Best Car Insurance Companies in Cleveland, OH


Selecting the right car insurance provider depends on your individual requirements and driving history. Cincinnati Insurance is Cleveland's best overall and best cheap auto insurance provider. It is also an excellent option for customer satisfaction, young adults and senior drivers. Look into Auto-Owners Insurance if you're a teen driver, Erie if you have driving violations or Travelers if you have a new vehicle.

MoneyGeek has also compiled a list of the cheapest auto insurance companies in Cleveland for those seeking low-cost options.

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2024

Table of Contents (Jump to Your Best Fit)

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We used data from the Ohio Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services to rank Cleveland's best auto insurance providers based on their claims management record, available coverage options, affordability and financial stability.

60,776Quotes Analyzed
 
14Companies Compared

Best Overall Car Insurance in Cleveland

The best auto insurance companies in Cleveland are:

  • Cincinnati Insurance: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100 ($804 per year)
  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($624 per year)

Cincinnati Insurance is our top pick among the 13 ranked providers because of its highest customer satisfaction ratings and excellent scores for affordability. This means that policyholders receive quality service at a great price.

USAA is among the top providers in Cleveland for those with military backgrounds and their families, with an overall MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100.

Erie ranks as the best car insurance company in Ohio, offering an annual rate of $533, demonstrating that Cleveland's average premiums are comparatively higher than those of other cities in the state.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

Cincinnati Insurance

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Has the highest customer satisfaction rating among 13 insurers

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Provides new car replacement and general deductible waiver

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Excellent claims handling score

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Doesn't provide accident forgiveness coverage or better car replacement

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Cincinnati Insurance ranked the highest in customer satisfaction and scored well in the coverage options and claims management metrics, making it the best auto insurance provider in Cleveland.

Cincinnati Insurance offers a new car replacement coverage that provides policyholders with a brand new car if theirs is totaled in a covered collision or non-collision loss, excluding theft, fire or vandalism. If the coverage is available, the replacement car will have the same make, model and equipment as the lost vehicle.

The insurer's general deductible waiver removes the glass replacement deductible in case of a covered loss. If a covered incident results in a cracked windshield or broken window, policyholders will not have to pay a deductible for the replacement or repair costs. Such a benefit can save you money when your vehicle is unexpectedly damaged.

Read MoneyGeek's Cincinnati Insurance Auto Insurance Review

How the Best Insurers in Cleveland Rank: MoneyGeek Scores and Costs

Cincinnati Insurance emerged as our top pick among 13 insurance providers in Cleveland, OH, due to its excellent customer service ratings and relatively affordable rates. With an annual premium of $804, it ranked 10th in affordability.

While Cincinnati Insurance offers competitive rates on average, it is still $276 more expensive than Nationwide, the cheapest option. American Family received the highest coverage options rating but fell short in terms of customer satisfaction.

The rates mentioned are for full coverage policies. MoneyGeek only assigned scores to companies with sufficient data for each scoring component, including affordability, customer service and financial stability.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
Cincinnati Insurance86$8045344
Erie85$6245434
Westfield83$8035343
Auto-Owners Insurance Co81$5914345
American Family80$5764353
Travelers75$7544345
GEICO74$6514235
Nationwide73$5283244
Progressive72$7253244
Grange Insurance70$7164242
Farmers69$8093243
Allstate68$9523244
State Farm46$3,6434235

Best Car Insurance in Cleveland for Customer Service

Setting cost aside, the following companies stand out as the best car insurance providers in Cleveland:

  • Cincinnati Insurance: MoneyGeek score of 74 out of 100 ($804 per year)
  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 70 out of 100 ($624 per year)

Cincinnati Insurance earned the highest customer satisfaction rating and the third-highest claims management score. However, it may be a relatively expensive option compared to other providers.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

Cincinnati Insurance

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Ranked first in customer service

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Has the third-highest claims management score

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Offers gap insurance and airbag reinstallation

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Does not provide accident forgiveness coverage

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

If you prioritize excellent service quality over cost, Cincinnati Insurance is the ideal choice for you due to its exceptional customer service and claims handling. The insurer also offers unique add-on options that few other insurance companies provide.

With Cincinnati Insurance's airbag reinstallation coverage, you'll have essential protection if your airbag accidentally deploys. This coverage will pay for the reasonable and necessary costs of replacing the airbag, so there's no need to worry about footing the bill.

The provider’s gap insurance is a must-have add-on leased or financed your vehicle. In a total covered loss incident, the policy covers the gap between the actual cash value of the car and the outstanding balance on the lease or loan agreement. Without this coverage, you may end up bearing the financial responsibility of the remaining balance.

Read MoneyGeek's Cincinnati Insurance Auto Insurance Review

What Makes an Insurer Best for Customer Service?

During stressful situations like a vehicle breakdown, having reliable customer service from your insurance provider is crucial. Providers that efficiently process claims and promptly address policyholders’ concerns can make a big difference.

While Cincinnati Insurance received the highest rating for customer satisfaction, it received slightly lower claims processing scores than Erie and Auto-Owners Insurance. Although Erie offers more affordable rates, it falls short in customer satisfaction.

Best Cheap Car Insurance in Cleveland

Based on an analysis of affordability and service quality for policies that only meet Ohio’s minimum coverage requirements, the best companies in Cleveland are:

  • Cincinnati Insurance: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100 ($364 per year)
  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 84 out of 100 ($217 per year)

Although minimum coverage policies tend to be more cost-effective, they may not offer sufficient liability coverage and do not typically cover damages to your own vehicle. Keep in mind that Ohio's minimum car insurance requirements apply to all cities within the state.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

Cincinnati Insurance

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An affordable minimum coverage policy costs $364 per year

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Offers discounts if you insure multiple cars, install anti-lock brakes or bundle policies

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Has the highest rating for customer satisfaction and a good score for claim processing

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Doesn’t provide early signing or paperless discounts

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Cincinnati Insurance is the best choice for minimum coverage car insurance in Cleveland, having the highest customer satisfaction ratings and good scores for affordability, claims processing and coverage options.

There are various discounts available to policyholders that can help reduce insurance costs. For example, installing and properly maintaining safety equipment like anti-lock brakes in your vehicle can lower premiums.

Cincinnati Insurance offers various discounts to policyholders, including a bundling discount for combining your home and auto policies, a multiple cars discount for insuring multiple vehicles on the same plan and a safe driving discount for drivers with a clean record. These discounts can make insurance cheaper and more accessible for policyholders.

Read MoneyGeek's Cincinnati Insurance Auto Insurance Review

What Makes an Insurer the Best Cheap Option?

For the best minimum coverage policies, car insurance providers should offer affordable premiums while maintaining excellent customer service. Cincinnati Insurance is a prime example, providing quality service despite not being the cheapest option. Cincinnati Insurance outperformed Erie in terms of customer satisfaction.

Best Car Insurance in Cleveland for Young Adults

Young adults can find the best auto insurance in Cleveland from the following companies:

  • Cincinnati Insurance: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 ($976 per year)
  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($788 per year)

Cincinnati Insurance received top ratings for customer service and coverage options, ensuring high-quality service for policyholders. We also assessed the best car insurance providers for young drivers to help you choose the best option.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

Cincinnati Insurance

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Has the highest customer satisfaction score

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Offers discounts for good students

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Has the third-highest score for claims management

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Ranks as the 10th cheapest provider at $976 per year

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

For young drivers in their 20s, Cincinnati Insurance is the standout choice, with a combination of excellent customer service, efficient claims processing and competitively priced policies.

The insurer provides a good student discount that rewards young drivers maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. This discount reduces their insurance premiums and helps keep car insurance affordable while they are in school.

Cincinnati Insurance offers standard coverage options, including roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement, that can be useful for young drivers in the event of an accident or mechanical breakdown.

If you add roadside assistance to your car insurance policy, the coverage amount may increase by up to $250 unless the amount specified in the declarations section of the policy is higher. "Declarations" in an insurance policy outline key information, like the policyholder's name and address, coverage limits and premium amounts.

Read MoneyGeek's Cincinnati Insurance Auto Insurance Review

What Makes an Insurer Best for Young Adults?

Young drivers in Cleveland shopping for the best auto insurance providers should prioritize companies with exceptional service quality, affordable policies and discounts tailored to their age group. Cincinnati Insurance meets all of these criteria, providing relatively inexpensive policies, outstanding customer service and a discount option for young drivers. While Erie may offer more budget-friendly rates, it fell short in the customer service category.

Best Car Insurance in Cleveland for Teens and Their Families

The following are the top car insurance providers in Cleveland for adding a 16-year-old to a family policy:

  • Auto-Owners Insurance: MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100 ($2,303 per year)
  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 72 out of 100 ($2,015 per year)

Auto-Owners Insurance scored the highest in affordability among the eight insurers in our evaluation. It also received a favorable rating for customer satisfaction, making it a top choice for those prioritizing cost without sacrificing quality.

Car insurance for teens can be costly, but adding them to their parent’s existing policy can save them money compared to buying standalone coverage. By doing so, teens in Cleveland could save an average of $2,527 per year by being added to a family policy.

Our guide on the best car insurance for teens can help you make an informed decision.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

Auto-Owners Insurance

pros

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Scored the highest for affordability among eight insurers

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Has the third-highest customer satisfaction rating

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Provides discounts for students with good grades and for installing a monitoring device

cons

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Does not provide new car replacement coverage

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Auto-Owners Insurance tops the list of the best car insurance for teens due to its high ratings for affordability, customer service and teen-specific discounts. Its Teen Driver Monitoring discount is available to those with a GPS device installed in their car or an eligible app on their phone that allows for tracking driving behavior. The insurer also offers a good student discount of up to 20% for students with a cumulative "B" or better GPA.

Auto-Owners Insurance provides additional coverage options that can be helpful for teen drivers and their families. The insurer offers rental car and travel reimbursement, which can cover the cost of a rental vehicle in case of a covered accident. Roadside assistance can help with gas delivery, tire changes and locksmith services if you get locked out of your car. These features can provide peace of mind and added protection in unexpected situations.

Read MoneyGeek's Auto-Owners Insurance Auto Insurance Review

What Makes an Insurer Best for Teens?

When car insurance policies for teen drivers, looking for providers offering affordable rates, quality service, discounts and coverages designed specifically for teens is essential. These may include good student discounts and accident forgiveness coverage.

Auto-Owners Insurance is the top choice for teen drivers in Cleveland, thanks to its affordable rates, outstanding customer service, claims processing and discounts tailored for teenagers. Although it may not score as highly as GEICO for customer service, it has a better claims management rating.

Best Car Insurance in Cleveland for Seniors

These companies offer the best car insurance in Cleveland for seniors:

  • Cincinnati Insurance: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100 ($740 per year)
  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($611 per year)

Cincinnati Insurance offers the best car insurance for seniors, with the highest rating for customer satisfaction and a good affordability score. Typically, drivers in their 60s pay rates comparable to those in their 30s through 50s, but those in their 70s often face higher premiums.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

Cincinnati Insurance

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Has the highest ratings for customer satisfaction and the third-highest for claims processing

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Offers rental car and travel reimbursement, as well as lock replacement coverage options

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Charges the eighth-cheapest rates at $740 per year

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Doesn’t offer discounts designed for seniors

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Cincinnati Insurance is an excellent option for senior drivers seeking the best auto insurance in Cleveland. The insurer provides exceptional customer service and claims handling. Cincinnati Insurance also offers useful coverage options for older adults, such as rental car and travel reimbursement and door lock replacement.

The insurer offers a lock replacement add-on that covers the cost of replacing your door locks up to $1,500 if your keys are lost or stolen, as long as you report it to the insurer in writing within 72 hours of discovering the loss.

Additionally, rental car and travel reimbursement coverage is available, which provides up to $50 per day for temporary transportation expenses, with a maximum limit of $1,500. This is a more comprehensive coverage option than the standard auto benefit of $20 per day, up to $600.

Read MoneyGeek's Cincinnati Insurance Auto Insurance Review

What Makes an Insurer Best for Seniors?

Seniors in their 60s generally pay lower rates for car insurance than those in other age groups. The best policies for older drivers will include affordable full coverage with personal injury protection (PIP), which provides better coverage for medical expenses. While Cincinnati Insurance does not offer senior-specific discounts, its outstanding service and claims management set it apart from other insurers.

Best Car Insurance in Cleveland for Drivers With Offenses

Drivers in Cleveland with violations on their driving record can find the best car insurance from the following providers:

  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100 ($1,022 per year)
  • American Family: MoneyGeek score of 80 out of 100 ($726 per year)

Car insurance rates can vary depending on the severity of the offense, with more severe violations resulting in higher rates. In Cleveland, drivers with a speeding ticket or a DUI offense will pay approximately $193 and $564 more, respectively, than those with clean records. The annual cost for drivers without violations is $937.

Choosing one of the best auto insurers for drivers with bad records can help you save money on car insurance.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

Erie

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Charges the third-cheapest rate at $1,022 per year

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Above average customer satisfaction rating

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Provides accident forgiveness, rental car reimbursement and new or better car replacement

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Doesn’t offer roadside assistance coverage

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Offers few essential coverage options

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Erie stands out among its competitors with its affordable premiums and relatively good customer service reputation. While it doesn't provide roadside assistance coverage, policyholders can still benefit from several add-ons, such as accident forgiveness, rental car and travel reimbursement and new or better car replacement.

Its accident forgiveness coverage ensures that policyholders won't face a surcharge the first time they're at fault in an accident after three claims-free years. Adding rental car expense coverage will help pay for transportation while your car is in the shop for repairs after an accident.

The insurer's auto security coverage options include new car replacement and better car replacement add-ons. If your new car is totaled and you've owned it for less than two years, Erie will replace it with the latest model. If you've owned the vehicle for over two years, you'll receive a model that's two years newer.

Read MoneyGeek's Erie Auto Insurance Review

What Makes an Insurer Best for Drivers With Offenses?

The best auto insurance provider for drivers with a poor record offers reasonably-priced rates, multiple discounts and important coverages like accident forgiveness or roadside assistance. While Erie does not offer roadside assistance, it stands out for providing other vital add-ons, affordable rates and high-quality customer service. Though it offers cheaper rates, American Family has room for improvement in customer service and claims processing.

Best Car Insurance in Cleveland for Drivers With New Cars

Travelers is the best insurance provider for new car owners in Cleveland. The top-two insurers for new car owners are:

  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 76 out of 100 ($744 per year)
  • Farmers: MoneyGeek score of 58 out of 100 ($991 per year)

We based our rankings for this category on the affordability and quality of service offered to Ohio drivers with 2022 car models. We also only considered insurers that provide better or new car replacement coverage.

With new car replacement coverage, the cost of a brand-new car of the same make and model is covered if your vehicle is totaled in an accident. Travelers stands out with its new car replacement coverage, affordable rates and quality customer service.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

Travelers

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Offers the cheapest premiums at $744 per year

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Provides new car replacement coverage

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Has several coverage options

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Doesn’t offer mechanical breakdown insurance

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

We recommend Travelers as the best car insurance provider in Cleveland for drivers with new vehicles due to its affordable rates and extensive coverage options, including new car replacement, which provides added financial protection as a car's value depreciates once it leaves the lot.

Travelers offers Premier New Car Replacement® coverage can help you get a new car of the same make and model if you total your vehicle within the first five years.

The provider also offers standard coverages like gap insurance, which can financially protect a financed or leased vehicle. If your car is totaled, gap insurance may cover the difference between the actual cash value and the remaining balance of the loan or lease.

Read MoneyGeek's Travelers Auto Insurance Review

What Makes an Insurer Best for Drivers With New Cars?

New car drivers should opt for an auto insurance company that offers new or better car replacement coverage to save money if their vehicle is totaled in a covered accident. Travelers is the top insurer due to its affordability and new car replacement protection. Farmers comes in second with more expensive policies costing $991 per year — $247 more on average than Travelers.

How to Find the Best Car Insurance in Cleveland for You

If you're looking for the best auto insurance provider in Cleveland, consider factors like cost, claims management, financial stability and customer satisfaction. Our rankings can serve as a helpful starting point in your search, but conducting your own research is always a good idea. Here are some steps you can take to find the right insurance provider for your needs.

  1. 1
    Research customer service reputations in Cleveland

    MoneyGeek's ranking of insurance providers for customer satisfaction used complaint ration data from J.D. Power and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Although we've conducted thorough research, you can always verify our data by referring to these valuable sources. The Ohio Department of Insurance is a reliable resource that can provide you with more information on car insurance providers or offer additional insurance-related guidance.

  2. 2
    Compare quotes

    We recommend gathering quotes from at least three different car insurance providers to obtain an approximate understanding of your insurance cost. Note that MoneyGeek's average premiums are based on a sample driver profile. Your insurance rates may differ depending on your age, location and driving record.

  3. 3
    Find the coverages you want in Cleveland

    Confirming that the provider offers the right coverages and discounts for your location is crucial when buying auto insurance. Remember that some companies may advertise certain coverages and discounts on their websites that may not be available nationwide. We recommend checking the insurer's local webpage or contacting them directly to ensure the coverages and discounts are available in your location.

  4. 4
    Check financial stability ratings

    It is essential to consider a provider's financial strength when selecting the best insurer for your needs. These ratings indicate the company's ability to fulfill claims regardless of market conditions. Typically, larger insurers are more financially stable, while smaller regional companies may struggle to satisfy claims. By reviewing these ratings, you can make an informed decision.

FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in Cleveland

Choosing the best car insurance provider in Cleveland depends on your needs and driver profile. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled answers to some commonly asked questions below.

What is the best car insurance company in Cleveland?

What is the best cheap car insurance company in Cleveland?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.