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Emily Guy Birken is a former educator, lifelong money nerd, and a Plutus Award-winning freelance writer who specializes in the scientific research behind irrational money behaviors. Her work has appeared on The Huffington Post, Business Insider, Kiplinger’s, MSN Money, and The Washington Post, and she’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her background in education allows her to help people relate to and understand complex financial topics.
She’s the author of several books, including The 5 Years Before You Retire, End Financial Stress Now, and the brand-new book, Stacked: Your Super Serious Guide to Modern Money Management, written with Joe Saul-Sehy.
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Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
The average Ohio driver pays $101 per month for car insurance, which is significantly lower than the national average of $152, according to Compare.com data. Ohioans generally pay less for car insurance than the average American because of the state’s competitive insurance marketplace and an abundance of safe drivers, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
Still, many insurers in Ohio charge rates well below the statewide average. For example, Mile Auto offers the lowest average rates for many drivers, at $35 per month. If you’re looking for the best car insurance in Ohio at the lowest price, here’s what you need to know.
The three cheapest car insurance companies in Ohio are Mile Auto, State Farm, and Auto-Owners.
Ohio drivers pay an average of $74 per month for liability insurance and $129 for full coverage.
Ohio is an at-fault state, which means you’re financially responsible for the other party’s damages if you cause an accident.
No matter what the average rates are in Ohio, you can always find ways to save money on car insurance — which is why it’s smart to shop around to find the cheapest coverage. Several companies in the Buckeye State offer rates below the statewide average.
The following companies have the lowest average monthly premiums in the state, according to Compare.com data.
Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| Mile Auto | $35 |
| State Farm | $43 |
| Auto-Owners | $50 |
| Erie | $50 |
| GEICO | $54 |
| USAA | $55 |
| Safeco | $60 |
| American Family | $61 |
| Nationwide | $64 |
| The General | $67 |
| Root | $68 |
| Progressive | $70 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $77 |
| CSAA | $81 |
| Dairyland | $86 |
| Direct Auto | $87 |
| Clearcover | $87 |
| Bristol West | $92 |
| National General | $92 |
| Allstate | $94 |
| Travelers | $102 |
| GAINSCO | $104 |
| Farmers | $105 |
| Hugo | $110 |
| Liberty Mutual | $113 |
| Foremost | $143 |
| State Auto | $144 |
The cheapest car insurance company in Ohio is Mile Auto, offering average rates of just $35 per month, according to our data. But that doesn’t mean it’ll be the cheapest for everyone.
Let’s see which companies offer the lowest rates based on top rating factors.
Compare personalized quotes from Ohio’s top insurers.
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While the above companies are a good starting point for finding cheap auto insurance in Ohio, remember that your rates will depend on various factors, including your age, ZIP code, driving history, and the coverage type you choose.
It’s important to compare rates for similar drivers and coverage types to get a sense of the average rates for your specific situation.
The table below shows the cheapest companies, for a variety of driving backgrounds and coverage options, according to Compare.com data.
Driver/Coverage Type ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer ▲▼ | Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| State-minimum coverage | Mile Auto | $35 |
| Full coverage | Mile Auto | $47 |
| Teens | Mile Auto | $73 |
| Seniors | Mile Auto | $25 |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | Mile Auto | $46 |
| Drivers with an at-fault accident | Mile Auto | $49 |
| Drivers with a DUI | Mile Auto | $58 |
| Drivers with excellent credit | Mile Auto | $31 |
| Drivers with poor credit | Mile Auto | $41 |
For more details about each driver and coverage type here’s a breakdown of each driver type.
The average rate for state-minimum coverage in Ohio is $74 per month, according to Compare.com data. But most experts recommend purchasing more than the state requires since these minimums offer only limited protection.
This is especially true in an at-fault state like Ohio, where at-fault drivers must pay for the other party’s injuries and vehicle damage. You may quickly find that state-minimum coverage isn’t enough if you have to file a claim after a serious accident. If that happens, you’re responsible for paying the difference out of pocket.
The five companies in the chart below have the cheapest premiums for state-minimum coverage in Ohio, according to Compare.com data.
With an average rate of just $35 per month, Mile Auto is the cheapest company for minimum coverage in Ohio.
Most Buckeye State drivers should consider full-coverage car insurance. This type of coverage provides more protection — it typically includes collision and comprehensive insurance in addition to liability coverage.
Collision coverage pays for your vehicle repairs if you cause an accident, while comprehensive coverage pays to repair or replace your car if something other than an accident damages it, such as severe weather, vandalism, or theft.
The average cost for full-coverage insurance in Ohio is $129 per month, according to Compare.com data. But you can find an even better deal — if you know where to look.
The five insurance companies below offer the cheapest full-coverage policies in Ohio, according to Compare.com data.
We found that Mile Auto is the cheapest company for full-coverage insurance in Ohio, charging an average rate of $47 per month.
Teen drivers have the least amount of experience behind the wheel and are more likely to take risks on the road, according to the Insurance Information Institute. That’s why they have some of the most expensive insurance costs of any age group. The average Ohio teen pays $195 per month, according to our data.
Insurance companies typically charge higher rates for teens, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying through the nose for coverage for a young driver. In the chart below, you’ll find the five cheapest Ohio insurance companies for teen drivers, according to Compare.com data.
The cheapest insurance company for teen drivers in Ohio is Mile Auto, with an average rate of $73 per month, according to our data.
Senior drivers tend to have the lowest insurance rates of any age group. Ohio seniors pay an average monthly rate of $73, according to Compare.com data.
Older drivers get some of the best rates because they have more experience behind the wheel and are less likely to take unnecessary risks while driving. But as you age, you may experience physical or mental declines that can increase your risk on the road — many drivers see their rates go up again once they reach age 70.
Fortunately, seniors can find cheaper rates than the statewide average. The chart below shows the five cheapest insurers in Ohio for seniors, according to Compare.com data.
The cheapest company for senior drivers in Ohio is Mile Auto, with an average rate of $25 per month, according to our analysis.
Speeding may seem like no big deal, but there’s a good reason why it’s a major traffic violation. In 2022, Ohio had 271 speeding-related traffic fatalities (21% of all traffic fatalities), according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The connection between speeding and fatal crashes helps explain why a single speeding ticket causes average rates to increase by 29% nationwide, according to our analysis.
Ohio drivers with a recent speeding ticket pay an average of $147 per month, according to Compare.com data.
The five insurers listed below offer the cheapest rates for Ohio drivers with speeding tickets.
If you have a recent speeding violation, check out Mile Auto, which offers an average rate of $46 per month, according to our analysis.
A single at-fault accident on your driving record causes average rates to increase by 33% nationwide, according to Compare.com data. In Ohio, the average insurance rate for drivers with a recent accident is $148 per month, according to our data.
But just because an at-fault accident can increase your rates doesn’t mean you can’t find something better. The chart below lists the five cheapest insurance companies in Ohio for drivers with a recent at-fault accident, according to Compare.com data.
Ohio drivers with an at-fault accident typically find cheaper coverage with Mile Auto. The insurer has the lowest average rate for this group, at $49 per month, according to our research.
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious traffic offense that can cause your insurance premiums to increase substantially. In fact, our research shows that insurance rates increase by an average of 61% nationwide after a DUI conviction.
We found that Ohioans with a recent DUI pay an average monthly rate of $168, but you may be able to find lower rates if you know where to look.
The companies in the chart below offer the cheapest rates for Ohio drivers with a recent DUI, according to Compare.com data.
The cheapest company for Buckeye drivers with a DUI is Mile Auto, which offers an average rate of $58 per month, according to our data.
Though it may seem unrelated to driving behavior, most insurers consider your overall credit history when determining how much you’ll pay for car insurance. Our research shows that drivers with poor credit pay 42% more for car insurance than drivers with excellent credit. Ohioans with poor credit pay an average of $114 for car insurance, according to Compare.com data.
If you’re an Ohio driver struggling with low credit, you can still find good car insurance at a reasonable rate. The following five companies have the cheapest insurance in Ohio for drivers with less-than-stellar credit.
Ohio drivers with poor credit can find cheaper rates with Mile Auto. It offers the cheapest coverage for this group, at an average rate of $41 per month, according to our data.
Compare personalized quotes from the cheapest insurers in Ohio.
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Car insurance rates aren’t the same across the entire state of Ohio. Premiums can vary greatly from one city to the next since factors like population density, crime statistics, and weather can influence premium prices.
For example, because of its close proximity to Lake Erie, Cleveland drivers tend to deal with harsher winter weather — including lake-effect snow — than drivers in Columbus or Cincinnati.
But no matter where in Ohio you call home, you can find the cheapest insurance company for the coverage you need.
The table below shows the cheapest insurers for a few of Ohio’s largest cities, according to our research.
City ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer ▲▼ | Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus | Mile Auto | $42 |
| Cleveland | Mile Auto | $40 |
| Cincinnati | Mile Auto | $41 |
| Toledo | Mile Auto | $43 |
For example, drivers who live in Columbus — Ohio’s capital and largest city — can find the cheapest rates with Mile Auto, according to our research. It offers an average rate of $42 per month to local residents.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be the cheapest in every city. That’s why shopping around and comparing multiple insurers is a smart way to find the best rate for the coverage you need.
Compare personalized quotes from the best insurers in Ohio.
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Like nearly every state in the nation, Ohio requires all drivers to purchase auto insurance. Buckeye drivers must have the following minimum auto insurance coverage:
$25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
$50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
$25,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles states that all Ohio drivers must have proof of insurance and show that proof at traffic stops, accident scenes, and vehicle inspections.
Ohio’s minimum requirements are relatively low, which means they likely won’t provide you with the protection you need if you get injured or damage your vehicle. That’s why most experts recommend buying auto coverage greater than the state minimums.
If you don’t have enough insurance coverage to pay for the damages in an accident you cause, Ohio law allows accident victims to sue you for the damages, according to the Ohio Department of Insurance. That means you could be financially responsible for medical bills, repair costs, and more.
While you should consider increasing your liability coverage beyond the state minimums, keep in mind that lenders and leasing companies typically require you to have full-coverage insurance to protect the company’s investment.
The answers to the following questions can help you find the cheapest car insurance Ohio has to offer.
Mile Auto offers the cheapest rates in Ohio, at just $35 per month, according to Compare.com data.
The average cost for car insurance in Ohio is $101 per month, according to our data. Liability-only insurance has an average rate of $74 per month, while full-coverage insurance costs $129 in Ohio.
Ohio drivers must meet the state’s minimum liability insurance requirements in the following limits: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability insurance, and $25,000 per accident in property damage liability insurance.
The Columbus Dispatch, “Where auto insurance costs the most and least. See where Ohio ranks,” accessed January 5, 2025.
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, “Mandatory Insurance,” accessed January 6, 2025.
Ohio Department of Insurance, “Comparative Negligence,” accessed January 6, 2025.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Traffic Safety Facts 2022 Data,” accessed January 6, 2025.
National Weather Service, “NWS Cleveland Local Weather Event Summaries,” accessed January 6, 2025.
Ohio Department of Insurance, “Ohio’s Minimum Coverage Requirements for Auto Insurance,” accessed January 6, 2025.
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.
Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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Emily Guy Birken is a former educator, lifelong money nerd, and a Plutus Award-winning freelance writer who specializes in the scientific research behind irrational money behaviors. Her work has appeared on The Huffington Post, Business Insider, Kiplinger’s, MSN Money, and The Washington Post, and she’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her background in education allows her to help people relate to and understand complex financial topics.
She’s the author of several books, including The 5 Years Before You Retire, End Financial Stress Now, and the brand-new book, Stacked: Your Super Serious Guide to Modern Money Management, written with Joe Saul-Sehy.
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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