10 Best Places to Get Cheap Car Insurance in Ohio

Finding car insurance that is both affordable and dependable can be challenging. In the state of Ohio, it is mandatory to insure your car before you drive. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles states that the minimum car insurance requirements are $25,000 for property damage; $25,000 for bodily injury liability of one person; and $50,000 for bodily injury liability of two or more people. When pulled over by law enforcement, all drivers are required to provide proof of insurance. You need to insure your car before you can drive, but it shouldn't be a drain on your wallet. In fact, a 2019 study found that Ohio is the 21st most affordable state to purchase car insurance, with rates slightly below the national average. The best way for you to track down cheap car insurance in Ohio is to compare provider prices and offerings. These are the top 10 places to find the most affordable car insurance in Ohio.

Westfield Insurance

Founded in 1848 by a group of farmers, Westfield Insurance is a staple in Ohio. As a leading member of the insurance community, Westfield Insurance offers business insurance, personal insurance, and farm and agribusiness insurance. In addition, the company also offers a surety program, in which customers can securely purchase various types of bonds. As an established and reputable organization, Westfield Insurance has more than $4.9 billion in assets and provides personal insurance in 10 states, including Ohio. 

Underneath its personal insurance relm, Westfield Insurance offers flexible and affordable auto insurance for cars, trucks, SUVs, RVs, and motorcycles. Not everybody has the same auto insurance needs—that’s why Westfield Insurance provides numerous options and plans. When you meet with a Westfield Insurance agent, you will start with a basic plan that covers everyday necessities. Then, you can customize your plan to make it unique to your needs.

One of the benefits that Westfield Insurance offers is its WesPak program, which allows customers to save money by purchasing their auto and home insurance together. Additionally, Westfield Insurance offers numerous coverage options, including gap coverage. In the case that their vehicles get totaled, customers can use gap coverage as an extra security blanket for their auto loans. For customers wishing to have as much coverage as possible, Westfield Insurance also offers umbrella coverage. Umbrella insurance comes in handy when accidents result in serious injuries or damages. Other coverage add-ons include roadside assistance, RV and camper insurance, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.  

Customers, as well as organizations, have long regarded Westfield Insurance as a reputable and affordable insurance provider that offers superb customer service. For 50 years, A.M. Best, an organization that assesses the dependability and quality of insurance companies, rated Westfield an "A" or higher in financial strength. Additionally, in 2019, J.D. Power ranked Westfield as no. 1 in Customer Satisfaction Among Auto Insurers in the North Central Region. As a result of their continued success, Westfield Insurance agents are proud to help community members get the most value out of their insurance policies.

Erie Insurance

With offices in both Canton and Columbus, Erie Insurance has offered Ohio residents affordable insurance since 1925. In addition to auto insurance, Erie Insurance offers various other coverage options, including life insurance, business insurance, and mobile home insurance. What the company refers to as “the ERIE Difference” is what makes this organization noteworthy. Erie Insurance focuses on providing impeccable and trustworthy customer service. In fact, the organization always keeps four basic principles top of mind: honesty, decency, service, and affordability. Since its inception, Erie Insurance has prided itself on providing high-quality coverage. Once a grassroots concept, Erie Insurance now has approximately 5 million policies in place.  

Auto insurance is one of Erie Insurance’s largest branches. Whether you have a regular vehicle, a motorcycle, a snowmobile, or an ATV, Erie Insurance has a plan for you. Customers can choose a liability coverage plan to cover the basics, but they can also add coverage for extra protection. For example, if you lend your vehicle to friends and family often, your Erie Insurance agent can help you select an auto policy that includes protection against any damage that they may cause. Additionally, Erie Insurance offers comprehensive car insurance, which covers non-collision-related damage, including windshield repairs, fires, and theft. This plan is the perfect option for people who want to be prepared for anything life throws at them—and their cars. Other unique options that Erie Insurance provides include, locksmith services, personal item coverage, and pet coverage—in case a pet gets injured in an accident. 

Erie Insurance agents are aware that the cost of insurance can easily add up. Fortunately, with ERIE Rate Lock, clients can set their rates without having to worry about them unexpectedly increasing. Additionally, Erie Insurance provides several ways that customers can be mindful of their insurance costs, including safe driving discounts, multi-policy and multi-car discounts, young driver discounts, and an annual payment plan. With its comprehensive online presence, policyholders can easily connect with Erie Insurance to make payments, start claims, find repair shops, and visit the support center. Furthermore, if you’re considering selecting Erie Insurance for auto insurance, you can start by getting a quote online. When you’re ready, get to know a local agent that lives in the same community as you and understands your needs.

Cincinnati Insurance

With its headquarters in Fairfield, Ohio, Cincinnati Insurance proudly provides affordable and comprehensive auto insurance, among many other types of insurance, to the citizens of Ohio. Cincinnati Insurance believes in the power of local agents. When you become a policyholder with Cincinnati Insurance, you get connected with agents who live in the same community—and as a result, they understand exactly what you need in order to feel protected under your plan. In addition to having local agents, Cincinnati Insurance also employs field representatives, who offer an extra layer of service to both the local agents and the customers. With these offerings, customers can be sure to receive a helpful hand when they need it most. 

When rating Cincinnati Insurance, A.M. Best awarded the organization a highly coveted A+. Cincinnati Insurance offers standard liability coverage, but it also offers a range of optional enhancements that customers can select for additional coverage. For example, Cincinnati Insurance offers exceptional coverage for rental cars. In case of an accident in a rental car, your auto insurance can cover the claim, including the deductible. In addition to that, Cincinnati Insurance will cover the cost of the vehicle’s damage. To further expand its coverage plans, Cincinnati Insurance also offers the unique Exhibition Auto coverage. Designed for antique car collectors who regularly participate in shows, this plan allows you to protect your beloved vehicle under the same plan as your other vehicles. 

By allowing you to cover various needs under one policy and with one single bill, Cincinnati Insurance focuses on simplifying your plan. For example, your Cincinnati Insurance plan could cover your personal vehicle, antique car, and motorhome. Cincinnati Insurance also works diligently to provide discounts and to help you stay within your budget. A few ways to reduce your premium with Cincinnati Insurance include:

• Adding multiple vehicles to the same plan
• Using Cincinnati Insurance to insure both your car and home
• Demonstrating consistent, safe driving

Another unique feature that you can find on the Cincinnati Insurance website is a blog. As a consumer, it’s important to stay informed on the latest insurance-related trends, tips, and news. With the option to subscribe to the blog, you can receive timely updates and articles that hold valuable information. The blog’s category topics include catastrophe, safety tips, pandemic, and more.

Grange Insurance

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Grange Insurance has dedicated itself to its customers for 85 years. Since 1935, Grange Insurance has found so much success, it now services customers across 13 states. With its abundance of insurance options, which range from auto insurance to life insurance, Grange Insurance combines the security of a large provider with the personalized care of a small, local business. If you are a fan of technology, strong attention to detail, personalized experiences, and unwavering customer service, Grange Insurance is a great option for you. 

Most notably, Grange Insurance offers its policyholders user-friendly tools and resources to make life a little easier—especially when accidents and collisions cause stress. For starters, clients can download the Grange Mobile app. With the app, you can quickly access your proof of insurance, pay your bills, find roadside assistance, and upload important documents, among many other options. Additionally, Grange Insurance offers the Easy-Snap feature, which simplifies the process of submitting a “minor auto” claim. While guaranteeing security, Easy-Snap permits policyholders to submit a minimum of nine photos of “qualifying minor auto claims” and receive estimates. Once a claim is submitted, customers can also track the claim’s status to ensure everything is running smoothly. 

As you move across different chapters of your life, your needs change—especially when it comes to auto insurance. With Grange Insurance, you have access to coverage plans that include roadside assistance, lease gap coverage, identity theft coverage, and umbrella coverage. To get started, a Grange Insurance agent can help you determine exactly what you need, so that you won't be paying more than necessary. This provider also offers discounts such as legacy loyalty, accident forgiveness, and safe driver. Another way to save money with Grange Insurance is by using the OnTrack system. The OnTrack mobile app tracks your driving behavior for 90 days. It analyzes four factors: total mileage, time of day, smoothness, and road type. Once the 90 days is over, you will receive a score out of 100, which you can then use to potentially lower your auto insurance rate. The best news is this—the score can only help you. A low score will not lower your rate.

State Auto

For nearly 100 years, State Auto has been committed to providing Ohio drivers with affordable auto insurance, transparent pricing, and high-quality customer service. State Auto makes picking an auto insurance plan simple by offering three levels of coverage: Standard, AutoXtended Plus, and AutoXtended Premier. If you're looking for the most basic coverage, then choosing the Standard option is an excellent way to get what you need with no hassle. If you opt for the upper two tiers, you'll have more options for customizing your plan. In fact, these plans can also include full safety glass coverage and roadside assistance. Also a believer in the independent agent system, Safe Auto provides independent agents whose sole purpose is to help customers find the best, most affordable coverage for them.

Western Reserve Group

Operating in both Ohio and Indiana, the Western Reserve Group offers various types of insurance, including personal insurance, commercial insurance, and farm insurance. The Western Reserve Group philosophy and model for success revolves around one key factor: independent agents. By using independent agents, Western Reserve Groups provides its clients with more personalized experiences who take interest in your success and satisfaction. This one-on-one approach will lead you to picking the best policy for you and your needs—nothing more, nothing less. 

Western Reserve Group’s Automobile Program offers customers affordable auto insurance fit for all drivers—no matter their experience, age, or needs. Western Reserve Group offers a variety of auto insurance plans, most of which automatically cover liability, medical expenses, collision, damage unrelated to collisions, and rental reimbursement. If you want to increase your protection, you can customize your plan by choosing from a list of add-ons, which includes auto enhancement, towing and labor, uninsured and underinsured motorists, customization, and lease gap. It also provides added services such as 24-hour towing for anyone who wants to add extra security to their policy.The user-friendly website allows prospective customers to easily get a quote and find a local agent near them. 

This provider has been working with drivers in Ohio for over 100 years and receives consistently high ratings from its customers. With a wide range of discounts available, including an anti-theft device discount, a company car discount, and good student discount, you're likely to find ways to reduce your premium costs when you work with one of Western Reserve Group's independent agents. If you become a policyholder, you will have easy access to making online payments and reporting claims. Additionally, Western Reserve Group also provides helpful tips, which often discuss safety precautions you can take to ensure keeping yourself and others safe on the road.

Motorists Mutual

Located on East Broad Street in Columbus, Motorists Mutual has provided affordable car insurance to Ohio residents since 1928. Since finding success, Motorists Mutual has expanded to serve many neighboring states, and it specifically focuses on providing both business insurance and personal insurance. 

With the help of Motorists Mutual agents, customers can tailor their automobile insurance plans by customizing it to fit their needs. Like most other auto insurance policies, a standard policy with Motorists Mutual comes with coverage of liability, medical payments, collision, and towing and labor. When you speak with an agent, you can craft a policy that only covers what you need, but you can also add protection on. For instance, the comprehensive coverage will protect you in the case of vandalism or bad weather. 

Additionally, Motorists Mutual offers unique discounts to help save you money. For example, the “empty nester” and “married professional” options help lower your premium. Other ways to lower your premium with Motorists Mutual include having anti-theft devices in the car, maintaining a good driving record, bundling with other Motorists Mutual policies, and getting good grades in school.

Buckeye Insurance Group

Headquartered in Piqua, Ohio, Buckeye Insurance Group is dedicated to combining professionalism with a small-town feel. This organization prioritizes the traditional values of empathy and customer service, but it also promotes innovation and modern technology. Loyal to the Midwest, Buckeye Insurance Group operates with a customer-focused approach. In fact, some of its core values include dignity and respect, accountability, and continuous learning. This company also prides itself on providing personalized service. When you need customer support, you never speak to an automated voice. You will always speak to a helpful agent who is ready to listen. Like other insurance companies, Buckeye Insurance Group also provides independent agents that always seek to help you find the best policy that meets all of your requirements—at an affordable price. With over 140 years of experience in this industry, Buckeye Insurance Group knows exactly how to keep customers satisfied and stress free. 

Because it is a mutual insurance company, Buckeye Insurance Group is able to work closely with each customer to offer flexible and affordable auto insurance that meets their needs and budgets. One of the main goals of Buckeye agents is to help simplify the insurance application process. If personalized one-on-one service is something that you prioritize, then you will appreciate all that Buckeye Insurance Group has to offer. 

Customers can choose auto insurance plans that include coverage for bodily injuries, medical payments, property damage, collison (including comprehensive), and uninsured or underinsured motorists. Thanks to Buckeye Insurance Group’s dedication to modernizing and simplifying insurance, policyholders can easily use the online portal to make payments, report a claim, and find a local agent. Clients can also download the mobile app for on-the-go access—which is especially helpful during emergencies. Buckeye Insurance Group takes all matters seriously and is always available to help you.

Frankenmuth Insurance

Although its headquarters are in Michigan, Frankenmuth Insurance has been providing Ohio locals with affordable auto insurance for 150 years. Currently, this provider only covers auto insurance in Michigan and Ohio, so you can feel confident knowing that you're working with a more local company that will look out for your best interests. With a "neighbor helping neighbor" mentality, Frankenmuth Insurance is an excellent choice for anyone looking for more personalized care. In fact, this provider has received numerous awards, including the Company Award of Excellence from the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents. Additionally, A.M. Best awarded Frankenmuth Insurance an "A” rating. 

Frankenmuth Insurance does a great job of explaining what the law requires of auto insurance in Ohio. On its website, you can find a detailed list of all the legal requirements that the basic insurance policies meet. Additionally, you can look through other options that are available as add-ons for extra coverage. Some of these optional additions include excess electronic equipment, roadside assistance and towing, and loan or lease gap. Furthermore, if you collect antique cars, you can also insure them with Frankenmuth Insurance. This provider does not distract customers with extra frills. 

Customers can access an online portal in order to make payments, report claims, and view their policies. Frankenmuth Insurance is also active on social media, including YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Its dedicated social media presence makes it easy for customers to keep up with the latest company news and community involvement. Social media is also a great way to connect with other policyholders and see what they think of the provider. 

Overall, Frankenmuth Insurance creates a comprehensive process that will meet your basic requirements at an affordable price. On the website, you can easily find a local agent and get started with your auto insurance policy.

SafeAuto

Marketed as "the insurance for the rest of us," SafeAuto can help ensure that you're meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements. Not only does SafeAuto provide affordable car insurance so that you don’t break your budget, it only provides it so that you can have peace of mind when you get behind the wheel. With a low down payment and small monthly installments, customers can spend their money wisely and comfortably.

 Although it’s notably one of the cheapest options, that doesn’t mean that SafeAuto compromises the quality of its services and policies. SafeAuto values every one of its customers and recognizes that with life changes comes insurance changes. As a result, SafeAuto never forgets you as a customer. If you decide to leave SafeAuto for whatever reason, you can come back and pick up where you left off with your agent. Additionally, SafeAuto is also a great option for customers who have marks on their driving record, and as a result, are having trouble finding affordable auto insurance.

 SafeAuto commits to all drivers and provides them with the best, most basic options so that they can feel safe on the road. By breaking down the coverage options into three main categories—liability insurance, comprehensive and collision, and full coverage—customers can understand what they need, and what they can do without. Like other insurance providers, SafeAuto uses technology to connect with its policyholders and to make their lives easier. With the SafeAuto mobile app, policyholders can make payments, report claims, and view their policies, as well as other important documents.

How to Compare Providers to Find Lower Rates

Finding the perfect car insurance provider is not easy—no matter how long you’ve been driving. Whether you’re starting your first insurance policy or looking to switch to a new provider, it’s easy to get lost in the numerous coverage options and pricing when doing research. A good insurance provider will not only offer a breakdown of pricing, basic coverage, and optional add-ons, but it will also describe its philosophy, culture, and purpose. 

To help get you started, we’ve narrowed down the research process to three important factors: affordability, personalization, and customer service. These are not the only factors to consider when looking for an insurance provider, but they are important to keep top of mind. In the end, the most important thing that you want to get out of your insurance provider is value. The cost of car insurance can add up quickly, but when you have a provider whose coverage makes you feel safe, secure, and protected, the value is irreplaceable.  

When researching different insurance providers, keep these three factors top of mind. 

Affordability

In Ohio, there are many options for dependable car insurance providers, but they might not all be affordable. The law requires that all drivers be insured, so this is not an expense that you can simply cut out. However, you can find an insurance provider that not only offers good rates, but that actively tries to help you find ways to save money. 

For instance, many insurance providers offer reduced premiums and rates to those who have good driving records, excel academically, have zero dependents, or have multiple insurance policies in place. Additionally, some insurance providers offer to lock your rate—no matter what. Knowing that your rate will not unexpectedly increase provides a feeling of true financial security. Finding an insurance provider that offers options like these will save you money in the long run. Don’t settle for providers that don’t stress the importance of affordability. 

Personalization

As a consumer, it’s important to find an insurance provider that understands you as an individual. Not one insurance policy meets the needs of all drivers. That’s why it is important to select an insurance provider that is not only dependable and affordable, but also flexible. Insurance providers should offer basic plans that meet all legal requirements. However, if you are looking for extra coverage to feel more protected, find an insurance provider that offers an abundance of optional add-ons. 

These options are there if you need them, but are not required. For instance, many insurance providers offer roadside assistance, as well as the coverage for towing and labor. Other examples of add-ons include umbrella coverage and  coverage for loan or lease gaps. The policy and coverage that you choose should represent your needs, and the agents you work with should help you pick the right coverage every step of the way. When it comes to feeling secure, nothing is more important than having a reliable insurance provider that prepares you for life’s greatest curveballs. 

Customer Service

With car insurance, customer service is not something that you want to compromise on—no matter the affordability. Insurance can be a scary and challenging topic. Imagine having a collision and not knowing the first step to take with your insurance provider. Even worse, imagine not ever getting the answers you need. That’s why it is important that the insurance provider that you choose offers superb customer service. When you have an emergency, you want to be sure that your insurance provider, its agents, and its employees are there to help you. Whether it’s reporting a claim, making a payment, or reviewing your policy, your insurance provider should be willing to provide guidance on any matter. Part of great customer service involves answering questions, providing solutions, and offering advice. When looking for an insurance provider, ask around and read credible customer reviews to determine whether the customer service meets your standards.

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