Ohio is one of the cheapest states for car insurance. Even if you spend a bit more, you’re probably still saving compared to the national average. We’ve put together this guide to the best car insurance in Ohio, and we’re glad to report that five out of the eight companies we included have average premiums below the state’s average cost.
However, finding the cheapest car insurance isn’t the same as finding the best value for your money, which is what we’ve focused on here. We considered various factors to identify the top providers in Ohio, including not only premium costs but also customer satisfaction and policy options.
To get the best car insurance for you, it’s crucial to gather quotes from several top providers. Below are some strategies to help you narrow down your choices:
- Look beyond the lowest premium. Check the company’s customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings. These give you a sense of their reliability in paying claims.
- Get multiple quotes to compare. There’s no one-size-fits-all company.
- Match policy options to your needs. Each company offers different options.
- Ensure your coverage is adequate. Evaluate your financial situation to determine whether you need higher coverage levels.
Here’s a list of car insurance companies we believe are the best in Ohio:
Erie Insurance
Why it made the list:
Erie offers the lowest average premiums and a high customer satisfaction rating. They provide various policy options, including unique ones like pet coverage if your pet gets injured in an accident.
What holds it back:
Erie’s rate lock option may not be as solid as it sounds because the rates can change with significant policy modifications.
Cincinnati Insurance
Why it made the list:
Second-lowest premiums with strong policy options, such as covering all your vehicles under a single policy.
What holds it back:
Ranks lower in customer satisfaction and you need to contact an agent for a policy, which can be inconvenient.
Westfield Insurance
Why it made the list:
Top-rated in customer satisfaction and offers competitive premiums.
What holds it back:
Limited to 10 states which might require you to find a new insurer if you move.
State Farm
Why it made the list:
Well-known brand with various discounts and coverage options, like ridesharing.
What holds it back:
Does not offer gap coverage, which is crucial if you owe more on your car than its value.
Grange Insurance
Why it made the list:
Third-lowest premiums and strong in categories like good drivers and those with an at-fault accident.
What holds it back:
Ranks lower in customer satisfaction and operates in only 13 states.
Auto-Owners Insurance
Why it made the list:
Offers solid policy options and discounts, with a high financial strength rating.
What holds it back:
Available in only about half the states and doesn’t have as many discounts as others.
GEICO
Why it made the list:
Provides excellent discounts for federal employees, military members, and various groups.
What holds it back:
Not the cheapest and lacks gap coverage, which is a letdown for those with car loans.
Branch
Why it made the list:
Newer but promising company with cutting-edge technology for a seamless claims process and robust coverage options.
What holds it back:
Not yet profiled by major ranking agencies, so customer service quality is still uncertain.
USAA (Special Mention)
Best for members of the military:
Highest customer satisfaction and low premiums, but available only to military members and their families.
Policy Options
We consider beyond the state-mandated minimums to determine quality.
Discounts
We value companies that offer sizable discounts that match different driver profiles.
Premiums
While premiums are important, we avoid relying solely on them to judge quality.
Customer Satisfaction Rating
We weigh customer satisfaction heavily as it reflects claims handling.
Financial Strength
We include only companies rated Superior or Excellent by A.M. Best.
Ohio State Car Insurance FAQs
- Ohio is not a no-fault state. The at-fault driver is responsible for damages.
- Premiums differ; urban areas tend to have higher rates than rural ones.
- Poor credit can increase insurance costs, so maintaining good credit is beneficial.
Summary
To get the best car insurance in Ohio, compare quotes, consider what policy options best fit your needs, and don’t skimp on coverage. Use our guide to find the best option for you.