Nationwide, American Family and USAA are the three most affordable car insurance providers in Columbus, Ohio. However, insurance rates can change based on your driving history and the coverage you choose. The table below shows a detailed breakdown of costs across common categories, helping you find the most affordable option based on your needs.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbus, OH
Updated: December 24, 2024
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Key Takeaways
The five cheapest car insurance companies in Columbus are Nationwide, American Family, Westfield, Auto-Owners and Progressive.
The lowest monthly rates in Columbus are $22 for minimum coverage and $43 for full coverage.
On average, car insurance in Columbus costs $37 per month for minimum coverage and $77 for full coverage.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed car insurance companies using data collected from the Ohio Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services. Learn more.
Cheapest Car Insurance Rates and Companies in Columbus
| Nationwide | Minimum Coverage | $22 |
| Nationwide | Full Coverage | $43 |
| Nationwide | Teens | $91 |
| American Family | Young Adults | $26 |
| Nationwide | Senior Drivers | $21 |
| Nationwide | Drivers With Bad Credit | $29 |
| Nationwide | Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $28 |
| American Family | Drivers With a DUI | $31 |
| American Family | Drivers With an Accident | $32 |
| USAA | Military Affiliated Drivers | $21 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Coverage in Columbus
When searching for the cheapest car insurance in Columbus, it's vital to compare rates from various providers. Factors like age, driving history, vehicle type, and coverage needs can impact costs. The cheapest car insurance in Ohio may differ from Columbus rates. Comparing car insurance quotes ensures you get affordable coverage tailored to your needs.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Columbus
Nationwide offers the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Columbus at $22 per month, followed by American Family at $25. Check the table below to explore the best rates for minimum car insurance coverage in the area.
| Nationwide | $22 | $15 |
| American Family | $25 | $12 |
| Westfield | $31 | $6 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $31 | $5 |
| Progressive | $33 | $4 |
| Erie | $35 | $2 |
| GEICO | $36 | $1 |
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Columbus
Nationwide offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Columbus at $515 annually. Check the table below to see different providers offering the best rates for full car insurance coverage in the area.
| Nationwide | $43 | $34 |
| American Family | $46 | $32 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $71 | $6 |
| GEICO | $73 | $4 |
| Grange Insurance | $77 | $0 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbus by Age
In Columbus, your age can change your car insurance cost. Young drivers usually pay more because they're new on the road. As you get older, rates go down, but they can go up again after 70. Below, see the most affordable options for teens, young adults, and seniors.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbus for Teens
Teens in Columbus can find affordable car insurance with Auto-Owners Insurance Co, Nationwide, and GEICO. Check the table below to see the lowest rates for your age group in the city.
| Nationwide | $91 | $156 | $197 | $192 |
| Allstate | $141 | $107 | $319 | $71 |
| GEICO | $150 | $98 | $239 | $150 |
| Progressive | $164 | $84 | $291 | $98 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $173 | $74 | $190 | $200 |
| Travelers | $174 | $73 | $307 | $82 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbus for Young Adults
American Family offers the cheapest car insurance for young adults in Columbus at $309 annually, which is 43% less than the city average. Other affordable options include Nationwide at $321, Westfield at $435, and Progressive at $492.
| American Family | $26 | $20 |
| Nationwide | $27 | $19 |
| Westfield | $36 | $9 |
| Progressive | $41 | $4 |
| Erie | $44 | $1 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbus for Seniors
Nationwide offers the cheapest car insurance for seniors in Columbus, with an annual rate of $249. For more details on car insurance for seniors, explore the options below to find the best rates for senior drivers.
| Nationwide | $21 | $18 |
| American Family | $25 | $13 |
| Progressive | $30 | $8 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $32 | $7 |
| Erie | $34 | $5 |
| Westfield | $34 | $4 |
| Cincinnati Insurance | $38 | $0 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbus for Drivers With Bad Credit
A low credit-based insurance score can lead to higher premiums compared to those with good scores. For cheap car insurance for drivers with bad credit, consider Nationwide at $348/year and American Family at $493/year in Columbus. Review the table below for more options from other providers.
| Nationwide | $29 | $32 |
| American Family | $41 | $20 |
| GEICO | $55 | $7 |
| Progressive | $55 | $7 |
| Grange Insurance | $57 | $4 |
| Westfield | $57 | $4 |
| Cincinnati Insurance | $60 | $2 |
HOW TO LOWER YOUR RATE WITH BAD CREDIT
Drivers with poor credit can still lower car insurance costs by using common discounts and bundling different insurance policies. Best home and auto bundle options can offer savings. Comparing personalized quotes from multiple companies also helps. Improving your credit over time can lead to even lower rates.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbus After a Driving Offense
Insurance providers assess risk to calculate your car insurance premiums, with your driving record playing a key role. Violations like speeding tickets, accidents, or DUIs can significantly raise your rates. Even the cheapest car insurance for drivers with violations costs more than for those with clean records. We've broken down affordable providers so you can find cheap car insurance after an accident and for other driving offenses.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbus After a DUI
Drivers in Columbus with a DUI can still find affordable car insurance. American Family offers the cheapest minimum coverage at $376 annually. Check the table below to explore options from other providers and find the best rates for drivers with DUI in Columbus.
| American Family | $31 | $38 |
| Progressive | $40 | $30 |
| Nationwide | $44 | $25 |
| Erie | $62 | $7 |
| Travelers | $67 | $3 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbus After an Accident
American Family offers the most affordable minimum coverage car insurance at $385 annually for drivers with an at-fault accident record in Columbus. Explore the table below to compare options from other providers and find the best car insurance company with the most affordable rates.
| American Family | $32 | $27 |
| Nationwide | $36 | $23 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $49 | $9 |
| Erie | $50 | $8 |
| Westfield | $52 | $6 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbus After a Ticket
Nationwide offers the most affordable car insurance for drivers with a speeding record in Columbus, with an annual rate of $336. American Family follows closely with a rate of $376. Check the table below to explore more options and find the best rates from other providers.
| Nationwide | $28 | $19 |
| American Family | $31 | $15 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $32 | $15 |
| Westfield | $37 | $10 |
| Erie | $38 | $8 |
| Progressive | $42 | $4 |
| GEICO | $45 | $1 |
| Cincinnati Insurance | $47 | $0 |
Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbus for Military Drivers
Military drivers, including active-duty members, veterans, and their families, can often find special discounts and competitive rates on car insurance. For those seeking affordable options, cheapest car insurance providers for military drivers include USAA and Nationwide, with annual rates of $253 and $258, respectively, for minimum coverage.
| USAA | $21 | $15 |
| Nationwide | $22 | $14 |
| American Family | $25 | $11 |
| Westfield | $31 | $4 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $31 | $4 |
| Progressive | $33 | $3 |
| Erie | $35 | $1 |
Car Insurance Quotes in Columbus
The estimated car insurance rates above give Columbus drivers an idea of potential premiums and serve as a starting point for those seeking affordable options. However, because insurers consider individual factors when calculating costs, obtaining quotes from the insurer is the best way to get an accurate estimate of car insurance costs.
Compare Columbus Car Insurance Estimates Online
Since each insurer evaluates individual factors differently when calculating car insurance premiums, comparing quotes from various companies is essential to find the most affordable rates. With MoneyGeek, residents of Ohio's capital can enter basic personal information and receive multiple car insurance quotes in minutes, making the process efficient and straightforward.
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Rates updated:
Dec 24, 2024
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Car Insurance Agencies in Columbus
While comparing car insurance quotes online is quick for finding affordable coverage, those seeking personalized service should contact local agencies for specific needs. USAA offers a monthly rate of $21, $15 below average, and Nationwide at $22, $14 below. Top Columbus agencies are listed below.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Columbus?
In Columbus, full coverage car insurance averages $926 a year. State minimum coverage is less, at about $442 annually. Remember, these rates are for a 40-year-old with good credit and a clean driving record; your rate may differ.
Columbus Auto Insurance Cost by Driver Profile
Compare average auto insurance costs for different drivers with our summary table. See how your rate stacks up and find affordable state minimum coverage.
| Teen Drivers | No Data | $390 |
| Young Adults | $45 | $98 |
| Senior Drivers | $38 | $76 |
| Drivers With Bad Credit | $62 | $135 |
| Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $47 | $98 |
| Drivers With a DUI | $69 | $143 |
| Drivers With an Accident | $59 | $122 |
| Military Affiliated Drivers | $36 | $75 |
How Expensive Is Car Insurance Columbus?
Car insurance in Columbus is a bit pricier than Ohio's average. Expect to pay around $37 monthly for minimum coverage, which is $3 more than the state average. Full coverage averages $77 monthly, about $3 above the state norm. Columbus drivers see a slight uptick in rates.
| Columbus Avg Rate | $37 | $77 |
| Ohio Avg Rate | $34 | $74 |
| vs Ohio Avg Rate | $-2 | $-3 |
Car Insurance Requirements in Columbus
Ohio law requires drivers to carry minimum coverage auto insurance. This includes specific limits for bodily injury liability and property damage liability to ensure financial protection in case of an accident.
The minimum coverage limits in Ohio are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person.
- $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident.
- $25,000 for property damage liability per accident.
An auto insurance policy in Ohio provides financial protection against expenses from accidents. Liability coverage handles costs for damages or injuries caused by the policyholder in an at-fault accident.
For example, if you're at fault in an accident and the other driver has medical expenses totaling $20,000, your minimum bodily injury liability per person would cover this cost, as it's within the $25,000 limit. However, if their expenses exceed your coverage limit, you could be personally responsible for the difference.
Drivers in Columbus who need SR-22 insurance must maintain at least the state minimum coverage limits to legally drive. This certificate proves you have the necessary liability insurance after certain traffic violations.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbus: Bottom Line
Finding affordable car insurance in Columbus depends on your age, driving record, and more. Nationwide and American Family are often the cheapest. But remember, to save the most money, compare quotes from different companies.
Cheap Columbus Car Insurance: FAQ
MoneyGeek helps you find affordable car insurance in Columbus by answering frequently asked questions. We guide you to the best minimum coverage options for your needs, ensuring you make informed decisions without hassle.
What is the cheapest car insurance company in Columbus, Ohio?
The cheapest car insurance company in Columbus, Ohio is typically Nationwide, with average rates of $22 per month for minimum coverage and $43 per month for full coverage. However, rates vary based on age, driving history and coverage needs, so it’s best to compare quotes.
What is the average cost of car insurance in Columbus, OH?
The average cost of car insurance in Columbus, Ohio, is around $926 per year for full coverage, while minimum coverage averages approximately $442 per year. These rates can vary depending on your specific circumstances.
Is car insurance in Columbus, Ohio, expensive?
Yes, car insurance in Columbus, Ohio, tends to be more expensive than the state average. Factors like higher traffic congestion, accident rates and crime rates contribute to the increased premiums. Shopping around and comparing quotes can help you find more affordable options.
How We Chose the Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbus, OH
To help Columbus drivers find the most affordable auto insurance companies, MoneyGeek analyzed Columbus auto insurance rates based on data and information from the Ohio Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services.
Columbus Driver Profile
MoneyGeek created a sample driver profile to calculate car insurance quote averages in Columbus with the following characteristics:
- 40-year-old male
- 2012 Toyota Camry LE
- Clean driving record
- 12,000 miles driven annually
Certain factors — such as age, driving record, credit score and military affiliation — were adjusted to find the most suitable insurance companies for specific driver profiles.
Coverage Levels in Columbus
MoneyGeek compared the most affordable insurance providers for both minimum and full coverage auto insurance policies.
The minimum coverage requirements in Ohio are:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
For a full coverage policy, we used the following coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $100,000 property damage liability per accident
- Comprehensive and collision insurance, each with a $1,000 deductible
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.