 $309
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,795 $316
Failure to yield $1,795 $316
Following too closely $1,795 $316
Illegal turn $1,796 $317
Cell phone violation $1,799 $320
Texting while driving $1,804 $326
Failure to stop at a red light $1,809 $330
Improper passing $1,818 $339
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,825 $347
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,879 $400
Passing school bus $1,896 $417
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,944 $465
In 65 MPH zone $1,965 $486
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $2,167 $688
Open container $2,180 $701
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $2,187 $708
Operating a vehicle without permission $2,194 $715
Reckless driving $2,781 $1,302
Racing $2,826 $1,347
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $2,836 $1,357
Driving with a suspended license $2,851 $1,372
DUI $2,874 $1,396
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $2,966 $1,487

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra's guide to Ohio car insurance laws for high-risk drivers

Many of the above violations have more serious insurance consequences. Below, we offer more in-depth guides discussing two of the more severe cases: insurance after a DUI or with an SR22. 

You can also learn more about general car insurance requirements in the state of Ohio.

Ohio DUI laws

In Ohio, a DUI violation can boost your annual car insurance cost by an average of $524. Finding affordable auto coverage after a DUI isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI conviction often causes a more considerable premium increase than any other road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

 

Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Ohio

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Ohio, it’s important to consider your insurance choices carefully. Car insurance premiums after a DUI can vary substantially from one carrier to another. For example, Travelers, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Ohio advertises annual rates 12% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Ohio is State Farm, while the priciest firm is Allstate, with prices 72% above average.

Ohio car insurance quotes with a DUI

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Allstate $1,485 $248
GEICO $1,433 $239
Farmers $1,201 $200
State Farm $965 $161
Progressive $896 $149
USAA $883 $147
Travelers $880 $147

Source: The Zebra

No car insurer, in particular, offers inexpensive insurance after a DUI. The recommended way to save money after a DUI citation is to shop around.

Compare and purchase car insurance online or reach out to an insurance agent to assess your choices and find a cost-effective policy.

Learn more about car insurance and DUI infractions.

Ohio SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Ohio to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Ohio might be tricky, but some research could ultimately pay off.

 

How to get an SR-22 in Ohio

An SR-22 is often required for drivers with serious violations on their driving record, most often related to drinking and driving offenses. The SR-22 is a form issued by your insurance company that must be filed with the state of Ohio as proof of continued insurance coverage. Below, you'll find the steps to getting this coverage. 

Already insured

With an active insurance policy, requesting an SR-22 might be easy. Call your insurance company and ask them to file an SR-22 request on your behalf. If your current insurer declines to request a certificate, you should shop around for a new insurance company.

 

Currently uninsured?

When filing for car insurance, you'll be billed extra to cover the cost of the SR-22 request form and your high-risk driving profile. Specific companies may not sell you insurance if you require an SR-22, while others would happily sell you a policy.

 

For drivers who don’t own a vehicle

Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, but if you shop around and are honest about your situation, you will likely find some carriers who can do this for you.

For drivers without a vehicle

Not having a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. If this is the case, you should buy a non-owner car insurance policy before filing for an SR-22. A non-owner policy is typically less expensive than a standard policy since it won’t protect against physical damage sustained by your vehicle.

Learn more about SR-22 certificate requirements and how they impact insurance premiums

Find your best value insurance match with The Zebra.

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Cheap auto insurance for teens and young drivers in Ohio

Our data shows that teens pay significantly higher insurance rates—more than twice what drivers in their 20s pay and over three times the rates for those in their 30s.[1] This is mainly because they’re just starting out on the roads and don't have much driving experience yet.

The good news is that Ohio teens pay 28% less than the average U.S. teen: $393/month ($2,356/6-month period). However, it's still smart to compare rates. We recommend teens and their families start with USAA (if they qualify), Erie, and Travelers as they offer the cheapest rates.

Cheapest car insurance quotes for young drivers in OH

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Farmers $4,197 $699
Progressive $3,185 $531
Allstate $2,540 $423
State Farm $2,488 $415
GEICO $2,163 $360
Travelers $1,944 $324
Erie $1,825 $304
USAA $1,441 $240

Source: The Zebra

Top Companies in Ohio for Teens by Age
Filter by:

Updating data...

Company Avg. Monthly Premium Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Progressive $713 $4,279
Allstate $636 $3,817
State Farm $561 $3,367
GEICO $489 $2,934
Travelers $442 $2,651
Nationwide $440 $2,640
Erie $356 $2,133
USAA $341 $2,046

Source: The Zebra

Zebra Tip: 3 ways young drivers can save on car insurance

  1. Enroll in an approved defensive driving course to qualify for discounts and become a safer driver.
  2. Opt for a car with good safety ratings and low repair costs instead of a high-performance model.

  3. Stay on a parent's policy to benefit from their good insurance history and save.

Ohio car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Ohio auto insurance.

USAA offers the cheapest insurance for Ohio drivers at $23/month for liability-only and $96/month for full coverage. If you don't qualify for USAA, Travelers and State Farm are only slightly more.

The average cost of a liability-only policy with minimum coverage is $62/month, and a full coverage policy costs $182/month.

Car insurance in Ohio is about cheaper than than average. This is due to population size, the number of uninsured drivers, and insurance companies' revenue loss via claims.

Ohio's minimum required limits are 25/50/25 with $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,00 for property damage per accident. 

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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Sources
  1. Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool

  2. Anonymized User Surveys. The Zebra

  3. J.D. Power. Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds

  4. 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey. The Zebra

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.