Nationwide offers Ohio's cheapest minimum coverage auto insurance for most low-income drivers with clean records, regardless of credit history. American Family and Auto-Owners are often more affordable for those with traffic violations.
Cheapest Low-Income Car Insurance in Ohio
Updated: February 6, 2025
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Key Takeaways
There is no program offering assistance to low-income drivers in Ohio, but customers can still find affordable coverage in the state.
For most low-income drivers, the cheapest options are Nationwide, American Family, Westfield and Auto-Owners.
Comparing providers and opting for minimum coverage can help low-income drivers save the most on car insurance.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Low-Income Drivers in Ohio
| American Family | Young Drivers | $22 |
| Nationwide | Adults | $19 |
| Nationwide | Seniors | $18 |
| Auto-Owners | Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $24 |
| American Family | Drivers With a DUI | $26 |
| American Family | Drivers With an Accident | $26 |
| Nationwide | Bad Credit | $25 |
*All rates in this table, except for adults, are based on a modified profile of a 40-year-old driver with good credit and a clean record insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry. The age ranges are 22 to 29 for young drivers, 30 to 59 for adults and 60+ for seniors.
Compare Cheap Low-Income Car Insurance Providers
Use the table below to find affordable auto insurance that matches your driver profile and preferred coverage level.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Range:30-59
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Driving Record:Clean
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Credit Score:Good
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
| Nationwide | $19 | $226 |
| American Family | $21 | $249 |
| Westfield | $23 | $279 |
| Auto-Owners | $24 | $289 |
| Progressive | $27 | $319 |
Cheapest Car Insurance for Families With Low Income in Ohio
Nationwide offers the lowest monthly rates for low-income married couples adding a driver to their policy in Ohio: $42 monthly for those adding a teen and $30 a month adding a spouse. Single parents adding a teen find the best rate from Auto-Owners at $81.
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Family Type:Married Couple with Teen
| Nationwide | $502 | $42 |
| Auto-Owners | $700 | $58 |
| Progressive | $705 | $59 |
| GEICO | $725 | $60 |
| Travelers | $767 | $64 |
| Allstate | $865 | $72 |
| Farmers | $987 | $82 |
| State Farm | $5,733 | $478 |
*Rates for couples and single parents with teens apply to a 16-year-old driver. Those for a married couple without children are based on a 40-year-old male with good credit and a clean driving record.
Tips to Save On Car Insurance for Low-Income Drivers
Take these steps to find a plan that fits your budget without compromising on coverage:
- 1
Choose minimum coverage
Choosing to carry only the state-required minimum coverage rather than full coverage will help low-income drivers save money. However, minimum coverage doesn't cover all of your expenses in an at-fault accident.
- 2
Compare quotes
Looking around at multiple providers helps drivers save money and get the best deal based on their specific profile. Customers can utilize provider websites, online calculators and independent brokers to get different quotes.
- 3
Look for discounts
Depending on the provider, drivers can take advantage of discounts, such as those for good students, safe drivers and military members to save on car insurance. You can also take a state approved defensive driving course to save up to 10% if your provider has a defensive driver discount.
- 4
Increase your deductible
Raising your deductible on collision or comprehensive coverage can reduce your premiums, although if you have to file a claim, you don't want to be caught in a situation where the deductible is too high to afford.
- 5
Consider pay-per-mile insurance
Pay-per-mile insurance is ideal for occasional drivers, combining a low base rate with per-mile fees. Pay only for the miles you drive and save more, especially if you don't drive often.
- 6
Bundle your policies
Many providers offer a discount for bundling auto with home or renters insurance. Depending on the provider in Ohio, you can save up to $1,200 annually by bundling your policies together.
- 7
Get a cheaper car to insure
Certain cars can cost more to repair and replace parts based on model, make and year. Selecting a cheaper car to insure, like an older and more reliable vehicle, can lead to more affordable rates.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Ohio
Ohio drivers are required to meet these minimum car insurance requirements:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability per accident
If you lease or finance a vehicle, expect to need a 100/300/100 liability coverage split, along with comprehensive and collision protection.
WHY MINIMUM COVERAGE MAY NOT BE RIGHT FOR YOU
Minimum car insurance covers only the other driver's expenses if you're at fault in an accident. You'll still be responsible for your car's damage and legal fees. If you drive often and can afford it, consider higher coverage.
Cheap Low-Income Car Insurance in Ohio: Bottom Line
Nationwide is the most affordable car insurance company for most low-income drivers with clean records in Ohio, regardless of credit history. For drivers with offenses, Auto-Owners and American Family offer some of the best rates. Compare different providers to find the best deal.
Low-Income Auto Insurance in Ohio: FAQ
Ohio drivers can find affordable car insurance. Get answers to common questions on saving money.
What is the cheapest car insurance for low-income drivers in Ohio?
Nationwide offers Ohio's lowest minimum coverage rate at $19 monthly, and American Family provides the cheapest full coverage at $40. Minimum coverage is usually the most affordable option for low-income drivers, but leasing or financing may require more than basic protection.
Does Ohio have a state-supported low-income car insurance program?
Ohio has no state-supported program to assist low-income drivers with car insurance.
Does your income affect the cost of car insurance in Ohio?
Income doesn't directly affect car insurance costs in Ohio. Factors like driving history and vehicle type have more impact.
How We Chose the Cheapest Car Insurance for Low-Income Drivers
Study Overview
MoneyGeek assessed Ohio auto insurance rates using data from the Ohio Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services.
Data Acquisition, Depth and Analysis
MoneyGeek analyzed 328,384 quotes from 14 companies across 370 ZIP codes to determine the average cost of car insurance for drivers with low income in Ohio.
Sample Driver Profile
We used a sample driver profile with the following attributes to determine average car insurance rates for low-income drivers in Ohio:
- 40-year-old male
- 2012 Toyota Camry LE
- Clean driving record
- 12,000 miles driven annually
To determine rates for specific driver profiles, we adjusted factors such as age, family status, driving history and credit standing.
Our study defines seniors as 60 or older, young drivers as 22 to 29 and adults as 30 to 59. Married couples with a child include 40-year-old male and female drivers with a 16-year-old teen. Single parents with children are 40-year-old male or female drivers with a 16-year-old teen.
Coverage Levels and Deductibles
Our data shows rates for minimum coverage, which follows the requirements set by Ohio law and offers affordable options for low-income drivers.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.