Best Columbus, OH Auto Insurance in 2024

Are you in need of cheap auto insurance in Columbus, OH? Look no further! This guide will give you all you need to know about auto insurance in your area.

Columbus isn’t just the capital of Ohio; it is also the state’s most populous city. It was chosen as the capital because of its strategic location on both the National Highway and the National Canal systems.

Currently, Columbus is the home of such prosperous industries as insurance, technology, education, and research. Between the college town atmosphere, the good schools, and affordable housing, Columbus has earned many awards as an all-American city.

Fun fact: have you heard that Columbus is #16 on the list of “Top 100 biggest cities”?

This guide to auto insurance in Columbus, Ohio, covers all you need to know before making a decision about auto insurance or insurance companies in Columbus, Ohio.

We talk about rates, compare auto insurance companies, and go over factors that influence your rates and state auto insurance. By the end, you’ll know all you need to know to make a decision about auto insurance in Columbus and how to find affordable auto insurance.

Our goal is to make you informed so you can find the cheapest auto insurance in Columbus, Ohio. You can use some of the factors we talk about like driving records and credit scores to get cheap auto insurance in Columbus, Ohio.

While you can always try to get cheap car insurance in Columbus, Ohio, without knowing specific factors, it always helps to know the factors that influence rates to give yourself enough information to make an informed decision about what rates and what company to go with.

Getting cheap auto insurance in Columbus, Ohio, requires knowledge of the factors that affect your rates and finding the best avenue to find that cheap insurance. involves being aware of how different companies give different rates, often for the very same factor like driving record.

Reading this article will give you the information to know when you’re being ripped off and should try another company.

There are exceptions, of course. If you’re ready to get some free auto insurance quotes for drivers in Columbus, Ohio, simply enter your ZIP code into our online quote comparison tool. It’s an easy and fast way to find out the best insurance options in your area.

Auto Insurance Coverage Requirements in Ohio

Driving legally in Columbus requires:

Remember: Liability coverage only protects you from accidents and other forms of vehicle damage that you are deemed responsible for. This includes property damage liability insurance coverage that pays for any damage you caused or were found at-fault for. But if someone else hits you, or if an act of nature damages your vehicle, you may end up paying for everything to get fixed or replaced.

Maintaining coverage in Ohio might cost your average motorist around $77 each month. But right now, you can shop around and find coverage for $32/month! You can also learn more about Ohio auto insurance here.

If you’re shopping around for the absolute lowest premium, either Ohio Mutual or State Farm is your best bet. Check out our State Farm insurance review for more information about that company.

But be sure to look into a company before you switch. Basing your decision on price alone could leave you with less than optimal customer service, or a poor claim-filing experience.

Auto insurance providers consider many elements when calculating insurance rates, including driving experience, geography, credit score/rating, education, and business use of the vehicle.

Also, keep in mind that premiums can vary from company to company. To make sure you’re still receiving the most affordable premium, do a comparison of cheap Columbus auto insurance estimates on the web.

Major Auto Insurance Factors in Columbus

There is a wide array of numerous things that might factor into the rate quotes you are given. While many specific factors aren’t really anything you can do something about, a few of them are factors that you can change for the better. Here are a few elements that might change your automobile insurance premium.

Your Zipcode Impacts Your Auto Insurance Rates

Your auto insurance rates can vary depending on where you call home. Usually, populous areas possess increased auto insurance rates since the additional amount of drivers on the highway increases the chance of a auto accident! The total population of Columbus amounts to 823,000 and the normal household income is $44,426.

Automotive Accidents Can Be Costly When You Are At-Fault

No matter where you live if accident rates are high on the roads you drive each day, then your provider will likely raise premiums for your area. In the chart below, you can see what statistics are for your zip code. If these numbers seem high, talk to your provider about ways to lower your rate, such as Safe Driver discounts.

Auto Thefts Cause Auto Insurance Rates to Rise

Vehicle theft can be a serious problem, particularly in densely populated locations. If your location and/or vehicle model place you at a higher risk for theft, you might have issues obtaining low-cost auto insurance.

The total number of stolen automobiles in 2011 was 3,615 for the city of Columbus. Because auto theft rates are so high, you might want to make sure you have some Comprehensive coverage on your policy—even if it raises your premiums.

Your Credit Score Changes Auto Insurance Rates by Thousands of Dollars

Some companies, such as The General, specialize in giving drivers with poor credit a bit of a financial break on their monthly premiums. Other companies, however, consider these types of motorists to be a “high risk” driver—and might double their premiums or more.

Credit scores are one of those factors that have a large impact on auto insurance rates. Often, a poor credit score can lead to rates hundreds, if not thousands of dollars higher than some with a good credit score or even an excellent credit score. There are some states with better or worse credit scores than others.

Age Determines Your Level of Risk for Auto Insurance Companies

Another high-risk group of drivers is young drivers with less experience behind the wheel. There are discounts for students with good grades and those who have taken driving courses, but the rates still might be high. And companies like Ohio Mutual might refuse to cover young drivers at all.

Your Driving Record Is the Auto Insurance Factor Everyone Agrees On

Most automotive insurance companies consider your driving record as a potential predictor of whether you will need to file claims in the future. Therefore, motorists with a checkered past on their record might end up paying higher premiums. But there are Accident Forgiveness and similar discounts available which could lower your rate.

Driving record is also one of the few factors every state values when it comes to auto insurance rates.

Although some states are prohibiting demographic factors like marital status or location based on ZIP code, every state allows auto insurance companies to factor driving record when setting insurance rates.

Your Vehicle Determines the Cost of Repairs to Your Insurance Company

Safety features and car alarms might help lower your monthly rate, but the biggest factor involves how much it will cost to fix or replace your vehicle, and how much coverage you will need to purchase in order to do so. This is why a luxury vehicle will cost much more to insure than an older, used sedan.

Minor Auto Insurance Factors in Columbus

The factors below might only influence your monthly payment by a few dollars or less, but together they can make an impact. We cover five factors here, including marital status and driving distance to work.

Your Marital Status Create Opportunities for More Auto Insurance Discounts

There isn’t that much of a price difference between married and single drivers, but married individuals can easily bundle multiple discounts with their spouses. And the more you bundle, the more you can save.

Your Gender Factors Into Your Auto Insurance Risk Profile

Who do you think gets charged more for insurance: men, or women? The answer is, it depends on the company. Some companies will charge male drivers more, while others will give discounts to females. Many companies don’t bother to change rates based on gender at all.

Often, insurance companies react to evidence that males are more risky drivers, which would lead to more claims and cost the insurance company money. So, auto insurance rates are generally higher for males, though this has changed a little bit in recent years.

Your Driving Distance to Work Increases Possibilities for Auto Accidents

Like many large cities, Columbus can sport some lengthy commute times. Average commutes can last as long as 16-23 minutes, but they can be longer if you live farther in the outskirts.

Around 76 percent of motorists drive their own vehicle alone into work, while up to 20 percent carpool.

Many insurance companies view driving distance to work or commute distance as indicative that a driver will drive a certain amount of miles per year.

The idea is that drivers who drive more have great opportunities for an accident and making a claim, which costs the auto insurance company money. Are you wondering about those questions your insurance company asks you about things like “yearly mileage” or “use of the vehicle”?

Well, don’t lose too much sleep over it. Other than business vehicles, which can see as much as a 10-12 percent increase in premiums, you’d have to make some drastic changes in your driving habits just to see a small discount.

Your Coverage and Deductibles Directly Impact Your Insurance Rates

Changing your deductible is a quick and easy way to alter your monthly payment, but it can also be a gamble. The best strategy is to save some money, just in case you have to pay that deductible when filing a claim.

Education Can Lower Your Auto  Insurance Rate

A solid 90 percent of residents have successfully achieved their high school diploma, while another 35 percent have gone on to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Drivers with a college degree are in a good position to save money on their auto insurance because providers have begun offering lower rates to drivers with advanced degrees in recent years.

Columbus is home to Ohio State University, a major institution for higher learning locally as well as on the national level. Students can earn a bachelor’s degree, a graduate degree, or a doctorate. It also offers a branch facility for students who would rather pursue an associate’s degree. Other four-year institutions in the area include Capital University, Franklin University, and the Columbus College of Art and Design.

Obtaining inexpensive auto insurance can be a challenge. There’s a lot of information you need to consider, and figuring out the way in which insurance providers assess your probable risk may be complex.

Don’t let an insurance agent talk you into spending more than you need to. Do you research, compare quotes, know what discounts you quality for, and get the coverage that is best for your driving and vehicle use.

Check out this helpful guide: 10 Key Ways College Students Can Save Money on Auto Insurance

How We Conducted Our Auto Insurance Analysis

We calculated our average rate based on the following metrics: a married, 34-year-old male with good credit, a 12-month history of maintaining auto insurance, a clean driving record, who owns his own home.

Miles driven annually were based on the national average. The average rate was also calculated based on a financed 2015 Honda Accord with a pre-installed anti-theft device.

Comparing rates from different companies is the quickest and easiest way to save on auto insurance. Plug your ZIP code into our free quote tool to get the best rates in your area and coverages personalized for your insurance needs.