The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Columbus, Ohio, in 2026

The cheapest car insurance company in Columbus, Ohio, is Mile Auto, averaging just $52 per month.

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Car insurance in Columbus averages $119 per month, well above the statewide average. The capital city of Ohio has the second-highest population density in the state,[1] along with higher-than-average traffic congestion, accident rates,[2] vehicle theft, and crime rates — all of which help to drive up insurance premiums.

Still, many companies offer rates well below the citywide average. For example, Mile Auto, State Farm, and Progressive have the cheapest average auto insurance rates, starting at $52 per month for basic coverage.

In this article, we’ll break down the cheapest insurers in Columbus by various demographics and coverage types. We’ll also cover how to pick the right company and ways to save on car insurance costs.

Key Takeaways
  • Mile Auto is the cheapest auto insurance company in Columbus, with an average liability rate of $52 per month.

  • Car insurance rates average $89 per month for liability and $149 for full coverage in Columbus.

  • Ohio drivers are required to have a minimum of 25/50/25 liability coverage to drive legally in the Buckeye State.

The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Columbus, Ohio

Regardless of average rates, many insurers offer premiums well below the citywide average. Comparing quotes from multiple companies is the best way to find the coverage you need at the lowest price.

To get you started, the table below shows the cheapest car insurance companies in Columbus, according to Compare.com data.

The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Premium
sort ascsort desc
Mile Auto$52
State Farm$57
Progressive$61
Auto-Owners$67
Erie$67
GEICO$73
Safeco$75
USAA$75
Commonwealth Casualty$76
The General$77
American Family$82
Nationwide$86
CSAA$92
Elephant$97
Direct Auto$104
Root$105
Bristol West$106
Clearcover$115
GAINSCO$115
Dairyland$116
National General$122
Allstate$127
Travelers$137
Farmers$141
Liberty Mutual$146
Foremost$177
State Auto$195
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM PDT.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbus by Driver and Coverage Type

While the companies above are a great starting point, your actual rate can vary widely based on factors like your age, driving history, credit history, ZIP code, and vehicle type.

The table below highlights the cheapest insurers in Columbus for different driver profiles and coverage types, based on our latest data.

Driver/Coverage Type
sort ascsort desc
Cheapest Insurer
sort ascsort desc
Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium
sort ascsort desc
State-minimum coverageMile Auto$52
Full coverageMile Auto$80
TeensMile Auto$115
SeniorsMile Auto$40
Drivers with a speeding ticketMile Auto$65
Drivers with an at-fault accidentMile Auto$71
Drivers with a DUIMile Auto$74
Drivers with excellent creditMile Auto$44
Drivers with poor creditMile Auto$64
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on .

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  • The average state-minimum coverage policy costs $89 per month in Columbus, according to Compare.com data. Though it meets Ohio’s minimum requirements, most experts recommend buying higher liability limits to protect your assets if you cause a serious accident. Other drivers and their passengers can come after you financially if you don’t have enough liability coverage. And with the average new car costing nearly $50,000, things could get messy quickly if you have only the state’s minimum limits.

    But if you need only the most bare-bones coverage, these five auto insurers offer the cheapest average liability insurance rates, according to our research.

    The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Liability Rates by Company

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Mile Auto$52
    State Farm$57
    Progressive$61
    Auto-Owners$67
    Erie$67
    GEICO$73
    Safeco$75
    USAA$75
    Commonwealth Casualty$76
    The General$77
    American Family$82
    Nationwide$86
    CSAA$92
    Elephant$97
    Direct Auto$104
    Root$105
    Bristol West$106
    Clearcover$115
    GAINSCO$115
    Dairyland$116
    National General$122
    Allstate$127
    Travelers$137
    Farmers$141
    Liberty Mutual$146
    Foremost$177
    State Auto$195
  • Most Columbus drivers should consider full coverage to cover their own injuries and vehicle damage. Plus, if you finance or lease your car, your lender or leasing company will require you to buy full-coverage insurance.

    Full coverage typically includes liability, plus medical payments for your injuries, and comprehensive and collision coverage for your vehicle. You can also customize it with additional insurance options like gap insurance and roadside assistance.

    We found that the average full-coverage rate in Columbus is $149 per month. But even with higher rates, several insurers tend to offer full coverage for close to the average liability price in Columbus.

    The chart below shows the five cheapest insurers in Columbus for full coverage, according to Compare.com data.

    The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Full-Coverage Rates by Company

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Mile Auto$80
    State Farm$92
    Auto-Owners$109
    Erie$109
    Progressive$109
    Safeco$116
    GEICO$118
    USAA$120
    American Family$133
    Nationwide$138
    Elephant$142
    CSAA$143
    Direct Auto$143
    The General$149
    Root$179
    National General$182
    Clearcover$201
    Commonwealth Casualty$204
    Allstate$205
    Liberty Mutual$216
    Travelers$222
    Farmers$228
    Bristol West$230
    GAINSCO$244
    Dairyland$268
    State Auto$314
    Foremost$386
  • Teen drivers are the most expensive to insure of any age group due to their inexperience and tendency for risky behaviors, such as not wearing a seat belt, speeding, and distracted driving. They also have the highest risk of accidents and are three times more likely to be in a fatal crash than drivers 20 and older.[3]

    The average monthly cost of car insurance for Columbus teens is $254. But don’t worry, as it’s still possible to find a great deal if you’re a young driver or have one on your policy.

    Check out the chart below for the five cheapest auto insurance companies in Columbus for teens, according to Compare.com data.

    The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Rates for Teens

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Mile Auto$115
    State Farm$120
    Progressive$130
    Erie$133
    GEICO$142
    Auto-Owners$145
    The General$147
    USAA$151
    Commonwealth Casualty$153
    Safeco$163
    CSAA$168
    American Family$168
    Nationwide$182
    Elephant$187
    Root$198
    Bristol West$206
    Clearcover$208
    Direct Auto$217
    Dairyland$217
    GAINSCO$228
    National General$267
    Allstate$272
    Liberty Mutual$280
    Farmers$303
    Travelers$306
    State Auto$506
  • Seniors, on the other hand, typically pay the lowest auto insurance rates of any age group due to their extensive driving experience and cautious driving habits, which lower their accident risk.[4]

    In Columbus, the average rate for senior drivers is $101 per month. Even so, many insurers offer even lower premiums.

    In the chart below, we break down which five companies offer the cheapest rates for seniors in Columbus, according to Compare.com data.

    The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Rates for Seniors

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Mile Auto$40
    State Farm$44
    Erie$51
    Progressive$52
    Auto-Owners$53
    GEICO$57
    USAA$60
    Commonwealth Casualty$61
    The General$64
    American Family$65
    Safeco$65
    Nationwide$65
    CSAA$73
    Elephant$79
    Direct Auto$83
    Root$87
    Bristol West$87
    National General$95
    GAINSCO$97
    Dairyland$97
    Clearcover$100
    Allstate$102
    Travelers$108
    Farmers$111
    Liberty Mutual$121
    State Auto$147
  • You can expect a rate increase at your next policy renewal if you get a speeding ticket. Insurers view traffic violations as a sign you’re more likely to file a claim, which leads to higher premiums. Our research shows that even a single speeding ticket increases average rates by 36% nationwide.

    Drivers with a recent ticket in Columbus pay an average of $154 per month for car insurance, according to our data. But you can typically avoid these expensive rate hikes by choosing the right company.

    Let’s take a look at the chart below for the five cheapest insurers in Columbus for people with a recent ticket, according to Compare.com data.

    The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Rates With a Ticket

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Mile Auto$65
    State Farm$74
    Progressive$79
    Auto-Owners$89
    Erie$90
    Commonwealth Casualty$91
    GEICO$97
    USAA$99
    Safeco$100
    The General$105
    American Family$108
    Nationwide$113
    Elephant$118
    CSAA$119
    Direct Auto$132
    Bristol West$136
    GAINSCO$139
    Root$142
    Dairyland$147
    Clearcover$151
    National General$154
    Allstate$168
    Travelers$181
    Farmers$184
    Liberty Mutual$189
    State Auto$264
  • Causing an accident can result in a substantial increase to your insurance rates. Our research shows that a single at-fault accident on your driving record can result in a 40% average rate increase.

    Columbus drivers with a recent accident pay a monthly average car insurance cost of $163, according to Compare.com data. But you can often find a better deal with one of the five insurers highlighted in the chart below.

    The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Rates With an Accident

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Mile Auto$71
    State Farm$77
    Progressive$83
    Auto-Owners$90
    Erie$90
    GEICO$97
    Commonwealth Casualty$102
    USAA$102
    Safeco$107
    The General$108
    American Family$112
    Nationwide$118
    Elephant$129
    CSAA$137
    Bristol West$142
    Root$143
    Direct Auto$144
    GAINSCO$150
    Dairyland$156
    National General$165
    Clearcover$170
    Allstate$173
    Travelers$187
    Farmers$191
    Liberty Mutual$197
    State Auto$271
  • A driving under the influence (DUI) conviction can lead to the steepest increase in car insurance rates of any driving offense. Our research shows average premiums jump by a staggering 61% nationwide after a DUI.

    In Columbus, the average rate for drivers with a DUI is $161 per month. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying sky-high premiums. In fact, several insurance companies specialize in high-risk drivers, like people with a recent DUI.

    We highlight the five cheapest insurers in Columbus for people with DUIs in the chart below, according to Compare.com data.

    The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Rates With a DUI

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Mile Auto$74
    State Farm$81
    Progressive$82
    Erie$94
    Auto-Owners$95
    GEICO$102
    USAA$106
    Commonwealth Casualty$108
    The General$109
    Safeco$113
    American Family$116
    Nationwide$122
    CSAA$130
    Elephant$138
    Direct Auto$147
    Root$149
    Bristol West$150
    Clearcover$163
    GAINSCO$163
    Dairyland$164
    National General$173
    Allstate$180
    Travelers$194
    Farmers$200
    Liberty Mutual$207
    State Auto$259
  • Many insurance companies consider credit history when setting rates, as studies show a correlation between credit and the likelihood of filing claims.[5] Our research shows that drivers with poor credit pay about 20% more on average than those with excellent credit.

    Auto insurance rates average $149 per month for people with poor credit in Columbus, according to Compare.com data. Still, not all insurers look at your credit, and some offer affordable rates regardless of your credit history.

    If you’re struggling to improve your credit, check out the companies featured in the chart below for cheaper car insurance rates.

    The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, March 8 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Average Rates With Bad Credit

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Mile Auto$64
    Progressive$76
    State Farm$82
    GEICO$90
    USAA$92
    Safeco$92
    Commonwealth Casualty$94
    The General$95
    Erie$98
    American Family$98
    Auto-Owners$100
    Nationwide$106
    CSAA$110
    Elephant$119
    Direct Auto$128
    Root$129
    Bristol West$131
    Clearcover$142
    GAINSCO$142
    Dairyland$143
    National General$150
    Allstate$156
    Travelers$169
    Farmers$174
    Liberty Mutual$175
    State Auto$241

Our Picks for the Best Auto Insurance in Columbus

There’s no one-size-fits-all insurer when it comes to car insurance. At the end of the day, the best company for you depends on your unique situation.

That said, the following companies stand out as some of the top insurers in Columbus based on a mix of factors, including average rates, available discounts, customer reviews and satisfaction ratings, and the types of coverages available.

Erie Insurance logo
User ReviewsNR
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
Not rated
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
Not rated
AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
Not rated
Why we picked this company

Although Erie is a regional insurer available in only 12 states, it outperformed some of the most well-known insurers to earn the highest satisfaction rating in the North Central region in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.

With Erie, you can choose from liability-only and full-coverage policies, with optional coverages such as pet injury coverage, free glass repairs, and rate lock to keep your premiums affordable.

Pros
  • Cheap average rates

  • Highly rated for customer service[6]

  • Above-average claims satisfaction

Cons
  • Gap insurance not available 

  • Below-average digital service experience ranking

  • Hit-or-miss customer and claims service

Nationwide logo
User Reviews
3.2
Our Rating
Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components.
4.5 /5
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$86/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$138/mo
3.2
A solid optionBased on 22 verified guest reviews and ratings
Nationwide's score
Industry average
Coverage options3.03.2
Customer service3.03.6
Discounts3.02.9
Policy transparency3.03.1
Value3.42.9
David
Verified Review
Too late to change to another company
I would shop around depending on how much coverage you need. Nationwide has handled my past claims, although, as you might suspect, there were some frustrating times spent trying to glean information from representatives. Nationwide has changed since I first started with them. They used to have independent agencies; now they seem to be just representative agencies with no real concern for people—just customers who pay their bills every month if they "accept" your business.
Ron
Verified Review
Nationwide is becoming a Chintzy Picky Company
I like Nationwide, but they have become very picky and want me to do too many repairs before they take my money and purchase insurance.
Richard
Verified Review
Ready for a Change...
It seems expensive, and there's no communication with me!
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
688
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.7
AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company

Headquartered in Columbus, Nationwide has a lot to offer most drivers — although its rates tend to be high for people with a spotty driving record. Consider Nationwide’s SmartMiles if you don’t drive much or SmartRide if you’re a safe driver and are OK with sharing your driving data.

Nationwide also offers a vanishing deductible and total loss deductible waiver on full-coverage policies.

Pros
  • Affordable rates

  • Highly rated telematics program

  • Few customer complaints

Cons
  • Not all drivers can buy coverage online

  • Below-average digital shopping experience score

  • Expensive premiums for high-risk drivers

State Farm logo
User Reviews
3.9
Our Rating
Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components.
4.7 /5
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$57/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$92/mo
3.9
A solid optionBased on 738 verified guest reviews and ratings
State Farm's score
Industry average
Coverage options3.93.2
Customer service3.93.6
Discounts3.62.9
Policy transparency3.73.1
Value3.52.9
How drivers feel about State Farm

Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
David
Verified Review
Good
Very good, but prices are going up.
Kimberly
Verified Review
Excellent
They are very friendly and helpful. They offer the cheapest price I've found.
Robert S
Verified Review
I have been with State Farm since 1959. I was 21, just out of the Navy. They have always taken care of my needs.
I have been with State Farm since 1959. I was 21, just out of the Navy. They have always taken care of my needs.
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
665
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.84
AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

State Farm is a great choice if you’re looking for some of Columbus’ best rates. Not only does the insurer boast some of the area’s cheapest average rates, but it tends to have pretty happy customers as well, ranking near the top in both J.D. Power’s customer and claims satisfaction studies.

But if you prefer a digital-only experience, State Farm may not be the best choice for you, since you have to work with a local agent to change or manage your policy.

Pros
  • Some of the cheapest average rates

  • Highly rated claims process

  • Very few customer complaints

Cons
  • No Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation

  • Fewer discounts than some competitors

  • Must work with local agent

Find the Best Company for You

Local rates start as low as $52 per month.

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Ohio Auto Insurance Requirements

Skyline of a city with modern skyscrapers and a bridge over a river at sunset, reflecting warm colors in the water and sky.

Ohio, like nearly every state, requires all drivers to have car insurance. Columbus drivers must have the following minimum liability limits:[7]

Although Ohio’s auto insurance laws don’t require uninsured motorist coverage, it’s a good idea to consider it. Close to 19% of Ohio drivers don’t have insurance,[8] which means you may have to pay out of pocket for damages someone else causes. Uninsured motorist coverage can pay for your injuries and vehicle damage instead of you having to foot the bill.

Is minimum coverage enough in Columbus?

Most experts, including the Ohio Department of Insurance, recommend buying more liability coverage than the state requires. Higher coverage amounts can protect you from being legally responsible for damages or injuries you cause that cost more than your liability limits. You could even lose assets or have your wages garnished in some cases if you don’t have adequate coverage.

Lenders also require comprehensive and collision coverage when you finance or lease a car, making full-coverage policies a necessity.

Columbus Auto Insurance FAQs

We answered common questions people ask about Columbus car insurance.

  • Car insurance in Columbus costs an average of $119 per month, according to Compare.com data. Liability-only policies average $89 per month, while full coverage costs around $149.

  • The cheapest auto insurance company in Columbus is Mile Auto. Its average car insurance cost is just $52 per month, according to Compare.com data.

  • Somewhat. Columbus rates average $119 per month, according to Compare.com data. The rest of Ohio averages around $94 per month, while the national average for the entire country is $136. Car insurance rates depend on multiple variables, including your age, address, driving history, coverage types, and amounts.

  • Motor vehicle theft rates,[9] car prices, and vehicle repair costs continue to rise, and these factors are directly tied to auto insurance premiums. As these costs increase, insurers pay more for claims, driving up premiums in states like Ohio.

Sources

  1. World Population Review. "Ohio Cities by Population 2025."
  2. Ohio State Highway Patrol. "Crash Dashboard."
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Risk Factors for Teen Drivers."
  4. National Safety Council. "Injury Facts."
  5. Insurance Information Institute. "Trends and Insights: Risk-Based Pricing of Insurance."
  6. J.D. Power. "2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study."
  7. Ohio Department of Insurance. "Auto Insurance Minimum Coverage Requirements."
  8. Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists."
  9. Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Auto theft."

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.

Mandy Sleight
Written byMandy SleightInsurance Writer
Mandy Sleight
Mandy SleightInsurance Writer

Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.

Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.

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