On average, homeowners in Columbus, Ohio, pay $145 per month for a home insurance policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage.
The city’s mix of older homes, frequent wind and hailstorms, and occasional flooding near the Scioto and Olentangy rivers all influence coverage needs and costs. Neighborhood factors like crime rates and home values also affect what you pay, so it’s crucial to shop around for quotes and compare policies carefully.
Here’s what you need to know about getting home insurance in Columbus.
Farmers offers the cheapest average rates for Columbus homeowners, at $85.
Common risks in Columbus include wind, hail, tornadoes, and flooding.
On average, home insurance in Columbus costs $1,740 per year for a $300,000 dwelling coverage policy.
Best home insurance companies in Columbus
Many reputable insurance companies serve homeowners in Columbus. The best insurance company for you depends on your unique situation, including your home’s age, location, risk level, and budget. Below are five good choices to start your search for homeowners insurance in the Columbus area.
Buckeye Insurance Group: Best for budget-minded homeowners
Buckeye Insurance Group is based in Ohio and has deep regional roots. The company offers home insurance policies across Ohio and the rest of the Midwest through a network of local independent agents. The company also offers some of the lowest home insurance rates available to Ohio homeowners.
Local agents understand Columbus market and risks
Service-line and equipment breakdown coverage available as add-ons
Cheap average rates in Columbus
Limited information on coverage and available discounts online
Not included in many large consumer-satisfaction rankings, making comparison difficult
No advertised discounts
USAA: Best for military families or veterans
| 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 /10 |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 737 |
| $300,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $121/mo |
| $500,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $171/mo |
More than 800,000 veterans, military members, and reservists live in Ohio — many of whom live in Columbus — and they may be eligible for homeowners insurance through USAA. The company consistently scores very high for claims satisfaction, customer service, and financial strength.
While USAA restricts access to eligible military members, veterans, and their families, homeowners who qualify have access to excellent coverage and service.
Covers uniforms with no deductible for active-duty members
AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior)
High J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating
Available only to military members and eligible family
No local agents or financial centers in Columbus for in-person service
Low Trustpilot rating
State Farm: Best for in-person service and integrated coverages
| 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 |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 643 |
| $300,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $152/mo |
| $500,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $203/mo |
State Farm is the largest homeowners insurance company in the U.S. when measured by premiums written, and it has a strong presence in Columbus. This makes it a good choice if you want in-person service and the option to bundle home, auto, and life insurance with one company.
Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating
Good combination of policy options and add-ons
Optional inflation endorsement
Below-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction rating
Limited homeowners insurance discounts compared to some competitors
No live chat customer service
Travelers: Best for newer homes and high-net-worth homeowners
| 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. | 7.8 /10 |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 609 |
| $300,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $115/mo |
| $500,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $188/mo |
Travelers is a good choice if your home is newer and you value upgrade-friendly extra coverages, such as energy efficiency or high-value personal property. The company offers extensive coverage options that you can tailor to meet your needs. If you’re a high-net-worth homeowner, you may also want to purchase umbrella insurance to protect your assets from claims.
AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior)
Discounts available for LEED-certified “green homes”
Many available add-ons
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating
Low Better Business Bureau (BBB) customer review rating
Higher average premiums than some competitors
Nationwide: Best for comprehensive policy features
| 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 |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 641 |
| $300,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $204/mo |
| $500,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $297/mo |
Nationwide stands out for its extensive policy features and strong financial ratings. While its average premiums are on the higher side for Columbus homeowners, it can be a good choice if you have a high-value home or want extra coverage. Nationwide has solid coverage options for add-ons, like identity theft protection and home-share liability.
AM Best financial rating of A+ (Superior)
Offers free annual reviews to ensure coverage keeps up with your needs
Unique policy options, like credit card coverage and better roof replacement
Higher-than-average rates in Columbus
Below-average overall J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating
May not be a fit for homeowners with simpler needs and smaller homes
Our editorial team analyzed regional and national home insurance companies that sell policies in Columbus to assess which offer the best rates, coverage options, customer service, and savings to homeowners. We prioritized competitive rates, 24/7 customer service, homeownership discounts or bundling options, and specialty or supplemental coverages.
How much is home insurance in Columbus?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Columbus is $145 per month, which is just about even with the Ohio state average of $148.
Your premium will depend on several factors, including your home’s age, size, and construction materials. Your credit and claims history also play a part.[1]
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Cheapest home insurance companies in Columbus
Several insurance companies offer affordable homeowners insurance for Columbus residents. But insurance rates vary depending partly on how much coverage you need. The table below shows some of the cheapest home insurance companies in Columbus at different dwelling coverage limits.
Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Farmers | $732 |
| Allstate | $972 |
| Travelers | $1,032 |
| USAA | $1,116 |
| Foremost | $1,188 |
| American Family | $1,260 |
| Westfield | $1,332 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,344 |
| State Farm | $1,464 |
| Erie | $1,788 |
| Nationwide | $1,920 |
| Encompass | $2,100 |
Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Farmers | $1,020 |
| Allstate | $1,248 |
| Travelers | $1,380 |
| USAA | $1,452 |
| American Family | $1,596 |
| Westfield | $1,608 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,728 |
| Foremost | $1,776 |
| State Farm | $1,824 |
| Erie | $2,436 |
| Nationwide | $2,448 |
| Encompass | $2,832 |
Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $1,716 |
| Farmers | $1,764 |
| USAA | $2,052 |
| Westfield | $2,112 |
| American Family | $2,232 |
| Travelers | $2,256 |
| State Farm | $2,436 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,592 |
| Foremost | $3,384 |
| Erie | $3,492 |
| Nationwide | $3,564 |
| Encompass | $4,344 |
Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,340 |
| USAA | $2,760 |
| Farmers | $2,772 |
| Westfield | $2,796 |
| American Family | $2,952 |
| Travelers | $3,168 |
| State Farm | $3,180 |
| Auto-Owners | $3,432 |
| Nationwide | $4,812 |
| Erie | $4,824 |
| Encompass | $5,892 |
| Foremost | $5,904 |
How much homeowners insurance do you need in Columbus?
The amount of homeowners insurance coverage you need depends on your home’s replacement cost, or the amount it’d take to rebuild your house if it were completely destroyed by a fire or other disaster. This isn’t the same as its market value, which also includes the value of the land and reflects the desirability of your home’s location.
To estimate how much dwelling coverage you need, multiply the square footage of your home by the local per-square-foot building costs. You can usually get that figure from a local real estate agent or builders association. Your insurance agent can also recommend a coverage limit.[2]
In Columbus, your home may be at risk for wind damage, hailstorms, tornadoes, and flood damage. Review your policy’s coverages and deductibles to understand what is and isn’t covered. Keep in mind that a standard homeowners insurance policy doesn’t cover flood damage, so you may want to add that coverage if you live near the Scioto or Olentangy rivers.
Most homeowners insurance policies cover your personal belongings at 50%–70% of your dwelling limit. You may want to take an inventory of your belongings to determine whether you need higher limits or special coverage for high-value items like jewelry, artwork, and collectibles.[2]
Lastly, you should consider additional living expenses coverage. If your home becomes uninhabitable after a covered peril, additional living expenses coverage helps cover the cost of food and hotels.
What to know about home insurance in Columbus, Ohio
As a homeowner in Columbus, you should be aware of several factors that influence your insurance needs and costs.
First, property values in the city have risen in recent years, which can make replacement costs and insurance premiums higher. It’s a good idea to review your dwelling coverage limit at least annually to make sure it’s enough to protect you in the event of a catastrophic claim.
Weather is another factor that affects the cost of insuring your home. Columbus experiences frequent wind and hailstorms, which a standard homeowners insurance policy typically covers. But it doesn’t include damage from flooding. So if your home sits in a flood-prone area, you may need to buy separate coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurance company.
Columbus’s winter weather also poses risks like frozen pipes or roof damage from heavy snow. Standard home insurance policies usually cover these kinds of claims, but you can reduce your risk by insulating pipes and maintaining your roof.
Keeping your homeowners insurance limits up to date, adding supplemental coverage where needed, and maintaining your home to minimize preventable claims can keep the cost of coverage manageable over time.
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Average cost of home insurance in other cities in Ohio
Home insurance rates vary across the Buckeye State and even between ZIP codes in the same city. Factors like a neighborhood’s crime rate, proximity to a fire station, and exposure to wind or hail all affect pricing.[1]
The table below shows the average annual cost of homeowners insurance in other major Ohio cities so you can see how Columbus compares.
City | Average Annual Premium: With $300,000 in Dwelling Coverage |
|---|---|
| Akron | $1,596 |
| Cleveland | $1,608 |
| Canton | $1,632 |
| Youngstown | $1,704 |
| Columbus | $1,740 |
| Toledo | $1,740 |
| Cincinnati | $1,776 |
| Dayton | $1,824 |
Columbus homeowners insurance FAQs
Home insurance costs and coverage needs vary. Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about pricing and coverage from Columbus homeowners.
The average cost of home insurance in Columbus is $145 per month for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage, according to Insurify data. Optional coverages like flood insurance or sewer backup protection increase your total premiums, but they may offer helpful protection for your home and belongings.
Farmers offers the cheapest homeowners insurance rates in Columbia, with an average monthly premium of $85. Keep in mind that your actual premium will vary depending on your home’s size, location, and other factors.
The best insurance company for you depends on your needs. If you’re a military family, USAA may be the best fit, as it generally offers affordable rates, excellent customer service, and unique coverage geared toward active-duty members of the U.S. military and veterans.
State Farm is another good insurer if you prefer in-person service from a local agent. And Buckeye Insurance Group is a good choice if you want a local, small company.
Columbus homeowners should consider purchasing a flood policy through the NFIP or a private insurance company. Columbus has a major risk of flooding, with more than 9% of properties at risk of flooding in the next 30 years.[3]
Sewer and drain backup and equipment breakdown coverage can also help protect your home and belongings from damage not included in a standard homeowners insurance policy.
It’s a good idea to review your policy once per year or after major changes like a remodel or home addition. Rising construction costs and changing needs can affect the amount of coverage you need, so regular reviews help ensure your coverage still matches your home’s replacement value.
Yes. Your ZIP code does affect the cost of your homeowners insurance. Insurance companies calculate rates based partially on local risk factors like crime rates, exposure to extreme weather events, and proximity to fire hydrants and stations.
Sources
- III. "12 Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Costs."
- III. "How much homeowners insurance do I need?."
- First Street. "Columbus Flooding Risk."
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