Cleveland, OH Car Insurance
Compare Progressive, Allstate, GEICO and USAA (+ other top companies) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Cleveland.
How much does car insurance cost in Cleveland?
Compared to many other major cities in the U.S. Cleveland is fairly affordable with average rates of $761 for a six-month policy ($127 per month). But compared to the rest of Ohio, it ranks as the most expensive location to insure your vehicle. According to our 2023 data, USAA is the cheapest car insurance company in Cleveland, with rates at $509 for a six-month policy. State Farm and Auto-Owners both follow closely behind in affordability and are good options for those who aren't eligible for USAA.
Ohio's average rate is only $588 per six-month policy, which is less than $100 per month. Cleveland's rates are also slightly higher than that of the national average, which comes in at $880. Our data shows that 38% of customers in Cleveland said they are paying too much for car insurance. Maybe you're one of these folks, or perhaps you're just hoping to understand more about your insurance coverage and what goes into calculating rates. Keep reading to learn more about the details of Cleveland auto insurance including rating factors and the cheapest options for coverage.Â
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| Car Insurance in Cleveland vs. Ohio | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Cleveland Average | $761 |
| Ohio Average | $588 |
The cheapest car insurance companies in Cleveland
USAA is the cheapest auto insurer in Cleveland, with the average rate for a 6-month policy at $509, or about $84 per month. However, not everyone is eligible for USAA insurance coverage — it is only available to military members and their families, so check your eligibility if you're unsure.Â
Our next most affordable Cleveland car insurance is through State Farm, coming in at an average of $91 per month, or $544 per six-month policy.
Finishing out our list of the top-three most affordable auto insurers in Cleveland is Auto-Owners. On average, an Auto-Owners policy in Cleveland costs $550 per six-month policy, which breaks down to $121 per month.
The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Cleveland:
- The average cost of a car insurance policy in Cleveland is $761 per six-month policy — $127 per month
- The cheapest company in Cleveland is USAA (an average of $84 per month), but not everyone qualifies for USAA coverage
- Cleveland is the most expensive city in Ohio for auto insurance rates
- 38% of Zebra customers in Cleveland said they are shopping for rates via our marketplace because they're paying too much for car insurance
Are you paying too much for auto insurance?
Cleveland car insurance rates by company
Our 2023 data for Cleveland shows that the cheapest auto insurance is through USAA, which has an average rate of $84 per month or $509 for a six-month policy. USAA often has relatively low rates, but remember that it isn't available to everyone, so be sure to check your eligibility if you're interested in a policy.
Another affordable option in Cleveland is State Farm at $91 per month or $544 for a six-month policy.Â
Learn more about top-rated car insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.
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Cheapest car insurance companies in Cleveland, OH
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $509 |
| State Farm | $544 |
| Auto-Owners | $550 |
| GEICO | $581 |
| Progressive | $629 |
| Erie | $640 |
| Allstate | $1,083 |
Dynamic auto insurance data methodology
Methodology: The auto insurance rates displayed above and throughout this page are dynamic, meaning the data will refresh when the most recent information is made available. Rates are based on a sample driver profile — a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord and full coverage. This profile was adjusted based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies, like age, coverage level, driving record and others.
Shop around to find the best rates
The best way to find cheap auto insurance is to compare. But you don't have to go it alone — use our comparison tool to find the coverage level you need at the price that meets your budget. Enter your ZIP code to see rates from Progressive, Allstate, GEICO and USAA (+ other top companies) to find the best, and most affordable, car insurance in Cleveland.
Average car insurance in Cleveland by rating factor
There are numerous rating factors that go into your individual auto insurance rate. Some are within your control, and some aren't, so it's important to know what different factors will be considered so you can do your best to appeal to insurers. Most companies use very similar rating factors, but often weigh them differently. Company A may put more emphasis on your credit score whereas Company B could focus on your claims history.
Your driving profile and your needs also change over time, so the company that worked for you in your 20s may not offer you the best rates or coverage in your 40s. We suggest getting new quotes every six months to a year, or at the very least when personal circumstances change through marriage, landmark birthdays or credit improvement. This way you can make sure you're meeting your ever-evolving needs and also saving money where you can.
Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?
A: End-of-year earnings (revenue of premiums versus the cost of paying insureds’ claims) are a major factor for auto insurance rates in Cleveland. You might be a spectacular driver with no claims on your record, but sometimes just being in a certain city can cause your rates to go up regardless. If the cost of doing business in Cleveland has increased, this will be passed on to consumers in the form of higher premiums. Â
Auto insurance premiums by age in Cleveland
Age is one of those key traits that goes into the development of your auto insurance rate. Insurance companies are all about assessing risk, and part of their analysis is looking at certain demographics to see which groups are most risky on the road. Unfortunately, the accident rate for teen drivers is much higher than any other group, which means that drivers between 16 and 19 will be paying significantly more than older, more experienced drivers. Teens in Cleveland can end up spending $2,524 more per year on their car insurance than someone who is 20-24 years old. This is almost a $210-per-month difference!
This can be a real bummer for someone with a new license who's ready to take to the road and can be a financial shock for parents who may be paying for it. The good news is that these increased costs don't last forever — after a few years of (accident-free) driving experience, the rates will be much more affordable.Â
Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Cleveland, OH
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $1,372 |
| GEICO | $1,676 |
| Erie | $1,725 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,842 |
| State Farm | $2,084 |
| Progressive | $2,335 |
| Allstate | $2,638 |
Zebra Tip:Â The cheapest companies for Cleveland drivers aged 20 through 29 are USAA, GEICO and State Farm.
Most of the drivers in Cleveland fall between the ages of 20-29, according to our research. On average, this group pays $1,049 every six months, but by going with one of these insurance companies, drivers in this age bracket can potentially save 29%. Although USAA has the lowest rates, GEICO and State Farm can both be great options if you don't qualify for USAA coverage.Â
Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Cleveland
Of all the factors that are taken into consideration when calculating your rate, the level of coverage is the one you have the most flexibility with. Generally, the lesser your coverage the lesser the cost. According to our data, 26% of Cleveland drivers have the state minimum coverage, which can save you money on premiums but can also leave you at risk of being underinsured. Although it meets the state requirement, the minimum coverage isn't always the best option.
Adding collision coverage or comprehensive coverage (commonly known as "full coverage") will increase your rates, but can also offer you much more peace of mind. Comprehensive and collision coverage usually requires a deductible, but this can actually be a good thing! By adjusting your deductible you can actually save some money. For example, if your deductible is $1,000 you'll pay more for your insurance than if you were to raise it to $2,500.
Depending on your personal preferences, extras like roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage are a nice option to help you stay confident behind the wheel. Again, they'll increase your rate slightly, but that could be worth it if you get into trouble on the side of the road. We recommend carrying these additional coverages for extra security and reassurance.
Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?
A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.
According to our data, 47% of drivers in Cleveland have leased vehicles. If you're leasing or financing your car you will probably be required to keep a certain amount and type of coverage on the vehicle. But if you own your car outright, you can think about whether dropping comprehensive or collision coverage is right for you. We recommend getting the actual cash value of your vehicle via Kelley Blue Book or another reputable source. Typically, if your vehicle is worth less than $4,000, you probably don't need collision coverage and could save a little on your rates. Be prepared, though, that in the event of a collision, you'd need to pay for repairs out-of-pocket.
Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Cleveland, OH
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $171 |
| Auto-Owners | $180 |
| GEICO | $180 |
| State Farm | $196 |
| Erie | $204 |
| Progressive | $251 |
| Allstate | $343 |
- Minimum: State liability coverage only
- Basic: State liability + collision and comprehensive (full) coverage
- Better: Better liability limits at 50/100/50. Full coverage included with towing and rental car benefits. May include additional personal medical benefits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Best: Best liability limits at 100/300/50. Full coverage included with better towing and rental car benefits and better personal medical benefits and increased uninsured/underinsured coverage.
40% of our customers in Cleveland opt for the basic level of coverage, but that doesn't mean it is right for everyone. It's always nice to save money, but carrying only the state minimum can put you at risk if you're involved in an accident where damages exceed your limits. Ohio's 25/50/25 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $25,000 per person in bodily injury, $50,000 per accident in bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. This will probably be enough for basic car accidents, but when multiple vehicles are involved or there are injuries, it might not cut it. No one plans on being in an accident, but having auto insurance that would cover you in that circumstance is important for many people to feel confident on the road.
Learn more about insurance laws in Ohio.
Cleveland car insurance rates by credit score
Another key factor in calculating insurance rates is the driver's credit score. This is the case in most states, including Ohio, and there are a few reasons. When data and trends over time are analyzed, they show that drivers with lower credit scores are more likely to file claims, have lapses in coverage and engage in risky driving behavior.
Since these risks are associated with bad credit, it tends to be that the worse your credit, the more you'll pay for car insurance coverage.Â
The difference in price can be substantial regardless of the city but in Cleveland drivers with poor credit (300-579) pay 116% more than drivers with excellent credit (800-850). Our data tells that 33% of drivers in Cleveland have a credit score in the average (580-679) category. In 2023, GEICO is the cheapest option for Cleveland drivers for this credit range.
Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in Cleveland, OH
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| GEICO | $789 |
| USAA | $917 |
| Progressive | $1,070 |
| State Farm | $1,216 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,543 |
| Erie | $1,577 |
| Allstate | $1,681 |
Zebra Tip: If you've been improving your credit score, get new quotes!
Your credit doesn't need to fall in the "Excellent" category to get affordable insurance. Just improving your score by a few points might get you into the next tier! In Cleveland, our data shows drivers with "Fair" credit pay $930 less for car insurance in a year than drivers with "Poor" credit. If you've been trying to improve your credit score (maybe you've paid off a loan) then check with your credit monitoring tool, then start getting new quotes on your auto insurance to take advantage of your hard work.
Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident
No one really expects to get into an accident when they leave the house, but at-fault and collision-type accidents do happen, whether we like it or not. These are actually the most common types of insurance claims. They can also raise your rates quite a bit. In 2023, rates in Cleveland after an at-fault accident were increased by anywhere from $157 to $185 per month. The cheapest company after an at-fault accident is State Farm.
Accidents aren't always avoidable, but doing your best to drive safely is the simplest way to save money on auto insurance. A driving record that is accident-free shows insurance companies that you're reliable and low-risk, and you'll be rewarded for safe driving with better rates than drivers with accidents on their records. A speeding ticket may not seem like a big deal, but it can still result in a rate increase that can add up to hundreds per year. More serious incidents like reckless driving charges or DUIs can increase costs dramatically, and will affect your rates for years, depending on the type of violation (typically 3 to 5 years, but sometimes longer).
Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Cleveland, OH
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $700 |
| USAA | $741 |
| Auto-Owners | $784 |
| Erie | $818 |
| GEICO | $881 |
| Progressive | $951 |
| Allstate | $1,765 |
Cleveland car insurance rates by violation
Check out the table below to see which specific violations can affect your rate, and by how much. It might surprise you how much you actually pay over time due to a "minor" violation.
Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Cleveland, OH
Why is car insurance in Cleveland so expensive?
Car insurance never seems to get any cheaper, and some cities can be much more expensive than others. Let's look at why your auto insurance rates can seem extra pricey in Cleveland, even with a clean driving record and zero prior claims.Â
Most cities have experienced an increased cost of living for residents lately, and this isn't any different for businesses that operate in these places. The higher costs for businesses mean more of that expense is passed on to you, the consumer.Â
It may not seem like your neighborhood should affect your insurance rate, but it is actually a very important factor. Areas of the city that are more prone to crime, theft or uninsured drivers make them riskier for insurance companies, so if you live in a high-crime area you will likely pay more for auto insurance than someone who lives in a safer part of town. Take a look at our list of ZIP codes to see if you fall on either end of the spectrum.
Expensive Cleveland ZIP codes: 44104, 44103, 44120, 44105, 44127
Cheap Cleveland ZIP codes: 44130, 44126, 44129, 44134, 44143
Ohio gets its fair share of weather-related challenges, and although it experiences less than other places, it actually dealt with 32 tornadoes in 2022, which put it at #12 for the states with the most tornadoes last year![1] Another aspect of weather that can happen in just about every region is flooding. Damage to your vehicle caused by flooding is covered under your comprehensive coverage, which can be a lifesaver in a less-than-ideal situation.
As the population in Cleveland increases this naturally leads to more people on the road, and therefore, more accidents. Insurers then have to raise their rates (even for good or infrequent drivers) and the number of accidents and claims rises. 69% of drivers in Cleveland are currently insured, but that leaves the other 29% uninsured — therefore adding risk on the road if you're hit by someone without proper coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage (also called UMPD) can be a great option to add to your auto insurance coverage in Cleveland.
Zebra Tip: Use your comprehensive coverage to help protect against storm damage
Ohio is typically a state safe from many of the natural disasters that other regions face, but severe storms can be a serious concern. Damage caused by weather-related events is covered under comprehensive coverage. If you're worried about a flood, hail or other weather-related situation damaging your vehicle in Cleveland, it may be a good idea to consider comprehensive coverage.Â
Bundling insurance policies in Cleveland
When people ask how they can save on auto insurance rates, the first suggestion is usually bundling. This is a straightforward, low-hassle way to get a basic discount with most insurance companies. Bundling is simply combining your homeowners or renters insurance with your auto policy, and you could quickly see a discount of around 10%, depending on your insurance company. Learn more about bundling home and car insurance.
Take a few minutes to reach out to your agent and ask about a bundling discount, and if you're shopping for new insurance be sure to see if a potential insurer offers this savings.
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Cleveland, OH
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $446 |
| USAA | $479 |
| Auto-Owners | $484 |
| GEICO | $534 |
| Progressive | $536 |
| Erie | $587 |
| Allstate | $900 |
As we've discussed, there are many factors that go into creating your individual auto insurance rate. Some of these are outside of your control, but there are still things you can do to help keep your insurance prices affordable. The best advice is to start shopping around for auto insurance quotes with multiple companies in order to get the most affordable rate without compromising coverage or service. It's recommended to get new quotes every six months or so, but it's especially important if personal factors (a milestone birthday, improving credit or moving to a new area) have changed.
It might feel awkward to switch insurance companies, especially if you've been a loyal customer for many years. But as your needs change over time, it's good to check in to make sure you're saving as much as you can (and that you're getting the customer service you want). Some companies generally have higher rates than others, even with discounts you may qualify for, so don't be afraid to switch if you find a better option.
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Frequently asked questions
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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 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.