Cheapest Auto Insurance in Columbus, Ohio (2026)
Mile Auto offers the cheapest car insurance in Columbus, with minimum-coverage policies as low as $51 per month.
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Written byDaria Kelly Uhlig
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Daria Kelly UhligHome Insurance Writer, Realtor
Licensed Realtor with 10+ years in personal finance content
Contributor to Nasdaq and USA Today
Daria is a licensed Realtor and resort property manager specializing in personal finance, real estate, and insurance topics. In her spare time, she practices photography.
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Danny SmithInsurance Writer
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As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
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Reviewed byMark Friedlander
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Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
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As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
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Table of contents
Car insurance in Columbus costs $118 per month, which is slightly more than the statewide average of $93 per month but slightly less than the monthly nationwide average of $136.
Ohio's state capital, Columbus is the most populous city in the Buckeye State, and its congested roadways likely contributes to its higher-than-average car insurance rates.
Here’s what you should know about comparing car insurance quotes and finding a policy with the best rate in Columbus.
Quick Facts
Mile Auto, Progressive, and State Farm have the cheapest car insurance in Columbus.
Liability insurance in Columbus costs an average of $88 per month, and full coverage costs $147 per month.
Columbus accounted for about 65% of all traffic accidents in Franklin County in 2022, according to Ohio Department of Public Safety data.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Columbus
Car insurance rates vary widely in Columbus. Your rates will depend on your unique situation and coverage needs, but the three insurers below are a good place to start your search.
Insurance Company  | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | Full Coverage | Liability Only | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | 9.3 | $74 | $45 | Teen drivers |
| Erie | 8.4 | $87 | $53 | Drivers with a speeding ticket |
| Auto-Owners | 8.2 | $87 | $53 | Drivers with an Operating Vehicle Impaired (OVI) charge |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Columbus car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Columbus may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 55,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Best insurer for teen drivers: State Farm
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $56/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $92/mo |
4.0
Best choice in Columbus, OHBased on 15,929 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about State Farm
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in Columbus for
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
How drivers feel about State Farm
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in Columbus for
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Showing 75 Ohio reviews for Columbus drivers - See all 7,200 State Farm reviews
Wendy
Verified Review
Good
Reviewed in Ohio on March 4, 2026
The price of covering my car has gone up. Other companies are offering a lower rate.
Justin
Verified Review
Gradual insurance price increases force me to change providers
Reviewed in Ohio on March 3, 2026
I switched to Progressive because they offered a quote at a third of the price State Farm was offering me.
Anthony
Verified Review
Takes a while on the phone
Reviewed in Ohio on March 2, 2026
Easy to work with to buy insurance. I have not had any claims, so I don't know yet about that.
Brian
Verified Review
Technical Issues
Reviewed in Ohio on March 1, 2026
My problem with State Farm is that to get a discount, they require a transponder to be installed in the car. The transponder communicates with a cell phone to feed data back to State Farm. The only problem is it doesn’t work, and I’ve spent an hour or two on the phone with my agent trying to get it to work with no luck. I’m retired, so I hardly ever drive the car. We have driven it as much trying to get the transponder to work as I would on a normal basis.
Andi
Verified Review
High Charges and Inflexible Payment Options
Reviewed in Ohio on February 25, 2026
They were charging way too much. They were charging me $1900 for my house every six months, and I have no mortgage. They wouldn't let me pay monthly.
David
Verified Review
I’m looking for full coverage $100-$140 thousand dollar deductible full coverage rental car everything
Reviewed in Ohio on February 13, 2026
The coverage is fantastic, but $207 a month for full coverage is way too much. I’m looking for many different alternatives. I just found one I think for less than $50 for coverage a month.
Matthew
Verified Review
I like Jake, but not State Farm.
Reviewed in Ohio on February 12, 2026
Very disappointing. Policy cost hikes with no explanation. No effort by the agent to review and reduce costs. They collect the premium and forget you exist.
Christopher
Verified Review
What's Going On At State Farm?
Reviewed in Ohio on February 10, 2026
Something is going on with State Farm. They used to be on the ball, but now they are missing things. Our car was totaled, yet they did not refund the remainder of our unused premium. We still had $500 for rental car expenses, yet they made us pay for the last 3 days even though we were still waiting for the settlement check they snail-mailed us.
Jeffrey
Verified Review
Just Okay
Reviewed in Ohio on February 10, 2026
Great service, but very expensive.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
657NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.84A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
The largest U.S. car insurance company by market share, State Farm has competitive rates for teen drivers. Plus, the company offers teen-friendly ways to save such as good student, driver training, student away at school, and safe driving discounts.
Pros
Multiple discounts for teen drivers
Savings of up to 17% through bundling auto with home, life, or other insurance
Cons
Low ratings in customer review
Limited customer service options
Best insurer for drivers with a speeding ticket: Erie
| User Reviews | 4.4 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.4 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $66/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $107/mo |
4.4
Best choice in Columbus, OHBased on 492 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Erie Insurance
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and quick claim handling but are dissatisfied with the unexpected and unexplained rate increases. Some also found the policy details hard to understand.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in Columbus for
High customer satisfaction
Competitive rates
Optional coverages
How drivers feel about Erie Insurance
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and quick claim handling but are dissatisfied with the unexpected and unexplained rate increases. Some also found the policy details hard to understand.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in Columbus for
High customer satisfaction
Competitive rates
Optional coverages
Showing 6 Ohio reviews for Columbus drivers - See all 227 Erie Insurance reviews
Thomas
Verified Review
Options
Reviewed in Ohio on February 20, 2026
Many options, check them out.
Douglas
Verified Review
Erie Insurance: Local Agents, Great Customer Service!
Reviewed in Ohio on February 9, 2026
Never had a claim. I think their rates are very good!
William
Verified Review
Shop Around
Reviewed in Ohio on November 3, 2025
Car insurance is high, but homeowners insurance is affordable.
Thomas
Verified Review
CIA Wins the Day!
Reviewed in Ohio on April 5, 2025
Your insurance is only as good as the agent providing it. I have been blessed with an excellent agent for 40 years.
Donna
Verified Review
Brokers are not the way to go…find a company who values your needs
Reviewed in Ohio on March 20, 2025
I’m not sure if it's Erie Insurance or the Insurance Company representing them that's the issue. At the insurance company, you seem to get bounced around with no knowledge of what's going on. They or Erie seem to feel they can make changes within your policies without your knowledge. Your premiums increase every year without a claim, but when your bill goes up 38 3/4% ($600.00) without a claim, even though they have gone up steadily every year, it’s time to go. When you call in, they say it is beyond their control and blame it on everyone else. Then instead of trying to help you, they try to sell you more! When you tell them that will make your premium higher, then they want you to up your deductible to lower your bill. When you tell them you only want to insure your home for what it's worth, they insist they have to insure it for what it would cost to replace it. I’m not replacing it! You never hear from them until you get your next year's bill in the mail and are expected to just pay it. When I first got my policies, I was told I was being directed to an agent that could help me. I thought this was my agent! I found out 8 years later that this person was just in customer service who set up my policies! I could have done that myself online! When I asked who was my agent, I had never met or heard her name before. My premiums were paying someone’s paycheck that I never knew or heard of or more importantly never met or knew me. An agent is supposed to have an interest in a client and work in their best interest (this obviously is not the case). Is this why so many things are written into policies that do not even pertain to or are needed by some clients? We end up paying for things in policies that do not even involve us! When I was tossed to the owner's son because I wasn’t happy with the rate increase, he was arrogant and the one trying to sell me more or increase my deductibles which still would not bring the price down to where it needed to be. So they lost that policy completely. Insurance is meant to be for comfort knowing you have it in case of a fire or disaster. Not for a claim because you had a shingle blow off your roof. Hire someone & get it fixed! You never hear from them until you get your next year's bills in the mail and are expected to just pay it. Insurance is out of control! You should be able to get a policy written for exactly what you want and need. I don’t want to buy a package with a bunch of things in it that I don’t want or need because it has one thing in it that I want and they say it is the only way it is sold. Get people in the insurance business who are willing to work for the clients in order to get them exactly what their needs are. Yes, I am finding lower premiums on auto insurance as well (which they told me recently I would not be able to do).
Cheryl
Verified Review
Fair
Reviewed in Ohio on March 17, 2025
I found a company with the same coverage but at a better price.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
700NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.68A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+Why we picked this company
Erie, a Pennsylvania-based regional insurer, offers some unique options you won’t find with many other insurance companies. For example, your liability insurance protects your pets while riding in your car, and you can enhance your auto policy for $35 per year or less. And, Erie's Rate Lock offering not only forgives your first accident, it can hold your rate steady even after a moving violation like a speeding ticket.
Pros
Good coverage options
Insures recreational and off-road vehicles
Cons
Customer service available by phone during business hours only
No online claims submission
Best insurer for drivers with an OVI: Auto-Owners
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.2 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $66/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $107/mo |
4.3
Best choice in Columbus, OHBased on 312 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Auto-Owners
Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in Columbus for
Cheap rates
Senior drivers
Ample discounts
How drivers feel about Auto-Owners
Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in Columbus for
Cheap rates
Senior drivers
Ample discounts
Showing recent national reviews - See all 146 Auto-Owners reviews
Wayne
Verified Review
Cost too much for someone who never had a claim
Reviewed in Florida on March 2, 2026
Never had a claim.
Paul
Verified Review
Auto Owners
Reviewed in Michigan on February 10, 2026
Auto Owners' rates have increased year after year.
Warren
Verified Review
Punishment for 65+ years of no problems.
Reviewed in South Carolina on February 1, 2026
I have been licensed since two weeks before my 14th birthday, in other words, 65+ years. I had 2 tickets and 1 accident (that was in July 2024). It cost me a $25 fine and no points, yet my rate increased by 60%. This was the only claim against me over the years. I don't drive much, about 10,000 miles a year if that much, and yet I'm being punished for years of no problems. BTW, the patrolman questioned the ability of the on-lookers of the accident.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
654NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.46A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
Auto-Owners consistently offers some of the lowest car insurance rates in every state where it operates. So drivers facing higher rates after an OVI conviction may find a good deal from the regional insurer. Auto-Owners will also file an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility with the state DMV. Drivers with OVIs typically have to file SR-22s for a few years, and not every insurer offers this service.
Pros
Will file an SR-22 on your behalf if needed
Consistently lower rates than many competitors
Cons
Must contact an independent agent to get a price quote
No online claims submission
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Columbus
“Every driver would benefit from an insurance review from a local insurance agent to determine the appropriate coverage limits for them,” says Eric Fisher, agent and owner of Outdoor AdvINSURE, an Ohio insurance brokerage.
You should also consider how factors like your credit history, driving record, when and where you drive, where you keep your car, and the car itself affect your rates.[1]
Next, compare quotes from a few different Columbus insurance companies. Rates can vary widely among insurers. While insurers generally consider the same rating factors, each has its own proprietary underwriting process.
Here are some ways to save money and lower your premiums:
Increase your deductibles. Raising your collision and comprehensive deductibles (there's no deductible for liability coverage) can help lower your car insurance rate. Just be sure you can afford your deductible in case of an accident.
Explore bundling. Buying multiple policies, like auto and home or renters, through the same company can yield a significant discount.
Improve your credit. Insurers use information in your credit record to generate a credit-based insurance score. These credit-based scores help insurers estimate your likelihood of filing a claim.
Apply for discounts. Insurers offer numerous types of discounts to help drivers lower their car insurance costs. You may qualify for more than one type.
Drive safely. Avoid speeding and other risky driving behaviors that increase your chances of getting into an accident.
Find Cheap Car Insurance in Columbus
Liability rates start at $51 per month
Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 12,558 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Columbus: Mile Auto
Liability-only car insurance is the minimum coverage most states require. It covers you if you cause an accident that injures passengers, other drivers, or pedestrians or damages their property.[2]
While bodily injury and property damage liability coverage won’t cover your own injuries or property damage in a crash you cause, it protects your assets against lawsuits by the people who suffered injuries or damage. Insurance professionals recommend you buy more than state-minimum liability coverage for a greater level of financial protection in case of an at-fault accident.
Liability insurance in Columbus costs $88 per month, on average. The companies listed below offer the cheapest car insurance policies for drivers looking for liability-only coverage in Columbus.
The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Monday, March 9 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Mile Auto | $51 |
| Progressive | $56 |
| State Farm | $56 |
| Auto-Owners | $66 |
| Erie | $66 |
| GEICO | $71 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $71 |
| Safeco | $72 |
| USAA | $72 |
| The General | $76 |
| American Family | $81 |
| Nationwide | $84 |
| CSAA | $89 |
| Elephant | $95 |
| Direct Auto | $102 |
| Bristol West | $105 |
| GAINSCO | $109 |
| Root | $109 |
| Dairyland | $111 |
| Clearcover | $115 |
| National General | $117 |
| Allstate | $125 |
| Travelers | $135 |
| Farmers | $138 |
| Liberty Mutual | $142 |
| State Auto | $191 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Columbus car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Columbus may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Columbus: Mile Auto
Full-coverage car insurance means you have liability coverage as well as physical damage coverage for your vehicle. It includes collision and comprehensive coverages for damage from both collision and noncollision events.[2]
“A driver who finances a vehicle or has a lease must carry physical damage coverage on their vehicle,” says Fisher. “Otherwise, the coverage is optional.”
Columbus drivers pay a monthly average of $147 for full coverage-insurance. The following companies offer some of the cheapest average quotes available for full coverage.
The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Monday, March 9 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Mile Auto | $77 |
| State Farm | $92 |
| Auto-Owners | $107 |
| Erie | $107 |
| Progressive | $115 |
| Safeco | $117 |
| GEICO | $117 |
| USAA | $118 |
| American Family | $132 |
| Direct Auto | $136 |
| Nationwide | $137 |
| CSAA | $141 |
| Elephant | $143 |
| The General | $152 |
| National General | $173 |
| Root | $181 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $192 |
| Clearcover | $202 |
| Allstate | $203 |
| Liberty Mutual | $210 |
| Travelers | $220 |
| Farmers | $226 |
| Bristol West | $228 |
| GAINSCO | $236 |
| Dairyland | $261 |
| State Auto | $312 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Columbus car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Columbus may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest recent rates near Columbus, Ohio
Recent Columbus, Ohio car insurance prices for Nissan, Hyundai, Chevrolet , and more.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Columbus, Ohio within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 11, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from March 11, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Columbus, Ohio within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 11, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from March 11, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Car insurance requirements in Ohio
Ohio is a tort state, which means the insurer for the person at fault in an accident pays for the resulting damages. Ohio car insurance laws mandate the types and amount of insurance you must carry.[3]
Coverage | Minimum Requirements |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 for the injury/death of one individual / $50,000 for the injury/death of two or more individuals |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 per accident |
Minimum insurance requirements don’t always provide enough coverage to protect a driver fully.
“A person could have state-minimum liability coverage along with physical damage coverage and have full coverage, when in fact they have very poor coverage because of their low liability limits,” says Fisher.
It's usually a good idea to buy more liability coverage than the state requires. And, if you lease or finance your vehicle, your leasing company or lender will require you to buy full-coverage car insurance. The following optional coverages can provide even greater financial protection:
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance covers your injuries if you’re in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have liability coverage or doesn’t have enough liability coverage. This coverage can also pay for damages from a hit-and-run accident.
Medical payments coverage
MedPay covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, up to certain limits, for injuries you suffer in an accident, regardless of who’s at fault.
Roadside assistance coverage
Roadside assistance covers you if your car breaks down on the side of the road and you need assistance for a flat tire, dead battery, run out of gas, or need towing services.
Accident forgiveness
An at-fault accident can increase your car insurance rates by 26% or more upon policy renewal, Insurify data shows. But if you buy accident forgiveness coverage before something happens, your rates won't increase following your first accident.
Gap insurance
Cars depreciate quickly, so it's possible to owe more on a vehicle lease or loan than the car is actually worth. If you total your car, your claim payout may not be enough to cover your loan or lease balance. Gap insurance covers the difference between your claims payout and outstanding balance.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
An incident is an event that might affect your car insurance price. It could mean an at-fault accident, but not always. Moving violations, such as speeding tickets and OVIs, also affect your premiums because they indicate to the insurer that you’re more likely to file a claim.
Find Car Insurance in Columbus, Ohio
Monthly rates start at $51 for drivers with an incident
Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 12,558 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: Mile Auto
Speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2021, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.[4] Insurance companies raise prices for several years for drivers who have been caught speeding, but you can still get a good quote.
Columbus drivers with a speeding ticket pay $114 per month for liability coverage and $190 per month for full coverage. In the table below, you can see how liability-only rates compare for drivers with a clean record and drivers with speeding tickets.
The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Monday, March 9 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Clean Driving Record | With Speeding Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $56 | $72 |
| State Farm | $56 | $72 |
| Auto-Owners | $66 | $87 |
| Erie | $66 | $89 |
| GEICO | $71 | $94 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $71 | $85 |
| Safeco | $72 | $96 |
| USAA | $72 | $95 |
| The General | $76 | $103 |
| American Family | $81 | $107 |
| Nationwide | $84 | $111 |
| CSAA | $89 | $115 |
| Elephant | $95 | $116 |
| Direct Auto | $102 | $130 |
| Bristol West | $105 | $134 |
| GAINSCO | $109 | $132 |
| Root | $109 | $148 |
| Dairyland | $111 | $141 |
| Clearcover | $115 | $151 |
| National General | $117 | $148 |
| Allstate | $125 | $165 |
| Travelers | $135 | $178 |
| Farmers | $138 | $180 |
| Liberty Mutual | $142 | $184 |
| State Auto | $191 | $258 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Columbus car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Columbus may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: Mile Auto
Any kind of accident can result in a rate increase, but at-fault accidents have the strongest effect on your premiums. Liability insurance for Columbus drivers with an accident on their record costs $120 per month, on average.
The following insurers offer the lowest liability-only quotes for drivers with accidents on their driving record.
The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Monday, March 9 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Clean Driving Record | With Accident |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $56 | $77 |
| State Farm | $56 | $75 |
| Auto-Owners | $66 | $89 |
| Erie | $66 | $89 |
| GEICO | $71 | $94 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $71 | $95 |
| Safeco | $72 | $102 |
| USAA | $72 | $98 |
| The General | $76 | $106 |
| American Family | $81 | $110 |
| Nationwide | $84 | $115 |
| CSAA | $89 | $133 |
| Elephant | $95 | $126 |
| Direct Auto | $102 | $141 |
| Bristol West | $105 | $141 |
| GAINSCO | $109 | $142 |
| Root | $109 | $148 |
| Dairyland | $111 | $150 |
| Clearcover | $115 | $170 |
| National General | $117 | $158 |
| Allstate | $125 | $170 |
| Travelers | $135 | $185 |
| Farmers | $138 | $187 |
| Liberty Mutual | $142 | $192 |
| State Auto | $191 | $265 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Columbus car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Columbus may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an OVI: Progressive
Of all the incidents likely to increase your car insurance costs, OVIs typically have the most effect.[5] An OVI typically doubles your premium if you’re insured in Columbus, no matter what company you use. Columbus drivers with an OVI pay an average of $119 per month for minimum coverage. That average increases to $198 per month for full coverage.
The following insurers offer the cheapest minimum-coverage quotes for drivers with OVIs in Columbus.
The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Monday, March 9 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Clean Driving Record | With DUI |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $56 | $76 |
| State Farm | $56 | $79 |
| Auto-Owners | $66 | $94 |
| Erie | $66 | $93 |
| GEICO | $71 | $99 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $71 | $101 |
| Safeco | $72 | $109 |
| USAA | $72 | $102 |
| The General | $76 | $108 |
| American Family | $81 | $115 |
| Nationwide | $84 | $119 |
| CSAA | $89 | $126 |
| Elephant | $95 | $135 |
| Direct Auto | $102 | $145 |
| Bristol West | $105 | $149 |
| GAINSCO | $109 | $155 |
| Root | $109 | $155 |
| Dairyland | $111 | $157 |
| Clearcover | $115 | $163 |
| National General | $117 | $166 |
| Allstate | $125 | $177 |
| Travelers | $135 | $191 |
| Farmers | $138 | $196 |
| Liberty Mutual | $142 | $201 |
| State Auto | $191 | $253 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Columbus car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Columbus may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
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Read More: The 10 Best Car Insurance Companies
Cheapest car insurance for seniors: Mile Auto
Conventional wisdom says young drivers are riskier drivers, and that’s true, to a point. Teens pay higher premiums than other age groups, but rates generally decrease around age 25. But prices begin to climb again once a driver reaches age 70 due to higher accident risks for seniors. Still, senior drivers pay less than the average driver, according to Insurify data.
Senior drivers in Columbus pay an average of $75 per month for liability insurance. Explore rates for senior drivers in the table below.
The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Monday, March 9 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Mile Auto | $40 | $60 |
| State Farm | $44 | $72 |
| Progressive | $48 | $98 |
| Erie | $50 | $81 |
| Auto-Owners | $52 | $84 |
| GEICO | $56 | $92 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $57 | $153 |
| USAA | $58 | $95 |
| Safeco | $62 | $101 |
| The General | $63 | $127 |
| Nationwide | $64 | $104 |
| American Family | $64 | $105 |
| CSAA | $71 | $113 |
| Elephant | $78 | $117 |
| Direct Auto | $82 | $109 |
| Bristol West | $87 | $188 |
| Root | $90 | $150 |
| National General | $91 | $135 |
| GAINSCO | $92 | $199 |
| Dairyland | $93 | $219 |
| Clearcover | $100 | $176 |
| Allstate | $101 | $163 |
| Travelers | $107 | $174 |
| Farmers | $108 | $178 |
| Liberty Mutual | $118 | $174 |
| State Auto | $144 | $235 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Columbus car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Columbus may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for teens: Mile Auto
Teen drivers pay higher car insurance rates than other age groups, with premiums 45% to 50% higher than average in Columbus. Their lack of experience behind the wheel and high accident rates make them riskier for insurance companies to insure, which leads higher prices.
Teen drivers in Columbus pay monthly averages of $188 for liability coverage and $313 for full coverage.
Despite the higher averages, insurance companies provide teens with various ways to reduce their costs, including staying on their parents’ insurance policies, driving an inexpensive car, and keeping their grades up to earn a good student discount.[6] Keep in mind that drivers younger than 18 can't legally buy their own policies without the written consent of a parent or guardian.
The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Monday, March 9 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Mile Auto | $113 | $171 |
| State Farm | $118 | $193 |
| Progressive | $119 | $245 |
| Erie | $131 | $213 |
| GEICO | $138 | $228 |
| Auto-Owners | $143 | $232 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $143 | $387 |
| USAA | $145 | $237 |
| The General | $145 | $290 |
| Safeco | $157 | $254 |
| CSAA | $163 | $258 |
| American Family | $166 | $271 |
| Nationwide | $178 | $290 |
| Elephant | $183 | $275 |
| Bristol West | $204 | $443 |
| Root | $205 | $341 |
| Dairyland | $208 | $489 |
| Clearcover | $208 | $365 |
| Direct Auto | $212 | $283 |
| GAINSCO | $216 | $468 |
| National General | $256 | $378 |
| Allstate | $267 | $434 |
| Liberty Mutual | $273 | $403 |
| Farmers | $297 | $486 |
| Travelers | $302 | $492 |
| State Auto | $495 | $809 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Columbus car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Columbus may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
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Columbus car insurance quotes by credit tier
Ohio insurance companies can use your credit information to generate a credit-based insurance score that estimates your risk of filing a claim. Credit is just one of many factors insurers use when evaluating how risky you are to insure.[7]
As you can see in the chart below, higher credit scores correlate with lower premiums, while drivers with bad credit scores typically pay higher premiums.
Rates by Credit Tier
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Is car insurance more expensive in Columbus?
Location is a major factor in how much you pay for insurance. Premiums vary from one ZIP code to the next, based on vehicle crime and accident rates, for example.
Columbus drivers pay more than the national average for car insurance. And they pay more than residents of most other Ohio cities Insurify looked at — Canton in particular. But you’ll pay less in Columbus than if you lived in Toledo.
More cities in Ohio
Here’s a look at the average monthly quotes for popular cities in Ohio and how they compare to Columbus’s average.
City | Full Coverage | Liability Only |
|---|---|---|
| Canton | $113 | $71 |
| Cincinnati | $138 | $81 |
| Cleveland | $145 | $81 |
| Dayton | $125 | $71 |
| Hamilton | $124 | $76 |
| Toledo | $141 | $85 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time Columbus quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
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Check Out: Car Insurance Rates by State
Columbus car insurance FAQs
Finding the right car insurance coverage can be difficult. Check out the answers to some frequently asked questions about car insurance in Columbus.
How much is car insurance in Columbus?
The overall average cost of car insurance in Columbus is $118 per month. Drivers pay $88 per month for liability-only coverage and $147 per month for a full-coverage policy. Your rates ultimately depend on your driving record, credit history, marital status, age, location, and more.
Which company has the cheapest car insurance in Columbus?
Mile Auto has the cheapest car insurance in Columbus, with monthly liability rates as low as $51. Progressive and State Farm also offer affordable coverage, with respective monthly liability rates of $56 and $56.
But the cheapest insurer for you will depend on many factors, such as your age, ZIP code, the type of car you drive, and the coverage levels you choose.
What are the best car insurance companies in Columbus?
State Farm is the best car insurance company in Columbus, with an IQ Score of 9.3 out of 5 and an AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior). It’s followed closely by Erie, with an IQ Score of 8.2 and an AM Best financial strength rating of A+ (Superior).
What factors affect the cost of car insurance in Columbus?
Like in any city, factors like your ZIP code, driving record, age, credit record, and more affect the cost of car insurance in Columbus. Be sure to drive safely, keep your driving record clean, and maintain a good credit score to keep your auto insurance rates low. If you want to lower your rates further, shop around for car insurance and apply for discounts.
How much car insurance do you need in Ohio?
Ohio’s liability insurance requirements are at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, along with $25,000 per accident in property damage liability. Ohio drivers must also purchase uninsured motorist coverage with coverage levels equal to the minimum liability limits.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- NOLO. "Types of Car Insurance Coverage."
- Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. "Mandatory Insurance."
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "Speeding."
- NOLO. "DUI-Related Accidents and Car Insurance."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Auto insurance for teen drivers."
- Ohio Department of Insurance. "How Credit Information Can Impact Insurance Premium Amounts."
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Daria Kelly UhligHome Insurance Writer, Realtor
Licensed Realtor with 10+ years in personal finance content
Contributor to Nasdaq and USA Today
Daria is a licensed Realtor and resort property manager specializing in personal finance, real estate, and insurance topics. In her spare time, she practices photography.
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Daria is a licensed Realtor and resort property manager specializing in personal finance, real estate, and insurance topics. In her spare time, she practices photography.
Danny SmithInsurance Writer
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years in content creation and marketing
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
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Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert
As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.