INSURANCE - CAR INSURANCE

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Ohio for 2024

Updated March 12, 2024
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Hastings Mutual is generally the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for both full coverage and minimum liability policies.

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The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Pro Football Hall of Fame. Cedar Point Amusement Park. Whatever draws you to Ohio, the state has plenty of charm.

The state also boasts a relatively low cost of living, and that lower cost is reflected in auto insurance premiums too. The average cost of car insurance in Ohio is $1,014, compared to the national average of $1,582.

However, you may pay more or less based on your age, driving history, credit score, and other factors.

In this article

Key takeaways

  • The average cost of car insurance in Ohio is $1,014 per year for full coverage insurance and $417 per year for state-minimum coverage.
  • Drivers with excellent credit can save hundreds per year on their premiums compared to those with poor credit.
  • Young drivers cost an average of $2,769 per year.

How much does car insurance cost in Ohio?

Buckeyes can expect lower rates for car insurance. On average, Ohio residents pay $1,014 per year for full coverage policies that include collision, comprehensive, and liability insurance — that's compared to the national average of $1,582. State-minimum coverage in Ohio costs an average of just $417 per year.

Avg. cost for full coverage Avg. cost for minimum coverage Cheapest insurance provider
$1,014/year $417/year Hastings Mutual
Avg. for young drivers Avg. cost for seniors Avg. for high-risk drivers
$2,769/year $1,162/year $1,566/year

Average cost of car insurance in Ohio by provider

In Ohio, you can buy insurance from major insurers like State Farm and Progressive. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, they are the country's two largest private passenger auto insurance companies based on direct premiums written.

You can also get coverage through smaller insurers, which may offer better rates than the national brands. For example, of the insurers compared below, USAA offered the cheapest rates for full coverage and state-minimum insurance policies. If you don’t qualify for USAA insurance, Erie and GEICO offer the next-lowest rates.

Provider Full coverage Minimum liability coverage
Allstate $1,383/year $518/year
GEICO $756/year $337/year
Nationwide $974/year $498/year
Progressive $925/year $371/year
State Farm $962/year $433/year
USAA $738/year $233/year
Erie $835/year $276/year

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How does credit score affect car insurance rates in Ohio?

Under Ohio’s current laws, insurers can use drivers’ credit scores to determine premiums. Improving your credit can help you save a substantial amount of money. For example, on average, those with poor credit paid hundreds more than those with excellent credit.  

Credit health Avg. annual premium
Poor (550-649) $2,008/year
Average (650-699) $1,466/year
Good (700-749) $1,260/year
Excellent (750+) $1,049/year

Average car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in Ohio

Driving recklessly in Ohio can cost you. A speeding ticket can increase your premiums by about $458 per year, while a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction may add about $1,047 to your yearly premiums.

Violation Avg. annual premium before violation* Avg. annual premium after violation Avg. cost increase
At-fault accident $1,014/year $1,797/year $783
DUI $1,014/year $2,061/year $1,047
Speeding ticket $1,014/year $1,472/year $458

*Assumes clean driving record with good credit

How does age affect car insurance rates in Ohio?

As in other states, young drivers will pay significantly more for coverage than older drivers. The average premium for teens is significantly higher than the state average.

However, Ohio is unique in that the age group with the lowest premiums isn’t drivers in their 50s or 60s; it’s drivers in their 30s.

Age Avg. annual premium
18 $2,816/year
25 $1,203/year
30 $1,097/year
40 $1,157/year
60 $1,100/year

Ohio car insurance rates by city

In Ohio, the city with the highest average premiums was Youngstown, at $1,489 per year. The higher premiums are likely due to Youngstown’s higher-than-average crime rate. NeighborhoodScout gave Youngstown a crime index rating of eight, meaning 92% of cities in the U.S. are safer. 

City Avg. annual full-coverage premium
Columbus$1,357/year
Cleveland $1,416/year
Cincinnati $1,340/year
Toledo $1,388/year
Youngstown $1,489/year
Dayton $1,237/year

OH’s minimum car insurance requirements

Ohio, like most states, requires drivers to have car insurance. Drivers must meet the following minimums:

  • $25,000 of bodily injury protection
  • $50,000 of bodily injury protection for two or more people
  • $25,000 of property damage protection

How to save money on car insurance in Ohio

Although car insurance is cheaper in Ohio than in most states, there are ways to save even more money on your premiums:

  • Boost your credit: You can improve your insurance credit score by paying down existing credit card debt and making all your payments on time. Over time, a better score can help you secure a lower rate on your car insurance.
  • Increase your deductible: Increasing your deductible — for example, raising it from $500 to $1,000 — will lower your monthly or annual premiums.
  • Ask about discounts: Contact your agent to discuss lowering your premiums. You may be eligible for programs such as good student, paperless, safe driving, or claims-free discounts.
  • Shop around: Many insurers issue car insurance policies in Ohio. Shopping around and comparing options from the best car insurance companies may help you save money.
  • Complete a mature driver program: In Ohio, drivers who are 60 or older can complete a mature driving course. Upon successfully finishing the course, you can present your course certificate to your insurer and qualify for a discount.

Methodology

Our analysis was conducted using six different auto insurance marketplaces to determine the average cost of auto insurance in each state. The data we analyzed included coverage premiums from up to 10 different insurance providers. We looked at rates by city, driver profile, and credit score, as well as factored in the impact of driving violations. This data is for comparative purposes only. Your actual quote may be different.

FAQs about car insurance costs in OH

Is car insurance expensive in OH?

Relative to the cost of car insurance in other states, coverage in Ohio is inexpensive. On average, Ohio drivers pay $1,014 per year for full coverage insurance.

How much is car insurance per year in OH?

The average cost of car insurance in Ohio is $1,014 per year for full coverage. For drivers that opt for state-minimum insurance, the average cost is $417 per year.

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Author Details

Kat Tretina Kat Tretina is a personal finance expert focusing on practical financial matters, including student loans, debt repayment, side hustles, insurance, and healthcare. Drawing from her personal experience, she aims to simplify complex financial topics and provide individuals with the information they need to make informed decisions.