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MoneyGeek Logo IconBestAuto InsuranceOhio
2023

If the quality of service is not your priority, MoneyGeek’s reviews can help you determine the cheapest car insurance in Ohio.

Best Full Coverage Car Insurance Companies in Ohio: Overall

Erie ranked as the best auto insurance company overall in Ohio.

Based on MoneyGeek’s evaluations, the two best car insurance providers in Ohio are:

  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($618 per year)
  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100 ($572 per year)

MoneyGeek rated the top car insurance companies in Ohio by customer satisfaction, claims ratings and average premium rates. For drivers looking for savings, we also researched Ohio's cheapest full coverage car insurance.

USAA is not part of this review because its policies are only available to active and retired military personnel. However, it has a MoneyGeek score of 5 out of 5. USAA has the best full coverage auto insurance rate in Ohio.

THE TOP CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN OHIO

1
ErieBest Overall
Score:90

4/5

Affordability

4.5/5

Claims

5/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

With exceptional affordability and customer service, Erie comes in first as the best insurer in Ohio. Erie offers personal effects coverage and accident forgiveness. Erie offers a full coverage policy bargain on premiums to the general public.

Average Annual Cost: $618

More About Erie

Based on MoneyGeek’s analysis, Erie offers the best car insurance in Ohio. The company provides its policyholders with many standard and unique coverages. Some of its unique coverages include accident forgiveness and new/better car replacement.

Erie’s new car replacement coverage, Auto Security, helps you replace your car with the latest model year if it gets totaled due to an accident. However, the offer is only available to owners of cars that are two years old or newer. This coverage is rare, and many insurers do not offer it. You can add it to your policy for an additional cost.

You also get this company's rental car and/or travel reimbursement. This coverage helps you cover the cost of a rental car if your vehicle ends up in a workshop due to a covered accident.

2
GEICO
Score:81

4.4/5

Affordability

3.5/5

Claims

4/5

User Satisfaction

5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

GEICO comes in second with a MoneyGeek rating of 3.5 out of 5 on claims settlement. They rank 4 out of 5 on customer satisfaction but score perfectly in affordability. GEICO offers roadside assistance.

Average Annual Cost: $572

More About GEICO

With GEICO, policyholders get unique coverages like accident forgiveness and mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI). The company also offers various common coverages, including roadside assistance, rental car, and/or travel reimbursement.

The mechanical breakdown insurance provides better coverage than a typical dealer's extended warranty and has a lower price. It covers all parts and systems, not just the specific list of items most dealers' warranties cover. This coverage is available for new or leased cars less than 15 months old with less than 15,000 miles.

The company also provides roadside assistance coverage, which helps you if your car breaks down on the road. This coverage pays for flat tires, towing, jump starts and lockout services.

3
State Farm
Score:79

3.4/5

Affordability

4/5

Claims

4.5/5

User Satisfaction

4/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

State Farm ranks second in customer satisfaction and claims offering full coverage auto insurance in Ohio at an average rate of $679 per year. State Farm offers discounts to drivers who have two or more private cars insured with the company.

More About State Farm

State Farm offers an accident-free discount to drivers insured with them for at least three years and who manage to avoid an accident. A policyholder can opt for rental car reimbursement to cover rental car and travel-related expenses of up to $500. Students 25 or younger with a B average in school qualify for a good student discount.

4
American Family
Score:78

3.6/5

Affordability

4/5

Claims

4/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

American Family ranks second on stability and claims settlement and third for customer satisfaction, with premiums costing an average of $658 per year. If an accident causes death or injury, the Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage pays regardless of who is to blame for the accident.

More About American Family

American Family offers discounted rates to loyal customers; the discount depends on when the customer begins a policy with the company. If you drive your car for less than 7,500 miles annually, you can save on your premium. Drivers who remain accident and traffic violation-free are entitled to reduced premium rates.

5
Travelers
Score:65

1.7/5

Affordability

4/5

Claims

3.5/5

User Satisfaction

5/5

Financial Stability

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Geek Quick Take

Travelers insurance is tied for first on financial stability and second on claims. Annual premiums cost an average of $855. The company offers personal injury protection that pays for medical expenses and compensation for lost wages, even if the driver is at fault.

More About Travelers

Travelers offers policyholders a discount on car insurance if they own a house, even if they insure the home with another company. Also, if a household insures at least two cars under one policy, they may be entitled to a discount. When you buy a new car or one less than three years old, you may also qualify for a discount on premiums.

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HOW WE DETERMINED THE BEST INSURANCE IN OHIO

MoneyGeek evaluated Ohio's best full coverage car insurance based on quotes from several insurance companies coupled with user satisfaction and claim settlement scores from J.D. Power and NAIC. The cost, however, varies according to the service provider and other determinants. For more information, refer to MoneyGeek’s methodology.

MoneyGeek's Ohio Car Insurance Resources:

Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Customer Service

Regarding customer service, Erie takes the top spot in Ohio.

MoneyGeek’s comprehensive evaluations determined that the best companies for customer service in Ohio are:

  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100
  • Hartford: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100

MoneyGeek rated the best car insurance providers in Ohio exclusively based on user satisfaction and claims scores.

THE TOP TWO CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN OHIO FOR SERVICE QUALITY

1
ErieBest for Customer Service
Score:95

4.5/5

Claims

5/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

Erie has a customer satisfaction rating of 5 out of 5, and a claims rating of 4.5 out of 5. Excellent customer service is essential for a straightforward claims process.

More About Erie

Erie offers comprehensive coverage for loss, theft or damage caused by fire. If you have a new car on loan or lease involved in a total-loss accident, gap coverage covers the difference in the amount you owe on your loan or lease and the car’s value. Also, after three accident-free years, you are eligible for a reprieve if involved in an accident and won't be charged more on your premium.

Besides these unique coverages, the company also offers rental car and/or travel reimbursement coverage. If you get into an accident that results in your vehicle ending up in the workshop, this coverage will help you pay for the cost of a rental car and other travel expenses.

2
The Hartford
Score:90

4.5/5

Claims

4.5/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

Hartford has a customer satisfaction and claims rating of 4.5, which is the second-highest for customer service.

More About The Hartford

Hartford’s car insurance policies come with many unique coverages, including full glass coverage, deductible modification, accident forgiveness and gap insurance. The company also provides various common coverages to its policyholders, including rental car and/or travel reimbursement and roadside assistance.

The full glass coverage helps you cover the cost of repair or replacement of your car’s headlights, mirrors and windows in case of damage. Hartford’s accident forgiveness coverage ensures that your premium doesn’t go up due to an accident. However, it requires you and everyone else on your policy remain accident-free for at least five years.

It also offers roadside assistance coverage, which assists you in case of vehicle breakdown and helps you pay for car towing and other labor charges.

Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Minimum Coverage

According to our detailed evaluations, Erie is the best car insurance company in Ohio for drivers on a budget.

The top two most affordable companies in Ohio are:

  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($274 per year)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100 ($343 per year)

For a car insurance premium that meets the state minimum requirements in Ohio, MoneyGeek’s scores can help you find the best option. The best companies draw on affordability and quality of service.

MoneyGeek also researched the companies offering the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Ohio if you want to save on your policy.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: Erie

Erie

pros

Affordable coverage at an annual rate of $274

Discounts, including bundling, airbags and anti-theft system

MoneyGeek claims and user satisfaction scores of 4.5 and 4, respectively

cons

No safe driving or good student discounts

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Buying car insurance from Erie will be ideal if you want to save money on your policy. The company offers its policyholders many ways to save on car insurance and provides various discounts. Some of its discounts include bundling discounts, full payment discounts, discounts on installing an anti-theft system and an airbag discount.

You can qualify for a discount with this company if you insure multiple cars or bundle your auto insurance policy with Erie’s home or life insurance. You can also get a discount if you pay your premium lump sum.

Another way of saving money on your policy with Erie is installing an anti-theft system, airbags or anti-lock brakes in your car. The company prioritizes the safety of its policyholders and offers a discount on installing these components.

Read MoneyGeek's Erie Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Young Drivers and Students

Allstate is Ohio's top car insurance provider for young drivers and students.

The two best insurers in Ohio for young drivers and students include:

  • Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100
  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100

For this category, MoneyGeek analyzed rates for drivers of high school and college age. We also researched the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for young drivers and students concerned about cost.

MoneyGeek found the best insurance rates in Ohio for student drivers and young drivers based on affordability and customer service.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: Allstate

Allstate

pros

Affordable student premiums costing $1,487

MoneyGeek claims and user satisfaction score of 4 out of 5

Offers a student discount for maintaining good grades

cons

Does not offer a mileage discount

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Adding young drivers to a policy can significantly raise your insurance costs because insurers consider it risky to insure youngsters. However, Allstate makes it affordable to add young drivers to a policy and offers excellent customer service. Since filing a claim can be complicated, choosing an insurer with excellent customer support can be helpful.

Besides scoring high for customer service, Allstate offers students and young drivers various discounts. These include good student, distant student and driver education discounts.

If you're a student with good grades, you can qualify for a discount with Allstate. You can also save on your policy by completing the teenSMART driver education program. Allstate provides a discount on adding a student who's studying more than 100 miles away from home on a policy.

Read MoneyGeek's Allstate Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Seniors

MoneyGeek analyzed the customer service and policy costs of different insurance providers and ranked the ones offering cheap auto insurance for seniors in Ohio. The following companies might be the ideal option for older adults:

  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100 ($639 per year)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($666 per year)

These insurers provide a balance between customer service and affordability.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: Erie

Erie

pros

One of the most affordable companies for seniors at $639 per year

Offers accident forgiveness and rental car and/or travel reimbursement coverage

MoneyGeek claims and user satisfaction rating of 5 out of 5

cons

Does not offer discounts for multiple cars, safe driving or paperless payment

Does not offer discounts to senior drivers

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Although insurance rates increase with age, Erie offers a great combination of affordable rates and good service quality. It makes this insurance company the best option for buying car insurance as a senior.

The company offers various standard coverage to its policyholders, including accident forgiveness and rental car and/or travel reimbursement coverage. The accident forgiveness coverage helps you avoid an increase in your rate on your first at-fault accident after three claims-free years. With the rental car and/or travel reimbursement coverage, you won’t have to worry about transportation or rental car expenses while your vehicle is in the workshop due to a covered accident.

Erie also allows you to save on your policy through various discounts. However, the company doesn’t offer a discount for senior drivers.

Read MoneyGeek's Erie Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Bad Driving Records

Erie is also the best car insurance company for drivers with poor records in Ohio.

MoneyGeek determined that the best car insurance companies in Ohio for poor driving records are:

  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($798 per year)
  • American Family: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100 ($690 per year)

MoneyGeek reviewed Ohio's best car insurance companies for drivers who have an at-fault accident on their record. These scores balance affordability after an accident and customer service ratings.

If you want to save money, MoneyGeek also analyzed the cheapest car insurance in Connecticut for those with a DUI or bad record.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: Erie

Erie

pros

After an at-fault accident, the cost of a full coverage policy is $798

Rental car coverage is an option

Roadside assistance and towing are available

cons

New car replacement is not available for leased vehicles

A car is no longer considered new if more than two years old

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

With a customer satisfaction rating of 5 out of 5 and a claims rating of 4.5 out of 5, Erie gives drivers the best and most affordable coverage with a bad driving record, with an annual premium averaging $798.

Erie insurance offers the following coverage after an accident:

  • Roadside Assistance can be requested in case of an accident or car trouble.
  • Rental Car Reimbursement covers the cost of a rental car if your car is out of commission for more than 24 hours.
  • New Car Replacement can be used to replace your totaled vehicle (if two years old or newer) with a similar model.
  • Accident Forgiveness can mean you are eligible for a reprieve on your first at-fault accident with no applicable surcharges if you’ve maintained an accident-free driving record for three years.
Read MoneyGeek's Erie Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Ohio for a Military Background

Research by MoneyGeek places USAA as the best car insurer in Ohio for active and retired members of the military, with an outstanding score of 100 out of 100. Premium rates average $238 for Ohio’s state minimum policy and $765 for military drivers with an accident history.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: USAA

USAA

pros

Low premium rates

Unmatched customer service

Coverage comes with extra benefits for military members still in service

cons

Unavailable to civilians with no military affiliation

A policy does not come with many rider options

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

USAA has perfect scores for affordability, customer satisfaction and claims, making it the best insurance company for drivers with a military background. It also offers the cheapest policies and has a great reputation among its policyholders.

The company provides various discounts and coverages to drivers with a military background, including the following:

  • Rental Reimbursement helps you pay for the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is in the workshop due to damage because of a covered accident.
  • Roadside Assistance covers the cost of towing, repairs and lockout assistance in case your vehicle breaks down.
  • Accident Forgiveness applies no surcharges to your policy’s premium if you are at fault in an accident and you’ve maintained an accident-free record for five years.
Read MoneyGeek's USAA Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Those With New Cars

Erie is the best auto insurance company in Ohio for customers who own new cars, earning a 90 out of 100 rating from MoneyGeek. It charges $618 per year for a policy.

MoneyGeek scored the best car insurance companies in Ohio for someone who wants a policy with a new car replacement option. New car replacement or better car replacement coverage allows the policyholder to get the full reimbursement of the value of their car if it’s totaled. Or, the policyholder may be eligible to upgrade to a newer model during a specific timeframe after purchasing a new vehicle. A standard policy does not include these coverages. They are add-ons and cost extra.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: Erie

Erie

pros

Affordable full coverage policy of $618 on average annually

Claims rating of 4.5 out of 5

cons

Only covers cars that are two years old or newer

Only drivers with collision and comprehensive coverage qualify for car replacement

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Based on MoneyGeek’s analysis, Erie is the ideal insurance company for a car insurance policy if you have recently purchased a new car. The company provides new car replacements to its policyholders. You can add this coverage to your policy for an additional cost. It’s a rare coverage that many insurers do not offer.

Getting new car replacement coverage can be greatly beneficial. If you get into an accident with your new vehicle, it loses its value immediately. This coverage ensures the replacement of your new vehicle (minus your deductible) without penalizing you for the depreciated value after an accident.

Erie’s new car replacement coverage, Auto Security, replaces your totaled car with the latest model year. However, the vehicle must not be older than two years to be eligible.

Read MoneyGeek's Erie Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Low-Mileage Drivers

MoneyGeek’s evaluation determined that Nationwide SmartMiles® is the best option for low-mileage drivers in Ohio.

Many insurance companies now offer pay-per-mile car insurance coverage. These programs charge drivers for coverage based on the mileage they drive.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: Nationwide

Nationwide

pros

Safe drivers earn a 10% discount upon their first renewal

Road trip exception of 250 miles per day

cons

If you drive more, the cost of pay-per-mile could exceed average insurance premiums

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek analyzed the pay-per-mile programs of many insurance companies and found Nationwide the best option for pay-per-mile insurance in Ohio. Nationwide’s pay-per-mile program in the state is called SmartMiles, and it’s available in 40 U.S. states.

Depending on how many miles you drive, it calculates your cost using a base rate and a variable rate. If you go on a road trip, the company will only count the first 250 miles in a single day. SmartMiles program allows you to save money on your insurance cost by offering up to a 10% discount on safe driving.

However, Nationwide’s SmartMiles program isn’t the best option for drivers who frequently travel long distances as it can cost a lot.

Read MoneyGeek's Nationwide Auto Insurance Review

How to Find the Best Car Insurance in Ohio For You

When shopping around for the best car insurance in Ohio, you need to consider cost, quality of service and financial stability.

MoneyGeek has reviewed the best providers in Ohio based on this criteria, but you might want to do some research yourself.

1

Research customer service reputations in Ohio

MoneyGeek analyzed customer satisfaction ratings of various providers in Ohio. Still, you can also refer to J.D. Power satisfaction scores and NAIC compliant ratios in Ohio to find the best provider for you. It is also good to get information from the Ohio Department of Insurance while doing your auto insurance company research.

2

Compare quotes for yourself

MoneyGeek’s quotes are drawn from certain cities in Ohio and do not represent the entire state. You should get at least three quotes for comparison for your city and driver profile to get an idea of how much premiums cost.

3

Make sure the company has coverages you want in Ohio

Insurers mention certain coverages and discounts are available to customers, but these options aren’t available in every state. Confirm that the company provides the coverage and discounts you are looking for in Ohio.

4

Double-check financial stability ratings

Large insurers may have more robust financial stability and better ratings than regional companies in Ohio. The financial stability of an auto insurance company can affect how quickly claims are settled. Double-check the financial rating of your insurer before buying a policy.

FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in Ohio

The premium you pay for auto insurance coverage depends on your needs. The following are some common questions asked about car insurance in Ohio:

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a senior content director at MoneyGeek with over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, conducting original research and creating content that can be personalized for every buyer. He has been quoted on insurance topics in several publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Mark 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 economics and insurance knowledge to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.