Why trust NerdWallet
Strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our coverage to help you choose the financial products that work best for you. See our criteria for evaluating homeowners insurance.
More than 270 million rates analyzed by our team of specialists.
More than 50 insurance companies analyzed in all 50 states and Washington D.C. (See our top picks.)
Chubb and NJM are among the best homeowners insurance companies in Ohio, according to our analysis.
We analyzed data from more than 30 insurance companies to help you find the best home insurance in Ohio. Below are the insurers that earned 5 stars in our analysis.
Rates are based on a sample homeowner with good credit, $300,000 of dwelling coverage, $300,000 of liability coverage and a $1,000 deductible.
Note: Some insurance companies included in this article may have made changes in their underwriting practices and no longer issue new policies in your state.
Company | NerdWallet star rating | Average annual rate |
|---|---|---|
Not available | ||
$1,425 | ||
Not available | ||
$2,470 | ||
Not available | ||
USAA* | $1,330 | |
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans and their families. | ||
Get home insurance quotes in minutes
Answer a few questions to see custom quotes and find the right policy for you.The best homeowners insurance in Ohio
Here’s more information about the best home insurance companies in Ohio.
Amica
Well-established insurer known for great customer service.- High customer satisfaction ratings and low consumer complaints.
- Platinum Choice package offers extra coverage.
- Simple online claims filing and tracking.
- You can start a quote online but have to finish the buying process by phone.
Amica stands out for its broad range of coverage options. You can customize your policy with extra coverage above your dwelling limit, in case your house costs more to rebuild than expected. You may also want to add coverage for damage from water backups or recovery from identity theft.
The company has drawn far fewer consumer complaints to state regulators than expected for an insurer of its size, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
» READ MORE: Amica homeowners insurance review
Auto-Owners
Auto-Owners offers plenty of ways to customize your policy and save money on home insurance.- Large number of discounts.
- Has optional specialty coverage not offered by many other insurers.
- Very few consumer complaints.
- No online quotes or claims submission.
Auto-Owners has been in business for more than a century. Its homeowners policies include all the basics, but you can also add coverage for things like identity theft or the failure of major appliances. Guaranteed replacement cost coverage is another optional add-on, enabling you to rebuild your home after a total loss even if your dwelling coverage limit is too low.
Auto-Owners sells homeowners insurance through independent agents.
» READ MORE: Auto-Owners homeowners insurance review
Chubb
Perks and high coverage limits for affluent homeowners.- Significantly fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
- Standard coverage includes features that many companies offer only as extras.
- Large number of potential discounts.
- Most consumers aren't able to get a quote online and will instead need to contact a local agent.
Chubb generally serves affluent policyholders with high-value homes, offering lofty coverage limits and plenty of perks. For example, the company covers water damage from backed-up sewers and drains, and pays to bring your home up to the latest building codes during reconstruction after a claim. (Many insurers charge more for these types of coverage.)
Chubb policyholders may also be able to take advantage of the company’s HomeScan service, which uses infrared cameras to look for problems behind the walls of your home.
» READ MORE: Chubb homeowners insurance review
Erie
Best for homeowners who want to work with an agent.- Policies may include guaranteed replacement cost coverage.
- Receives far fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
- No online quotes.
Erie offers guaranteed replacement cost coverage for the structure of your home. With this coverage, the company will pay to rebuild your home completely after a disaster, even if the amount exceeds your dwelling limit.
Got a car to insure, too? If you bundle your home and auto insurance with Erie, you could get a discount of 16% or more. You may also be able to save if your home has certain safety and security features such as smoke alarms or sprinkler systems.
» READ MORE: Erie homeowners insurance review
NJM
Pays enough to rebuild your house, no matter the cost.- Includes coverage other companies charge extra for.
- Far fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
- Many extra coverage options available.
- No app to manage your policy.
NJM includes coverage that other companies typically charge extra for. For example, NJM will pay the full cost to rebuild your home even if it’s more than your dwelling coverage limit. It will also pay enough for you to buy brand-new replacements for your belongings if they’re stolen or destroyed. (Many companies pay a lower amount based on depreciation.)
On top of its robust coverage options, NJM also stands out for customer service. It’s drawn far fewer complaints to state regulators than expected for an insurer of its size, according to the NAIC.
» READ MORE: NJM homeowners insurance review
USAA
Offers perks and affordable rates for the military community.- Policies include standard coverage that often costs extra elsewhere.
- Far fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
- Rates are below the national average, according to NerdWallet’s analysis.
- Available only to active military members, veterans and their families.
USAA sells homeowners insurance to veterans, active military members and their families. If that description fits you, you may want to consider a USAA policy. That’s because the company’s homeowners insurance has certain features that other insurers may charge extra for.
For example, USAA automatically covers your personal belongings on a replacement cost basis. Many companies pay out only what your items are worth at the time of the claim, which means you may not get much for older items. USAA pays enough for you to buy brand-new replacements for your stuff.
» READ MORE: USAA homeowners insurance review
Other home insurance companies to consider
Looking for more of the best homeowners insurance companies in Ohio? These insurers received a NerdWallet star rating of 4.5:
Company | NerdWallet star rating | Average annual rate |
|---|---|---|
$1,455 | ||
$2,465 | ||
$1,485 | ||
$1,865 | ||
$1,465 | ||
Not available | ||
$2,035 | ||
Not available | ||
$1,645 | ||
$1,245 |
How much does homeowners insurance cost in Ohio?
The average annual cost of home insurance in Ohio is $1,590. That’s 25% less than the national average of $2,110.
In most U.S. states, including Ohio, many insurers use your credit-based insurance score to help set rates. Your insurance score is similar but not identical to your traditional credit score.
In Ohio, those with poor credit pay an average of $3,010 per year for homeowners insurance, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. That’s nearly twice as much as those with good credit.
Average cost of homeowners insurance in Ohio by city
How much you pay for home insurance in Ohio may vary slightly depending on where you live. For example, the average cost of homeowners insurance in Cincinnati is $1,555 per year. In Cleveland, homeowners insurance costs about $1,645 per year, on average.
City | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
Akron | $1,440 | $120 |
Canton | $1,405 | $117 |
Cincinnati | $1,555 | $130 |
Cleveland | $1,645 | $137 |
Columbus | $1,610 | $134 |
Dayton | $1,645 | $137 |
Dublin | $1,440 | $120 |
Elyria | $1,455 | $121 |
Grove City | $1,630 | $136 |
Hamilton | $1,645 | $137 |
Hilliard | $1,525 | $127 |
Lancaster | $1,590 | $133 |
Lima | $1,645 | $137 |
Lorain | $1,465 | $122 |
Mansfield | $1,500 | $125 |
Massillon | $1,340 | $112 |
Medina | $1,365 | $114 |
Mentor | $1,325 | $110 |
Middletown | $1,615 | $135 |
Newark | $1,450 | $121 |
Springfield | $1,550 | $129 |
Toledo | $1,645 | $137 |
Warren | $1,550 | $129 |
Westerville | $1,410 | $118 |
Youngstown | $1,590 | $133 |
The cheapest home insurance in Ohio
Here are the insurers we found with average annual rates below the Ohio average of $1,590.
Company | NerdWallet star rating | Average annual rate |
|---|---|---|
Buckeye | Not rated | $795 |
Ohio Mutual | Not rated | $1,120 |
Hastings Mutual | Not rated | $1,230 |
$1,245 | ||
$1,425 | ||
$1,455 | ||
$1,465 | ||
$1,485 | ||
USAA* | $1,330 | |
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans and their families. | ||
Common risks for Ohio homeowners
Here are a few of the most common risks Ohio homeowners face, along with steps you can take to insure your home properly against them.
Flooding
Floods can wreak havoc on a home and rack up quite the bill — and a standard homeowners policy won’t help you pay for it. Instead, you’ll need separate flood insurance. While your mortgage lender may require you to buy flood insurance if your home is in a high-risk area, even homes in lower-risk areas can see flooding.
Not sure if you’re at risk for flooding? You can look up your address on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's flood maps. However, FEMA’s maps don’t always capture all types of flood risk, so you may also want to check the website of the nonprofit First Street Foundation, which models climate risks. Enter your address in the top left corner to see your home’s flood risk rating on a scale of 1 to 10.
While you can buy flood coverage anytime, there is typically a 30-day waiting period before the insurance takes effect.
Winter weather
Standard homeowners policies cover damage from many problems you might encounter in the colder months, such as burst pipes or heavy snow and wind. However, your policy won’t cover everything. You may find, for example, that you need separate flood insurance for flooding caused by melting snow. Or if a tree falls on your property in a storm, your insurer may pay to fix your home and remove the tree but not to replace it. Check your policy or contact your agent if you’re unsure about your coverage.
Ohio insurance department
In Ohio, the Department of Insurance oversees the insurance industry. It’s where you can learn more about insurance regulations in the state or file a complaint against your insurance company. For direct assistance, you can call the agency toll-free at 800-686-1526.
- Looking for more insurance in Ohio?
- Find home insurance in other states
Amanda Shapland contributed to this story.
Frequently asked questions
Is home insurance required in Ohio?
Is home insurance required in Ohio?
Ohio doesn't legally require homeowners to carry home insurance, but your mortgage lender may require you to buy it. For more information, read Is Homeowners Insurance Required?
How can I save money on Ohio home insurance?
How can I save money on Ohio home insurance?
Here are three ways to save money on homeowners insurance in Ohio:
Shop around to make sure you’re getting the best rate.
Choose a higher home insurance deductible. (A deductible is the amount of a claim you’re responsible for.) In case of any claims, you’ll pay more out of pocket, but your annual rates will be lower.
Bundle your home and auto insurance for an overall lower rate. Learn more about home insurance discounts.
Does Ohio homeowners insurance cover flooding?
Does Ohio homeowners insurance cover flooding?
Standard homeowners insurance policies typically don’t cover flooding. That means you may want to buy separate flood insurance if you’re in a high-risk area.
Homeowners insurance rates methodology
NerdWallet calculated median rates for 40-year-old homeowners from various insurance companies in the 25 largest cities in each U.S. state by population. All rates are rounded to the nearest $5.
Sample homeowners were nonsmokers with good credit living in a single-family, two-story home built in 1984. They had a $1,000 deductible and the following coverage limits:
$300,000 in dwelling coverage.
$30,000 in other structures coverage.
$150,000 in personal property coverage.
$60,000 in loss of use coverage.
$300,000 in liability coverage.
$1,000 in medical payments coverage.
We made minor changes to the sample policy in cases where rates for the above coverage limits or deductibles weren’t available.
We changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor,” as reported to the insurer, to see rates for homeowners with poor credit.
These are sample rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.
Star rating methodology
NerdWallet’s homeowners insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints, coverages, discounts and online experience. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our full homeowners insurance rating methodology.
Complaint methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2021-2023. To assess how insurers compare with one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
