Looking for Cheap Car Insurance in Ohio?
Ohio doesn't mess around when it comes to insurance rates – they keep ‘em pretty low. In fact, they're lower than in many other states, which is largely due to the ratio of urban to rural drivers here. The Buckeye State likes to do things right and aims for an even balance – and we think that's awesome.
When calculating your rate, insurance companies consider different variables such as your age, gender, marital status, driving history, and credit score. Just because an insurance provider is located in Cincinnati or Columbus, Ohio doesn't mean you should automatically avoid it. If you do your research and get multiple quotes, you might be surprised at how affordable insurance can be!
When you're trying to shop around for car insurance, it can be a major pain. You have to find the right coverage, deal with all of the paperwork and bureaucracy of switching providers, and in general, it's a huge hassle. Carlay is specifically designed to solve these problems and make your life easier. With Carlay, you can get great car insurance at a price you can't believe.
Carlay shuts down what is usually a tedious and time-consuming process. Once you input your information, the app displays all of your options—in less than a minute. Then, Carlay does the rest: the app helps you select a provider, complete the switchover and even cancel your old policy.
Want proof? Here are some quotes, selected at random from Carlay in Ohio:
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Ohio?
To protect yourself against possible damages, you can opt for either basic or full-coverage insurance. Basic liability car insurance in Ohio costs an average of $1,641 per year, while full-coverage car insurance in Ohio costs an average of $1,843 per year.
To buy basic liability car insurance nationwide, the average is $1,783 per year. To buy full coverage nationwide, the average is $2,485 per year.
What contributes to the insurance rates in Ohio?
Find out about how your car insurance rate is determined here:
- A mix of urban and rural drivers
Ohio drivers enjoy a mix of city streets and rural roads. If you live in this state, you'll love the chance to escape from it all. To help you enjoy a pleasant drive, check out average insurance rates for your city today.
- Severe weather
Ohioans have jokingly noted that no one ever sets out to drive from Point A to Point B in a straight line. Weaving down rural roads is part of the Buckeye state's character, and so is its weather: From January snow squalls and ice to tornadoes in the spring and summer, Mother Nature routinely throws obstacles at our drivers. That's why it pays to have a car insurance policy that can help protect you from a variety of circumstances.
- Uninsured drivers
It's a nightmare that no one wants to experience: getting in an accident with an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver. Ohio currently ranks lower than average at 13% for the percentage of drivers involved in accidents that do not have any insurance coverage.
Here's how Carlay's savings programs in Ohio compare to nationwide averages:
| All Coverage Before Carlay | All Coverage After Carlay | Minimum Coverage Before Carlay | Minimum Coverage After Carlay | Full Coverage Before Carlay | Full Coverage After Carlay | |
| OH | $1,813 | $1,188 | $1,689 | $957 | $2,110 | $1,560 |
| National Average | $2,489 | $1,671 | $2,360 | $1,390 | $2,761 | $1,963 |
| OH | National Average | |
| All Coverage Before Carlay | $1,813 | $2,489 |
| All Coverage After Carlay | $1,188 | $1,671 |
| Minimum Coverage Before Carlay | $1,689 | $2,360 |
| Minimum Coverage After Carlay | $957 | $1,390 |
| Full Coverage Before Carlay | $2,110 | $2,761 |
| Full Coverage After Carlay | $1,560 | $1,963 |
Top auto insurance providers in Ohio
Ohio residents have many options for car insurance, including State Farm, Progressive, and Allstate.
It can be stressful to compare different insurance policies. Even if you choose the same type of coverage from two different providers, you will probably end up paying different premiums because each company uses its own formula for determining rates.
How much you pay for car insurance depends on several factors, including your age, driving record, where you live, and the kind of car you have. Insurance companies consider both your vehicle and the cost of insuring it when they set your rates. Insuring a BMW 5-series is almost always more expensive than insuring a Nissan Sentra because BMWs cost more to insure than Nissans do.
Carlay customers have found some great deals with the following Ohio insurers:
What Car Insurance Do You Need in Ohio?
To drive legally in Ohio, you must carry the following minimum insurance coverage:
| Coverage | Amount | Description |
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident | Covers the costs associated with injuries you cause to others |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 per accident | Covers the costs associated with damage you cause to other people's vehicles or property |
Always make sure you have adequate insurance when driving. Not only is it illegal not to have insurance, but you
could end up in court and financially liable for costly damages:
- Fines as determined by a court of law
- Suspension of license + reinstatement fee of up to $600
- Confiscation of vehicle and license plates
- FR coverage requirement for 3 to 5 years
- Financial liability in the event of an accident
You should be sure to have at least the minimum in auto coverage for the state you reside. However, you'll want to consider the following options which will better protect you from potential accidents:
| Coverage | Description |
| Collision insurance | Covers damages that are the result of a collision with a vehicle or stationary object |
| Comprehensive insurance | Covers damages that aren't the result of a collision, such as vandalism, theft, or a natural disaster |
| Uninsured motorist coverage | Reimburses you for your expenses from an accident caused by an uninsured driver |
| Personal injury protection | Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs after an accident |
| Rental reimbursement | Reimburses you for your rental car expenses while your car is being repaired after a claimable accident |
At Carlay, we're here to help you find the best auto insurance policy. Carlay lets you search and compare the rates of AAA, Safeco, and over 15 other major insurance companies—all in one app. And once you decide on a policy, there's no paperwork to file; we handle everything for you.
Now that you know what types of insurance you need, let's examine how the cost is determined.
How is Your Cost of Car Insurance Determined in Ohio?
Insurance companies consider many different factors when deciding how much to charge their clients. These include the policyholder's age, driving record, location, and type of vehicle.
- Cost to insure your car in Ohio by age
If you're under 25, you'll likely pay more for car insurance. This is because of statistics that show young, inexperienced drivers are more likely to get into accidents than older and more experienced drivers.
What young drivers in Ohio need to know
- Young drivers in Ohio have graduated licensing laws in place that allow them to earn their official license only
once they've developed the necessary experience.
- The completion of an approved, state-sponsored defensive driving course can help a young driver to lower his
auto insurance rates.
- Student drivers with a grade point average above a certain level qualify for a good
student discount.
Don't despair if you're young, as you may still be able to secure an affordable car insurance policy. By shopping around and maintaining a clean driving record, you can get the lowest rates you are eligible for.
If you're at all curious about the average insurance rates for drivers of a certain age, Carlay can give you an idea of what's typical:
| Age Group | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Carlay |
| 18-20 | $2,639 | $1,027 |
| 21-24 | $2,547 | $1,007 |
| 25-34 | $2,200 | $819 |
| 35-44 | $2,343 | $819 |
| 45-54 | $1,885 | $677 |
| 55-64 | $2,512 | $1,089 |
| 65+ | $2,360 | $1,365 |
- Cost to insure your car in Ohio with a poor driving record
If your driving record is whiter than The Ohio State Buckeyes' uniforms (including their helmets), you're golden when it comes to car insurance. However, if it has a few red flags - like speeding tickets or a DUI charge - you'll need to plan for higher Ohio car insurance for 5-10 years.
Lucky for you, the Carlay app can help you find Ohio car insurance deals even with your spotty driving record.
Among Carlay customers with bad driving records, these are savings you should expect:
| Driving Violation | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Carlay |
| Clean Record | $2,137 | $719 |
| Improper Passing | $3,326 | $1,967 |
| Illegal Turn | $3,549 | $1,566 |
| Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $3,030 | $1,477 |
| Careless Driving | $3,778 | $1,272 |
| Speeding over 15 | $2,831 | $948 |
| Failure to Obey Traffic Sign | $2,896 | $920 |
| Speeding under 15 | $2,630 | $899 |
| Defective Equipment | $1,632 | $846 |
| DUI | $2,287 | $734 |
- Cost to insure your car in Ohio based on where you live
The state of Ohio is home to about 11.7 million people, making it one of the most populous states in the country. There are six cities in the state with populations over 100,000, but a significant percentage of the population lives in rural areas—so insurance rates vary depending on how rural your neighborhood is. The average Cincinnati motorist pays more for car insurance than Ohioans in rural areas because urban drivers have a higher number of accidents, thefts and claims.
Ohioans, however, enjoy lower car insurance rates than the national average. Ohio drivers tend to drive safely, which results in fewer accidents and insurance claims.
Here are the 10 cheapest cities for auto insurance in Ohio:
| City | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Carlay |
| Akron | $2,393 | $898 |
| Canton | $2,527 | $1,018 |
| Cincinnati | $2,553 | $866 |
| Cleveland | $2,256 | $773 |
| Columbus | $2,362 | $870 |
| Dayton | $2,379 | $933 |
| Fairborn | $2,095 | $868 |
| Loveland | $2,752 | $1,115 |
| Toledo | $1,968 | $709 |
| Youngstown | $2,319 | $1,087 |
- Cost to insure your car in Ohio based on the type of car you drive
Insurance companies consider the type of car you drive when setting your premium. Insurance rates will be relatively inexpensive if your car is less expensive to repair or replace.
If you drive an average vehicle, like a Jeep Cherokee or Mercury Milan, you should be able to get good rates, though you may find it harder to insure a pricier car, such as a BMW 3-series or Audi Q5.
Here's an overview on which cars Carlay Insurance covers and how much it costs:
How to Save Money On Car Insurance in Ohio?
Saving a little more money on insurance rates is never a bad idea. Some simple tips help avoid higher rates with minimal effort.
- Shop around for quotes
Compare car insurance quotes online, or over the phone—whichever way you prefer. You'll probably get a better deal than you would if you just picked a policy without comparison shopping. But it can be time-consuming, especially the calls and forms that insurance agents require.
Signing up for car insurance doesn't have to be a pain. With the Carlay app, finding and purchasing car and home insurance just got easier. All you have to do is answer a few questions, and we can help you find competitive quotes and finalize details of your new policy.
- Look for discounts
If you're looking for affordable auto insurance, chances are you've heard of some pretty handy discounts that can save you money. Here's a look at a few of them to help you start saving today.
Here are a few of the most popular discounts in Ohio:
| Discount type | Who is eligible? |
| Bundling your policies | If you insure multiple vehicles or multiple products with the same insurance company, you're likely eligible for a bundling discount of up to about 12%. |
| Go paperless | By switching to online-only statements and scheduling automatic payments, you could qualify for a sizable discount on your car insurance. |
| Good student discount | Young drivers in Ohio are eligible for a good student discount if they're 16–24 years old and meet **one** of the following criteria: Rank in the top 20% of their class or maintain a B average; maintain a position on the Dean's Honor Roll; or rank in the top 20% of a PSAT, PACT, SAT–1, or ACT administered in the last 12 months. |
| Vehicle safety discount | If your vehicle has high-rated safety features, you can get a discount on your premium. Certain makes and models are eligible for this discount, so be sure to check with your provider. |
| Membership discount | If you're part of an educational, alumni, professional, or other member organization, you might be eligible for a group discount on your car insurance. |
- Increase your deductible
Increasing your deductible significantly lowers the cost of your annual car insurance. However, considering the risk of filing a claim, it's important to only increase your deductible if you can afford to pay it in full every time you file a claim.
Registering Your Car in Ohio
To register a car in Ohio, drivers need to bring the following to the DMV:
- Valid driver's license or ID card
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of sales tax payment
- Car title or signed lease agreement
- Vehicle inspection certificate (annually)
- Vehicle emissions certificate (every other year)
Ohio drivers must renew their vehicle registrations annually.