BestCar InsuranceOhioBest Car Insurance in Ohio (May 2023)
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Erie car insurance ranks highest for customer service, minimum coverage, young adults, seniors, those with moving violations in Ohio and military members. Cincinnati Insurance is best for affordability. Meanwhile, Travelers is best for those with new cars.
BestCar InsuranceOhioBest Car Insurance in Ohio
Best Overall - Erie
Best for Service - Cincinnati Insurance
Best for Minimum Coverage - Erie
Best for Young Adults - Erie
Best for Seniors - Erie
Best for Driving Offenses - Erie
Best for New Cars - Travelers
Best for Military - Erie
Best Overall for Car Insurance in Ohio
Erie is Ohio’s best car insurance provider. It offers affordable rates, has the second-highest user satisfaction score and the most efficient claims process rating out of the companies MoneyGeek reviewed.
Based on MoneyGeek's research, the top two providers in this category are:
- Erie: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($533 per year)
- Cincinnati Insurance: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($711 per year)
MoneyGeek rated these companies based on customer satisfaction, premium cost and claims ratings.
In Ohio, drivers pay an average of $803 a year for full coverage insurance. We also found the cheapest full coverage auto insurance in Ohio for drivers trying to cut costs.
1
Cincinnati InsuranceBest Overall
Score:94
Cincinnati Insurance scored the highest out of the companies MoneyGeek reviewed in customer satisfaction but charges a higher premium than Erie, at $711 per year. It offers relatively unique add-ons for most drivers, including airbag reinstallation after accidental deployment and lock replacement if you lose your keys.
More About Cincinnati Insurance
Depending on your needs and preferences, Ohio-based Cincinnati Insurance could be an excellent choice for its wide range of optional coverage options designed to help reduce financial losses in the event of an at-fault accident. These include new car replacement and gap insurance, which pays for the difference between your car's value and the amount you owe on a loan or lease if you total your car.
With lock replacement coverage, if you lose your car keys or report them stolen within 72 hours, the company will pay up to $1,500 to replace the locks on your doors. If your car is a total loss because of a covered collision or other-than-collision loss, the deductible waiver will absolve you of paying your deductible. Finally, if your child's safety seat is stolen or damaged beyond repair, the child safety seat replacement add-on will pay for a new one.
2
Cincinnati Insurance
Score:94
Cincinnati Insurance scored the highest out of the companies MoneyGeek reviewed in customer satisfaction but charges a higher premium than Erie, at $711 per year. It offers relatively unique add-ons for most drivers, including airbag reinstallation after accidental deployment and lock replacement if you lose your keys.
More About Cincinnati Insurance
Depending on your needs and preferences, Ohio-based Cincinnati Insurance could be an excellent choice for its wide range of optional coverage options designed to help reduce financial losses in the event of an at-fault accident. These include new car replacement and gap insurance, which pays for the difference between your car's value and the amount you owe on a loan or lease if you total your car.
With lock replacement coverage, if you lose your car keys or report them stolen within 72 hours, the company will pay up to $1,500 to replace the locks on your doors. If your car is a total loss because of a covered collision or other-than-collision loss, the deductible waiver will absolve you of paying your deductible. Finally, if your child's safety seat is stolen or damaged beyond repair, the child safety seat replacement add-on will pay for a new one.
3
Erie
Score:93
MoneyGeek gives Erie top scores for several reasons. It’s one of the least expensive options for full coverage auto insurance in Ohio and has the second-highest customer satisfaction rating. A policy costs $533 per year, on average, cheaper than most options. Erie offers better car replacement, which some insurers do not.
More About Erie
Erie’s accident forgiveness coverage rewards customers who haven’t filed a claim with the company in three years by not increasing their premium after their first at-fault accident. The company also offers better car replacement coverage. If your vehicle is less than two years old and is totaled, Erie will replace it with the latest model if you purchase the Auto Security coverage. If your car is older than two years, you'll be upgraded to a two-year newer model.
Lastly, deductible-free glass repair for windshields, locksmith services up to $75, personal items coverage and basic rental car insurance are just a few of the perks included in Erie's full coverage policies at no extra charge.
4
Erie
Score:93
MoneyGeek gives Erie top scores for several reasons. It’s one of the least expensive options for full coverage auto insurance in Ohio and has the second-highest customer satisfaction rating. A policy costs $533 per year, on average, cheaper than most options. Erie offers better car replacement, which some insurers do not.
More About Erie
Erie’s accident forgiveness coverage rewards customers who haven’t filed a claim with the company in three years by not increasing their premium after their first at-fault accident. The company also offers better car replacement coverage. If your vehicle is less than two years old and is totaled, Erie will replace it with the latest model if you purchase the Auto Security coverage. If your car is older than two years, you'll be upgraded to a two-year newer model.
Lastly, deductible-free glass repair for windshields, locksmith services up to $75, personal items coverage and basic rental car insurance are just a few of the perks included in Erie's full coverage policies at no extra charge.
How the Best Insurers in Ohio Rank: MoneyGeek Scores and Costs
We compared multiple auto insurance providers in Ohio and found that Erie provided the best combination of price, coverage and service. Another alternative is Cincinnati Insurance, which has the highest customer satisfaction score.
When compared to other insurers, Nationwide is the least expensive, but its rating suffers due to a low customer satisfaction score. Westfield, on the other hand, has the third-highest ratings overall but the most expensive rates.
Insurance companies can only get a MoneyGeek rating if they provide enough information for all criteria. The rates below are based on a full coverage policy.
Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Customer Service
MoneyGeek ranks Cincinnati Insurance as the best auto insurance provider in Ohio for customer service, regardless of affordability. The top two companies in this category are:
- Cincinnati Insurance: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($711 per year)
- Westfield: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($796 per year)
Cincinnati Insurance and Westfield score highly in customer satisfaction and claims management. However, they are both among the more expensive insurers in Ohio.
pros
Ranked third in customer satisfaction
Offers discounts for safe driving and bundling policies
Ranked first in claims handling
cons
No paperless discounts
Lacks original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Erie offers high-quality customer service, effective claims handling and some of the most affordable pricing out of the Ohio providers we reviewed. Drivers can save money by insuring multiple cars with Erie, bundling a life insurance or home policy with their auto policy and practicing safe driving. Erie’s Young Safe Driver discount caters to those under the age of 21 who live with their parents. In addition, unmarried young drivers can benefit from credit if their parent or guardian has spent several years being insured under Erie’s auto insurance policies.
While Erie doesn’t offer discounts for going paperless, it does offer discounts if you pay for your policy in full or set up an automatic payment plan.
Lastly, Erie offers plenty of discounts for safety features installed in your car, such as airbags, anti-theft systems and electronic tracking devices.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Customer Service?
A reliable auto insurance provider will treat you with professionalism and address your issues promptly. It must also be able to settle any covered claims you file swiftly.
Those searching for superior service should strongly consider Cincinnati Insurance, which boasts the highest customer satisfaction rating in Ohio and the third-highest claims handling score. Its premiums are generally more affordable than Westfield’s, which offers a comparable level of service.
Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Minimum Coverage
Erie is MoneyGeek’s pick for the best minimum coverage insurance in Ohio based on price, customer service and claims processing.
- Erie: MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 ($175 per year)
- Cincinnati Insurance: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($295 per year)
Erie provides low-cost, basic coverage and quick, easy claims service. Although minimum coverage insurance tends to be the least expensive option, it does not cover repairs to your vehicle in the event of an at-fault accident.
Drivers in Ohio pay an average of $487 a year for minimum coverage auto insurance. MoneyGeek compared the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance companies in Ohio to help you narrow your search.
pros
Costs $175 per year on average for a minimum coverage policy
Offers discounts for bundling, anti-theft systems and airbags
Highest claims processing score
Third-best customer satisfaction score
cons
No discounts for good students
Limited coverage add-ons
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
If you're looking for a cheap auto insurance policy, Erie offers some of the most affordable rates in Ohio. Even though MoneyGeek found Erie's auto insurance premiums were reasonably priced, you can save even more by taking advantage of the company's numerous discounts. These include bundling and full payment. Policyholders also get discounts for installing anti-theft systems, having airbags and anti-lock brakes and for insuring multiple cars on the same policy.
While inexpensive insurers don’t always offer excellent service, Erie gets high ratings for customer satisfaction and claims handling. For those who want additional coverages, Erie offers new and better car replacement, as well as property insurance, which covers up to $350 in damage to property in your car, such as luggage.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Minimum Coverage?
Drivers who may not be able to afford full coverage insurance due to its high cost can opt for minimum coverage policies, which only provide the protection required by law. Ranked third in customer satisfaction among Ohio insurers in a 2022 J.D. Power research study, Erie’s minimum coverage policies offer accessible discounts, competitive rates and dependable service for drivers on a budget.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
Minimum coverage in Ohio is the least expensive policy a driver can get, but the trade-off is very little protection and the possibility of owing out-of-pocket a considerable amount of money in an at-fault accident that could cause a dire situation. Most insurance professionals recommend obtaining bodily injury and property damage liability coverage above the state minimum for more financial protection from at-fault accidents. Increase your liability limits as much as your budget will allow. — Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Young Adults
Based on our research, Erie is the most cost-effective and customer-friendly auto insurance provider for young adults. These companies offer drivers in their 20s the best combination of affordable prices and reliable service in Ohio:
- Erie: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($671 per year)
- Cincinnati Insurance: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($865 per year)
The average auto insurance premium for drivers in their twenties is usually higher than for middle-aged drivers but lower than what teens pay. Comparing quotes from insurance providers in Ohio for young drivers can help you save.
pros
Ranked first in customer satisfaction
Offers discounts for safe driving and bundling policies
Ranked third in claims management
cons
Not the most affordable option at $865 per year
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
For young adults, Cincinnati Insurance offers high-quality customer service, effective claims management and slightly higher pricing than most Ohio providers. Young drivers can save money by insuring multiple cars with Cincinnati Insurance, not filing claims or getting a home and auto policy with the company. You can also sign up for the Cincinnati RideWell telematics program, a mobile app that tracks your driving habits. By practicing safe driving, you can save up to 18% on your premium.
For those on a budget, Cincinnati Insurance is the 5th cheapest option of 13 providers, making it one of the more expensive on the market. In addition, the company lacks discounts other providers offer, such as for loyalty or taking driving courses.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Young Adults?
Good policies for young adults maximize savings while delivering on the promise of consistent, high-quality service and coverage options. You can find companies that offer discounts for young drivers by comparing auto insurance quotes.
We discovered that Erie offers the best premium for young adults, great customer support and easy claims filing. However, American Family offers a cheaper premium if you are willing to compromise on claims processing.
Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Seniors
Erie is the top car insurance for senior Ohio drivers in their 60s. When we prioritized pricing and service quality, the following two companies rose to the top:
- Erie: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($521 per year)
- Cincinnati Insurance: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($651 per year)
Erie ranked third in customer service and first in claims processing out of the providers MoneyGeek reviewed, offering affordable rates. Insurance premiums for drivers in their 60s are about the same as for those in their 30s, 40s, and 50s but often increase as drivers reach their 70s. You can compare rates to help you find cheap auto insurance in Ohio for seniors.
pros
Ranked third in customer service
Offers affordable rates at $521 per year
Offers personal property coverage, better car replacement and accident forgiveness
cons
Does not offer original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Erie is a great option for seniors because it processes claims quickly and offers a high level of customer care. Erie’s accident forgiveness program rewards three years of claims-free and no moving violation driving with no rate increase for the first at-fault accident.
Another benefit that seniors can appreciate is Erie's personal property insurance. This coverage provides up to $350 to help cover losses to personal belongings, such as clothing and luggage, that are damaged while inside a car that Erie insures. Finally, Erie's Auto Security program can give seniors added security, knowing that their new car will be replaced with a new model if it gets totaled in the first two years of ownership.
In addition to Erie’s special discount for senior drivers and retirees, safe senior drivers can take advantage of Erie’s safe driving discount when they remain accident-free for a minimum of three years. The company also offers discounts for bundling policies and insuring multiple cars.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Seniors?
Seniors are among the safest drivers, yet they are also more likely to suffer major injuries in an accident due to their advanced age. For many elderly motorists, the best full coverage policy has medical payments coverage added to it.
Our top recommendation, Erie, provides discounts explicitly tailored to seniors and rewards safe driving. It also offers excellent service and a wide range of optional extras that can give you peace of mind on the road.
Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Drivers With Offenses
Erie is a good choice if you're shopping for car insurance and have a history of traffic tickets, accidents or DUIs. The following are our recommendations based on price and customer reviews:
- Erie: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($725 per year)
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100 ($625 per year)
Erie has the highest claims processing score, third-highest customer satisfaction rating, and one of the most affordable price points. The average premium in Ohio rises $147 after a speeding citation, $302 after an accident and $402 after a DUI, so finding cheap auto insurance after an incident in Ohio is essential. You will have a surcharge applied to your premium for at least three years for all of these incidents.
pros
Second-cheapest option, at $625 per year on average
Best customer satisfaction and claims processing ratings
Offers better car replacement, accident forgiveness and rental car reimbursement
cons
Does not offer a wide variety of coverages
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
If you're an Ohio resident with a record of moving violations or at-fault accidents, Erie offers full coverage insurance at competitive rates. In addition, the company’s various discounts can help policyholders save even more.
Erie provides new car replacement coverage. If your car is less than two years old and is totaled, Erie will pay for a replacement vehicle of the same make and type at least two years newer.
The Rate Lock from Erie is helpful for customers who file claims frequently. If you select this feature, your premium will not increase even if you submit a claim.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Drivers With Offenses?
Drivers with a history of moving violations and at-fault accidents usually pay more than those with a clean driving record. They need an insurer that offers discounts and good add-on coverages, like replacement car coverage. Erie is one of the cheapest insurance companies that offers that coverage while providing prompt reimbursements and helpful customer service.
Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Drivers With New Cars
MoneyGeek found Travelers is the best insurance company for new car owners. We compared rates for Ohio drivers with a 2022 model year vehicle and only considered insurance companies that guarantee a new or better vehicle in the event of a total loss. Our top picks are as follows:
- Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($720 per year)
- Farmers: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100 ($888 per year)
Travelers offers the most affordable policies in Ohio with a new car, and its customers are the most satisfied with both the service and the value they receive when filing a claim. With new car replacement, your auto insurance will provide you with a brand-new vehicle of the same make and model in the event of a total loss. On the other hand, better auto replacement insurance provides you with a newer car by one model year.
pros
Offers the cheapest rates, at $720 per year on average
Offers new car replacement
Scores well on customer satisfaction and coverage options
cons
Claims management rating can be improved
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Travelers offers new car owners the lowest annual rates in Ohio, at $720 on average. The company provides excellent customer service and extensive coverage at a reasonable price. It also has a discount for policyholders who purchase cars less than three years old and for hybrid vehicles.
If you total your new automobile in the first five years, Travelers' Premier New Car Replacement coverage pays to replace it with a new car of the same make and model. In contrast, many other insurers only offer this coverage for the first two or three years you own your new vehicle. Travelers also offers loan/lease gap coverage. In the event of a total loss, the company may reimburse you for the difference between the value of your car and the outstanding balance of your loan or lease.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Drivers With New Cars?
Drivers with new cars want the peace of mind that comes with knowing their insurance company offers a new or better car replacement option. In Ohio, Travelers offers the cheapest policy offering new car replacement, at $720 per year. A policy from our runner-up, Farmers, costs $168 more.
Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Military Drivers
Erie offers the best auto insurance for military personnel in Ohio, with an overall MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100. Erie has the fourth cheapest annual full-coverage premium in Ohio, at only $533.
Although USAA has a lower MoneyGeek score than Erie, it has affordable policies and coverages tailored specifically for military personnel and their families and is the best provider in most states. You may also consider GEICO as an active-duty member or veteran of the military community since it has military-focused coverages and discounts.
pros
Ranks 4th for affordability with an annual premium of $533
Ranks 1st for claims management
Ranks 3rd for customer satisfaction
cons
Does not offer roadside assistance or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Erie has the most efficient claims processing. It also provides superior customer service and has one of the lowest insurance rates in Ohio, at $533 annually. In addition to the usual services, such as rental car coverage and gap insurance, Erie provides accident forgiveness at no cost when you remain accident-free and moving-violation-free for three years.
The company also offers several discounts that most drivers would find useful. If you have a honing device installed in your car, Erie may give you a discount. Likewise, Erie rewards those who have an anti-theft system or airbags in their car. Also, if you aren’t using your car for at least 90 consecutive days, Erie offers a mileage discount. You can also save money by paying for your policy in full and signing up for automatic payments.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance in Ohio for You
MoneyGeek compiled insurance quotes tailored to various driver profiles and selected the best based on how well they balance good customer service and cost. However, if you'd rather do your own research, here are some steps you can follow.
1
Research customer service reputations in Ohio
MoneyGeek ranked Ohio’s best insurance providers based on data from J.D. Power customer satisfaction research and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) consumer complaint index. While you can rely on these institutions for guidance when choosing an insurer, the Ohio Department of Insurance website offers additional information on various insurers to help you make a decision.
2
Compare quotes
MoneyGeek's quotes are based on average costs for various drivers in Ohio and may not reflect your actual premium. To get an idea of how much vehicle insurance will cost, it's a good idea to get estimates from at least three companies.
3
Find the coverages you want in Ohio
Note that some of the coverage and discounts insurance firms offer may be state-specific. You can visit an insurance company's website to check which discounts and coverage options are available in Ohio. You can also call a provider or visit one for more details.
4
Check financial stability ratings
Financial stability is a measure of an insurer's ability to meet its financial obligations, such as paying its policyholders’ covered claims. Check the rating of an insurer before you get a policy, and if it is low, you may want to choose a different one.
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FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in Ohio
The auto insurance coverage in Ohio that best meets your needs will depend on your specific requirements and personal preferences. Here are answers to some common questions.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
sources
- J.D. Power. "2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study." Accessed January 10, 2023.
- Auto Insurance Co.. "Ways to Save." Accessed January 30, 2023.
- Cincinnati Insurance. "Personal Auto Plus Endorsement." Accessed January 30, 2023.
- Erie. "6 Things You Didn’t Know Your Erie Auto Policy Could Cover." Accessed January 30, 2023.
- Erie. "Auto Insurance Discounts and Customer Incentives." Accessed January 30, 2023.
- J.D. Power. "2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study." Accessed January 30, 2023.