Car insurance in Columbus averages $119 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 Progressive have the cheapest average auto insurance rates, starting at $54 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.
Mile Auto is the cheapest auto insurance company in Columbus, with an average liability rate of $54 per month.
Car insurance rates average $86 per month for liability and $152 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.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Mile Auto | $54 |
| State Farm | $55 |
| Progressive | $61 |
| Auto-Owners | $65 |
| Erie | $65 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $70 |
| GEICO | $70 |
| USAA | $71 |
| The General | $73 |
| Safeco | $74 |
| Certainly | $75 |
| Hugo | $78 |
| American Family | $80 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $89 |
| Trexis | $89 |
| Trexis One | $94 |
| First Acceptance | $95 |
| Direct Auto | $101 |
| Elephant | $101 |
| GAINSCO | $103 |
| Clearcover | $106 |
| Bristol West | $109 |
| Dairyland | $115 |
| Root | $118 |
| National General | $122 |
| Allstate | $123 |
| Liberty Mutual | $125 |
| Travelers | $133 |
| Farmers | $137 |
| Foremost | $158 |
| Insurify Car | $164 |
| State Auto | $188 |
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 | $54 |
| Full coverage | Mile Auto | $85 |
| Teens | Mile Auto | $119 |
| Seniors | Mile Auto | $42 |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | Mile Auto | $67 |
| Drivers with an at-fault accident | Mile Auto | $75 |
| Drivers with a DUI | Mile Auto | $78 |
| Drivers with excellent credit | Mile Auto | $46 |
| Drivers with poor credit | Mile Auto | $67 |
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The average state-minimum coverage policy costs $86 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.
The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, July 9 at 5:00 PM PDT.Average Liability Rates by Company
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumMile Auto $54 State Farm $55 Progressive $61 Auto-Owners $65 Erie $65 Commonwealth Casualty $70 GEICO $70 USAA $71 The General $73 Safeco $74 Certainly $75 Hugo $78 American Family $80 AssuranceAmerica $89 Trexis $89 Trexis One $94 First Acceptance $95 Direct Auto $101 Elephant $101 GAINSCO $103 Clearcover $106 Bristol West $109 Dairyland $115 Root $118 National General $122 Allstate $123 Liberty Mutual $125 Travelers $133 Farmers $137 Foremost $158 Insurify Car $164 State Auto $188 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 $152 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.
The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, July 9 at 5:00 PM PDT.Average Full-Coverage Rates by Company
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumMile Auto $85 State Farm $96 Auto-Owners $113 Erie $113 Safeco $115 Progressive $122 GEICO $123 USAA $125 American Family $139 Direct Auto $142 CSAA $157 Elephant $158 AssuranceAmerica $168 Certainly $168 The General $168 National General $177 Commonwealth Casualty $185 Root $192 Liberty Mutual $210 Clearcover $212 Allstate $213 Trexis $215 GAINSCO $232 Travelers $232 Farmers $238 Bristol West $239 Trexis One $256 First Acceptance $259 Dairyland $262 State Auto $327 Foremost $383 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 $254. 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.
The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, July 9 at 5:00 PM PDT.Average Rates for Teens
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumState Farm $115 Mile Auto $119 Erie $129 Progressive $130 GEICO $137 Auto-Owners $141 USAA $142 Commonwealth Casualty $142 The General $143 Certainly $160 Safeco $162 American Family $163 Hugo $166 Trexis $190 Clearcover $191 Root $197 GAINSCO $197 AssuranceAmerica $198 Elephant $198 Trexis One $201 First Acceptance $203 Bristol West $210 Direct Auto $212 Dairyland $218 Liberty Mutual $238 Allstate $261 National General $262 Farmers $294 Travelers $296 Insurify Car $350 State Auto $481 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 $103 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.
The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, July 9 at 5:00 PM PDT.Average Rates for Seniors
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumMile Auto $42 State Farm $43 Erie $50 Auto-Owners $51 Progressive $53 GEICO $56 Commonwealth Casualty $57 USAA $58 The General $62 American Family $64 Safeco $65 Certainly $65 Hugo $67 AssuranceAmerica $70 Trexis $77 Trexis One $81 Elephant $82 First Acceptance $82 Direct Auto $83 GAINSCO $88 Bristol West $91 Clearcover $94 National General $96 Dairyland $98 Allstate $100 Liberty Mutual $104 Travelers $106 Root $109 Farmers $109 Insurify Car $142 State Auto $142 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 $158 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.
The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, July 9 at 5:00 PM PDT.Average Rates With a Ticket
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumMile Auto $67 State Farm $72 Progressive $81 Commonwealth Casualty $86 Auto-Owners $87 Erie $88 USAA $94 GEICO $94 Certainly $99 Safeco $100 The General $101 Hugo $103 American Family $106 AssuranceAmerica $117 Trexis $118 Trexis One $124 First Acceptance $126 Elephant $126 GAINSCO $127 Direct Auto $131 Clearcover $139 Bristol West $141 Root $145 Dairyland $147 National General $157 Liberty Mutual $164 Allstate $164 Travelers $177 Farmers $180 Insurify Car $217 State Auto $256 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 $168, according to Compare.com data. But you can often find a better deal with one of the five insurers highlighted in the chart below.
The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, July 9 at 5:00 PM PDT.Average Rates With an Accident
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumMile Auto $75 State Farm $76 Progressive $86 Auto-Owners $89 Erie $90 GEICO $96 Commonwealth Casualty $96 USAA $99 The General $104 Certainly $106 Safeco $106 Hugo $110 American Family $111 AssuranceAmerica $122 Trexis $125 Trexis One $133 First Acceptance $134 GAINSCO $136 Elephant $137 Direct Auto $142 Bristol West $149 Root $154 Clearcover $155 Dairyland $157 National General $168 Allstate $171 Liberty Mutual $171 Travelers $186 Farmers $190 Insurify Car $231 State Auto $266 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 $172 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.
The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, July 9 at 5:00 PM PDT.Average Rates With a DUI
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumMile Auto $78 State Farm $79 Progressive $88 Auto-Owners $89 Erie $94 Commonwealth Casualty $98 GEICO $100 The General $102 USAA $102 Certainly $108 American Family $110 Hugo $113 Safeco $117 AssuranceAmerica $128 Trexis $129 Trexis One $136 First Acceptance $137 Direct Auto $146 Elephant $146 Clearcover $147 GAINSCO $149 Bristol West $157 Dairyland $166 Root $170 National General $176 Allstate $178 Liberty Mutual $180 Travelers $192 Farmers $198 Insurify Car $237 State Auto $261 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 $149 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.
The below rates in Columbus, OH, are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, July 9 at 5:00 PM PDT.Average Rates With Bad Credit
CompanyAverage Monthly PremiumMile Auto $67 Progressive $76 State Farm $79 Commonwealth Casualty $87 GEICO $87 USAA $87 The General $90 Safeco $91 Certainly $94 Erie $95 American Family $96 Auto-Owners $97 Hugo $98 AssuranceAmerica $110 Trexis $111 Trexis One $118 First Acceptance $119 Direct Auto $125 Elephant $125 GAINSCO $127 Clearcover $131 Bristol West $135 Dairyland $142 Root $146 Liberty Mutual $150 National General $151 Allstate $152 Travelers $164 Farmers $169 Insurify Car $205 State Auto $233
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 |
|---|
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.
Cheap average rates
Highly rated for customer service[6]
Above-average claims satisfaction
Gap insurance not available
Below-average digital service experience ranking
Hit-or-miss customer and claims service
| User Reviews | 3.1 |
|---|
Nationwide's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.0 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.0 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.4 | 2.9 |
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.
Affordable rates
Highly rated telematics program
Few customer complaints
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. | $55/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. | $96/mo |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.9 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.9 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.6 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.7 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.6 | 2.9 |
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.
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.
Some of the cheapest average rates
Highly rated claims process
Very few customer complaints
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 $54 per month.
Ohio Auto Insurance Requirements
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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.
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 $119 per month, according to Compare.com data. Liability-only policies average $86 per month, while full coverage costs around $152.
The cheapest auto insurance company in Columbus is Mile Auto. Its average car insurance cost is just $54 per month, according to Compare.com data.
Somewhat. Columbus rates average $119 per month, according to Compare.com data. The rest of Ohio averages around $95 per month, while the national average for the entire country is $141. 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.
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."
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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