Average Cost of Car Insurance in Ohio for 2023

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 about $500 less than the national average.

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

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 nearly $1,000 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 — $515 less than the national average of $1,529. 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, in Ohio, 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

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 almost $1,000 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	$1,260/year	$1,797/year	$783
DUI	$1,260/year	$2,061/year	$1,047
Speeding ticket	$1,260/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 about $1,800 more 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 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 that 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.

FAQs about car insurance costs in OH