Fact CheckedNerdy takeaways
Central Insurance has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio, with an average rate of $89 per month and $1,068 per year for full coverage.
Car insurance costs an average of $150 per month or $1,803 per year in Ohio for someone with a clean driving record.
We can show you average rates in Ohio based on coverage, age, driving history and credit, but you’ll need to compare quotes from a few insurers to get your best rates.
These are median rates from NerdWallet's September 2026 analysis, but your rate will vary based on your personal information, location and insurance provider. Not all companies offer policies in every state.
See what you could save on car insurance
Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.
NerdWallet analyzed rates for 23 auto insurers in Ohio to find which one has the cheapest car insurance for different driving profiles.
Although Liberty Mutual is one of the largest insurers in the country, it’s not included in our analysis because it doesn’t make its rates data public.
For more detailed information about how we found the cheapest car insurance companies in Ohio, please check our full methodology at the bottom of this page.
You can trust the rates we show because our team of analysts rigorously eliminates outliers and inaccuracies in pricing data. We gather and analyze rates data from every ZIP code in a state where coverage is offered and data is available.
When we compare rates across driving profiles, we change only one variable at a time. This way, it’s easy to see how each factor affects the cost of auto insurance.
Cheapest car insurance in Ohio for full coverage
Central Insurance has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for full coverage, with an average rate of $89 per month or $1,068 per year.
What full coverage is: Full coverage is a combination that extends the protection of Ohio’s minimum insurance requirements by adding comprehensive and collision coverage. It covers the injuries and property damage you cause to others, plus damage to your own car, thefts, damage from animals and even damage from weather.
Who needs it: If you financed or leased your vehicle, you’re probably required to carry full coverage car insurance. Even if you own your car, it’s still a good idea to carry full coverage if you can’t afford to replace your car by yourself after a crash.
Cheapest companies, on average, for full coverage in Ohio
| Company | NerdWallet rating | Median monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Central Insurance | 4.6/5 | $89 |
| Progressive | 4.8/5 | $98 |
| Buckeye | 3.8/5 | $108 |
| GEICO | 5.0/5 | $129 |
| Auto-Owners | 4.5/5 | $134 |
Rates refreshed September 2026.
More Nerdy Perspective
Car insurance rates have increased in Ohio over the past three years, according to our historical data, and that’s not limited to drivers with a recent accident. Rates have gone up in most states because of factors like car repair costs, natural disasters and rising claims sizes. The best way to avoid overpaying is to compare car insurance quotes from a couple different insurers.
Car insurance rates have increased in Ohio over the past three years, according to our historical data, and that’s not limited to drivers with a recent accident. Rates have gone up in most states because of factors like car repair costs, natural disasters and rising claims sizes. The best way to avoid overpaying is to compare car insurance quotes from a couple different insurers.
Drew GulaCheapest car insurance in Ohio for minimum coverage
Central Insurance has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for minimum coverage, with an average rate of $17 per month or $206 per year.
What minimum coverage is: To legally drive in Ohio, you’re required to carry liability insurance. This type of coverage pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others.
Who needs it: Every driver in Ohio needs liability insurance. In fact, you probably need more coverage than the state requires you to carry — Ohio’s minimum coverage levels are too low to pay for serious medical bills or extensive property damage in some cases.
Cheapest companies, on average, for minimum coverage in Ohio
| Company | NerdWallet rating | Median monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Central Insurance | 4.6/5 | $17 |
| Buckeye | 3.8/5 | $19 |
| Progressive | 4.8/5 | $20 |
| Allstate | 4.3/5 | $28 |
| Westfield | 3.8/5 | $30 |
Rates refreshed September 2026.
The minimum amounts of car insurance required for Ohio drivers are:
$25,000 bodily injury liability per person.
$50,000 bodily injury liability per accident.
$25,000 property damage liability per accident.
If you totaled someone’s new luxury vehicle or injured multiple people in an accident, the cost of your insurance claim could easily exceed these limits. If that happens, you’re responsible for paying all of the other bills on your own. That’s why we recommend getting more than the minimum coverage.
If you want even more financial security in case you’re involved in an accident, you could also look for optional coverages like new car replacement or uninsured motorist coverage to protect you in even more scenarios.
Cheapest car insurance in large Ohio cities
NerdWallet analyzed rates for 35-year-old drivers with a range of driving histories in some of the largest Ohio cities.
Below are the cheapest insurers we found in Cincinnati. To see the full list, read NerdWallet's analysis of car insurance in Cincinnati.
Category Cheapest Company Median annual rate Clean driving history Central Insurance $1,137 After a DUI Progressive $1,898 After an accident Central Insurance $1,847 After a speeding ticket Central Insurance $1,578 Having poor credit Central Insurance $2,026 Category Cheapest Company Median annual rate Clean driving history Central Insurance $293 After a DUI Progressive $476 After an accident Central Insurance $513 After a speeding ticket Central Insurance $419 Having poor credit Central Insurance $484 Rates refreshed September 2026.
Below are the cheapest insurers we found in Cleveland. To see the full list, read NerdWallet's analysis of car insurance in Cleveland.
Category Cheapest Company Median annual rate Clean driving history Central Insurance $1,281 After a DUI Progressive $1,940 After an accident Central Insurance $1,968 After a speeding ticket Central Insurance $1,705 Having poor credit Central Insurance $2,224 Category Cheapest Company Median annual rate Clean driving history Central Insurance $281 After a DUI Progressive $452 After an accident Central Insurance $498 After a speeding ticket Central Insurance $406 Having poor credit Central Insurance $470 Rates refreshed September 2026.
Below are the cheapest insurers we found in Columbus. To see the full list, read NerdWallet's analysis of car insurance in Columbus.
Category Cheapest Company Median annual rate Clean driving history Central Insurance $1,260 After a DUI Progressive $2,101 After an accident Central Insurance $2,038 After a speeding ticket Central Insurance $1,745 Having poor credit Central Insurance $2,250 Category Cheapest Company Median annual rate Clean driving history Central Insurance $305 After a DUI Progressive $473 After an accident Central Insurance $532 After a speeding ticket Central Insurance $436 Having poor credit Central Insurance $503 Rates refreshed September 2026.
Insurance companies with a focus in the Midwest, like Buckeye or Hastings Mutual, may be a good place to start if you're shopping for cheap car insurance in Ohio. Regional and local insurers can be more affordable than larger insurers, but the only way to know for sure is to compare quotes and see which is cheapest for you.
Cheapest auto insurance in Ohio by age
Your age is one important factor in determining how much you'll pay for car insurance. Teens pay the most, with rates typically decreasing once you hit your 30s and going up again in your 70s.
Below are the cheapest car insurance rates for Ohio drivers. All rates are for drivers with clean driving records and good credit.
Young drivers may have to get a lot of quotes to find the best cheap car insurance. Prices can be high in your 20s, but tend to come down as you get more experience on the road. Still, some companies routinely have better insurance rates for young drivers, so it's best to shop around to find them.
Central Insurance has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for 20-year-old drivers, with an average rate of $142 per month and $1,699 per year for full coverage.
Company NerdWallet rating Median monthly rate Central Insurance 4.6/5$142 Progressive 4.8/5$189 Auto-Owners 4.5/5$263 Western Reserve 3.8/5$263 Nationwide 4.8/5$268 Central Insurance has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for 20-year-old drivers, with an average rate of $33 per month and $401 per year for minimum coverage.
Company NerdWallet rating Median monthly rate Central Insurance 4.6/5$33 Progressive 4.8/5$42 Buckeye 3.8/5$60 Allstate 4.3/5$69 Westfield 3.8/5$70 Rates refreshed September 2026.
Central Insurance is the cheapest car insurance company in Ohio for 20-year-olds who join their parents’ existing policy. Central Insurance has an average rate of $201 a month or $2,406 a year for a full coverage policy that covers the new driver and two parents, according to NerdWallet’s May 2026 analysis.
Your car insurance is likely to get more expensive after you add a newly licensed driver to your policy. To help manage the cost increase, you could check around for discounts. Many companies offer discounts if the new driver is a student who gets good grades, or if they live away from home to attend school and don’t have regular car access.
Company
Monthly rate
Monthly increase from two-adult policy
Central Insurance
$201
$78
$211
$78
$218
$89
$221
$56
Buckeye
$239
$115
*USAA is available only to military families, veterans and some federal employees.
For comparison, the average cost to insure only two adults in Ohio is $210 per month, according to our analysis of full coverage rates for a 50-year-old male driver and 45-year-old female driver sharing one policy.
By the time they reach their 30s, most drivers will enjoy cheaper car insurance rates than in their teens and 20s. Still, factors like a person’s driving record and car make and model can increase prices. Drivers in their 30s can get lower rates by shopping around and taking advantage of any car insurance discounts.
Central Insurance has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for 30-year-old drivers, with an average rate of $93 per month and $1,116 per year for full coverage.
Company NerdWallet rating Median monthly rate Central Insurance 4.6/5$93 Progressive 4.8/5$104 Buckeye 3.8/5$108 GEICO 5.0/5$130 Auto-Owners 4.5/5$136 Buckeye has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for 30-year-old drivers, with an average rate of $19 per month and $222 per year for minimum coverage.
Company NerdWallet rating Median monthly rate Buckeye 3.8/5$19 Central Insurance 4.6/5$19 Progressive 4.8/5$21 Allstate 4.3/5$28 Westfield 3.8/5$31 Rates refreshed September 2026.
While insurance rates vary by age and gender, drivers in their 40s can often expect to get cheap insurance rates from most companies. You may find even cheaper rates from smaller or regional insurers.
Progressive has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for 40-year-old drivers, with an average rate of $89 per month and $1,070 per year for full coverage.
Company NerdWallet rating Median monthly rate Progressive 4.8/5$89 Central Insurance 4.6/5$90 Buckeye 3.8/5$108 Travelers 4.9/5$125 GEICO 5.0/5$128 Central Insurance has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for 40-year-old drivers, with an average rate of $18 per month and $211 per year for minimum coverage.
Company NerdWallet rating Median monthly rate Central Insurance 4.6/5$18 Progressive 4.8/5$18 Buckeye 3.8/5$19 Allstate 4.3/5$28 Westfield 3.8/5$30 Rates refreshed September 2026.
Car insurance costs may start to rise for older drivers, so it’s wise to shop around for the cheapest rates. You can also check for senior discounts. For example, some insurers offer discounts to senior drivers who take a defensive driving course.
Progressive has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for 60-year-old drivers, with an average rate of $69 per month and $828 per year for full coverage.
Company NerdWallet rating Median monthly rate Progressive 4.8/5$69 Central Insurance 4.6/5$88 Buckeye 3.8/5$96 Travelers 4.9/5$114 Auto-Owners 4.5/5$118 Progressive has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for 60-year-old drivers, with an average rate of $15 per month and $182 per year for minimum coverage.
Company NerdWallet rating Median monthly rate Progressive 4.8/5$15 Buckeye 3.8/5$16 Central Insurance 4.6/5$17 Allstate 4.3/5$25 Westfield 3.8/5$27 Rates refreshed September 2026.
Our analysis shows that older drivers with good credit and a clean driving history enjoy some of the cheapest auto insurance rates, but car insurance rates for senior drivers start to creep up once you reach your 70s.
Progressive has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for 70-year-old drivers, with an average rate of $73 per month and $871 per year for full coverage.
Company NerdWallet rating Median monthly rate Progressive 4.8/5$73 Central Insurance 4.6/5$96 Buckeye 3.8/5$100 Western Reserve 3.8/5$129 Travelers 4.9/5$131 Progressive has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for 70-year-old drivers, with an average rate of $17 per month and $202 per year for minimum coverage.
Company NerdWallet rating Median monthly rate Progressive 4.8/5$17 Buckeye 3.8/5$17 Central Insurance 4.6/5$21 Allstate 4.3/5$28 Westfield 3.8/5$31 Rates refreshed September 2026.
Cheapest auto insurance in Ohio by driving record
You’ll likely pay higher than average rates if you have a driving violation or accident on your record. That said, some insurers may more frequently offer cheap car insurance to high-risk drivers than other companies. This is a good reason to shop around for car insurance to find the insurer with your best rates.
In most cases, a speeding ticket affects the cost of car insurance, but insurers use different equations to calculate prices. So, if your rates rose after a recent ticket, you may still be able to get cheaper coverage by shopping around.
Central Insurance has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for drivers with one speeding ticket, with an average rate of $119 per month and $1,429 per year for full coverage.
Company NerdWallet rating Median monthly rate Central Insurance 4.6/5$119 Buckeye 3.8/5$127 Erie 4.5/5$145 Progressive 4.8/5$145 Westfield 3.8/5$159 Buckeye has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for drivers with one speeding ticket, with an average rate of $22 per month and $269 per year for minimum coverage.
Company NerdWallet rating Median monthly rate Buckeye 3.8/5$22 Central Insurance 4.6/5$25 Progressive 4.8/5$29 Allstate 4.3/5$31 Westfield 3.8/5$32 Rates refreshed September 2026.
An accident can affect your car insurance costs for up to three years, depending on your location and your insurer. But not all insurance companies use the same pricing model, so it can be hard to predict how much insurance will increase after an accident. If your insurance went up after a recent crash, you might find cheaper options by shopping around.
Central Insurance has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for drivers with one at-fault accident, with an average rate of $137 per month and $1,649 per year for full coverage.
Company NerdWallet rating Median monthly rate Central Insurance 4.6/5$137 Progressive 4.8/5$162 Westfield 3.8/5$176 Auto-Owners 4.5/5$186 Hastings Mutual Not rated $190 Central Insurance has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for drivers with one at-fault accident, with an average rate of $30 per month and $363 per year for minimum coverage.
Company NerdWallet rating Median monthly rate Central Insurance 4.6/5$30 Buckeye 3.8/5$35 Progressive 4.8/5$35 Westfield 3.8/5$38 Allstate 4.3/5$44 Rates refreshed September 2026.
A DUI on your driving record can significantly increase the cost of car insurance. Our analysis showed that a 35-year-old in Ohio with a clean driving history could get full coverage insurance for $89 a month, on average, while that same driver could pay $137 for the same coverage after a DUI. This makes it especially valuable to shop for cheap car insurance after a DUI.
Progressive has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for drivers after a DUI, with an average rate of $137 per month and $1,639 per year for full coverage.
Company NerdWallet rating Median monthly rate Progressive 4.8/5$137 Central Insurance 4.6/5$197 Nationwide 4.8/5$202 Erie 4.5/5$250 Auto-Owners 4.5/5$250 Progressive has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for drivers after a DUI, with an average rate of $28 per month and $337 per year for minimum coverage.
Company NerdWallet rating Median monthly rate Progressive 4.8/5$28 Central Insurance 4.6/5$50 Allstate 4.3/5$59 Erie 4.5/5$72 Grange 4.3/5$73 Rates refreshed September 2026.
Drivers who can’t get car insurance on Ohio's voluntary market because of a checkered driving record, poor credit or other factors can apply for coverage through the Ohio Automobile Insurance Plan.
Cheapest car insurance in Ohio by credit history
Your credit history can impact your auto insurance rates in Ohio. Insurers use a credit-based insurance score, which is different from your regular credit score, to determine the likelihood you’ll file a claim.
NerdWallet found the companies offering the lowest car insurance rates for 35-year-old Ohio drivers with poor credit.
Progressive has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for drivers with poor credit, with an average rate of $159 per month and $1,913 per year for full coverage.
Company NerdWallet rating Median monthly rate Progressive 4.8/5$159 Central Insurance 4.6/5$160 GEICO 5.0/5$192 Hastings Mutual Not rated $208 Nationwide 4.8/5$215 Central Insurance has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for drivers with poor credit, with an average rate of $29 per month and $344 per year for minimum coverage.
Company NerdWallet rating Median monthly rate Central Insurance 4.6/5$29 Progressive 4.8/5$30 Allstate 4.3/5$37 Buckeye 3.8/5$43 Westfield 3.8/5$45 Rates refreshed September 2026.
Central Insurance has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for drivers with good credit, with an average rate of $89 per month and $1,068 per year for full coverage.
Company NerdWallet rating Median monthly rate Central Insurance 4.6/5$89 Progressive 4.8/5$98 Buckeye 3.8/5$108 GEICO 5.0/5$129 Auto-Owners 4.5/5$134 Central Insurance has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for drivers with good credit, with an average rate of $17 per month and $206 per year for minimum coverage.
Company NerdWallet rating Median monthly rate Central Insurance 4.6/5$17 Buckeye 3.8/5$19 Progressive 4.8/5$20 Allstate 4.3/5$28 Westfield 3.8/5$30 Rates refreshed September 2026.
Cheapest car insurance in Ohio for military families
Full coverage
$88 /month
Min. coverage
$19 /month
USAA offers auto insurance to active military, veterans, certain federal employees and their families only.
Discounts
Great set of discounts
Ease of use
Above average
NAIC complaints
More than expected
Available in: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, & WY.
If you're an active member of the military or a veteran — or you have an immediate family member who is — chances are you'll get a relatively cheap rate with USAA, a company that isn't available to the general public.
Because of that restriction, USAA isn't ranked with the others, but it was among the cheapest three auto insurance options for 64 of the 70 driver profiles we examined. Read our USAA auto insurance review.
See what you could save on car insurance
Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.
Alternative car insurance in Ohio
If you can't get insurance through Ohio's voluntary market, you can still buy coverage through the Ohio Automobile Insurance Plan. Or you could forgo insurance altogether if you can prove your financial responsibility to the state. Your options as an individual are:
Make a minimum $30,000 deposit with the state treasury in money or bonds.
If you and another person own property with equity of at least $60,000, you can purchase a bond from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in the amount of $30,000.
For more help finding cheap car insurance in Ohio, try NerdWallet’s car insurance comparison tool.
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
- 1.Ohio Business of Motor Vehicles. Mandatory Insurance. Accessed Sep 16, 2026.
Auto insurance ratings methodology
NerdWallet’s auto 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 and discounts. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Using our editorial discretion, we also consider customer satisfaction surveys. 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 editorial guidelines and full ratings methodology for auto insurance.
Here’s how we evaluated each car insurance company and the weights we placed on each category:
Financial strength (30%).
Consumer complaints (30%).
Ease of use (20%).
Affordability (20%).
The best auto insurers excel at all of these categories. They provide the information people need to make a purchase without any surprises along the way. They offer insurance at a fair price and provide more than one way to buy and manage a policy. They're financially strong and able to keep their customers happy throughout the relationship.
Insurer complaints methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2022-2024. To assess how insurers compare to 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.
Average rates methodology
NerdWallet averaged rates based on public filings obtained by pricing analytics company Quadrant Information Services. We examined rates for men and women for all ZIP codes in any of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. Although it’s one of the largest insurers in the country, Liberty Mutual is not included in our rates analysis due to a lack of publicly available information.
In our analysis, “good drivers” had no moving violations on record; a “good driving” discount was included for this profile. Our “good” credit rates are based on credit score approximations and do not account for proprietary scoring criteria used by insurance providers.
These are median rates, and your rate will vary based on your personal details, state and insurance provider.
Sample drivers had the following coverage limits:
$100,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person.
$300,000 bodily injury liability coverage per crash.
$50,000 property damage liability coverage per crash.
$100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person.
$300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per crash.
Collision coverage with $1,000 deductible.
Comprehensive coverage with $1,000 deductible.
In states where required, minimum additional coverages were added. We used the same assumptions for all other driver profiles, with the following exceptions:
For drivers with minimum coverage, we adjusted the numbers above to reflect only the minimum coverage required by law in the state.
For drivers with one at-fault crash, we added a single at-fault crash costing $10,000 in property damage.
For drivers with a DUI, we added a single drunken-driving violation.
For drivers with a ticket, we added a single speeding violation for driving 16 mph over the speed limit.
We used a 2023 Toyota Camry LE in all cases and assumed 12,000 annual miles driven. We analyzed rates for 35-year-old drivers.
These are rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.
Young drivers methodology
In May 2026 we found the cost of adding a newly licensed driver to an existing full coverage policy. Our base profile assumes two existing policyholders — a 50-year-old male driver and 45-year-old female driver — sharing one policy.
We showed the cost effect of adding a 20-year-old driver to this policy, to stay consistent with our 20-year-old young driver profile that is covered by a standalone policy. The 20-year-old shares a 2023 Toyota Camry with the family, and the new driver uses the vehicle 20% of the time.
