The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Columbus, Ohio, in 2025
The cheapest car insurance company in Columbus, Ohio, is Mile Auto, averaging just $52 per month.
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Written byMandy Sleight
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Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.
Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.
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Edited byNick Versaw
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Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
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In This Article
Car insurance in Columbus averages $120 per month, well above the statewide average. The capital city of Ohio has the second-highest population density in the state,[1] along with higher-than-average traffic congestion, accident rates,[2] vehicle theft, and crime rates — all of which help to drive up insurance premiums.
Still, many companies offer rates well below the citywide average. For example, Mile Auto, State Farm, and Auto-Owners have the cheapest average auto insurance rates, starting at $52 per month for basic coverage.
In this article, we’ll break down the cheapest insurers in Columbus by various demographics and coverage types. We’ll also cover how to pick the right company and ways to save on car insurance costs.
Key Takeaways
Mile Auto is the cheapest auto insurance company in Columbus, with an average liability rate of $52 per month.
Car insurance rates average $91 per month for liability and $149 for full coverage in Columbus.
Ohio drivers are required to have a minimum of 25/50/25 liability coverage to drive legally in the Buckeye State.
The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Columbus, Ohio
Regardless of average rates, many insurers offer premiums well below the citywide average. Comparing quotes from multiple companies is the best way to find the coverage you need at the lowest price.
To get you started, the table below shows the cheapest car insurance companies in Columbus, according to Compare.com data.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, December 4 at 11:00 AM PST.
Company  | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Mile Auto | $52 |
| State Farm | $58 |
| Auto-Owners | $68 |
| Erie | $68 |
| GEICO | $75 |
| Progressive | $75 |
| Safeco | $76 |
| USAA | $76 |
| The General | $77 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $82 |
| American Family | $85 |
| Nationwide | $87 |
| CSAA | $96 |
| Root | $100 |
| Elephant | $101 |
| Bristol West | $105 |
| Direct Auto | $106 |
| Clearcover | $115 |
| Dairyland | $117 |
| GAINSCO | $121 |
| National General | $121 |
| Allstate | $129 |
| Travelers | $140 |
| Farmers | $144 |
| Liberty Mutual | $148 |
| Foremost | $177 |
| State Auto | $198 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbus by Driver and Coverage Type
While the companies above are a great starting point, your actual rate can vary widely based on factors like your age, driving history, credit history, ZIP code, and vehicle type.
The table below highlights the cheapest insurers in Columbus for different driver profiles and coverage types, based on our latest data.
Driver/Coverage Type | Cheapest Insurer | Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| State-minimum coverage | Mile Auto | $52 |
| Full coverage | Mile Auto | $76 |
| Teens | Mile Auto | $115 |
| Seniors | Mile Auto | $40 |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | Mile Auto | $64 |
| Drivers with an at-fault accident | Mile Auto | $70 |
| Drivers with a DUI | Mile Auto | $72 |
| Drivers with excellent credit | Mile Auto | $43 |
| Drivers with poor credit | Mile Auto | $64 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
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The average state-minimum coverage policy costs $91 per month in Columbus, according to Compare.com data. Though it meets Ohio’s minimum requirements, most experts recommend buying higher liability limits to protect your assets if you cause a serious accident. Other drivers and their passengers can come after you financially if you don’t have enough liability coverage. And with the average new car costing nearly $50,000, things could get messy quickly if you have only the state’s minimum limits.
But if you need only the most bare-bones coverage, these five auto insurers offer the cheapest average liability insurance rates, according to our research.
Average Liability Rates by Company
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Most Columbus drivers should consider full coverage to cover their own injuries and vehicle damage. Plus, if you finance or lease your car, your lender or leasing company will require you to buy full-coverage insurance.
Full coverage typically includes liability, plus medical payments for your injuries, and comprehensive and collision coverage for your vehicle. You can also customize it with additional insurance options like gap insurance and roadside assistance.
We found that the average full-coverage rate in Columbus is $149 per month. But even with higher rates, several insurers tend to offer full coverage for close to the average liability price in Columbus.
The chart below shows the five cheapest insurers in Columbus for full coverage, according to Compare.com data.
Average Full-Coverage Rates by Company
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Teen drivers are the most expensive to insure of any age group due to their inexperience and tendency for risky behaviors, such as not wearing a seat belt, speeding, and distracted driving. They also have the highest risk of accidents and are three times more likely to be in a fatal crash than drivers 20 and older.[3]
The average monthly cost of car insurance for Columbus teens is $258. But don’t worry, as it’s still possible to find a great deal if you’re a young driver or have one on your policy.
Check out the chart below for the five cheapest auto insurance companies in Columbus for teens, according to Compare.com data.
Average Rates for Teens
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Seniors, on the other hand, typically pay the lowest auto insurance rates of any age group due to their extensive driving experience and cautious driving habits, which lower their accident risk.[4]
In Columbus, the average rate for senior drivers is $101 per month. Even so, many insurers offer even lower premiums.
In the chart below, we break down which five companies offer the cheapest rates for seniors in Columbus, according to Compare.com data.
Average Rates for Seniors
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.You can expect a rate increase at your next policy renewal if you get a speeding ticket. Insurers view traffic violations as a sign you’re more likely to file a claim, which leads to higher premiums. Our research shows that even a single speeding ticket increases average rates by 36% nationwide.
Drivers with a recent ticket in Columbus pay an average of $152 per month for car insurance, according to our data. But you can typically avoid these expensive rate hikes by choosing the right company.
Let’s take a look at the chart below for the five cheapest insurers in Columbus for people with a recent ticket, according to Compare.com data.
Average Rates With a Ticket
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Causing an accident can result in a substantial increase to your insurance rates. Our research shows that a single at-fault accident on your driving record can result in a 40% average rate increase.
Columbus drivers with a recent accident pay a monthly average car insurance cost of $160, according to Compare.com data. But you can often find a better deal with one of the five insurers highlighted in the chart below.
Average Rates With an Accident
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.A driving under the influence (DUI) conviction can lead to the steepest increase in car insurance rates of any driving offense. Our research shows average premiums jump by a staggering 61% nationwide after a DUI.
In Columbus, the average rate for drivers with a DUI is $156 per month. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying sky-high premiums. In fact, several insurance companies specialize in high-risk drivers, like people with a recent DUI.
We highlight the five cheapest insurers in Columbus for people with DUIs in the chart below, according to Compare.com data.
Average Rates With a DUI
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.Many insurance companies consider credit history when setting rates, as studies show a correlation between credit and the likelihood of filing claims.[5] Our research shows that drivers with poor credit pay about 20% more on average than those with excellent credit.
Auto insurance rates average $150 per month for people with poor credit in Columbus, according to Compare.com data. Still, not all insurers look at your credit, and some offer affordable rates regardless of your credit history.
If you’re struggling to improve your credit, check out the companies featured in the chart below for cheaper car insurance rates.
Average Rates With Bad Credit
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Our Picks for the Best Auto Insurance in Columbus
There’s no one-size-fits-all insurer when it comes to car insurance. At the end of the day, the best company for you depends on your unique situation.
That said, the following companies stand out as some of the top insurers in Columbus based on a mix of factors, including average rates, available discounts, customer reviews and satisfaction ratings, and the types of coverages available.
| User Reviews | NR |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | NR |
How drivers feel about Erie Insurance
Drivers value the excellent coverage and quick claim responses but dislike the significant rate increases and lack of responsiveness to emails.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
How drivers feel about Erie Insurance
Drivers value the excellent coverage and quick claim responses but dislike the significant rate increases and lack of responsiveness to emails.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NRNAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
NRAM Best
AM 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).
NRWhy we picked this company
Although Erie is a regional insurer available in only 12 states, it outperformed some of the most well-known insurers to earn the highest satisfaction rating in the North Central region in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.
With Erie, you can choose from liability-only and full-coverage policies, with optional coverages such as pet injury coverage, free glass repairs, and rate lock to keep your premiums affordable.
Pros
Cheap average rates
Highly rated for customer service[6]
Above-average claims satisfaction
Cons
Gap insurance not available
Below-average digital service experience ranking
Hit-or-miss customer and claims service
| User Reviews | 3.1 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.5 /5 |
| 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. | $67/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. | $109/mo |
3.1
A solid optionBased on 20 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Nationwide
Drivers appreciate the available discounts but dislike the high prices and lack of communication.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
How drivers feel about Nationwide
Drivers appreciate the available discounts but dislike the high prices and lack of communication.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Reviews (7)
David
Verified Review
Too late to change to another company
Reviewed in North Carolina on December 2025
I would shop around depending on how much coverage you need. Nationwide has handled my past claims, although, as you might suspect, there were some frustrating times spent trying to glean information from representatives. Nationwide has changed since I first started with them. They used to have independent agencies; now they seem to be just representative agencies with no real concern for people—just customers who pay their bills every month if they "accept" your business.
Ron
Verified Review
Nationwide is becoming a Chintzy Picky Company
Reviewed in Missouri on May 2025
I like Nationwide, but they have become very picky and want me to do too many repairs before they take my money and purchase insurance.
Richard
Verified Review
Ready for a Change...
Reviewed in Pennsylvania on January 2025
It seems expensive, and there's no communication with me!
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
688NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.7AM Best
AM 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
Headquartered in Columbus, Nationwide has a lot to offer most drivers — although its rates tend to be high for people with a spotty driving record. Consider Nationwide’s SmartMiles if you don’t drive much or SmartRide if you’re a safe driver and are OK with sharing your driving data.
Nationwide also offers a vanishing deductible and total loss deductible waiver on full-coverage policies.
Pros
Affordable rates
Highly rated telematics program
Few customer complaints
Cons
Not all drivers can buy coverage online
Below-average digital shopping experience score
Expensive premiums for high-risk drivers
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.7 /5 |
| 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. | $45/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. | $73/mo |
3.9
A solid optionBased on 604 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about State Farm
Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Best For
How drivers feel about State Farm
Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Best For
Reviews (303)
Edwin
Verified Review
Okay, but I would like a lower rate since a few companies are offering me rates of $450 for 6 months.
Reviewed in New York on December 2025
Okay, but I would like a lower rate since a few companies are offering me rates of $450 for 6 months.
Chester
Verified Review
Too Expensive
Reviewed in New York on December 2025
State Farm is too expensive, which is why I'm transferring.
Donald
Verified Review
Rates Too High
Reviewed in North Carolina on December 2025
I liked it up until they raised my rate to an unbelievably high amount, so now I'm looking for a different company.
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
665NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.84AM Best
AM 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
State Farm is a great choice if you’re looking for some of Columbus’ best rates. Not only does the insurer boast some of the area’s cheapest average rates, but it tends to have pretty happy customers as well, ranking near the top in both J.D. Power’s customer and claims satisfaction studies.
But if you prefer a digital-only experience, State Farm may not be the best choice for you, since you have to work with a local agent to change or manage your policy.
Pros
Some of the cheapest average rates
Highly rated claims process
Very few customer complaints
Cons
No Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation
Fewer discounts than some competitors
Must work with local agent
Find the Best Company for You
Local rates start as low as $52 per month.
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 1395+ reviews
4.7/5
Ohio Auto Insurance Requirements
)
Ohio, like nearly every state, requires all drivers to have car insurance. Columbus drivers must have the following minimum liability limits:[7]
$25,000 per person for bodily injury liability
$50,000 per accident
$25,000 per accident for property damage liability
Although Ohio’s auto insurance laws don’t require uninsured motorist coverage, it’s a good idea to consider it. Close to 19% of Ohio drivers don’t have insurance,[8] which means you may have to pay out of pocket for damages someone else causes. Uninsured motorist coverage can pay for your injuries and vehicle damage instead of you having to foot the bill.
Is minimum coverage enough in Columbus?
Most experts, including the Ohio Department of Insurance, recommend buying more liability coverage than the state requires. Higher coverage amounts can protect you from being legally responsible for damages or injuries you cause that cost more than your liability limits. You could even lose assets or have your wages garnished in some cases if you don’t have adequate coverage.
Lenders also require comprehensive and collision coverage when you finance or lease a car, making full-coverage policies a necessity.
Columbus Auto Insurance FAQs
We answered common questions people ask about Columbus car insurance.
Car insurance in Columbus costs an average of $120 per month, according to Compare.com data. Liability-only policies average $91 per month, while full coverage costs around $149.
The cheapest auto insurance company in Columbus is Mile Auto. Its average car insurance cost is just $52 per month, according to Compare.com data.
Somewhat. Columbus rates average $120 per month, according to Compare.com data. The rest of Ohio averages around $94 per month, while the national average for the entire country is $137. Car insurance rates depend on multiple variables, including your age, address, driving history, coverage types, and amounts.
Motor vehicle theft rates,[9] car prices, and vehicle repair costs continue to rise, and these factors are directly tied to auto insurance premiums. As these costs increase, insurers pay more for claims, driving up premiums in states like Ohio.
Methodology
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Sources
- World Population Review. "Ohio Cities by Population 2025."
- Ohio State Highway Patrol. "Crash Dashboard."
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Risk Factors for Teen Drivers."
- National Safety Council. "Injury Facts."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Trends and Insights: Risk-Based Pricing of Insurance."
- J.D. Power. "2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study."
- Ohio Department of Insurance. "Auto Insurance Minimum Coverage Requirements."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Auto theft."
)
Mandy SleightInsurance Writer
Mandy Sleight has over 15 years of insurance knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, health, pet, supplemental benefits, and other insurance products. She’s a sought-after insurance expert, appearing in Bankrate.com, Moneygeek.com, U.S. News & World Report, Reviews.com, CNET, and other publications, and she's been writing for Compare.com since 2023.
Mandy uses her background and experience working for well-known insurance companies like State Farm and Nationwide Insurance to create engaging and easy-to-understand content that helps readers make smarter insurance choices that have a positive effect on their budgets and finances.
Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.