Average cost of car insurance in Ohio for 2023

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How much is car insurance in Ohio?

Fortunately for local drivers, car insurance rates in Ohio are significantly lower than what the average American driver pays. Ohio drivers pay an average of $1,266 per year for full coverage and $338 per year for minimum coverage. In the U.S., the average cost of car insurance is $622 per year for minimum coverage and $2,014 per year for full coverage. While car insurance premiums can vary greatly between states, there are other factors that go into determining your rates. In Ohio, your ZIP code, vehicle type, age, insurance company, coverage selections and gender may also influence your rate.

Ohio car insurance rates by city

The average car insurance cost in Ohio can vary between cities for several reasons, including how frequent traffic accidents are in the area, the local average value of vehicles, weather risks, infrastructure problems and more. As you can see from the table below, Cleveland and Columbus have notably higher average rates than the other cities. Part of what's happening with those cities is related to how densely populated they are and how high the population is overall. More drivers means more risk, especially if those drivers are condensed into a relatively small area.

Average car insurance costs by age and gender in Ohio

In Ohio, your age may be a significant factor in determining your rates. Young drivers usually pay some of the highest average car insurance rates because they have the least amount of experience behind the wheel and high accident frequency. Once you turn 25, car insurance rates generally start to drop, provided you maintain a clean driving record. Around age 70, car insurance rates start to increase again. Gender can also impact rates. In general, males tend to be riskier to insure and are often charged higher rates due to their higher rate of accidents and traffic violations. 

Here are the average annual car insurance premiums in Ohio for different age groups:

Cost considerations for young drivers in Ohio

Auto insurance premiums are based largely on risk levels, with younger, more inexperienced drivers being seen as some of the riskiest to insure. That translates to these young drivers paying higher average premiums than their older counterparts. While time and experience may be the only way past these high rates, it may still be possible for young drivers to save some on premiums.

Drivers under 18 cannot have their own policies and must be on their parents' or guardians' policies. However, drivers between 18 and 25 can often save money by staying on their parents’ policy rather than getting their own. The table below highlights the average cost difference between these two scenarios:

*16- and 17-year-old drivers must be on their parents' policy.

How does driving record impact the cost of car insurance in Ohio?

When you first buy a car insurance policy, and every time your policy renews, your insurance company will likely review your driving record. If you have any negative marks on your record, like a speeding ticket conviction or at-fault accident, your rate will go up. For example, after an at-fault accident in Ohio, average car insurance premiums increase by about 39 percent.

The table below shows average rates for Ohio drivers with different traffic violations on their record and how much these rates deviate from average rates for clean driving records in the state:

Car insurance rates in Ohio by credit score

Your credit history, or credit-based insurance score, is one of the variables used by car insurance companies to help them determine risk levels for drivers. Not all states allow this use of credit scores by auto insurers, but most do, including Ohio.

Ohio car insurance rates by vehicle type

The vehicle you drive may also be responsible for raising or lowering your insurance rates. When comparing vehicles, if one car costs more to repair or replace, then it will most likely cost more to insure. For instance, on average in Ohio, full coverage car insurance for a BMW 330i is $553 more than for a Ford F-150.

How to save on car insurance in Ohio

Even though Ohio auto insurance rates are cheaper than the national average, many drivers may be looking to save more money on their policy. Here are some ways you might get a lower rate:

• Take advantage of discounts: Look for car insurance companies that offer discounts you can qualify for. There are often savings for good students, being claims-free and having advanced safety features in your vehicle.
• Pay your premium in full: If you can afford to pay your annual car insurance premium upfront and in full, rather than in monthly or quarterly installments, your car insurance carrier may lower your rate.
• Maintain a clean driving record: Drivers with a clean motor vehicle record typically pay the lowest car insurance rates and may qualify for safe driver discounts. If you have a history of at-fault accidents or moving violations, working to maintain a clean driving record could help you achieve a cheaper premium over time.
• Switch insurance carriers: Switching insurance carriers may help you save money if you find a different provider that can offer you a cheaper rate. Comparing quotes from various carriers before your policy renews may show you if this could be an effective strategy for you.

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Frequently asked questions