120+ more*Quotes generated for Insurify users from Ohio within the last 10 days. Last updated on August 3, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users from Ohio within the last 10 days. Last updated on August 3, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
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Co-hosts the Money Talks News podcast
MBA from Utah State University
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
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Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
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NPN: 20461358
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Updated
If you total your car or someone steals it in Ohio, your car insurance company typically pays only the vehicle’s actual cash value. ACV is how much your car is worth, factoring in depreciation. If you finance or lease your car, your insurance payout likely won’t cover the total cost of your loan or lease balance.
Gap insurance is an optional coverage that helps cover your remaining loan balance after you total your car. That way, you don’t have to keep making payments on a vehicle you no longer have. Here’s what you need to know about gap insurance in Ohio.
Ohio drivers frequently finance new vehicles, making gap insurance worthwhile for people with a large loan balance.
Your insurer might consider your car a total loss after a serious collision, theft, flood, or other covered event. You’re responsible for paying any remaining loan balance, even if you don’t have the car anymore.
State Farm offers one of the best values for gap insurance in Ohio, averaging $1.58 per month when added to a qualifying policy.
Gap insurance costs, coverage options, customer experience, and overall premiums can differ between insurers. Comparing companies helps you find both affordable auto insurance and inexpensive gap protection.
The table below shows the best companies for gap insurance in Ohio and what each is best for.
Gap Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1.58 | Overall value |
| Erie | $1.83 | Customer satisfaction |
| Auto-Owners | $1.85 | Local service |
| Progressive | $1.93 | Online policy management |
| GEICO | $2.00 | National availability |
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| 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. | $36/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. | $61/mo |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.3 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.7 | 2.9 |
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.
State Farm combines some of Ohio’s cheapest full-coverage premiums with low-cost gap insurance. Drivers financing a new vehicle can often add gap coverage for less than $2 per month. The company’s large local agent network also makes policy and claims management easy.
Low average full-coverage premiums in Ohio
Gap coverage averages $1.58 per month
Extensive network of local Ohio agents
Gap insurance not available as a stand-alone policy
Fewer optional coverages than some competitors
Must maintain qualifying comprehensive and collision coverage
| 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. | $42/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. | $72/mo |
Erie Insurance's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.2 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.7 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.8 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.0 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.7 | 2.9 |
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.
Headquartered in neighboring Pennsylvania, Erie has a strong presence throughout Ohio. The company consistently earns high marks for claims satisfaction. It also has some of the state’s lowest rates and inexpensive gap coverage, making it attractive for drivers financing newer vehicles.
Competitive premiums in Ohio
Strong regional claims reputation
Affordable gap coverage averaging $1.83 per month
If you relocate, it might not be available in your new state
Coverage availability varies by policy
Independent agent model may not appeal to online shoppers
| 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. | $42/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. | $72/mo |
Auto-Owners's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.6 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.6 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.5 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the friendly service and quick claims process but dislike the constant rate increases and perceived inflexibility in pricing.
Auto-Owners has built a loyal following across the Midwest, including Ohio. Drivers who prefer working with independent agents often appreciate the company’s personalized service. Combined with low average full-coverage premiums and affordable gap coverage, Auto-Owners is a great choice if you lease or finance your car.
Low average Ohio premiums
Gap coverage averages $1.85 per month
Strong relationships with local independent agents
Online tools aren’t as robust as some national insurers
Quotes typically require working with an agent
Availability depends on participating agencies
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 648 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 8.7 /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. | $41/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. | $75/mo |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
Progressive is one of Ohio’s largest auto insurers and offers an easy online purchasing experience. Its gap coverage is competitively priced, making it a good choice for drivers who want digital policy management with affordable premiums.
Convenient online quote and policy tools
Competitive rates in Ohio
Gap coverage averages $1.93 per month
Premiums can increase significantly after claims
Customer service experiences vary
Gap insurance availability depends on vehicle
| 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. | 9.2 /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. | $46/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. | $78/mo |
GEICO's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.0 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.8 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
Drivers looking for a nationally recognized insurer with competitive pricing may find GEICO appealing. Although its gap coverage costs slightly more than some regional companies, it has some of Ohio’s most affordable premiums.
Check quotes from 120+ top insurance companies
Nationwide availability
Competitive Ohio premiums
Easy digital claims process
Gap coverage costs an average of $2 per month
Limited local agent presence
Fewer personalized service options than regional insurers
Gap insurance helps pay the difference between your vehicle’s ACV and your outstanding auto loan balance if your insurer declares your vehicle a total loss.[1] New vehicles depreciate quickly, and many Ohio drivers owe more on their loans than their cars are worth within the first few years of ownership.
Here’s how the gap insurance claims process typically works:
You total your car in an accident, or someone steals your car, and you can’t recover it.
Your auto insurer pays your vehicle’s ACV, minus your deductible.
If you owe more on your loan or lease than your ACV payment, your gap insurance payout helps cover the remaining balance.
You avoid making payments on a vehicle you no longer own.
Most insurers offer gap insurance only if you have both comprehensive and collision coverage.
Get full coverage from top insurers in Ohio, starting at an average of $55 per month
Gap insurance is one of the least expensive auto insurance endorsements available. Ohio insurers charge an average of $3 per month to add gap coverage to an existing auto policy.
Mile Auto offers the lowest average costs, at $1.35 per month, while State Auto’s average is $5.30 per month. Gap insurance is relatively inexpensive compared to paying thousands of dollars out of pocket after a total loss. Even at the higher end, most drivers can add gap coverage for less than $70 per year.
Gap insurance helps cover the balance of your loan or lease if you total your car or if someone steals it. But it doesn’t pay for everything. The table below outlines what gap insurance does and doesn’t cover after a covered total loss.
Gap Insurance Covers | Gap Insurance Doesn’t Cover |
|---|---|
| Remaining loan or lease balance after an ACV settlement | Your insurance deductible (unless included) |
| Negative equity caused by depreciation | Vehicle repairs after a non-total-loss accident |
| Covered total losses from collisions, theft, or comprehensive claims | Missed loan payments or late fees |
| Eligible lease deficiencies | Extended warranties, maintenance plans, or rolled-in financing |
Drivers sometimes mistakenly believe full-coverage insurance automatically pays off their loan. In reality, full coverage pays only the vehicle’s market value at the time of the loss.
For example, suppose you purchase a new SUV for $42,000. But two years later, you totaled it in an accident. Your insurer determines the SUV’s actual cash value is $31,000, but you still owe $36,000 on your loan. Without gap insurance, you’d owe the remaining $5,000 out of pocket. But gap insurance would help cover the difference.
Many Ohio drivers assume that having full coverage means they have full protection after a total loss. Unfortunately, that’s not always true.
Full-coverage car insurance covers theft and damage from collisions and severe weather. It would pay out your vehicle’s AVC if you total it. But it doesn’t eliminate your remaining loan balance. You’d need gap insurance to cover the difference between your AVC payout and the amount you owe on your loan.
The table below highlights some key differences between full coverage and gap insurance.
Coverage Feature | Full Coverage | Gap Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Covers collision damage | Yes | No |
| Covers theft and comprehensive claims | Yes | No |
| Pays actual cash value after a total loss | Yes | No |
| Pays remaining loan or lease balance | No | Yes |
| Usually required by lenders | Often required | Sometimes recommended |
Together, full coverage and gap insurance offer more complete financial protection for financed and leased vehicles.
Ohio law doesn’t require drivers to purchase gap insurance.[2] But lenders or leasing companies may require it as part of your financing agreement.
Here are some situations when gap insurance makes the most sense:
You financed a vehicle with little or no down payment. Small down payments mean you build equity more slowly. You’d likely have a larger balance remaining if you totaled your car.
You have a long-term auto loan. Loans lasting 72 months or longer often leave borrowers underwater for several years. You’d still owe any remaining balance if you total your car, no matter how long is left on your loan.
You lease a vehicle. Many lease agreements require you to buy gap insurance.
You purchased a vehicle that depreciates quickly. Some vehicles lose value much faster than others during the first few years.
You rolled negative equity into a new loan. If you owed money on a previous vehicle, you may owe substantially more than your current vehicle is worth.
Many drivers finance vehicles with longer loan terms, making negative equity more common. Gap insurance can provide valuable financial protection during those early years when your car depreciates the most.
On the other hand, you may not need gap insurance if you’ve nearly paid off your loan, made a substantial down payment, or your vehicle is worth more than your remaining loan balance.
Compare quotes from top insurers and save money today
Ohio drivers have several options for purchasing gap insurance. While dealerships commonly offer it during the financing process, buying coverage through your auto insurer is often the least expensive option.
Gap Insurance Source | Pros | Cons | Add-On or Stand-Alone? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car dealership | Convenient at purchase, immediately available | Usually most expensive, interest may be financed | Stand-alone |
| Auto insurance company | Lowest cost, easy to add | Requires qualifying coverage, eligibility rules | Endorsement |
| Bank | Convenient with financing, may satisfy lender | Limited choices, can cost more | Usually stand-alone |
| Credit union | Competitive financing, sometimes lower fees | Not every credit union offers it | Usually stand-alone |
| Online insurer | Easy comparison shopping, quick policy changes | Not every insurer offers gap coverage | Usually endorsement |
Below, we answer some common questions drivers have about gap insurance in Ohio.
No. Ohio law doesn’t require drivers to buy gap insurance. But your lender or leasing company may require you to purchase it if you finance or lease your car. Even if Ohio doesn’t require it, gap insurance can provide valuable financial protection if you total your vehicle before you pay off your loan.
If your insurer declares your vehicle a total loss after an accident or theft, it pays out your car’s actual cash value (ACV). If that amount is less than your remaining loan or lease balance, gap insurance helps pay the difference so you aren’t responsible for paying off a vehicle you no longer have.
Gap insurance in Ohio costs an average of $3 per month to add to a full-coverage policy. Mile Auto offers the cheapest gap insurance in Ohio, at an average of $1 per month. But costs vary depending on the insurer, vehicle, and whether you purchase the coverage through your insurance company, lender, or dealership.
In Ohio, auto insurance generally follows the vehicle rather than the driver. If someone has your permission to drive your insured vehicle, your policy typically provides primary coverage. But coverage limits, exclusions, and individual circumstances can affect how your insurer handles claims, so review your policy carefully.
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Co-hosts the Money Talks News podcast
MBA from Utah State University
Featured in
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Featured in
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
Featured in
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