In Ohio, American Family is MoneyGeek's top pick for overall best provider for car insurance. Auto-Owners is the best choice for those seeking minimum coverage and families with teen drivers. However, the ideal choice varies based on individual necessity and preference. For cost-conscious drivers, the cheapest car insurance in Ohio is worth considering.
Best Car Insurance in Ohio (2024)
Updated: December 3, 2024
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Key Takeaways
In Ohio, American Family is recognized as the best overall car insurance provider, boasting a MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100 with an annual premium of $486, while Auto-Owners secures the runner-up position.
In Ohio, Auto-Owners is the top choice for minimum coverage car insurance, offering an annual premium of $246 while excelling in customer satisfaction and claims handling.
In Ohio, Cincinnati Insurance is recognized as the best car insurance provider for customer service, earning a MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100, with Erie as the runner-up, scoring 85 out of 100, highlighting their high satisfaction and claims handling scores despite higher premiums.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We created an insurance scoring system for providers in Ohio based on customer satisfaction, claims experience, essential coverages, affordability and financial stability using six independent sources.
These recommendations were updated in March 2024 to reflect the current best car insurance options in Ohio.
60,776Quotes Analyzed
106Companies Compared
14ZIP Codes
Best Car Insurance Companies in Ohio: Overview
In Ohio, American Family emerges as the leading car insurance company, with a MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100. MoneyGeek scores for auto insurers range from 87 to 65, illustrating a performance spectrum within our baseline scoring criteria. These scores reflect a comprehensive analysis of various factors vital to consumers and differ for specific driver profiles.
How does MoneyGeek score companies?
MoneyGeek scores highlight the importance of customer satisfaction and affordability while also giving considerable weight to claims experience and offered coverages. These metrics indicate an insurer's overall performance, guiding consumers to make informed decisions about their insurance needs.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Category:Best Overall
| American Family | 87 | $486 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 86 | $629 |
| Nationwide | 84 | $485 |
| Erie | 83 | $767 |
| Cincinnati Insurance | 78 | $925 |
| GEICO | 75 | $720 |
| Grange Insurance | 73 | $729 |
| Travelers | 72 | $844 |
| Farmers | 71 | $838 |
| Westfield | 71 | $1,111 |
| Allstate | 66 | $977 |
| Progressive | 65 | $1,000 |
Overall Best Car Insurance in Ohio
MoneyGeek found that American Family is the best option in Ohio for the best full coverage car insurance. Drawing from an extensive data-driven analysis, the top two providers are:
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100 ($486 per year)
- Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100 ($629 per year)
American Family stands out in Ohio for its excellent balance between affordability and comprehensive coverage options. The company's strong claims handling experience and a high coverage score are significant contributors to its top MoneyGeek score.
In Ohio, consumers can choose from a variety of companies offering different levels of cost and service experiences. For those interested in budget-friendly options, MoneyGeek also analyzes the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Ohio.
American Family
pros
Ranks No. 2 for cost, with an average annual premium of $486.
Offers rare coverages like OEM Coverage.
Ranks No. 1 for key coverages.
cons
Customer satisfaction could be improved, ranking No. 9.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
American Family excels in affordability and satisfaction, drawing on both to yield a high MoneyGeek score. This insurer provides common coverages — roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement. It doesn't offer widely applicable rare coverages, but it is still a strong choice given its high MoneyGeek scores.
American Family's insurance packages include valuable options like accident forgiveness, which prevents premium hikes after your first at-fault accident. Gap insurance covers the financial gap between your car’s value and loan balance in case of a total loss, safeguarding your investment. Its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Coverage ensures replacements with factory-original parts, a critical benefit for maintaining vehicle integrity. Each of these coverages enhances a policyholder's sense of security in diverse scenarios. With a satisfaction score of 30 (out of 35) and an affordability score of 30 (out of 30), it's clear that high-quality service and reasonable costs contribute significantly to American Family's sterling reputation for customer satisfaction and economic value.
Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Customer Service
MoneyGeek found that Cincinnati Insurance is the best option in Ohio for car insurance focused on customer service.
- Cincinnati Insurance: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100 ($925 per year)
- Erie: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 ($767 per year)
Cincinnati Insurance stands out for its high satisfaction and claims handling scores, significantly contributing to its overall MoneyGeek score. Although it has higher rates, opting for Cincinnati Insurance means you are paying for a superior and more consistent service experience.
In Ohio, car insurance customers can choose from a range of companies, each offering varying levels of customer satisfaction and claims experiences. An insurance company must provide excellent customer service and efficient claims handling because these factors directly affect your peace of mind and overall satisfaction. When an accident occurs, a reliable insurer with responsive customer service can make the difference in turning an otherwise stressful situation into a manageable one.
Cincinnati Insurance
pros
Ranks No. 2 for general customer satisfaction.
Ranks No. 2 for key coverages, offering rare and common coverages.
cons
Does not offer OEM Coverage.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Cincinnati Insurance's high MoneyGeek score is bolstered by excellent satisfaction and claims handling scores, ensuring customer contentment and efficient claims processing. Its merits include offering roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement, which places it among providers of common car insurance coverages.
Diving deeper into coverage options from Cincinnati Insurance, customers can benefit from rare and widely applicable offerings like glass deductible modification, which eliminates the deductible for glass repair, providing substantial savings. Additionally, its lock replacement coverage caters to those requiring heightened security, reimbursing up to $1,500 for new locks following key theft. With a strong satisfaction score of 44 (out of 45) and a claims handling score of 23 (out of 30), Cincinnati Insurance demonstrates an adept ability to please customers and handle claims proficiently, further justifying its favorable MoneyGeek evaluation.
Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Minimum Coverage
MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Ohio for those seeking minimum coverage car insurance. When it comes to affordability and reliability, here are the top two insurance providers:
- Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 ($246 per year)
- Erie: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 ($293 per year)
Auto-Owners excels with its impressive overall satisfaction and claims handling scores, which are major factors contributing to its high MoneyGeek rating. This company offers the winning combination of customer service quality and affordability, and its annual cost of just $246 allows you to get the minimum insurance required by law in Ohio at a reasonable rate.
Although many insurers in Ohio provide affordable minimum coverage options, it's important to recognize the potential drawbacks of purchasing minimum coverage. Such policies can result in cost savings upfront, but they may not fully cover all expenses in the event of a significant accident, potentially leaving you exposed to out-of-pocket costs.
Auto-Owners
pros
Ranks No. 2 for affordability, with an average annual premium of $246 for minimum coverage.
Offers gap insurance and diminished value coverage.
Excels in claims handling, ranking No. 2.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Auto-Owners leads with an exceptional blend of affordability and claims handling, resulting in a robust MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100. Its affordability score of 38 (out of 40) and claims score of 16 (out of 20) highlight its commitment to providing cost-effective and reliable service. For the average driver, Auto-Owners offers coverage at a highly competitive annual premium of only $246, underlining the company's dedication to affordability.
Auto-Owners' diverse offerings and customer-first approach are evident in its scores. Its affordability and claims handling scores are supplemented by high scores in satisfaction (18 out of 25), coverage (8 out of 10) and stability (5 out of 5). These scores establish Auto-Owners as a leader in providing reliable and economically favorable insurance options.
Best Car Insurance in Ohio by Driver Age
Driver age significantly influences car insurance rates in Ohio, with cost and tailored coverages impacting premiums for different age groups. MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners, with a MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100, is the best option for teen drivers, offering a good balance of satisfaction and affordability at an annual premium of $1,440. For young adults, American Family leads with a score of 87 out of 100, offering a competitive annual premium of $511. The company also is a top choice for seniors, with a score of 87 out of 100 and an even lower annual premium of $459.
BEST IN OHIO BY AGE
Best for Teens: Auto-Owners
Best for Seniors: American Family
Best for Young Adults: American Family
Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Families With Teens
MoneyGeek found that Auto-Owners is the best option in Ohio for car insurance for teens.
- Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100 ($1,440 per year)
- Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($1,672 per year)
Auto-Owners stands out with its high scores in customer satisfaction, affordability, claims handling and coverage options. It offers an impressive combination of thorough coverage and customer service, making it an excellent choice for families seeking quality insurance for teen drivers. Importantly, Auto-Owners' annual premium for a teen policy is $1,440, reinforcing the point that it is significantly more cost-effective to add a teen to a family policy for the cheap car insurance for a teen in Ohio than to secure a separate policy.
Adding a teen to a car insurance policy in Ohio and other states can be expensive due to their lack of driving experience and higher statistical likelihood of being involved in accidents. Insurers mitigate the added risk by charging young, less experienced drivers more.
Auto-Owners
pros
Offers good student and distant student discounts.
Ranks No. 1 for claims handling.
Ranks No. 2 for cost, with an average annual premium of $1,440 for full coverage.
cons
Does not excel in customer satisfaction, ranking No. 3.
Lacks driver's education discount.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Auto-Owners stands out with top-tier scores in coverage (10 out of 10) and claims handling (20 out of 20), which are significant factors in its exceptional MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100. Auto-Owners doesn't offer driver's education discount, but it does offer good student and distant student discounts. Its superior scores in affordability, service and other categories make up for any missing coverage or discount, providing comprehensive support for any family.
Auto-Owners offers roadside assistance and accident forgiveness for drivers seeking peace of mind. Roadside assistance is a common coverage that ensures help is just a call away for minor inconveniences such as lockouts or flat tires. Accident forgiveness benefits drivers by ensuring that your first at-fault accident won't increase your premiums, offering long-term financial stability and stress relief following an incident.
Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Seniors
MoneyGeek found that American Family is the best option in Ohio for car insurance for seniors.
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100 ($453 per year)
- Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 ($600 per year)
American Family stands out primarily due to its excellent balance of affordability, customer satisfaction and claims handling. Its competitive annual premium of $453 makes it a winning choice for cost-conscious seniors seeking great value.
To secure cheap car insurance for a senior in Ohio, seniors can expect to pay more than those in younger age brackets, like 30s to 50s. However, with American Family, the cost remains highly competitive. It's important to note that car insurance rates for seniors are not always higher than those of middle-aged adults. MoneyGeek's findings are based on rates for seniors in their 60s. Older adults, particularly those in their 70s and 80s, likely face higher premiums due to the increased risk associated with driving in older age.
American Family
pros
Offers roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement.
Ranks No. 2 for cost, with an average annual premium of $453 for full coverage.
cons
Room for improvement for customer satisfaction, ranking No. 9.
Ranks No. 5 in claims handling.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
American Family achieves its impressive MoneyGeek score with standout marks in affordability (30/30) and satisfaction (30/35). Roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement are among its common coverages, and it ensures drivers have help when accidents occur. Despite lacking some coverages, its strong performance in primary categories sufficiently makes up for it. American Family's average annual premium is $453. Moreover, it provides rare discounts like automatic payment, aiding seniors in optimizing their savings.
American Family delivers peace of mind to seniors with roadside assistance, offering swift help for incidents from highway breakdowns to a flat tire in the driveway. Should their vehicle be unavailable due to repairs, the rental car/travel reimbursement coverage eases mobility concerns, ensuring temporary transportation is readily accessible. These options are ideal for seniors who value both security on the road and the freedom to stay mobile without interruption. American Family stands out as a provider attuned to customer needs while maintaining competitive pricing.
Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Young Adults
MoneyGeek found that American Family, with its solid reputation and competitive pricing, is the best option in Ohio for car insurance for young adults.
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100 ($505 per year)
- Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100 ($582 per year)
American Family stands out for young drivers in Ohio due to its superior blend of customer satisfaction and affordability, which are key aspects for insurance seekers in their 20s. The most significant contributions to the MoneyGeek score come from high satisfaction and affordability scores. With an annual premium of $505, American Family offers a compelling option for those seeking cheap car insurance for a young adult in Ohio. Note that premiums for young adults are typically higher than for more mature drivers.
Young adults often face higher car insurance rates due to insurers associating youth with a lack of experience and a higher risk of accidents. Despite this, it's still possible to find affordable and reliable coverage, as evidenced by competitive rates available in Ohio.
American Family
pros
Ranks No. 1 for cost, with an average annual premium of $505 for full coverage.
Offers good student and distant student discounts.
cons
Ranks No. 9 for customer satisfaction.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
American Family's impressive MoneyGeek Score is buoyed by perfect marks in affordability and coverage, the elements that matter most to policyholders seeking value and security. When addressing the needs of young drivers, American Family offers good student and distant student discounts, demonstrating its commitment to affordability. Although it doesn't offer driver's education discount, American Family's strong performance in other critical areas more than compensates for this. On the coverages front, the company provides common coverages like rental car/travel reimbursement and roadside assistance, cementing its status as a comprehensive insurance provider.
American Family also offers rare coverages, such as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage, which is valuable for maintaining vehicle integrity with manufacturer-specific parts after a claim. Additionally, customers benefit from accident forgiveness, cushioning the blow of premium increases after a first at-fault accident. Gap Insurance is another useful offering, covering the difference between a car's depreciated value and the balance on an auto loan or lease in the case of a total loss. These insights solidify American Family's MoneyGeek scores of 30 (out of 30) for affordability, 30 (out of 35) for satisfaction and 13 (out of 20) for claims handling, which, along with a perfect coverage score of 10 (out of 10), underscore the insurer’s standout offerings.
Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Drivers With Offenses
MoneyGeek found that American Family is the best option in Ohio for drivers with driving offenses, boasting the highest score for car insurance.
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100 ($611 per year)
- Erie: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100 ($1,047 per year)
American Family stands out as the top choice for those seeking affordable coverage despite a spotty driving history. This conclusion is drawn from MoneyGeek's aggregated data for various driving offenses, including speeding tickets, at-fault accidents and DUIs. The high ratings in satisfaction, affordability and coverage make American Family the top provider, offering a competitive annual premium of $611 for drivers with offenses. To get cheap car insurance as a high-risk driver in Ohio, expect to pay more than low-risk drivers who are typically in their 30s, 40s or 50s.
The increased cost of car insurance for drivers with offenses in Ohio and other states is largely due to the higher risk they pose to insurers. Tickets, at-fault accidents or DUIs on a driver's record are statistically linked to a higher likelihood of future claims, prompting insurance companies to charge more to offset this risk.
American Family
pros
Ranks No. 1 for cost, with an average annual premium of $611 for full coverage with offenses.
Offers roadside assistance, rental car/travel reimbursement, accident forgiveness and gap insurance.
cons
Doesn't excel in customer satisfaction, ranking No. 9.
Ranks No. 5 in claims handling.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
American Family stands out for its affordability and coverage, both scoring a perfect 30 and 10, respectively, driving its high MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100. The average annual premium of $611 signifies American Family as an affordable choice for drivers with offenses who commonly face higher rates.
With essential coverages like roadside assistance, rental car/travel reimbursement, and options like accident forgiveness, American Family equips drivers with a comprehensive blend of coverages, ensuring robust protection on the road. Roadside assistance is a lifeline for unexpected breakdowns, offering peace of mind to those prone to vehicle issues. Rental car/travel reimbursement provides immense value, covering alternate transportation costs during car repairs. Accident forgiveness is a pivotal feature for drivers concerned about rate spikes after their first accident, maintaining stable premiums and fostering customer loyalty. This suite of services underscores American Family's commitment to satisfaction, affordability and comprehensive coverage for all drivers, especially those with a spotty driving record.
Best Car Insurance in Ohio for New Cars
MoneyGeek found that Travelers is the best option in Ohio for drivers with a new car looking for comprehensive insurance.
- Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 ($921 per year)
- Farmers: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($1,062 per year)
Travelers stands out for its high MoneyGeek score and for offering new car replacement and/or better car replacement coverages, which are crucial for drivers with new vehicles. These features, along with excellent scores in customer satisfaction, claims handling, affordability, coverage options and financial stability, are substantial contributors to Travelers' leading MoneyGeek score. With an annual cost of $921, opting for a policy with Travelers that includes new or better car replacement could result in savings for drivers in the long run. In the event of an accident, these coverages provide more value than standard policies, compensating for a new car rather than the depreciated value of the vehicle.
Travelers
pros
Ranks No. 1 in claims handling.
Offers new car replacement coverage.
cons
Does not excel in customer satisfaction, with a score of 28 out of 35.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Travelers stands out with excellent marks in claims handling and coverage, both scoring the maximum points in their categories, substantially contributing to the company's impressive overall MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100. With an average annual premium of $921, Travelers provides competitive rates for comprehensive protection.
Among the packages Travelers offers is the Premier New Car Replacement® coverage, ensuring that you can get a brand new car of the same make and model if your new car is totaled. This affords owners peace of mind, safeguarding their investment against rapid depreciation. Other valuable coverages include accident forgiveness, preventing your rate from increasing after your first accident, and gap insurance to cover the difference between the auto loan balance and the car's depreciated value. These options present a robust safeguard for car owners.
Best Car Insurance in Ohio for Military Backgrounds
MoneyGeek found that American Family offers the best car insurance for military members in Ohio, boasting the highest MoneyGeek score.
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100 ($486 per year)
- Auto-Owners: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 ($629 per year)
Despite coming in second, it is important to note that USAA is also a good option for those with a military background, as it values a balance of service quality and affordability.
American Family stands out as the top provider with an impressive overall score, accompanied by high customer satisfaction and affordability ratings, which are significant factors contributing to its leading position. It's remarkable that with such quality service, the company remains the most affordable at $486 annually. You can also explore the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for military drivers for more budget-friendly options.
American Family
pros
Ranks No. 2 for cost, with an average annual premium of $486.
Offers rare coverages like OEM coverage.
Ranks No. 1 for key coverages.
cons
Ranks No. 10 in customer satisfaction, scoring 29 out of 35).
Ranks No. 5 in claims handling.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
American Family excels in satisfaction and affordability, earning a high MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100. With a cost-effective average annual premium of $486, American Family offers an array of valuable coverages.
American Family provides rare coverages like original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage, which ensures that if your car needs repairs, only original parts will be used, maintaining your vehicle’s integrity and value. Additionally, drivers can find comfort in coverages LIKE accident forgiveness, which prevents rates from increasing after your first at-fault accident, and gap insurance, covering the loan balance if your car is totaled and you owe more than its depreciated value. These offerings, along with a satisfaction score of 29 (out of 35) and an affordability score of 30 (out of 30), highlight American Family's commitment to comprehensive protection and customer contentment.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance in Ohio for You
In Ohio, the premier car insurance companies distinguish themselves through a blend of affordability, consistent financial stability and a history of exemplary customer service. MoneyGeek has streamlined this selection process for you by evaluating these criteria. However, if you prefer a more hands-on approach, there are at least four steps you should undertake to ensure you find the insurance provider that best suits your needs. Remember, thorough research can lead to substantial savings and greater peace of mind on the road.
- 1
Research customer service reputations in Ohio
Customer service is critical for a car insurer in Ohio, where timely and empathetic support can make a significant difference during stressful times. Customers should utilize independent data providers like JD Power and the NAIC to evaluate a company's service history. Based on MoneyGeek's research, Cincinnati Insurance stands out with a customer satisfaction score of 44 (out of 45) and a claims score of 23 (out of 30), indicating a strong commitment to serving its policyholders.
- 2
Compare quotes
Comparing car insurance quotes in Ohio can lead to substantial savings without compromising service quality. Personal background factors can influence the cost, so it's essential that you conduct your own research to find the most affordable options. MoneyGeek recognizes Auto-Owners as the most cost-effective for minimum coverage, with an annual premium of $246, making it a competitive choice for budget-conscious drivers.
- 3
Find the coverages you want in Ohio
The coverages offered by car insurers ensure that drivers have the protection they need. It's important to review which insurers provide coverages that align with your requirements. According to MoneyGeek, American Family received a perfect coverage score of 10, offering all four key coverages: rental car/travel reimbursement, roadside assistance, gap insurance and original equipment manufacturer coverage.
- 4
Check financial stability ratings
Selecting an insurer with a strong financial stability rating is essential to minimize the risk of claim payment issues due to financial instability. MoneyGeek has identified Auto-Owners and Travelers as having perfect stability scores of 5 (the maximum), each with an A++ rating from AM Best, signifying a superior ability to meet their ongoing insurance obligations.
FAQ: Best Car Insurance in Ohio
The best car insurance options for you largely depend on your specific needs and preferences. We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you make the right purchase.
Which company offers the best car insurance in Ohio?
Which company is best for cheap car insurance in Ohio?
Auto-Owners is the best for cheap car insurance in Ohio, with an annual premium of $246 for minimum coverage. The company has an overall MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100. Although minimum coverage policies are the most affordable, they may not provide comprehensive protection. You can still find affordable full coverage policies by comparing quotes from different insurers.
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.