Average cost of car insurance in Ohio for 2025

How much is car insurance in Ohio?

Fortunately for drivers in the Buckeye State, average car insurance costs in Ohio are significantly lower than what the average American driver pays. Ohio drivers pay an average of $1,792 per year for full coverage and $475 per year for minimum coverage. In the U.S., the average cost of car insurance is $808 per year for minimum coverage and $2,692 per year for full coverage. While car insurance premiums can vary greatly between states, there are also other factors that go into determining your rates within the same state. In Ohio, your ZIP code, vehicle type, age, insurance company, coverage selections, credit history and gender may also influence what you pay for car insurance.

Key takeaways

• The average cost of car insurance in Ohio rounds out to about $149 per month for full coverage and just $40 per month for minimum coverage.
• According to Bankrate's analysis, the average rate for full coverage car insurance in Ohio is roughly 33 percent less than the national average of $2,692.
• 18-year-old drivers on their own policy face the highest average rates in the state based on the age groups we analyzed.
• Having an OVI (operating a vehicle impaired) on your driving record in Ohio, on average, increases your rates by 98 percent more.

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Ohio car insurance rates by city

Auto insurance rates 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, cost of repairs 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, including more crowded highways and higher accident frequency and severity rates. 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 due to an escalating risk of accidents.

Here are the average annual car insurance premiums in Ohio for different age groups. The rates on the table below, with the exception of the ones for a 16-year-old driver, showcase drivers on their own insurance policies:

Cost considerations for young drivers in Ohio

Auto insurance rates are based largely on risk levels, with younger, more inexperienced drivers being seen as some of the riskiest to insure. Typically, this  translates to these young drivers paying higher average premiums. 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 purchase their own insurance — they are legally allowed to have their own policy with written consent of a parent or guardian. 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:

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

Car insurance rates in Ohio by credit tier

Ohio car insurance rates by vehicle type

Estimate your car insurance cost in Ohio

Car insurance is a requirement in Ohio, and it can be difficult to gauge how much you should spend on it. To help you with your budget planning, Bankrate created the calculator tool below. Once you enter some basic pieces of information, you’ll be presented with an estimate of your car insurance cost. Keep in mind that this is not a car insurance quote; rather, it is a rough estimate of your insurance costs to help you better plan your budget.

How to save on car insurance in Ohio

Even though Ohio insurance rates are lower than the national average, they are still on the rise. In fact, Ohioan drivers may see their insurance costs increase by 33 percent this year. Here are some strategies for lowering your premium:

• Take advantage of special discounts: Many car insurance companies offer discounts for specific types of drivers. There are often savings for good students, being claims-free and having advanced safety features in your vehicle. You may also be able to take advantage of professional association or union discounts. For instance, educators and first responders can often qualify for lower insurance rates.
• 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.
• Bundle your policies: Buying your homeowners or renters insurance and your car insurance with the same company usually results in lower rates. You may also get a discount by having more than one vehicle insurance with the same company.
• 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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