Best Car Insurance in Ohio for 2026

The Buckeye State has a lot going for it, from college sports to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In addition to incredible sights and scenery, Ohio has a lower cost of living than the U.S. and the Midwest average, and those savings typically extend to car insurance.

Key takeaways

The best car insurance in Ohio based on FinaceBuzz's star ratings are Allstate, GEICO, Progressive, and USAA.
Drivers with a clean driving record pay an average of $117 monthly for full coverage insurance in Ohio.
Drivers in their 60s pay an average of $101 a month for full coverage, while teen drivers spend an average of $248 monthly in Ohio.

Best car insurance companies in Ohio

Our research found that Ohio drivers have several excellent car insurance options, including national carriers like Progressive, Allstate, State Farm, USAA, and GEICO, as well as regional insurers such as Erie and Auto-Owners. These companies earned high FinanceBuzz star ratings and generally offer competitive pricing. While some insurers may start with higher base rates, discounts based on your driving history and other factors can make them a better value. Comparing quotes from multiple providers is the best way to find the coverage you need at the most affordable price.

Provider	FinanceBuzz Star Ratings	Estimated monthly full coverage	Estimated monthly minimum liability coverage
USAA	5.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.	$81	$47
Erie	4.9 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.	$73	$42
State Farm	4.8 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.	$62	$36
GEICO	5.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.	$79	$46
Allstate	5.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.	$138	$79
Progressive	5.0 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.	$74	$42
Auto-Owners	4.8 FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.	$73	$42

USAA

USAA is typically an affordable car insurance provider for full and minimum coverage in the state of Ohio, offering a nice mix of standard policies and specialties. It earned the highest FinanceBuzz star rating available, though you may find more specialty options with a competitor and its policies are only available to current and former military members and their families.

Pros

Military-specific discounts
Typically offers lower than average premiums

Cons

Only available to members of the military, veterans, and their families
Fewer general discounts than some competitors

Get a quote now | USAA review

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Average Rate:

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$ $$ /mo

Car insurance can be so simple. And so affordable.

GEICO

The insurance savings you expect.

Average Rate:

$ $$ /mo

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Average Rate:

$ $$ /mo

Drivers who switch their auto insurance and save with State Farm save $764 on average!

Erie

Erie Insurance is a widely-known regional car insurer, typically offering competitive rates in Ohio. Erie earned a very high rating from FinanceBuzz, and has multiple policies and features. However, it does not offer claim filing through its mobile app and it does not offer telematics for discounts, which be a deal-breaker for some customers.

Pros

Offers multiple agents in Ohio
Generally lower rates on policies than many companies

Cons

Only available in 12 states
No telematics discount

Get a quote now | Erie review

State Farm

State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the U.S. and is known for its typically affordable rates, dependable customer service, and extensive network of local agents. It's a strong option for students, families, and drivers who prefer personalized support alongside competitive pricing, although it may have potentially higher rates than other insurance companies for drivers with poor credit or a history of accidents.

Pros

Large selection of insurance products
Multiple State Farm offices throughout Ohio

Cons

Doesn't offer some specialty coverages
Agent-based model may not appeal to digital-first drivers

Get a quote now | State Farm review

GEICO

GEICO is one of the largest auto insurers in the U.S., known for its below-average rates, extensive discounts, and broad coverage options. Scoring the highest FinanceBuzz star rating available, it's a great fit for drivers looking for affordable coverage and a convenient online experience.

Pros

Wide range of discounts and coverage
Typically lower-than-average premiums

Cons

Does not offer some policies like gap insurance
Fewer local agents than other big companies

Get a quote now | GEICO review

Allstate

Allstate is a nationwide insurer that offers a wide range of coverage options, discounts, and access to local agents. It's a solid choice for drivers who want customizable policies and personalized support, though it's typically one of the pricier options. It did receive the highest FinanceBuzz star rating available, and bundling discounts may potentially help lower costs.

Pros

Large network of local agents
Offers rideshare coverage and other policy options

Cons

Typically higher rates than some competitors
Only sells insurance in six-month term periods

Get a quote now | Allstate review

Progressive

Progressive is one of the largest auto insurers in the U.S., offering coverage nationwide with a wide range of discounts and customizable policy options. It's a strong choice for drivers seeking competitive rates, especially those with past driving violations or who want to manage their policy online. It also boasts the highest FinanceBuzz star ratings score available.

Pros

Wide variety of discounts, including usage-based savings with Snapshot
Name Your Price® tool helps shoppers find coverage within their budget

Cons

Young drivers and those with poor credit may pay higher premiums
Some discounts require sharing driving data through telematics

Get a quote now | Progressive review

Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners is a regional insurer that sells policies through a network of independent local agents in 26 states. It stands out for its typically affordable rates and broad selection of standard and specialty coverage options, making it a good choice for drivers who value personalized service over a fully digital experience.

Pros

Lower-than-average premiums for many driver profiles
Wide range of specialty coverage options

Cons

No online quote process
Only available in certain states

Get a quote now | Auto-Owners review

Ohio auto insurance requirements

In Ohio, drivers must carry the following insurance coverages:

$25,000 in bodily liability for the death or injury of one person
$50,000 in bodily liability for the death or injury of two or more people
$25,000 for property damage in an accident

How to choose a car insurance provider in Ohio

When you're looking for a new car insurance provider, it's essential to keep a few things in mind:

Check financial stability: Before starting a policy with any insurance company, check its financial ability to pay claims on a website like Standard & Poor's or AM Best. It's also wise to check with the Ohio Department of Insurance or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to confirm a company is licensed to do business in Ohio.
Check pricing and discounts: Get quotes from multiple companies to compare pricing and discounts. Ensure the policy amounts and coverage options are similar for an accurate comparison, and double-check you're getting all the discounts you qualify for.
Ask for reviews: Check review websites like the Better Business Bureau to see what existing customers say. Ask friends and family for recommendations, especially if you know they've had a recent insurance claim.

How much does car insurance cost in Ohio?

The average cost of insurance in Ohio is $117 for full coverage and $64 a month for minimum coverage. Dayton residents will likely spend the least on car insurance, an average of $119 a month for full coverage.

Ohio car insurance rates by city

The crime rate where you live can significantly impact what you pay for insurance. Drivers in Cincinnati (population of 309,513 in 2022) are likely to spend about the same yearly rate for car insurance as drivers in Columbus (population 907,971).

Although Columbus has almost three times the number of people, which usually means their car insurance rates should be significantly higher, both cities have similar crime rates. According to NeighborhoodScout, both cities scored 5 out of 100, meaning they are only safer than 5% of U.S. neighborhoods overall.

City	Avg. monthly full coverage premium
Cleveland	$137
Toledo	$132
Columbus	$139
Cincinnati	$132
Dayton	$119

Methodology

Our analysis was conducted using six different auto insurance marketplaces to determine the best 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.Learn more about how FinanceBuzz evaluates car insurance carriers based on factors like pricing, customer experience, financial stability, and overall value.

FAQs

What are the minimum car insurance coverage requirements in Ohio?

The minimum car insurance coverage requirements in Ohio are $25,000 in bodily liability for the death or injury of one person and $50,000 in bodily liability for the death or injury of two or more people. Drivers must also carry $25,000 for property damage.

How much does car insurance cost in Ohio?

Car insurance in Ohio costs an average of $117 a month for full coverage and $64 for the state minimum coverage.

Which car insurance companies cover Ohio?

Several car insurance providers cover Ohio, including Nationwide, Allstate, GEICO, Progressive, State Farm, and regional providers like Commonwealth Casualty, Erie, Mile Auto, and Auto-Owners.