Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers in Ohio


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If insurance companies classify you as risky to insure, they may expect you to be more likely to file a claim, so they charge a higher rate. But you can still find affordable car insurance in Ohio by shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance providers.

In Ohio, American Family is both the best and most affordable high-risk driver auto insurer. The company has an average policy cost of $678 per year for high-risk drivers. Still, your actual insurance premium may be different depending on your age, city and other factors.

Key Takeaways

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In Ohio, American Family offers the cheapest car insurance for high-risk drivers at an annual premium of $678, followed by Erie with a close runner-up score of 91 out of 100.

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In Ohio, American Family stands out as the best car insurance provider for high-risk drivers, earning a MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100, with an affordable annual premium of $678.

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In Ohio, American Family provides the cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI, averaging $678 annually, while GEICO offers the most affordable coverage for teen drivers at approximately $2,562 per year.

Insurance companies consider drivers who are more likely to file a claim as risky to insure. They may regard you as high risk if you have had at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, a reckless driving violation or a DUI conviction.

However, insurers may still classify you as high risk despite having a clean driving history. That usually happens to teenagers and individuals with poor credit.

You can expect a higher insurance premium if you’re considered a high-risk driver. That is how companies make up for the risk they take when insuring you. In Ohio, car insurance is around 26% more expensive for high-risk drivers compared to regular drivers.

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WHAT EXACTLY IS A HIGH-RISK DRIVER?

Generally, you are a high-risk driver if you have severe violations on your record. But, you can still be classified as a risky driver despite having a clean driving record if your profile makes you, for example, more likely to file a claim.

Being tagged as a high-risk driver will result in a higher auto insurance premium. Here are some of the profiles that insurance companies consider risky to insure:

  • Drivers with a history of traffic violations or at-fault accidents
  • Drivers with a DUI conviction
  • Drivers caught driving with a suspended or revoked license
  • Young drivers with a lack of driving experience
  • Drivers who drive sports cars or participate in drag racing
  • Drivers with bad credit or lapses in insurance coverage

Cheapest Car Insurance in Ohio for High-Risk Drivers

Based on MoneyGeek’s analysis, American Family is Ohio’s cheapest car insurance company for bad drivers. For high-risk motorists, the company charges around $678 per year. We’ve conducted an in-depth analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of this provider in our review of American Family.

American Family$678
State Farm$752
Erie$787
GEICO$948
Allstate$1,057
Progressive$1,081
Nationwide$1,190
Travelers$1,241
Farmers$1,340
Esurance$1,626
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SR-22 INSURANCE

If you have a DUI conviction, reckless driving charge or other serious driving violations, Ohio requires you to secure SR-22 insurance. SR-22 is a form filed by your insurance company to prove that you have enough insurance coverage to meet the state’s minimum requirements.

Although an SR-22 policy features similar coverages and limits to a regular auto insurance policy, it is pricier. Luckily, you don’t need to get SR-22 insurance if you only have a minor traffic violation.

Best Car Insurance in Ohio for High-Risk Drivers

American Family gained a MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100, making it the top auto insurance company for high-risk drivers in Ohio. Erie was a close runner-up, with a score of 91 out of 100. Keep in mind that our recommendations are based on generalizations, and the best company for you may be different depending on your profile.


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American Family InsuranceBest for High-Risk Drivers
Score:NaN
There are no ratings for this company
Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

American Family provides an affordable auto insurance policy in Ohio for high-risk drivers. On average, it costs $678 per year, around 5% more than what a clean-record driver pays.

More About American Family Insurance

MoneyGeek’s analysis found that American Family is the top insurance provider for high-risk drivers in Ohio. It offers the most affordable rate for risky motorists on top of several discounts (such as loyalty, legacy and good student) that may further reduce costs.

Although the company offers original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage as an add-on, it lacks commonly available add-on coverages like new car replacement and deductible modification coverage.

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Erie
Score:97

5/5

Affordability Rating

4.5/5

Satisfaction Rating

4.7/5

Claims Rating

4.5/5

Financial Stability Rating

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

For high-risk drivers, an Erie car insurance policy costs around $787 per year in Ohio. That’s one of the cheapest rates in the state, albeit 23% costlier compared to insurance for drivers with a clean record.

More About Erie

Erie is our runner-up pick for high-risk drivers in Ohio. It offers an affordable car insurance policy and useful add-on coverages like better car replacement, rental car reimbursement and accident forgiveness.

However, Erie lacks gap insurance and roadside assistance add-on coverages, which are commonly offered by other companies.

The company does have discounts that could bring down rates, such as anti-theft system, airbag, young safe driver and pay in full.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

If you’re looking for high-quality car insurance, you may have to pay a higher premium. But service quality is important and shouldn’t be sacrificed over cost.

There are no government-backed car insurance programs for low-income drivers in the Buckeye State. However, minimum coverage and pay-per-mile insurance are some of your options if you’re looking for affordable, low-income auto insurance in Ohio.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Ohio for Drivers With a DUI

Based on MoneyGeek’s research, American Family has the lowest car insurance rate for drivers with a DUI at around $678 per year. We evaluated American Family’s pros and cons and listed its coverages and discounts to help you learn more about the company.

In addition, USAA is often a cheap car insurance option in Ohio after a DUI conviction. However, only veterans, military members and their families are eligible for a policy with this company.

American Family$678
State Farm$731
Progressive$932
Erie$939
Allstate$1,058
GEICO$1,250
Travelers$1,351
Farmers$1,367
Nationwide$1,429
Esurance$1,692
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LOOK-BACK PERIODS

The look-back period refers to the length of time a DUI conviction remains on a driver’s record. The actual period varies depending on the state, but Ohio’s look-back period is six years. Look-back periods impact criminal sentencing and are typically lengthy to allow judges and law enforcers to identify repeat offenders and impose harsher penalties.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Ohio for Teenage Drivers

Per MoneyGeek’s research, GEICO is Ohio's best car insurance company for teenage drivers. It offers car insurance for younger motorists at approximately $2,562 per year. We analyzed GEICO’s car insurance, detailing its discounts and add-on coverages to help you choose if it’s a fit for your needs.

GEICO$2,562
Allstate$2,766
State Farm$2,926
Nationwide$3,103
Progressive$6,223
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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Car insurance is generally expensive for teenagers since insurance providers consider younger drivers as risky to insure due to a lack of experience. Despite that, we recommend full coverage insurance for inexperienced motorists over minimum coverage. Since they are more likely to file a claim, such as in an accident, having comprehensive protection can offer peace of mind whenever they are driving on the road.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Ohio for Drivers With Bad Credit

If you have a low credit score, insurance companies may consider you risky to insure and increase your premium price. That is because people with poor credit are seen as more likely to file an insurance claim or miss payments.

MoneyGeek’s analysis shows that GEICO is Ohio’s most affordable car insurance provider for drivers with bad credit. A motorist with a low credit score may buy a GEICO policy for approximately $774 per year. MoneyGeek reviewed GEICO’s coverage options, discounts and features to help you learn more about the provider.

GEICO77432%
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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Insurance providers may charge drivers with poor credit a higher rate in Ohio, but you can still find cheap car insurance despite having bad credit. We advise that you shop around and maximize discounts so you can get the lowest available rate and save money on your policy.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost for High-Risk Drivers in Ohio?

Insurance companies use your driving record as a factor when determining your car insurance premium. Providers may regard you as riskier to insure if you have a DUI conviction, low credit score or little driving experience. That will result in a higher policy price.

The average cost of car insurance for high-risk drivers in Ohio is $1,070 per year. Meanwhile, drivers with a clean record pay approximately $772 per year for the same policy. The difference is nearly $300.

Annual Car Insurance Cost in OH for Low-Risk vs. High-Risk Drivers

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Annual Premium

Low-Risk Driver

$772
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Annual Premium

High-Risk Driver

$1,070
In Ohio, high-risk drivers pay:$298 more

This is 39% more expensive.

Use MoneyGeek’s Ohio car insurance calculator to estimate your car insurance premium. By selecting your age, driving record, vehicle type and coverage preferences, you’ll receive a ballpark figure of how much car insurance costs. Our tool also allows you to check which factors affect your rate the most.

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Rates updated:

Dec 06, 2024

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Can You Still Get Car Insurance in Ohio if Insurers Refuse to Insure You?

Since the car insurance industry is a voluntary market, companies may refuse to give you coverage. If you find yourself being denied coverage due to your risk profile, you can still get car insurance by going through the Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office (AIPSO).

The AIPSO is a national, not-for-profit entity that caters to the car insurance industry residual market. For 48 years, it has been helping high-risk motorists get coverage.

Ohio Automobile Insurance Plan

High-risk drivers who are rejected by auto insurance providers can use AIPSO’s database to find a residual market plan in their area.

Ohio’s residual market for drivers who fail to get car insurance from the voluntary insurance market is the Ohio Automobile Insurance Plan (OAIP). To become eligible for OAIP coverage, you must certify that you’ve been attempting to get car insurance for the past 60 days but were unable.

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    Office Hours

    N/A

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    Email

    oaip@ohioinsurance.org

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    Phone

    614-221-2596

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    Fax

    N/A

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    Mailing Address

    172 E. State St., Suite 201, Columbus, Ohio 43215-4321

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re a high-risk driver, getting car insurance can be difficult and expensive. To help you, MoneyGeek responded to some frequently asked questions about high-risk car insurance in Ohio.

Which car insurance company is best for high-risk drivers in Ohio?

How much does car insurance in Ohio cost for high-risk drivers?

Who do insurers classify as a high-risk driver?

Where do I get car insurance coverage in Ohio if insurers reject my application?

Methodology

MoneyGeek calculated average rates using full coverage car insurance policies with 100/300/100 liability insurance and comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. Minimum coverage car insurance policy rates were calculated based on each state’s minimum car insurance requirement.

To calculate rates for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek averaged the premiums insurance companies charge for three of the most common driving violations: speeding, at-fault accident and DUI.

To determine the best car insurance company for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek scored companies based on affordability, customer satisfaction and complaints — obtained from J.D. Power surveys and NAIC complaint scores — and financial strength ratings as calculated by AM Best. Affordability received the greatest weighting in our calculations.

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.


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