BestAuto InsuranceOhioThe Best Car Insurance in Ohio for 2023
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BestAuto InsuranceOhioThe Best Car Insurance in Ohio
Best Overall - Erie
Best for Customer Service - Erie
Best for Minimum Coverage - Erie
Best for Young Drivers - Allstate
Best for Seniors - Erie
Best for Bad Driving Records - Erie
Best for Military - USAA
Best for New Cars - Erie
Best for Low-Mileage Drivers - Nationwide
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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:
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