![Jess Ullrich](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/9895a03ef2/jess-ullrich-headshot.jpeg/m/100x100/smart/filters:quality(90))
Jess Ullrich is a personal finance writer who’s been creating financial and business content for over a decade. Her work has been published in Investopedia, MoneyWise, NextAdvisor, The HuffPost, and she's been contributing to Compare.com since 2024. Prior to writing full-time, Jess was an editor at Investopedia, The Balance, and FinanceBuzz.
![Nick Versaw](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/4fa113857d/nick-versaw-headshot.png/m/100x100/smart/filters:quality(90))
Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
Updated
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Table of contents
Cincinnati, Ohio, is known for its popular restaurants, museums, and performing arts venues. So, it’s not surprising that the city is the third most populous in Ohio and a popular tourist destination.
Whether you call Cincy home or are planning a move there, you won’t only benefit from this city’s healthy economy and rich culture. Car insurance rates tend to be relatively affordable in the Queen City, too. We found that the average Cincinnati driver pays around $130 for car insurance, with State Farm often offering the cheapest rates in the area.
Here’s how to find the best policy if you’re shopping for new car insurance in Cincinnati.
Car insurance in Cincinnati averages around $85 per month for liability insurance and $175 for full coverage.
State Farm offers the most affordable average premiums for Cincinnati drivers, at $70 per month.
Safeco, Erie, and State Farm are three of our top choices for auto insurance in the Queen City.
How Much Is Car Insurance in Cincinnati?
Location ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium: Liability ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium: Full Coverage ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium: All Policies ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|
Cincinnati | $85 | $175 | $130 |
Ohio | $71 | $151 | $111 |
National average | $92 | $176 | $135 |
Our research found that drivers in Cincinnati pay an average of $130 per month for car insurance coverage. For comparison’s sake, the statewide average across Ohio is $111 per month, while the national average is $135.
Breaking things down further, our data shows that you can expect to pay around $85 per month for a basic liability policy at the state-mandated minimum limits, but a full-coverage policy will run you around $175, on average.
That said, while average insurance rates can provide some helpful insight into costs, your actual rates will depend on personal factors, like your driving record, age, gender, and more. Consider comparing car insurance quotes from the companies outlined in the next section as a starting point.
Cincinnati’s Cheapest Car Insurance Companies
The average cost of car insurance in Cincinnati may be $130 per month, but several insurers offer average rates that are much lower. For example, these five car insurance companies have the most affordable policies in the city, according to Compare.com data.
Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
---|---|
State Farm | $70 |
Safeco | $77 |
Clearcover | $78 |
Auto-Owners | $81 |
Erie | $81 |
With Cincinnati drivers paying an average of just $70 per month, State Farm offers the cheapest rates among all insurers we compared.
But while the lowest possible rates might be appealing to many drivers, other companies offer affordable rates and other perks, too. After all, there’s more to consider when shopping for car insurance than just cost.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few of Cincinnati’s best insurance companies.
The 3 Best Cincinnati Insurance Companies
We selected the following companies as our top picks for Cincinnati drivers seeking new car insurance. We chose these three insurers based on their available discounts, customer ratings and reviews, and coverage options in Cincy.
Best overall value: State Farm
Average premium: $70 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Incredibly cheap rates
High customer satisfaction ratings
Many available discounts
Higher rates for high-risk drivers
Fewer discounts than some competitors
Mixed online reviews
We found that State Farm offers some of the cheapest car insurance rates in Cincinnati, with local drivers paying an average of just $70 per month. But the savings opportunities don’t stop there — you can also access several discounts through State Farm, including good driver, good student, vehicle safety, anti-theft, and bundling discounts for buying multiple insurance products.
Besides its low rates and many discounts, State Farm also receives high marks for customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.
Best for safe drivers: Safeco
Average premium: $77 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.59 out of 5
Cheap liability-only rates
Great telematics program
Network of local agents
Few available discounts
Below-average customer satisfaction
Higher-than-average number of complaints
Safeco offers a highly rated telematics program, RightTrack, that can get you a discount of up to 30% for safe driving. Cincinnati drivers can also benefit from its cheap liability-only insurance, with average rates of just $55 per month.
While Safeco has fewer discounts than some competitors, its generous telematics discount and low average rates make it our top pick for safe drivers.
Best for customer satisfaction: Erie Insurance
Average premium: $81 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.75 out of 5
Cheap liability-only insurance
High customer satisfaction ratings
Several local agents
Few available discounts
Limited mobile app features
Poor online reviews
Cheapest Basic Liability Coverage: State Farm
The coverage levels you choose will have a substantial effect on your car insurance rates. Liability-only coverage meets the insurance minimums Ohio law mandates, and it’s the cheapest policy you can get.
While this barebones insurance is generally affordable, its two coverage options provide limited protection. Property damage liability covers you if you damage another person’s property in an at-fault accident, while bodily injury liability can cover other people’s medical bills if they’re injured in an accident you cause.
The following five insurers offer the cheapest basic liability insurance for Cincinnati drivers, according to Compare.com data.
Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
---|---|
Hugo | $50 |
State Farm | $52 |
Safeco | $55 |
Auto-Owners | $60 |
Erie | $60 |
Hugo has the most competitive rates for liability coverage in Cincinnati, with drivers paying an average of just $50 per month for basic coverage. But if you’d like more protection on the road, full-coverage car insurance could be a better choice.
Cheapest Full-Coverage Insurance: State Farm
Full-coverage car insurance doesn’t protect you from every possible scenario, but it offers much more protection than a basic liability-only policy. Full-coverage car insurance typically includes collision and comprehensive insurance alongside state-mandated liability coverage.
The companies outlined in the table below offer the cheapest average monthly premiums for full-coverage policies in Cincinnati, according to Compare.com data.
Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
---|---|
State Farm | $88 |
Clearcover | $96 |
Safeco | $98 |
Elephant | $100 |
Auto-Owners | $103 |
State Farm policyholders in Cincinnati pay an average of $88 per month for car insurance — far below the citywide average of $175.
Compare Cincinnati Auto Insurance Rates by Age
Insurance companies pay close attention to your age when calculating your auto insurance rates. Generally, teen drivers pay higher rates because they’re much riskier than other age groups to insure. In fact, teenage drivers are four times as likely to get into a car accident than older drivers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Here’s how your age could affect your car insurance premiums in Cincinnati, according to Compare.com data.
Age Group ▲▼ | Citywide Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|
Teens | $225 | State Farm | $133 |
20s | $162 | State Farm | $96 |
30s | $119 | State Farm | $75 |
40s | $107 | State Farm | $69 |
50s | $92 | State Farm | $61 |
60s | $84 | State Farm | $55 |
70s | $89 | State Farm | $54 |
Cheapest for Cincinnati teens: State Farm
As mentioned, teens are statistically more likely to get into car accidents than drivers in other age groups. According to the IIHS, the fatal crash rate for 16- and 17-year-olds is about three times the rate for older drivers, based on miles driven.
Cincinnati teens pay an average of $225 per month for car insurance — much higher than the citywide average of $130. But savvy shoppers can still find a deal with companies like State Farm, which offers average rates of just $133 per month for teens.
Cheapest for Cincinnati seniors: State Farm
Older drivers nearing retirement age typically have the lowest insurance rates of any age group, and this holds true in Cincinnati. IIHS data shows that these drivers have lower fatal crash rates per capita than younger drivers, and insurers tend to reward them with lower rates because of it.
The average monthly insurance premium for Cincinnati drivers in their 60s is $84, according to our research. State Farm offers the cheapest rates for this group, at $55 per month, on average.
Compare Cincinnati Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record
Your driving record also plays a major role in your car insurance rates, with insurers reserving the lowest rates for people with clean driving histories. For example, drivers with speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUIs typically pay higher rates, as insurance companies tend to view them as a high risk.
Here’s a quick comparison of average monthly premiums and cheapest insurers in Cincinnati based on driving record, according to Compare.com data.
Driving Record ▲▼ | Citywide Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|
Clean record | $130 | State Farm | $80 |
Speeding ticket | $191 | State Farm | $102 |
At-fault accident | $196 | State Farm | $107 |
DUI | $222 | State Farm | $130 |
Cheapest insurer after a ticket: State Farm
Recent speeding tickets can increase your insurance premiums. According to Compare.com data, car insurance rates are 27% higher nationally for drivers with even one speeding ticket.
We found that Cincinnati drivers with tickets pay an average of $191 per month for auto insurance, with State Farm offering the cheapest average rates, at $102 per month.
Cheapest insurer after an accident: State Farm
Your insurance rates will also go up after an at-fault accident. In fact, drivers with past accidents can expect to pay around 34% more for car insurance, according to Compare.com data.
The citywide average rate for drivers in Cincinnati with an at-fault motor vehicle accident is $196 per month, but State Farm customers pay just $107 per month, on average.
Cheapest insurer after a DUI: State Farm
Drivers with a DUI often pay the highest car insurance rates of any group. Compare.com data estimates that rates increase substantially after a DUI — a whopping 50% increase over a driver with no previous violations.
This trend holds true in Cincinnati. The average premium for local drivers with a DUI is $222 per month, according to our data. But that doesn’t mean you’re forced into sky-high rates. State Farm offers the lowest average rates for area drivers with a DUI, at just $130 per month.
Ohio Auto Insurance Requirements
To legally drive in Ohio, you’ll need to maintain active car insurance. The state currently requires at least the following limits:
$25,000 per person in bodily injury (BI) liability coverage
$50,000 per accident in BI coverage
$25,000 in property damage liability coverage
These coverages protect you if you’re found responsible for an accident and you hurt another person or damage their vehicle or other property. Still, many experts recommend purchasing higher limits or even adding full coverage to your policy. Fortunately, the difference is usually just a few bucks each month.
How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance in Cincinnati
You don’t need to move forward with the first car insurance company you research. Instead, it’s smart to use the following strategies to find cheaper car insurance in Cincinnati.
Choose a higher deductible: Your car insurance deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance pays for a claim. Choosing a higher deductible could lower your monthly premiums — just make sure you can afford the extra expense if you have to file a claim.
Opt for a safe vehicle: Many insurers offer exclusive savings for drivers who opt for a safe vehicle with features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and anti-theft devices. Consider some of the cheapest cars to insure next time you’re in the market for a new vehicle.
Research discounts: Different car insurance companies offer different discounts — and many offer a wide array of them. As you shop for car insurance, research potential discounts that align with your situation. If you’re unsure, ask your insurance company if it offers any discounts you’re eligible for.
Compare quotes: Car insurance rates aren’t standard across companies, so comparing car insurance quotes is one of the best ways to find affordable coverage. Use an insurance-comparison site to get multiple quotes quickly and easily.
Cincinnati Auto Insurance FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about car insurance in Cincinnati.
Which company has the cheapest car insurance in Cincinnati?
State Farm offers the cheapest auto insurance premiums in Cincinnati, with drivers paying an average of $70 per month, according to Compare.com data.
How much is car insurance in Cincinnati?
The average monthly premium for Cincinnati drivers is $130, but your personal rate will vary based on factors like your ZIP code, age, gender, insurance company, and more.
Is car insurance in Cincinnati expensive?
No. Car insurance in Cincinnati is slightly cheaper than the national average, according to Compare.com data. Cincy drivers pay an average of $130 per month, while U.S. drivers pay an average of $135 per month.
How much car insurance coverage does Ohio require?
The state of Ohio requires you to have $25,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person and $50,000 per accident to meet minimum-coverage requirements. You’ll also need a minimum of $25,000 in property damage liability insurance.
What happens if you drive without insurance in Cincinnati?
Drivers in Cincinnati can lose their license for driving without insurance. For a first offense, you can lose your license for as long as it takes you to find a new policy, but you can lose it for a year or more with subsequent offenses.
Data Methodology:
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
Sources:
J.D. Power, “2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,” accessed October 10, 2024.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, “Teenagers,” accessed October 10, 2024.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, “Older drivers,” accessed October 10, 2024.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “Consumer insurance search,” accessed October 10, 2024.
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, “You will lose your license if you drive without insurance,” accessed October 10, 2024.
![Jess Ullrich](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/9895a03ef2/jess-ullrich-headshot.jpeg/m/96x96/smart/filters:quality(90))
Jess Ullrich is a personal finance writer who’s been creating financial and business content for over a decade. Her work has been published in Investopedia, MoneyWise, NextAdvisor, The HuffPost, and she's been contributing to Compare.com since 2024. Prior to writing full-time, Jess was an editor at Investopedia, The Balance, and FinanceBuzz.
![Nick Versaw](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/4fa113857d/nick-versaw-headshot.png/m/100x100/smart/filters:quality(90))
Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.