The Cheapest car insurance in Ohio - for all cars and drivers

No matter what you drive, you’ll need an insurance policy to stay in compliance with Ohio law. Known for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cedar Point, and the Pro Football Hal of Fame, Ohio is a great place to live and work.

But to do so, you’ll need reliable transportation and an insurance policy to match. While Ohio offers affordable pricing on several cost of living categories, car insurance isn’t always one of them. Outlined below is how you can get cheap car insurance in Ohio.

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With times tight, this guide will help you better understand how to get more bang for your buck, educating you on the key aspects insurance companies look at when pricing your policy, and what you can do to lower your costs when on the hunt for Cheap car insurance in Ohio you can afford.

We’re here to help your wallet by providing a quick and easy way to compare affordable Ohio car insurance quotes from a number of top insurance providers eager to help.

Equipped with this guide, you’ll have everything you need to get cheap car insurance in Ohio. So grab a coffee or beverage of choice, kick back, and let’s dive in.

Car insurance requirements in Ohio

Here’s What you need to know before hitting the road in Ohio

We don’t make the rules, but we do have to play by them. Like death and taxes, there’s no way around having car insurance in Ohio. Across the US, all states, including the great state of Ohio, require that each driver carry a policy that provides coverage at or above the legally mandated minimum.

But it’s not just enough to be insured, you also have to carry proof of this at all times when operating a vehicle on Ohio’s many roadways.

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Since you have to have car insurance, the real question is, how much will a cheap policy cost you?

This is a complex question, so we’ll go through all the details of why one policy is more expensive than another, and what you can do to avoid paying too much.

Fortunately, if you know what to look for and how to go about getting the correct policy, some policies, such as those offering minimum mandated coverage, can be fairly affordable and cheap.

What are the minimum amounts of Auto insurance in Ohio that all drivers are required to carry?

In Ohio, liability insurance is a requirement for all drivers. The required minimum for automobile insurance in Ohio is $25,000/$50,000/$25,000. With this policy, if an accident were to occur, the policy would cover $25,000 per individual for bodily injury, up to a maximum of $50,000 per incident. This policy also covers up to $25,000 in damage to property for the OTHER driver (not you).

Recap of Mandatory Minimum Coverage in OH:

• Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person
• Bodily injury liability (more than one person): $50,000 per accident
• Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident

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Optional Car insurance coverage in Ohio

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage (although not as cheap) covers expenses necessary to repair or replace your vehicle for non-collision related damage (such as vandalism, theft, fire, storms, and more).

Collision coverage

No one gets behind the wheel of a car expecting to be in an accident, but according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there are more than 5,529 fatal car crashes and over 30,800 total accidents investigated yearly.

Collision coverage helps pay for expenses necessary to repair or replace your vehicle due to damage caused by a collision with an object (such as a telephone pole) or another vehicle.

Uninsured motorist coverage

According to the Insurance Information Institute, 13% of Ohio drivers are uninsured, putting you at risk. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you in the event that the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured.

Optional types of Auto coverage vary by carrier and may include:

• Gap policies
• Medical coverage
• Roadside assistance service packages
• Rental car reimbursement
• And more…

Why is Cheap car insurance in Ohio often so expensive?

1. More drivers on Ohio roadways means more chances for accidents, insurance claims, and payouts, all adding up to increased rates for premiums.
2. Ohio ranks 21st in the nation for the number of uninsured motorists, resulting in responsible insured drivers footing the bill.
3. In the wake of COVID and a struggling economy, the cost of auto repairs is on the rise, with insurance companies feeling it on their bottom line. This added expense is often passed on to the consumer.
4. Weather events are trending upward, with severe storms, torrential downpours, and harsh winters leading to increased rates of property damage and accidents.
5. Skyrocketing healthcare costs in Ohio means insurance companies are having to pay more out of pocket for claims related to medical expenses from accident injuries.

What types of penalties could you face for driving without Cheap car insurance in Ohio?

Think car insurance is too expensive? Driving without it could end up costing you even more…

Drivers in Ohio are required by state statutes to have PROOF of their insurance policy with them at all times when operating a vehicle on a public road.

As long as your insurance fulfills the minimum standards set by your state for coverage, it doesn’t matter how inexpensive your policy is. That’s the good news for those needing cheap coverage.

A much better alternative than the risks below…

Penalties for driving without Auto insurance in Ohio

Your driver’s license, license plates, and car registration may all be temporarily suspended by the state, and there may also be a $660 reinstatement fee. Additionally, you might need to request that your insurer submit an SR-22 form for you for a period of up to five years. If you don’t follow these rules, the state may seize or sell your car.

The state of Ohio is very strict when it comes to breaking the rules governing auto insurance coverage.

First Offense:

• Fines and penalties
• Suspension of license until up to date with insurance requirements
• $260 restoration fee for plates and registration
• Confiscation of plates and license for 30-days

Second Offense:

• Additional fines and penalties
• Suspension of license for 1-year
• Limited driving privileges available after 15-days
• $360 registration and plate restoration fee
• Vehicle and plates confiscated for 60 days

Third and Subsequent Offense:

• Additional fines and penalties
• Suspension of license for 2-years
• Limited driving privileges available after 30-days
• $660 registration and plate restoration fee
• Vehicle impounded and sold
• 5-year suspension on registering a new vehicle

Cheap auto insurance in Ohio for minimum coverage

Shopping for cheap car insurance in Ohio isn’t usually on anyone’s list of favorite activities. But it is something we all have to do at one point or another.

But this experience doesn’t have to be a tedious, time-consuming one. In fact, saving money on a cheap policy can be pretty satisfying. Who doesn’t like getting a good deal?

How much does Auto insurance cost in Ohio?

This is a harder question to answer without diving into the factors that play a role in how your premiums are priced. By understanding these factors, you may be able to play your own role in lowering costs.

Ohio’s annual vehicle insurance premiums for full coverage average right around $1,200, and for minimal coverage, around $336. When compared to surrounding states, Ohio is more competitively priced when it comes to auto insurance.

That said, at Insurance Navy, we work with a range of leading auto insurance providers to get you multiple cheap quotes so you always have access to the best rates.

What determines your Auto insurance premiums in Ohio?

• The make and model of the car you drive
• Age
• Your driving habits
• Zip code where you live
• Your marital status
• Driving record
• And more…

How does age affect your Auto insurance premiums in Ohio?

Insurance companies have a LOT of data. What they found out is that older drivers tend to be more careful on roadways. They also tend to be more experienced and able to negotiate poor driving conditions, while also employing defensive driving techniques against other reckless motorists.

As a result, we usually see lower-priced premiums for middle-aged individuals than we do for young or elderly drivers.

Typically, premium costs begin to gradually decline at age 26 and continue to do so until they start to increase again around age 60.

Cheap auto insurance in Ohio for young drivers

Young drivers end up paying a lot more for auto insurance. On average the data shows the following annual premiums based on age:

• Age 16 = $2,408
• Age 18 = $2,216
• Age 20 = $1,882
• Age 25 = $1,543

We believe that every driver should have an equal opportunity to find low-cost auto insurance. We partner with a variety of insurance providers to help you discover the right coverage at the right price, comparing rates, and finding you the most cost-effective auto insurance options.

How does location affect your Car insurance premiums in Ohio?

Did you know that your auto insurance costs might vary depending on your zip code, state, and the city you live in?

Insurance firms combine risk profiles based on location. To calculate the likelihood of having to pay on claims per person, they examine crime rates, accident rates, and other data for individual zip codes. Together, this data helps them determine how much they need to charge to cover their own risk and protect the bottom line, while still having enough resources to compensate those who file claims.

Because of this, people who live in less populous or rural areas typically pay a LOT less in premiums than people who live in Ohio suburbs or big towns like Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, or Toledo.

How does marital status affect your Car insurance premiums in Ohio?

Your marital status (whether you’re single or married) can affect how much you pay for affordable auto insurance. What insurance providers found was that married individuals are involved in fewer accidents. This is largely attributed to them being more cautious when on roadways, due to financial and adult obligations and responsibilities (such a starting a family). Because of this, they often pay less for insurance than those who are single.

How does car type affect your Auto insurance premiums in Ohio?

The type of car you drive plays a big role in how much you’ll end up shelling out for insurance. In part, the price of your policy is based on a few factors relating to this.

1. The risk profile of the type of vehicle you drive. A good example of this is that sports cars are more likely to get in accidents than a family minivan.
2. The make and model of the vehicle. This has more to do with the cost of repairs and replacement in the event that the insurance provider has to make good on a claim.

How does your driving record affect your Car insurance premiums in Ohio?

Your driving record (citations, tickets, etc.) demonstrates to insurance providers how safe or risky of a driver you are. The better your record, and the longer your good driving history is, the lower your premiums and the better your chances of snagging cheap car insurance in Ohio.

Ohio Auto Insurance Rate Increases Violation (averages):

*% increases on average

• Speeding ticket: 17% increase
• At-Fault Accident: 39% increase
• DUI: 84% increase

National Average Increases in Premiums For Other Violations:

• NOT at-fault accident – 6%
• 1 Compensation claim – 8%
• 2 Compensation claims – 14%
• Failure to show documents to law enforcement – 18%
• No seatbelt violation - 18%
• Driving on expired registration – 21%
• Driving without lights – 20%
• Child safety restraint violation – 20%
• Cell phone use violation – 25%
• Illegal turn – 26%
• Failure to yield – 27%
• Improper passing – 27%
• Speeding 6-10mph over the limit – 25%
• Speeding 16-20mph over the limit – 27%
• Racing or Reckless driving – 89%
• Leaving the scene of a crime – 97%
• Driving on a suspended license – 94%

*Examples are averages and vary widely depending on the particular carrier. The list is not exhaustive and is meant to give a representative sample of common traffic violations.

How much could having a bad driving record cost you?

Our figures show that many insurance carriers increase annual premiums for clients who have a history of “at fault” incidents by as much as $620… making it even more important to evaluate several insurance companies through a broker like Insurance Navy.

How Much You Drive Your Car Also Has a Part to Play

The more you drive, the more chances there are for you to get in an accident. Insurance companies know this and price policies accordingly. For example, those who just use their vehicle for a few errands in town will likely pay less per month than someone who commutes 50 miles round trip to work each day.

Cheapest car insurance in Ohio for drivers with bad credit

Millions of Americans, including tens of thousands in Ohio, struggle with poor credit. Given the rising cost of living and inflation, it is no big shock that so many individuals are having trouble paying their bills.

What effect does this have on your ability to find cheap auto insurance in Ohio?

Although credit shouldn’t directly affect how much you pay for car insurance, there is a correlation between those with poor credit and paying higher premiums.

According to an analysis of major auto insurers, drivers in Ohio with poor credit ranging between 300-579 often paid as much as $105 more per month, or $1260 more per year.

We don’t have the last say in how much an insurance company charges (or on what basis they make these decisions). Instead, we help you compare multiple estimates simultaneously and allow insurance providers to compete for your business. This way you always know you are choosing the cheapest car insurance for your needs.

What’s the Cheapest car insurance in Ohio after a DUI?

Those convicted of one or more DUIs are categorized by insurance companies as ‘high risk’. If convicted of a DUI, you should plan on paying more for coverage. But that doesn’t mean you’re all out of options.

SR-22 insurance in Ohio

When convicted of a DUI, or if you have too many ‘points’ on your license, you may be required to purchase and carry an SR22 policy. This certificate is a bond that is offered by insurance companies as a guarantee to the state of Ohio that you have coverage in the event of an accident.

Cheapest car insurance in Ohio for drivers with speeding tickets

We’re all in a hurry these days, and sometimes that gets us in trouble. Speeding is a common driving infraction that can result in increases in the cost of insurance by between 10-20% on average.

In the short term there isn’t a lot you can do to lower rates, but the good news is that over time your premiums should normalize and begin to fall (presuming you maintain a good driving record from here on out).

Your best bet is to shop around, and at Insurance Navy we make this as easy as it gets, giving you access to several leading insurance companies to meet your needs.

Cheapest car insurance in Ohio for good drivers

Do you have a pristine driving record? Paying attention to the rules and staying safe can pay off big time. Those with good driving history stand to save BIG on cheap auto insurance in Ohio.

In addition to cheaper premiums, having a clean driving record may also qualify you for ‘safe driving’ discounts, lower deductibles, and other benefits.

Cheapest car insurance rates in Ohio cities

Now that you know where you live can have a big impact on how much you’ll pay for car insurance, let’s take a look at the cities in Ohio and the cost of the annual average premiums paid by those who live there.

Average Annual Auto Insurance Premiums by City In Ohio:

• Cleveland $1,614
• Cincinnati $1,266
• Toledo $1,358
• Akron $1,262
• Dayton $1,205
• Canton $1,187
• Youngstown $1,386
• Lorain $1,101
• Hamilton $1,203
• Springfield $1,153
• Elyria $1,192
• Lakewood $1,174
• Newark $1,167
• Cuyahoga Falls $1,123
• Middletown $1,161
• Dublin $1,235
• Mentor $1,078
• Euclid $1,285
• Mansfield $1,065

Best cities for Cheap car insurance in Ohio

Remember, living in the city will generally cost you more than living in a rural area, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t pockets off opportunity here and there.

The Following Cities are the BEST for Cheap Car Insurance in Ohio:

• Cuyahoga Falls = $93.58/mo
• Middletown = $96.75/mo
• Dublin = $102.92/mo
• Mentor = $89.83/mo

These are just a few Ohio cities that currently have the lowest rates

How to find Cheap car insurance in Ohio