Best Car Insurance Companies in Columbus, OH

The ideal insurance provider depends on your coverage requirements and driving record. In Columbus, Cincinnati Insurance is the best for full coverage and minimum coverage policies and for seniors, young adults and customer service. Erie works best for those with traffic offenses, whereas Travelers is ideal for new car owners. Auto-Owners is the best for adding teens to a family policy.

MoneyGeek also rated the cheapest auto insurers in Columbus for those favoring affordability.

The following are the top providers of auto insurance in Columbus:

• Cincinnati Insurance: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100 ($734 per year)
• Erie: MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100 ($584 per year)

Of the 13 providers we analyzed, Cincinnati Insurance has the highest customer satisfaction rating and a good affordability score. It also has a good record of handling claims fairly and quickly.

Erie, in second place, is also Ohio's top auto insurance company. A MoneyGeek score of 85 ranks USAA at the top for those in the military.

Cincinnati Insurance is our top choice among the 13 insurers in the Columbus, Ohio, area we evaluated. It provides outstanding customer service and has affordable average annual prices of $581. It ranks third in claims processing and ties for second in coverage options.

The prices stated are for full coverage policies. Only companies with data available on their affordability, level of customer service, coverages offered and financial stability received MoneyGeek scores.

Without taking affordability into account, the following auto insurance companies offer the best customer service in Columbus:

• Cincinnati Insurance: MoneyGeek score of 74 out of 100 ($734 per year)
• Erie: MoneyGeek score of 70 out of 100 ($584 per year)

Cincinnati Insurance ranks third in claims handling and first in customer satisfaction. It may not have the cheapest premiums, but it provides the highest quality of service.

Good customer service from a car insurance company is paramount, particularly when dealing with an emergency, like if your car is totaled. Service-oriented providers respond well to the needs of their policyholders and manage claims fairly and promptly.

The J.D. Power customer satisfaction study indicates that Cincinnati Insurance provides the top customer service in Columbus. Erie, our runner-up, has the highest claims rating, is more reasonably priced and ties for second place in customer satisfaction.

We rated insurers offering minimum coverage car insurance policies in Columbus, Ohio, based on cost and the quality of their customer service, and the following companies rose to the top:

• Cincinnati Insurance: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100 ($315 per year)
• Erie: MoneyGeek score of 84 out of 100 ($216 per year)

Please note that minimum coverage policies may not provide adequate safety nets. Liability-only coverage typically does not pay for repairs to your car.

If you want a minimum coverage policy, look for an insurer with lower prices that also offers good customer service. You can count on Cincinnati Insurance to provide excellent customer service and affordable premiums. Erie, the runner-up, has the highest claims score, the second-best customer service and the most affordable rates in Columbus.

In Columbus, the following companies provide the best auto insurance for young drivers:

• Cincinnati Insurance: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100 ($895 per year)
• Erie: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($736 per year)

Cincinnati Insurance ranks first in customer service and second best in claims management. However, the firm is only the eighth most affordable for young adults in Columbus.

When searching for the best insurance as a young driver, compare providers based on their affordability, customer service and age-specific discounts.

The J.D. Power customer satisfaction study and the Quadrant data tables confirm that Cincinnati Insurance provides superior service and fair claims handling. Young policyholders may also benefit from several discounts the insurer offers.

The top insurance providers in Columbus, Ohio, for adding a 16-year-old to an existing family policy are:

• Auto-Owners Insurance Co: MoneyGeek score of 78 out of 100 ($2,355 per year)
• Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 74 out of 100 ($2,521 per year)

Auto-Owners has high affordability, customer service and claims handling scores. The company provides families with teenagers with an excellent balance of quality service and competitive pricing.

The best way to save on teen car insurance is to add the teen to an existing family policy. In Columbus, teenagers can save an average of $2,527 annually by being on a parent’s policy rather than getting their own. We've also reviewed the best cheap teen-friendly car insurance companies.

When shopping for teen driver insurance, look for affordability, great customer service and applicable discounts and coverages. Auto-Owners has great customer service and claims scores and offers teen-specific discounts and coverages.

The following are the top car insurance providers in Columbus for seniors:

• Cincinnati Insurance: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100 ($675 per year)
• Erie: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($572 per year)

The best auto insurance for seniors is from Cincinnati Insurance, owing to its high affordability rating and the best customer satisfaction score. By choosing this insurer, senior drivers can expect good service without paying a lot.

While rates climb for drivers in their 70s, drivers in their 60s pay rates comparable to those between the ages of 30 and 50.

Due to the risk of serious damage in a collision, senior drivers should look for policies with personal injury protection (PIP). Seniors should also seek companies that offer discounts like defensive driving and safe driving to reduce their costs further.

Cincinnati Insurance stands above its competitors thanks to its affordable premiums and excellent customer service. In addition, the company offers several discounts to help lower rates.

The best companies for drivers with infractions in Columbus are:

• Erie: MoneyGeek score of 80 out of 100 ($996 per year)
• American Family: MoneyGeek score of 80 out of 100 ($706 per year)

Erie has the third cheapest insurance for drivers with offenses and ties for second in customer satisfaction. After a driving offense, premiums typically increase relative to the severity of the offense. In Columbus, drivers with speeding tickets pay an average of $193 more for vehicle insurance, while those with DUIs pay an average of $577 more.

Insurance costs more after a moving infraction, but you can still save money by switching to a company offering the best cheap insurance for drivers with poor driving records.

Drivers with traffic infractions should seek affordable car insurance that offers discounts and essential coverages like roadside assistance and accident forgiveness. Erie has the best claims handling score and great customer satisfaction and affordability rankings. It also provides a range of useful discounts and coverages. Runner-up American Family offers the cheapest premiums and rates high in coverage options and customer satisfaction.

The following companies offer the best insurance for new car owners in Columbus:

• Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 76 out of 100 ($794 per year)
• Farmers: MoneyGeek score of 60 out of 100 ($1,000 per year)

The findings are based on the insurance cost and service quality for individuals driving a 2022 model car. We only considered companies that provide new or better car replacement coverage.

New car replacement coverage will cover the cost of purchasing a comparable brand-new vehicle if yours is totaled in an accident, and better car replacement pays for a better model.

New car owners should shop for an insurer that offers new or better car replacement coverage. Travelers offers new car replacement coverage at the cheapest premiums. Farmers, our second pick, costs $206 more than Travelers.

Your needs and driving habits will influence which Columbus auto insurance company is best for you. The following answers to the most frequently asked questions can help you make an informed decision.