The Buckeye State has one of the cheapest car insurance rates in the US for both the state required minimum liability only and full coverage policies. The ratio of uninsured drivers stands at 13% and slightly higher than the country average. Impressively, this state has nearly 8.3 million drivers, ranking among the highest in the nation. Moreover, the state showcases an above-average vehicle ownership rate, with 91 cars for every 100 individuals, indicating a strong penchant for owning vehicles in Ohio.
Ohio Vehicle Insurance Requirements
Minimum state-required liability coverage limits are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person.
- $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident.
- $25,000 for property damage.
Motorists should not see these minimum liability limits as sufficient and arrange much more comfortable limits to make sure they have sufficient coverage in case they cause a moderate accident with injuries and property damages. Considering the number of uninsured drivers, it may be a sensible to add Uninsured Motorist coverage to your policy. UMC pays for your and your passengers’ injuries and damages up to policy limits when you are hit by a driver without insurance.
Liability, Collision and Comprehensive coverage together handle the most frequently seen and potentially largest automobile insurance claims. If you own a valuable enough vehicle you should consider adding Collision and Comprehensive coverage to your car insurance to make sure your own vehicle is covered for accidents, theft, fire, vandalism and weather related damages. For example, Comprehensive coverage includes auto thefts and Ohio is one of the states with the highest number of reported stolen vehicles, according to National Insurance Crime Bureau data.
Car Insurance Prices in Ohio
The average cost of basic liability-only vehicle insurance is $338 and it is $284 cheaper than the US average. The average cost of a full coverage policy in Ohio is $1266 and it is $748 cheaper than the country average. Overall, premiums in this state is fairly affordable in comparison to most other states and the national average. By shopping around at least once a year, motorists can make sure that their rates remain fair and affordable.
Cheapest Auto Insurers in Ohio
The companies listed below are among the most competitive in OH. It’s recommended to obtain car insurance quotes from these providers first, and then consider gathering a few more quotes from other insurers to enhance your likelihood of securing cost savings on your premiums.
- Erie
- Geico
- Hastings Mutual
- Nationwide
- Progressive
Car insurance rates show a moderate variation across different cities in Ohio. Generally, drivers in larger cities tend to face higher premiums compared to those residing in rural areas. The average auto insurance costs in Cleveland 25%, in Columbus and Cincinnati 15%, and in Toledo 17% higher than the state average.
Interesting Ohio Vehicle Insurance and Driving Facts
- Driving without insurance in Ohio leads to penalties such as license, plate, and registration suspension until coverage is obtained. Reinstatement involves fees of $100. A second offense means a one-year license suspension, $300 fee. Surrendering your plates, and registration is also required. Further offenses escalate to a two-year license surrender, $600 fee, vehicle seizure, and registration bar for five years.
- A DUI conviction in your driving record can double your automobile insurance rates in this state.
- According to Forbes, having a bad credit history can have similar effects on your vehicle insurance because it raises premiums on average 83%
- Also, a speeding ticket increase your vehicle insurance on average 20%, and an at-fault accident 49% in Ohio.
- Rural roads constitute 29.5% of total vehicle miles travelled in Ohio. These roads accounted for a significant portion of traffic fatalities in 2021. Out of the state’s 1,354 traffic-related deaths, 38% or 521 fatalities occurred on these rural roads, as reported by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
- According to NHTSA, seat belt usage was 84.1% in 2021, which was lower than the national average of 90.4%.
- In Ohio, not wearing a seat belt is a secondary offense, permitting law enforcement to stop a driver only if they’ve committed a primary traffic violation. This violation incurs a small fine.
Various factors contribute to the variation in your vehicle insurance rates, including your driving history, experience, age, credit score, and location. Instances such as having multiple traffic tickets could result in higher costs compared to someone with a clean record. If you find that your rates are higher than the above averages despite having a clean driving history and favorable credit score, it’s advisable to conduct a more comprehensive and meticulous car insurance comparison shopping.