Best Cheap Car Insurance in Ohio for 2021

Cheap car insurance in Ohio isn’t always easy to find. Prices vary quite a bit depending on the insurance company you get a quote from, as well as personal factors such as your age and credit history.

To help Ohioans navigate the car insurance market quickly, NerdWallet looked at rates from 30 insurers in the state and found the five cheapest options for several driver categories.

Cheapest car insurance in Ohio for 20-year-old drivers

Young drivers may have to get a lot of quotes to find cheap car insurance. Prices can be sky-high for younger 20-somethings, but tend to come down as drivers get more experience on the road. To cut down on costs, young drivers might want to consider buying only state-mandated coverage, rather than full coverage insurance. Still, some companies routinely have lower insurance rates for drivers in their 20s, so it's best to shop around to find them.

Many insurance companies offer ways for young drivers to save, such as good student discounts for those in college or premium reductions for those who take a defensive driving course. If you live in an apartment, consider getting your renters and auto insurance from the same company to take advantage of bundling discounts.

Cheapest full coverage car insurance in Ohio for 20-year-olds

Drivers in Ohio with clean driving records may want to consider the following companies, which had the lowest average rates:

1. Geico: $1,424 per year.
2. American Family: $1,487 per year.
3. Hastings Mutual: $1,623 per year.
4. Allstate: $1,882 per year.
5. Erie: $1,968 per year.

Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Ohio for 20-year-olds

Drivers in Ohio who want just the state minimum coverage may want to check with these companies, which had the lowest average rates:

1. Esurance: $261 per year.
2. Geico: $524 per year.
3. Allstate: $605 per year.
4. Westfield: $650 per year.
5. State Farm: $718 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in Ohio for 20-year-olds with poor credit

Drivers with poor credit in Ohio should look at the following insurers with the lowest average rates for minimum coverage:

1. Esurance: $261 per year.
2. Geico: $743 per year.
3. Allstate: $839 per year.
4. Westfield: $1,027 per year.
5. Hastings Mutual: $1,190 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in Ohio for 20-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash

For drivers with a recent accident in Ohio, here are the companies with the lowest average rates for minimum coverage:

1. Esurance: $261 per year.
2. Geico: $729 per year.
3. American Family: $766 per year.
4. Encova: $828 per year.
5. Frankenmuth: $863 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in Ohio for 20-year-old drivers after a DUI 

The cheapest auto insurance we found after a DUI is shown here, alongside the insurers’ average rates for minimum coverage.

1. Esurance: $261 per year.
2. American Family: $766 per year.
3. Allstate: $810 per year.
4. Geico: $913 per year.
5. Progressive: $946 per year.

Cheapest car insurance in Ohio for 30-year-old drivers

By the time they reach their 30s, most drivers 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 car insurance discounts. You may be able to save by insuring multiple vehicles with the same carrier, or by bundling your auto policy with your home insurance. Also, keep an eye out for discounts based on your profession or affiliations; some insurers offer more affordable insurance rates for teachers, members of the military or alumni of certain colleges.

Cheapest full coverage car insurance in Ohio for 30-year-olds

Drivers in Ohio with clean driving records may get the lowest rates from these companies:

1. Hastings Mutual: $741 per year.
2. Geico: $838 per year.
3. Auto-Owners: $934 per year.
4. American Family: $960 per year.
5. State Farm: $963 per year.

Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Ohio for 30-year-olds

Drivers in Ohio who want their state’s minimum coverage can check with the following companies, which had the lowest average rates:

1. Esurance: $261 per year.
2. Westfield: $293 per year.
3. Auto-Owners: $296 per year.
4. State Farm: $315 per year.
5. Geico: $316 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in Ohio for 30-year-olds with poor credit

Drivers with poor credit in Ohio should consider the following companies with the lowest average rates for full coverage:

1. Hastings Mutual: $1,074 per year.
2. Geico: $1,239 per year.
3. Encompass: $1,458 per year.
4. American Family: $1,670 per year.
5. Allstate: $1,816 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in Ohio for 30-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash

For drivers in Ohio with a recent accident, here are the lowest average rate options for full coverage:

1. American Family: $1,013 per year.
2. Hastings Mutual: $1,144 per year.
3. State Farm: $1,239 per year.
4. Frankenmuth: $1,273 per year.
5. Geico: $1,285 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in Ohio for 30-year-old drivers after a DUI

For the cheapest auto insurance after a DUI, we found the following options for full coverage.

1. American Family: $1,013 per year.
2. Progressive: $1,259 per year.
3. State Farm: $1,442 per year.
4. Geico: $1,514 per year.
5. Erie: $1,575 per year.

Cheapest car insurance in Ohio for 40-year-old drivers

Drivers in their 40s tend to have better insurance rates than their younger counterparts but still pay more than older age groups. Shopping around for cheap car insurance quotes with multiple insurers is the best way to find lower rates. Good drivers who don’t get behind the wheel often might want to consider pay-per-mile insurance, which charges drivers by how many miles they drive.

Ask about discounts for signing up for autopay, paying your premium in full rather than quarterly or monthly, and opting for electronic statements. If you own your home, consider insuring it with the company that provides your auto insurance; most carriers offer bundling discounts.

Cheapest full coverage car insurance in Ohio for 40-year-olds

Drivers in Ohio with clean driving records may want to think about the following companies, which had the lowest average rates:

1. Hastings Mutual: $642 per year.
2. Geico: $820 per year.
3. American Family: $880 per year.
4. State Farm: $942 per year.
5. Auto-Owners: $950 per year.

Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Ohio for 40-year-olds

Drivers in Ohio who want just the minimum coverage may want to check prices from these companies, which had the lowest average rates:

1. Esurance: $261 per year.
2. Westfield: $282 per year.
3. Hastings Mutual: $291 per year.
4. Frankenmuth: $301 per year.
5. Encova: $315 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in Ohio for 40-year-olds with poor credit

Drivers with poor credit in Ohio can check out the following insurers with the lowest average rates for full coverage:

1. Hastings Mutual: $925 per year.
2. Geico: $1,211 per year.
3. Encompass: $1,458 per year.
4. American Family: $1,526 per year.
5. Westfield: $1,622 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in Ohio for 40-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash

For drivers with a recent accident living in Ohio, here are the companies with the lowest average rates for full coverage:

1. American Family: $928 per year.
2. Hastings Mutual: $1,029 per year.
3. Frankenmuth: $1,180 per year.
4. State Farm: $1,213 per year.
5. Geico: $1,254 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in Ohio for 40-year-old drivers after a DUI

The cheapest full coverage auto insurance we found for drivers with a DUI came from the following companies.

1. American Family: $928 per year.
2. Progressive: $1,151 per year.
3. State Farm: $1,413 per year.
4. Geico: $1,486 per year.
5. Erie: $1,500 per year.

Cheapest car insurance in Ohio for 50-year-old drivers

Drivers in their 50s have, on average, cheaper auto insurance rates than most other age groups. Prices will continue to drop as they inch toward their 60s and gain more driving experience. Rates can still vary depending on other factors such as a driver’s gender and location, so it’s smart to shop around to find the cheapest price you can. Our list of the best cheap car insurance companies is a good place to start.

Some insurers offer senior discounts to policyholders in their 50s, though some may require you to take a defensive driving course to snag the savings. If you’ve been with your insurer for many years, you may qualify for a loyalty discount. Still, it’s a good idea to check with other companies periodically to make sure you’re not paying too much.

Cheapest full coverage car insurance in Ohio for 50-year-olds

Drivers in Ohio with clean driving records may want to get quotes from these insurers, which had the lowest average rates:

1. Hastings Mutual: $555 per year.
2. Geico: $781 per year.
3. American Family: $816 per year.
4. Auto-Owners: $891 per year.
5. Progressive: $905 per year.

Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Ohio for 50-year-olds

Drivers in Ohio who opt for the state minimum coverage may want to consider the following companies, with the lowest average rates:

1. Hastings Mutual: $246 per year.
2. Esurance: $261 per year.
3. Encova: $264 per year.
4. Frankenmuth: $267 per year.
5. Westfield: $270 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in Ohio for 50-year-olds with poor credit

Drivers with poor credit in Ohio can check with the following companies, which showed the lowest average rates for full coverage:

1. Hastings Mutual: $795 per year.
2. Geico: $1,148 per year.
3. Encompass: $1,325 per year.
4. American Family: $1,411 per year.
5. Westfield: $1,526 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in Ohio for 50-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash

For drivers living in Ohio with a recent accident, here are the insurers with the lowest average full coverage rates:

1. American Family: $860 per year.
2. Hastings Mutual: $926 per year.
3. Frankenmuth: $1,059 per year.
4. Encova: $1,168 per year.
5. Geico: $1,177 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in Ohio for 50-year-old drivers after a DUI 

The cheapest auto insurance we found for drivers with a recent DUI comes from the following companies, listed with rates for full coverage.

1. American Family: $860 per year.
2. Progressive: $1,055 per year.
3. State Farm: $1,385 per year.
4. Erie: $1,471 per year.
5. Geico: $1,477 per year.

Cheapest car insurance in Ohio for 65-year-old drivers

Although 65-year-olds have cheaper car insurance rates than many other age groups on average, prices will start increasing as they get older. To find cheap auto insurance for seniors, drivers in their mid-60s should shop around to find the lowest rate.

Drivers in this age group should also take advantage of any available discounts for senior citizens. For example, some companies will discount your rate if you take a defensive driving course. You may also be able to save money after retirement if you’re driving fewer miles each year.

Finally, consider whether you need all the coverage you currently have. If you’re not commuting to work each day, for instance, you may not need rental reimbursement coverage when your own car is in the shop for repairs.

Cheapest full coverage car insurance in Ohio for 65-year-olds

Drivers in Ohio with clean driving records may want to think about getting quotes from these companies, which had the lowest average rates:

1. Hastings Mutual: $625 per year.
2. Geico: $761 per year.
3. American Family: $831 per year.
4. Frankenmuth: $854 per year.
5. Donegal: $861 per year.

Cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Ohio for 65-year-olds

Drivers in Ohio who want just the state minimum coverage may want to check with these insurers, which had the lowest average rates:

1. Frankenmuth: $249 per year.
2. Esurance: $261 per year.
3. Encova: $273 per year.
4. Hastings Mutual: $282 per year.
5. State Farm: $299 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in Ohio for 65-year-olds with poor credit

Drivers with poor credit in Ohio can look at the following companies with the lowest average rates for full coverage:

1. Hastings Mutual: $899 per year.
2. Geico: $1,117 per year.
3. Encompass: $1,249 per year.
4. American Family: $1,441 per year.
5. Frankenmuth: $1,446 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in Ohio for 65-year-old drivers with one at-fault crash

For drivers with a recent accident living in Ohio, here are the companies with the lowest average rates for full coverage:

1. American Family: $877 per year.
2. Frankenmuth: $935 per year.
3. Hastings Mutual: $1,008 per year.
4. State Farm: $1,115 per year.
5. Geico: $1,175 per year.

Cheapest auto insurance in Ohio for 65-year-old drivers after a DUI

The cheapest auto insurance we found after a DUI came from the following companies, shown with their average rates for full coverage.

1. American Family: $877 per year.
2. Progressive: $1,121 per year.
3. State Farm: $1,302 per year.
4. Erie: $1,478 per year.
5. Frankenmuth: $1,485 per year.

Cheapest for military families

If you’re an active member of the military or a veteran — or 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 22 of the 40 driver profiles we examined.

» MORE: Best car insurance for veterans and military

Minimum required auto insurance in Ohio

Ohio car insurance policies must include liability coverage, which covers others’ property damage or injury treatment if you’re responsible for a crash.

The minimum liability limits you must purchase are:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person.
• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident.
• $25,000 property damage liability per accident.

Liability car insurance covers the cost of any damage, injuries or deaths you cause in a car accident, up to your policy’s predefined limits.

A serious crash could cause damage that easily surpasses these insurance amounts. To avoid having to pay accident bills out of your own pocket, consider buying more than the bare minimum. You may also want common optional coverages such as collision, comprehensive and uninsured motorist protection.

For more help planning your Ohio auto policy, visit NerdWallet’s guide to car insurance requirements by state.

Alternative car insurance in Ohio

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.

Or, you could forgo insurance altogether, if you can prove your financial responsibility to the state. Your options as an individual are:

• Make a $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 scoring cheap car insurance in Ohio, try NerdWallet’s car insurance comparison tool.

Methodology

For our “good driver” profile, NerdWallet averaged insurance estimates from an average of 14 insurers in each state and Washington, D.C., for single male and female drivers with good credit and no tickets or violations. The analysis included 5-10 of the largest insurance companies in each state; smaller insurers were also included when rates were available. Liberty Mutual and its subsidiaries were excluded from our analysis as rates were not available.

For full coverage policies, we used the following coverage limits:

• $100,000 bodily injury liability per person.
• $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident.
• $50,000 property damage liability per accident.
• $100,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person.
• $300,000 uninsured motorist coverage per accident.
• Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible.
• Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible.

In states where required, minimum additional coverages were added. Some policies include additional coverages at the insurer’s discretion.

• We used a 2018 Toyota Camry L for all drivers and assumed 12,000 annual miles driven.
• We analyzed rates for drivers 20 to 80 years old in five-year increments.

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 minimum required coverage by law in the state.
• We changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor” as reported to the insurer to see rates for drivers with poor credit.
• For drivers with one at-fault crash, we added a single at-fault crash that happened six months ago, resulting in $10,000 in property damage and no bodily injury claim.
• For drivers with a DUI, we added a single drunken driving violation that happened six months ago.

These are rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.