Best cheap car insurance in Cincinnati
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The first quarter of 2021 has been busy for Cincinnati law enforcement. Distracted driving violations are up nearly triple from the total number in 2020. In addition, crash fatalities are already higher than 2020 as a whole. Drivers need to stay alert on the roads and make sure they are financially protected by the best car insurance in Cincinnati.
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Compare auto insurance rates
Save on auto insurance with quotes from trusted providers like:
Drivers switch & save an average of $750+/year
Are you overpaying for auto insurance?
Safe drivers choose Allstate®
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
The annual average cost of car insurance in Cincinnati is $397 for Ohio’s minimum liability insurance requirement and $1,149 for full coverage that adds collision and comprehensive coverage. The city’s rates are much lower than the national average for full car insurance of $1,674 per year. If you are just moving to the area or believe you can get better coverage for less by switching carriers, our shortlist of the best car insurance companies in Cincinnati will help. We selected carriers based on customer reviews, pricing provided by Quadrant Information Services and financial stability to bring you four insurance companies in Cincinnati worth taking a closer look at.
Best car insurance companies in Cincinnati
There are many car insurance providers in Cincinnati to choose from. However, not all providers are created equal when it comes to customer service and rates. Bankrate’s picks for the best car insurance in Cincinnati are:
| Insurance company | J.D. Power score | Average annual premium for minimum coverage | Average annual premium for full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA* | 897 / 1000 | $294 | $876 |
| Hastings Mutual | NR | $301 | $749 |
| Erie | 846 / 1000 | $317 | $1,073 |
| Geico | 851 / 1000 | $352 | $930 |
*USAA is not eligible for official ranking with J.D. Power due to eligibility restrictions
USAA
USAA receives high scores from J.D. Power but is not eligible for official ranking due to its eligibility restrictions. USAA insurance is only available to active military members, veterans and their immediate family members. USAA offers the cheapest annual rates on our list for minimum coverage and the second cheapest annual rates on our list for full coverage. Additionally, USAA offers unique discounts for military personnel.
Hastings Mutual
Hastings Mutual is headquartered in Michigan and specializes in affordable coverage for area residents. Optional coverages available include roadside assistance, gap insurance and new car replacement coverage. Hastings Mutual is not large enough to rank in the J.D. Power customer satisfaction study but is well known and appreciated by local residents.
Erie
If you are unable to get car insurance with USAA due to its military-related membership restrictions, Erie Insurance could be a good alternative. The carrier also ranks well in customer satisfaction and is affordable if you need minimum liability insurance. However, full coverage from Erie Insurance is the highest cost of all four of our listed carriers.
Geico
You will find plenty of ways to save when you choose Geico. The national carrier strives to deliver fast claims service and cheap car insurance. It is able to do so by servicing customers online or through the mobile app. Geico has 16 discounts available. The ones that provide the biggest reduction in your premiums are vehicle safety equipment (up to a 23% discount) and multi-vehicle (up to 25% off).
Cheapest car insurance in Cincinnati
Cincinnati is not the cheapest city in Ohio when it comes to car insurance. The average cost of coverage in the state is $1,034 per year, compared to the city’s $1,149. That is why finding the best rates is important. You may be able to beat the average by choosing the right carrier and taking advantage of the discounts available.
Getting quotes from the following carriers is a good way to find the cheapest coverage for your needs:
| Insurance company | Average annual premium for minimum coverage | Average annual premium for full coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $294 | $876 |
| Erie | $317 | $1,073 |
| Geico | $352 | $930 |
| State Farm | $377 | $1,031 |
| Auto-Owners | $393 | $1,132 |
As mentioned already, USAA is cheap in Cincinnati for car insurance but is only available to qualifying military personnel and family. Erie Insurance is the next best option for low-cost coverage. If you drive a newer-model vehicle and your lender requires you to carry full car insurance, Geico has the lowest rates in the city, followed by State Farm. Auto-Owners is value-driven for area residents, with good discounts for young and teen drivers.
Cincinnati insurance requirements
Cincinnati, Ohio drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. It is:
- $25,000 for injury/death per person in an accident
- $50,000 for injury/death total per accident
- $25,000 for property damage total per accident
Although the minimum requirement is the cheapest coverage you can get, it may not be enough. You would be personally responsible for any damages above the limit. In addition, liability coverage only reimburses expenses to third parties. If your vehicle needs repairs or is totaled, minimum coverage does not cover it.
Car insurance discounts in Cincinnati
To save further on car insurance rates in Cincinnati, look for carriers that provide the following potential discounts:
- Bundling: Insuring more than one vehicle or your home and auto with the same carrier could lower your premiums.
- Good student: Younger drivers pay more for vehicle coverage. If your high school or college student is doing well in school, it can earn you a discount.
- Vehicle safety equipment: If your car is equipped with newer tech such as driver assistance or multiple airbags, your premiums may be lower.
- Safe driver: A claims-free history with no at-fault accidents may help lower your premiums.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best car insurance company?
The best car insurance company is hard to pin down because it could vary based on your needs. You will want to consider factors like customer service ratings, rates, available coverages and available discounts. Additionally, it pays to do your research on things like financial stability and average complaints.
How much does car insurance in Cincinnati cost?
Cincinnati car insurance is cheaper than the national average. Basic coverage is $397 per year and full car insurance costs $1,149.
How much car insurance do I need in Cincinnati?
You’ll need liability coverage of at least $25,000 in bodily injury per person, $50,000 in bodily liability insurance per accident and $25,000 to cover property damage. However, the minimum limits may not be enough in case you cause a serious accident, so consider higher limits.
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2021 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverages that meet each state’s requirements. Our sample drivers own a 2019 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes may be different.
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