Drivers in Ohio cover an average of 9,700 miles every year, which is why cheap car insurance in Ohio is incredibly important. With the right amount of coverage, you can cover yourself and other drivers in an accident.
As a driver, it is your responsibility to know the laws, minimum coverage requirements, and options available to you when signing up for insurance. With over eight million licensed drivers from Zanesville to Sandusky, you can have the peace of mind you need while driving with the right insurance.
Ohio Minimum Coverage
There are two types of minimum coverage you will need to consider when opting for a specific policy. Minimum coverage means that it is the lowest possible amount required by law. Driving without at least minimum coverage could result in numerous fines and penalties, including time spent in jail.
In Ohio, all drivers are required to have property damage and bodily injury coverage.
Property Damage
This type of coverage helps to protect the vehicle of another party in an accident where you are found at fault. It also provides coverage to any structures or buildings damaged during an accident where you are at fault. The minimum property damage requirement in Ohio is $25,000.
Bodily Injury
If you are at fault in an accident where there are medical expenses, you’ll be on the hook for these costs as well. However, this only pertains to the other driver of the vehicle and not your own medical costs.
The minimum requirement for bodily injury in Ohio is $25,000 per person per accident and $50,000 for all people in an accident.
Although the minimum coverage amounts are required by law, it is highly recommended that you opt for more coverage. This is because, more often than not, the costs associated with accidents well exceed $25,000 and $50,000.
Ohio Average Premiums
The premiums you’ll be responsible for paying will vary from driver to driver. As there are numerous personal factors taken into account when adjusting the cost of your insurance, your rates will be different from everyone else.
On average, drivers in Ohio pay an average of $1,236 annually for insurance. Depending on the insurance provider you choose, you may be able to find substantially lower or more expensive rates.
The five cheapest car insurance companies in Ohio are Grange Insurance, GEICO, Frankenmuth, Progressive, and Motorists Mutual.
- Grange Insurance: $726 annually
- GEICO: $733 annually
- Frankenmuth: $784 annually
- Progressive: $805 annually
- Motorists Mutual: $877 annually
Additional Insurance Coverage Options
When you begin to put your desired car insurance policy together, there are plenty of different add-ons that you can choose from. Some providers offer more add-ons than others, which is one of the most important things to consider when shopping for car insurance in Ohio.
The most common additional insurance coverage options in the state include:
Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist
If you are in an accident and the other driver either doesn’t have insurance or has lacking insurance, this coverage is essential. It will cover your personal costs in the accident if the other party’s insurance can’t cover the costs.
Comprehensive
In order to protect your vehicle from theft, vandalism, or damage from storms, comprehensive coverage is essential. This is especially true for drivers in Ohio who are prone to experience many different types of weather in the same day.
Towing and Labor
A breakdown, flat tire, or any other type of car repair is unpredictable. With towing and labor coverage, you can have your vehicle brought to a mechanic and restored to working condition without having to pay for it out of your own pocket.
Rental Coverage
This type of coverage varies depending on the insurance provider that you choose. Many providers offer rental coverage in the event that your car is in the shop or if you are traveling abroad. Your insurance will reimburse you for the amount paid for a rental.
Cheap Car Insurance in Ohio: The Determining Factors
As mentioned, every driver will have different premiums based on a variety of criteria. The most important determining factors of cheap car insurance include:
Vehicle Age
The older your vehicle is, the more expensive it will be to put under insurance. This is because it could be at a higher risk of breaking down at any time.
Security Features
Vehicles without anti-theft products are likely to have high insurance rates as well. This is because they don’t have any deterrents for thieves, making the car more at risk when parked.
Mileage
The more you drive, the higher your insurance is going to be. For this reason, it is always a good idea to consider moving closer to work or school to limit the mileage on your vehicle.
Gender
Ohio is one of the many states that take gender into account when determining insurance premiums. Men are likely to have lower insurance rates than women.
Age
Another incredibly important factor taken into account with insurance is your age. Younger drivers will face much higher premiums than more experienced drivers.
In Ohio, drivers under 20 will have an average annual premium of $3,961, whereas drivers over 30 pay an average of $973.
The Best Insurance Companies in Ohio
When searching for insurance, the cost of your premiums is only one factor to consider. There is a lot that goes into the best insurance company, ranging from customer service to available add-ons.
In Ohio, the best insurance companies include:
- Overall Satisfaction: Cincinnati Insurance
- Customer service: USAA
- Good Driving Benefits: Ohio Mutual
Car Insurance Laws in Ohio
Every state has its own laws when it comes to having car insurance. Aside from the minimum insurance requirement, as discussed above, the other important insurance laws in Ohio include:
Opting Out
There is the ability to opt out of insurance in Ohio, as long as you are able to provide valid proof that you have money or government bonds totaling $30,000. You will have to obtain a special certificate from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles in order to opt out of needing insurance.
Failure to Carry Insurance
In Ohio, if you are caught without proof of insurance, you can face numerous penalties. In this state, it doesn’t matter if you are insured but left your proof of insurance at home; it must be on you at all times.
Otherwise, you face a non-compliance suspension of your license, a fee of $100, and the need to have an SR-22 certificate for three years.
Random Selection Program
As a way to make sure that all drivers have insurance, Ohio has created the Random Selection Program.
Each week, 5,400 random vehicles are selected across the state and will be required to show proof of insurance for a specific date. If you do not have proof of your insurance or were not insured on the specified date, you will receive a random selection suspension.
Final Thoughts
Cheap car insurance in Ohio gives you the ability to obtain the ideal amount of coverage without breaking the bank. By comparing quotes from several different insurance providers, you can easily find the best fit.
Moreover, it’s also recommended that you maintain a clean driving record, and if possible, wait until you’re over 20 before buying insurance in order to have the cheapest possible rates.