Auto Insurance Shopping In Ohio: A Step-By-Step Guide

When shopping for auto insurance in Ohio, it's important to consider your needs and compare coverage, rates, and discounts from at least three companies to ensure you find the best car insurance for your needs. The cheapest car insurance companies in Ohio are Nationwide, Erie Insurance, Geico, Auto-Owners, and USAA. The average cost of a full-coverage policy in Ohio is $1,660 annually, which is below the national average of $2,681 per year. Ohio's average for minimum coverage is $511 which is also below the national annual average of $869 per year.

Compare quotes from multiple insurers

Comparing quotes from multiple insurers is the best way to find cheap car insurance in Ohio. The amount you pay for car insurance depends on a variety of factors, including your age, gender, ZIP code, driving record, the type and amount of insurance you want, and the car you drive.

• Compare quotes from multiple insurers. The cheapest car insurance company in Ohio may vary depending on your personal circumstances and the type of coverage you need. By comparing quotes, you can find the company that offers the best rate for your specific situation.
• Bundle your insurance policies. Many insurers offer discounts if you bundle your auto insurance with other types of insurance, such as homeowners or renters insurance.
• Maintain a clean driving record. The better your driving record, the lower your insurance rates will be. Avoid traffic violations and practice safe driving habits to keep your rates low.
• Consider pay-per-mile insurance if you don't drive often. If you're a low-mileage driver, you may be able to save money by choosing a pay-per-mile insurance plan. This type of plan charges you based on how many miles you drive, so if you don't drive frequently, your rates could be lower.
• Shop around for the best rates. Don't just settle for the first quote you receive. Get quotes from multiple insurers and compare their rates to find the best deal. You can use online tools and comparison sites to make this process easier.

Opt for minimum coverage

Ohio's minimum insurance requirements include:

• Bodily injury liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
• Property damage liability coverage of $25,000 per accident.

These coverage limits protect other drivers, their passengers, and their vehicles in accidents you cause. Ohio's minimum state requirements for auto insurance do not cover any costs you incur during an accident you cause. Opting for minimum coverage puts you at serious financial risk. The injured party could potentially sue you personally, and you may have to pay all damages in excess of the minimum insurance limits that you purchased.

While minimum coverage is the cheapest option, it's worth considering whether you can afford to take the risk. If you can, it's a good idea to get full coverage, which includes liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. This will protect you, your passengers, and your vehicle in an accident.

Choose a provider with discounts that apply to you

When shopping for auto insurance in Ohio, it's important to look for providers that offer discounts that apply to you. By taking advantage of these discounts, you can significantly reduce your insurance costs. Here are some common types of discounts offered by insurance companies in Ohio:

• Occupational Discounts: Certain professions are considered less risky to insure and may qualify for discounts. Teachers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, doctors, and nurses may be eligible for occupational discounts.
• Driver Profile and Education Discounts: Insurance companies often offer discounts for students with good grades, as well as for drivers who take approved driver education or defensive driving courses. Marital status can also impact your insurance rates, with married people often receiving lower premiums.
• Billing and Payment Discounts: You can save money by choosing paperless billing, paying your premium in full, or setting up automatic payments. Some companies also offer discounts for early payment or for purchasing your policy in advance.
• Customer Loyalty Discounts: Insurance companies often reward customer loyalty by offering discounts to long-term customers or to those who bundle their auto insurance with other types of insurance, such as home insurance.
• Driving History and Habits Discounts: If you have a safe driving record, free of accidents or tickets, you may be eligible for a discount. Additionally, if your vehicle use is limited or you don't drive long distances, you may qualify for a low mileage discount.
• Vehicle Equipment Discounts: Insurers may offer discounts for vehicles equipped with safety features such as airbags and anti-lock brakes, or with anti-theft devices and vehicle recovery systems.

When comparing insurance providers, be sure to ask about the specific discounts they offer and determine which ones you may qualify for. By choosing a provider that offers discounts applicable to your situation, you can maximize your savings and get the best value for your auto insurance in Ohio.

Maintain a clean driving record

Maintaining a clean driving record is essential for keeping your auto insurance costs down. A clean driving record means having no or minimal violations or accidents on your driving record. While the definition of a clean driving record may vary between insurers, even minor infractions can result in higher insurance premiums.

In Ohio, auto insurance companies use a point system to keep track of violations. The more serious the offence, the higher the number of points. Racking up a lot of points can lead to a suspension of your driver's license. A clean driving record can result in substantial savings on your insurance premiums.

• Obey all traffic laws and drive responsibly.
• Contest your citation in court if you feel you were wrongly charged. Consider hiring a traffic lawyer to help you contest the charges.
• Consider expungement to seal your record and remove the traffic violation from your driving record permanently. However, expungement processes and eligibility criteria vary by state.
• Take a defensive driving course. Some states will remove points for minor violations if you complete a course.
• Dispute any errors on your driving record, such as accidents you weren't involved in or violations that should have been removed.
• Fix minor issues immediately, such as missing windshield wipers or illegal exhaust systems.
• Regularly review your driving record to ensure accuracy and address any mistakes promptly. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to obtain a copy of your driving record.
• Compare insurance rates from multiple providers, as not all companies view traffic violations in the same way.

By maintaining a clean driving record, you can benefit from lower insurance premiums, improved job prospects (especially for jobs that require driving), reduced wear and tear on your vehicle, and increased chances of obtaining a commercial driver's license.

Bundle your insurance policies

Bundling your insurance policies is a great way to save money on your insurance premiums. By combining your auto, home, and life insurance policies under one roof, you can take advantage of multi-line or bundling discounts offered by insurance companies. These discounts can add up to significant savings, especially if you have multiple types of insurance policies.

Most insurance companies offer bundling discounts to attract and retain customers. They understand that it is more cost-effective for them and easier for you to manage all your policies under one roof. By bundling your policies, you can also benefit from simplified policy management, streamlined billing, and a single deductible in some cases.

When shopping for insurance, it is important to compare quotes from multiple providers and review the coverage types and amounts carefully. Look for companies that offer competitive rates, a wide range of coverage options, and strong customer satisfaction scores. Keep in mind that not all insurers offer both home and auto policies, so bundling may not always be an option. Additionally, bundling may not always result in the lowest rates, as you may find lower-priced individual policies from different insurers.

Overall, bundling your insurance policies can be a smart financial decision, but it is essential to weigh the pros and cons and carefully consider your specific needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions