7 Best Car Insurance Companies in Ohio of 2023
Finding the best car insurance companies in Ohio is a must for drivers in the Buckeye State. With over 8 million licensed drivers traversing over 121,000 center-line miles from Cleveland to Columbus and Cincinnati to Akron, driving can be difficult, especially when factoring in the snow and rain drivers must also contend with in Ohio.
For that reason, PropertyNest has ranked the best car insurance companies in Ohio based on several categories.
Our analysis will help you decide which company best meets your needs based on your address, driving history, credit score, car model, safety features, and more. Whether you’re a new driver shopping for your first car insurance policy or an experienced driver looking for a lower rate, our research will make your search easier.
The Best Auto Insurance in OH
- Liberty Mutual: Best Overall Coverage
- Allstate: Best for Online Resources
- State Farm: Best for Number of Local Agents
- GEICO: Best for Lowest Rates
- Erie Insurance: Best for Minimum Coverage Required in Ohio
- Nationwide: Best Company for Pay-Per-Mile Insurance
- Hastings Mutual: Best for Unique Coverage Options
Compare Car Insurance Rates in OH
Liberty Mutual: Best Overall Coverage
When providing full coverage at a competitive rate provided by a financially stable company, you can check all the boxes with Liberty Mutual.
But, when it comes to going above and beyond with policy benefits if your car is damaged or totaled, Liberty Mutual rises above the competition in three areas:
- New Car Replacement: pays for a new car if your damaged or totaled car has less than 15,000 miles and is damaged in the first year you own it. Other insurers use a depreciated value.
- Better Car Replacement: If your vehicle is totaled during an accident, regardless of its age and mileage, you can get reimbursed for a vehicle one model year newer with 15,000 fewer miles than your damaged vehicle. This is an add-on to the base policy you must pay for.
- Gap Insurance: If your car is damaged in an accident, gap insurance pays the difference between what your car is currently worth and the amount you owe on the car.
Read a full Liberty Mutual car insurance review.
Liberty Mutual Car Insurance Discounts
- Bundle discount: Discount for bundling home and auto insurance.
- Multi-car discount: Insure all vehicles with Liberty Mutual and save.
- Paperless billing discount: Discount for helping the environment.
- Student discounts: Discount for a GPA of 3.0 or better.
- Military discounts: Lower rates for active, retired, or reserve military personnel.
- Good driving discounts: Discounts for being claims-free.
| J.D. Power (out of 1,000) | 818 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best - Financial Strength Rating | A |
| BBB | A+ |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 1.80 |
Allstate: Best for Online Resources
As the fourth largest car insurance company by market share in America, Allstate has done an excellent job with its online resources, starting with its Drivewise program.
With Drivewise, you simply download an app on your smartphone that will start tracking your driving habits. You earn cash rewards for safe driving, including maintaining the speed limit, avoiding hard braking, and practicing other safe-driving-related habits. Many Allstate auto insurance customers agree that their technology is easy to use. Getting a quote and applying for coverage online is simple and fast.
Allstate’s mobile app makes filing claims easier by allowing you to upload photos of your accident from the app. The app can also access insurance ID cards, roadside assistance, and more.
Allstate Car Insurance Discounts
Allstate also offers policyholders many discounts:
- Vehicle Discounts: You can get a discount if you’re the first owner of a car that’s either a current model or the previous year’s model, for anti-lock brakes, or for installing an anti-theft device.
- Driving Discounts: Get discounts if you use Allstate’s Drivewise telematics program and qualify for their Safe Driver Club; other discounts include a smart student discount.
- Policy Discounts: This is the biggest discount category; discounts include bundling, insuring multiple vehicles, signing up for ePolicy, signing up for EZ-pay, buying your policy early, paying your premiums on time, or paying your annual premium in advance.
| J.D. Power (out of 1,000) | 826 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best - Financial Strength Rating | A+ |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 4.04 |
| BBB | A- |
State Farm: Best for Number of Local Agents
State Farm is the largest auto insurer by market share in the United States, and you’ll find no shortage of State Farm offices throughout Ohio. Many people shopping for car insurance in Ohio prefer to deal face-to-face with a local agent and are willing to pay more for this benefit. State Farm also makes it easy to do business online. Its website is easy to navigate, and you don’t need to be tech-savvy to get a quote or fill out an application. State Farm’s mobile app lets you submit a claim and view your policy information.
State Farm Car Insurance Discounts
State Farm’s standard discounts include the following:
- Safe Vehicle: There are discounts available based on the safety features of the vehicle you drive, including airbags, plus discounts for having an anti-theft device in your car, and a discount on medical coverage if your pre-1993 vehicle has passive restraints.
- Safe Driving: State Farm’s Steer Clear program for drivers under 25 offers a discount; other discounts include the Drive Safe & Save discount and discounts for accident-free driving or completing a defensive driving course.
- Policy Bundling: State Farm offers big savings to drivers by bundling car insurance with other policies such as homeowners, renters, or life insurance; you can also save by insuring more than one car.
| J.D. Power (out of 1,000) | 814 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best - Financial Strength Rating | A++ |
| BBB | A+ |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 4.29 |
GEICO: Best for Lowest Rates
For budget-conscious car insurance shoppers who want full coverage, GEICO provides the lowest rates in Ohio. In addition to having the lowest average premiums in the state, GEICO has an excellent reputation for customer satisfaction and financial strength. While GEICO ’s rates are significantly lower than the state average in Ohio, its rates for adding a young driver to a policy are much cheaper than the national average.
GEICO Car Insurance Discounts
GEICO’s standard discounts also help drivers keep their premiums down:
- Driver Education: Education discounts include a discount for completion of a Driver’s Ed course or defensive driving course; there’s also a good student discount of up to 15%.
- Driver Affiliation: This category includes discounts for first responders, military service members, federal employees, and other groups, any of which may save you up to 10%.
- Driver History & Habits: There’s a 22% discount for drivers who have gone 5+ years without an accident and another discount for regular seat belt use.
- Vehicle Equipment: There’s a 15% discount to insure a new vehicle, plus additional discounts for safety features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft system, or daytime running lights.
- Customer Loyalty: GEICO has a multi-policy discount if you buy two or more policies and a multi-vehicle discount that can be as high as 25%.
| J.D. Power (out of 1,000) | 824 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best - Financial Strength Rating | A++ |
| BBB | A+ |
Erie Insurance: Best for Minimum Coverage Required in Ohio
For Ohio drivers looking for the minimum amount of coverage required by Ohio law for the cheapest rate, Erie Insurance takes top billing. Erie sells cheap car insurance in Ohio and twelve other states. Their policies meet Ohio’s minimum required levels of coverage of 25/50/25. This means you need at least $25,000 for bodily liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Because of its low rates, Erie is also very popular with car insurance for seniors in Ohio.
Erie Insurance Car Insurance Discounts
- Bundling discount: Discount for having home and auto coverage with Erie.
- Multi-car discount: Have two or more cars on the same policy for a discount.
- Full payment discount: Pay the premium in full for a 5% discount.
- Anti-theft system and anti-lock brake discount: Discounts for these upgraded features.
- Airbags discount: A lower rate for autos with multiple airbags.
| A.M. Best - Financial Strength Rating | A+ |
|---|---|
| NAIC Complaint Index | 0.58 |
| BBB | A+ |
Nationwide: Best for Pay-Per-Mile Insurance
Nationwide stands out from other car insurance companies in Ohio because of its pay-per-mile insurance option, SmartMiles.
SmartMiles was designed for policyholders who drive fewer miles than the average driver, including seniors and those who work from home. Rates are based on the number of miles you drive per month and the base rate you’re charged, which will vary by driver.
In addition to SmartMiles, Nationwide also offers a telematics discount called SmartRide, which records your driving habits (braking, acceleration, speed, etc.) and can provide additional savings for people who practice safe driving habits.
Nationwide Car Insurance Discounts
- Driving habits: Nationwide has discounts for 5+ years of safe driving, using a SmartRide device to track your driving habits, and for drivers over 55 who complete a defensive driving course, they also offer a discount for student drivers who maintain at least a B average in school.
- Bundling and more: Drivers can save up to 20% by bundling car and homeowners insurance, signing up for paperless billing, and signing up for automatic payments.
- Vehicle features: Get a discount if your vehicle has an anti-theft device.
| J.D. Power (out of 1,000) | 787 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best - Financial Strength Rating | A+ |
| BBB | A+ |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 2.37 |
Hastings Mutual: Best for Unique Coverage Options
Although Hastings Mutual is sold only through independent insurance agents in six states, it offers some of the most competitive car insurance rates for full coverage Ohio auto insurance.
Hastings Mutual is also known for its unique coverages that come with its car insurance policies, including:
- Travel interruption
- Key replacement
- Child restraint systems
- Pet injury
- Accidental death
This regional insurer isn’t included in the J.D. Power study in the North Central region because of its size, but it has been rated A (Excellent) for its financial strength by AM Best.
Hastings Mutual Car Insurance Discounts
- Away at school discount: Reduced rates for students living more than 100 miles from their primary residence.
- Defensive driving course discount: Save by taking a defensive driving class.
- Good student discount: Rewarded with lower rates for higher grades.
- Claims-free discount: Go 3+ years without a claim for a discount.
- Bundle discount for home and umbrella: 10% for bundling Hastings products.
| A.M. Best - Financial Strength Rating | A |
|---|---|
| NAIC Complaint Index | 0.50 (Below average) |
| BBB | A+ |
What Factors Determine Your Premium?
Insurance premiums can vary significantly because insurers use different factors while calculating premiums for potential policyholders. This means no two insurers will have identical rates for the same policy.
To determine your rate, the following are the most important factors impacting your car insurance premium:
Age
Car insurance rates vary based on your age. Young drivers pay more for car insurance since they are considered less experienced and more likely to get into an accident.
After the age of 25, driver’s insurance rates start to decrease.
In addition, if you are age 65 or older, you will have a higher premium because you are statistically more likely to get into a car accident than younger adults.
Car Make and Model
Insurers prefer to insure safer and newer vehicles, as they’re less likely to lead to expensive claims. Your rate will be lower if your automobile has a high safety rating.
High-Risk Violations
Car accidents and traffic violations on your record increase your rate because you are statistically more likely to get into an accident or get a speeding ticket in the future. Insurance companies believe past performance is an indicator of future claims activity.
Mileage
Your yearly mileage is also a factor because the more you are on the road, the more likely you’ll be in an accident. For example, your premium will be higher if you have a long daily commute rather than occasionally driving your car for pleasure.
Credit History
Drivers with poor credit scores pay more than drivers with good credit. Insurers believe you are more likely to skip payments or not pay at all, and you are also more likely to file claims if your credit score is under 650.
Driving Record/Claims
If you have a clean record, you’ll pay less. But if you file a claim or multiple claims, your rates will rise whether or not the accidents are your fault.
Marital Status
Married drivers are statistically the least risky drivers to insure and typically have fewer accidents.
Ways to Lower Your Premium
There are many ways you can lower your car insurance premium:
Compare Rates
The best way to get a rate that fits your budget is to shop around and get quotes from several insurers. Remember that all quotes should cover the same coverage and deductible you want.
In addition, you should give each auto insurer the same information for drivers and cars you want to be covered. Only then can you shop around properly by comparing quotes to find the insurer that best meets your needs for the right price.
Search For Discounts
Every major insurer gives discounts based on your driving history, vehicle features, and other criteria. For example, many insurers offer discounts allowing drivers to save a percentage off their rates if they bundle, insure more than one car with the same company, opt for paperless billing, pay online, set up automatic payments, or pay your policy upfront.
Raise Your Deductible
The higher your deductible is, the lower your premium will be. For example, if you go from a $250 deductible to a $500 deductible, you can significantly reduce the cost of your collision and comprehensive coverage.
Reduce Your Coverage
You can lower your policy limits or forgo adding unnecessary types of coverage that you may never use.
Remember that you must ensure that your coverage complies with your state’s insurance laws and meets its minimum coverage requirements.
Drive Carefully
If you can drive carefully and avoid accidents, your rate will drop. It will also decrease if you don’t get tickets or have a short commute to work.
Drive a Car Insurers Like
Expensive cars, sports cars, and cars with high theft rates are more costly to insure than moderately priced and less risky vehicles.
Before you buy a new car, you should get a car insurance quote and decide whether or not the cost of coverage fits within your budget.
Improve Your Credit
Since your credit history is correlated to your likelihood of filing an insurance claim, the higher your credit score, the lower your rate. You can improve your credit by paying off high-balance credit cards, paying bills on time, and avoiding things that require a hard credit pull, such as applying for a loan or a new credit card.
Summary
Buying the best car insurance in Ohio will take some time and effort.
PropertyNest recommends getting quotes from multiple insurers before applying for a policy. Be sure to check with your current homeowners or renters insurance provider and see if they offer a bundle discount or any other discounts that can lower your premium.
An independent insurance agent can also be a good source to get quotes for multiple insurers since they represent more than one company.
How We Picked the Best Car Insurance Companies in Ohio
If you’ve researched car insurance companies in Ohio, you were probably surprised by the number of companies trying to capture your business. It can be hard to tell which offers the critical combination of excellent coverage and a competitive rate.
In rating car insurance companies, we evaluate not only coverage and rates but additional criteria that we believe will help you find an insurer that meets your coverage needs, has the coverage you can afford, has the financial strength to pay claims and several other important factors.
Here are the difference makers that put car insurance companies in Ohio on our list:
Financial Ratings
Your insurer's financial strength is critical to being a satisfied customer when you have a claim. To help us select companies with superior claims-paying ability, we factor in ratings from companies like AM Best, JD Powers, the Better Business Bureau, and others.
Technology
People, from new drivers to seniors, want to buy car insurance from a company that makes it easy to get online quotes and complete an application on their laptops. They also want an app for their smartphone that allows them to file claims, access their ID cards, contact roadside assistance, and more.
PropertyNest tests insurers by using their technology to understand the type of online experience you’ll be having.
Pricing
The pricing we obtained for each insurer was based on traits of the average adult driver in Ohio seeking coverage in major urban and suburban areas.
Discounts
In some cases, two insurers may appear to have very similar premiums until you apply the discounts they offer. An insurer with multiple discounts can often lower their initial quote significantly.
