Updated: October 16, 2024
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The ideal insurance provider depends on your coverage requirements and driving record. In Columbus, Cincinnati Insurance is the best for full coverage and minimum coverage policies and for seniors, young adults and customer service. Erie works best for those with traffic offenses, whereas Travelers is ideal for new car owners. Auto-Owners is the best for adding teens to a family policy.
MoneyGeek also rated the cheapest auto insurers in Columbus for those favoring affordability.
BestCar InsuranceColumbusTable of Contents (Jump to Your Best Fit)
Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek gathered information from the Ohio Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services to rank auto insurance companies based on customer service, cost, financial stability and claims management.
The following are the top providers of auto insurance in Columbus:
Of the 13 providers we analyzed, Cincinnati Insurance has the highest customer satisfaction rating and a good affordability score. It also has a good record of handling claims fairly and quickly.
Erie, in second place, is also Ohio's top auto insurance company. A MoneyGeek score of 85 ranks USAA at the top for those in the military.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for the overall best car insurance was calculated with the following weights:
Best customer satisfaction rating and third-best claims score
Good affordability score
Offers airbag reinstallation
No accident forgiveness coverage
Cincinnati Insurance offers Columbus drivers the best auto insurance. The company's high customer satisfaction ratings combined with other good scores earn it recognition as the best insurance provider in the city. It offers policyholders a mix of common and rarely offered coverage options.
If you or a passenger in your covered vehicle are injured in an accident while using a child safety restraint seat or factory-installed seat belt, Cincinnati Insurance increases the amount of coverage available for medical payments by the amount of the benefit. In the event of a total loss, the company’s gap insurance coverage reimburses you for the difference between the amount you still owe on your auto loan or lease and the value of your vehicle.
If your airbag deploys without an accident, Cincinnati's airbag reinstallation coverage will pay the reinstallation cost.
Cincinnati Insurance is our top choice among the 13 insurers in the Columbus, Ohio, area we evaluated. It provides outstanding customer service and has affordable average annual prices of $581. It ranks third in claims processing and ties for second in coverage options.
The prices stated are for full coverage policies. Only companies with data available on their affordability, level of customer service, coverages offered and financial stability received MoneyGeek scores.
| Cincinnati Insurance | 86 | $734 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Erie | 85 | $584 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Westfield | 82 | $875 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 81 | $613 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| American Family | 80 | $561 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Travelers | 74 | $813 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| GEICO | 74 | $674 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 73 | $511 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Progressive | 73 | $676 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Grange Insurance | 70 | $715 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Farmers | 69 | $809 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Allstate | 67 | $965 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| State Farm | 46 | $3,393 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
Without taking affordability into account, the following auto insurance companies offer the best customer service in Columbus:
Cincinnati Insurance ranks third in claims handling and first in customer satisfaction. It may not have the cheapest premiums, but it provides the highest quality of service.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Customer Service was calculated with the following weights:
Highest customer service rating
Above-average claims score
Offers glass deductible modification, lock replacement and child safety seat replacement
Does not offer accident forgiveness
If customer service is more important than cost, Cincinnati Insurance is your best auto insurance option. The J.D. Power customer satisfaction study gives it a high customer satisfaction rating. With its above-average rating for claims handling, policyholders can expect the company will process claims quickly and fairly. However, customers do pay a higher premium for great service.
The company’s lock replacement add-on pays for up to $1,500 to replace your door locks if you lose your keys or someone steals them, provided you notify the company in writing within 72 hours of the incident.
Cincinnati Insurance’s glass deductible modification eliminates your glass replacement deductible after a covered loss. In addition, the company’s child safety seat replacement coverage pays for losing your car's child safety seat in a covered incident.
Good customer service from a car insurance company is paramount, particularly when dealing with an emergency, like if your car is totaled. Service-oriented providers respond well to the needs of their policyholders and manage claims fairly and promptly.
The J.D. Power customer satisfaction study indicates that Cincinnati Insurance provides the top customer service in Columbus. Erie, our runner-up, has the highest claims rating, is more reasonably priced and ties for second place in customer satisfaction.
We rated insurers offering minimum coverage car insurance policies in Columbus, Ohio, based on cost and the quality of their customer service, and the following companies rose to the top:
Please note that minimum coverage policies may not provide adequate safety nets. Liability-only coverage typically does not pay for repairs to your car.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for the Best Cheap company was calculated with the following weights:
An affordable minimum coverage policy costs $315 per year
Best customer satisfaction rating
Offers airbag, bundling and anti-lock brakes discounts
No driver’s education, defensive driving, paperless and pay-in-full discounts
Cincinnati Insurance has the best reputation for customer service and is the sixth-cheapest company in Columbus for minimum auto insurance coverage. It offers various discounts to help lower premium costs.
Cincinnati Insurance gives you a discount if your vehicle has airbags installed. Policyholders who demonstrate a commitment to safety can benefit from reduced premiums. If you own a home, you can bundle your auto and homeowner's insurance policies with Cincinnati Insurance and save.
You can reduce your premiums by installing and maintaining safety equipment, such as anti-lock brakes and anti-theft systems in your vehicle. If you own or lease multiple cars, you can insure them under the same auto policy and save money. You can also qualify for lower premiums by having few or no accidents over a period of time.
If you want a minimum coverage policy, look for an insurer with lower prices that also offers good customer service. You can count on Cincinnati Insurance to provide excellent customer service and affordable premiums. Erie, the runner-up, has the highest claims score, the second-best customer service and the most affordable rates in Columbus.
In Columbus, the following companies provide the best auto insurance for young drivers:
Cincinnati Insurance ranks first in customer service and second best in claims management. However, the firm is only the eighth most affordable for young adults in Columbus.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Young Adults was calculated with the following weights:
Best customer satisfaction score
Third-best claims ratings
Tied for first in coverage options
Offers good student and distant student discounts
Higher premiums than most of its competitors
According to J.D. Power, Cincinnati Insurance has the best reputation for customer service. In addition, the company offers good coverage options and discounts that apply to young drivers.
Young drivers can benefit from Cincinnati Insurance’s gap insurance add-on, which pays for the difference between what you owe on your loan or lease and the value of your car if it is totaled. The general deductible waiver waives any deductible you’d have to pay if your car is deemed a total loss after a covered incident.
Drivers who are in school and maintain a 3.0 GPA or “B” average qualify for discounts. Drivers can also earn discounts by maintaining a claims-free driving record for a set period of time.
When searching for the best insurance as a young driver, compare providers based on their affordability, customer service and age-specific discounts.
The J.D. Power customer satisfaction study and the Quadrant data tables confirm that Cincinnati Insurance provides superior service and fair claims handling. Young policyholders may also benefit from several discounts the insurer offers.
The top insurance providers in Columbus, Ohio, for adding a 16-year-old to an existing family policy are:
Auto-Owners has high affordability, customer service and claims handling scores. The company provides families with teenagers with an excellent balance of quality service and competitive pricing.
The best way to save on teen car insurance is to add the teen to an existing family policy. In Columbus, teenagers can save an average of $2,527 annually by being on a parent’s policy rather than getting their own. We've also reviewed the best cheap teen-friendly car insurance companies.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Teens was calculated with the following weights:
Best claims handling score
Third-best customer satisfaction rating
Offers good student, distant student and honing device discounts
Not the most affordable option
With excellent customer service ratings, Auto-Owners is the top pick for insuring teenage drivers in Columbus. While it does not have the cheapest rates, it offers various discounts that can help lower premiums.
For example, students with a grade point average of “B” or higher may qualify for a 20% good student discount. Students who attend school more than 100 miles away from home without a vehicle are eligible for the distant student discount. Teen drivers who agree to have their driving monitored by a GPS receive a special Teen Driver Monitoring Discount.
Teens can also benefit from Auto-Owners' roadside assistance, which provides emergency help if you run out of gas, get a flat tire or have a dead battery.
When shopping for teen driver insurance, look for affordability, great customer service and applicable discounts and coverages. Auto-Owners has great customer service and claims scores and offers teen-specific discounts and coverages.
The following are the top car insurance providers in Columbus for seniors:
The best auto insurance for seniors is from Cincinnati Insurance, owing to its high affordability rating and the best customer satisfaction score. By choosing this insurer, senior drivers can expect good service without paying a lot.
While rates climb for drivers in their 70s, drivers in their 60s pay rates comparable to those between the ages of 30 and 50.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Seniors was calculated with the following weights:
Best customer satisfaction rating and tied for second in coverage options
Offers roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, classic car insurance coverages
Cheaper options are available
Cincinnati Insurance is the best auto insurance company in Columbus for senior drivers. It offers excellent customer satisfaction and coverage options at a middle-of-the-road price.
The company’s glass deductible modification add-on waives the deductible for glass replacement after a covered incident. The general deductible waiver waives any applicable deductible if your car is totaled. Lock replacement coverage pays up to $1,500 to replace your locks if you lose your keys or someone steals them.
Cincinnati Insurance offers various discounts that can help lower premium costs. You can save by driving safely, bundling policies and installing safety devices like airbags and anti-lock brakes.
Due to the risk of serious damage in a collision, senior drivers should look for policies with personal injury protection (PIP). Seniors should also seek companies that offer discounts like defensive driving and safe driving to reduce their costs further.
Cincinnati Insurance stands above its competitors thanks to its affordable premiums and excellent customer service. In addition, the company offers several discounts to help lower rates.
The best companies for drivers with infractions in Columbus are:
Erie has the third cheapest insurance for drivers with offenses and ties for second in customer satisfaction. After a driving offense, premiums typically increase relative to the severity of the offense. In Columbus, drivers with speeding tickets pay an average of $193 more for vehicle insurance, while those with DUIs pay an average of $577 more.
Insurance costs more after a moving infraction, but you can still save money by switching to a company offering the best cheap insurance for drivers with poor driving records.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Drivers With Offenses was calculated with the following weights:
Third cheapest insurance costing around $996 per year
Second highest customer satisfaction and above-average claims score
Offers new car replacement, accident forgiveness, roadside assistance and better car replacement
Scores low for coverage options
Erie's low rates and high customer satisfaction make it the best option for drivers with traffic infractions on their records. The company’s Auto Security add-on will pay for a new or better car if your vehicle is destroyed within the first two years. If you have Erie's accident forgiveness coverage, you won't have to pay a surcharge for the first accident you cause after three years without a claim.
Erie bundles roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement. If your vehicle breaks down on the road, roadside assistance can help with the cost of towing and other services, as well as labor. If your car is undrivable after a covered incident, Erie's transportation expense coverage will cover the cost of renting a replacement vehicle.
Drivers with traffic infractions should seek affordable car insurance that offers discounts and essential coverages like roadside assistance and accident forgiveness. Erie has the best claims handling score and great customer satisfaction and affordability rankings. It also provides a range of useful discounts and coverages. Runner-up American Family offers the cheapest premiums and rates high in coverage options and customer satisfaction.
The following companies offer the best insurance for new car owners in Columbus:
The findings are based on the insurance cost and service quality for individuals driving a 2022 model car. We only considered companies that provide new or better car replacement coverage.
New car replacement coverage will cover the cost of purchasing a comparable brand-new vehicle if yours is totaled in an accident, and better car replacement pays for a better model.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for New Cars was calculated based on insurers offering new or better car replacement coverage and the following weights:
Most affordable insurance averaging $794 per year
Above-average customer satisfaction and coverage scores
Offers new car replacement
Does not offer better car replacement
Travelers offers the best car insurance for drivers of new cars in Columbus at the lowest rate. The moment you drive your new vehicle off the lot, its value depreciates. Travelers’ new car replacement coverage can help you save if your new car is totaled within the first five years. It will pay to replace your totaled vehicle with a brand-new vehicle of the same make and model.
Travelers also offer gap insurance, which benefits persons who finance or lease their vehicle. If the car is totaled, gap insurance covers the difference between the vehicle's cash value and the remaining auto loan or lease balance.
New car owners should shop for an insurer that offers new or better car replacement coverage. Travelers offers new car replacement coverage at the cheapest premiums. Farmers, our second pick, costs $206 more than Travelers.
When comparing auto insurance companies in Columbus, consider cost, how each company handles claims and the insurer’s financial stability. You can conduct your own research by following the steps below.
We calculated the customer service ratings of Columbus auto insurance companies using data from J.D. Power and the NAIC complaint ratio. The Ohio Department of Insurance is a great source for additional information about specific companies.
We suggest getting quotes from at least three companies to understand how much auto insurance will cost. Your premiums may differ from the average listed on MoneyGeek because of variables such as your age, location and driving history.
Be aware of the coverages and discounts available in your region before choosing an insurer. Some companies advertise general discounts and coverages on their websites, so contact the insurer to confirm these are available in your area.
Consider a company's financial stability as you shop around for the best policy. Larger companies are usually more financially stable than smaller regional companies.
Your needs and driving habits will influence which Columbus auto insurance company is best for you. The following answers to the most frequently asked questions can help you make an informed decision.
The best auto insurance company in Columbus is Cincinnati Insurance, which outperforms 12 rivals and has an overall MoneyGeek rating of 86 out of 100. It has the best customer reputation in the city and offers good coverage options and affordable premiums that average $734 per year. Additionally, the company provides the best customer service and is the best for senior drivers and young adults.
Cincinnati Insurance is the best cheap auto insurance provider in Columbus, with minimum coverage policies costing an average of $315 per year. MoneyGeek awarded it a score of 87 out of 100 for its affordable policies and superior customer service. In addition, you can reduce your premiums by taking advantage of discounts for safe driving, airbags, bundling and being a good student.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
