Cheapest car insurance in Columbus, Ohio (Nov 2024)

Written by Amy Bobinger and 2 others
Nov 21, 2024
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Cheapest car insurance in Columbus, Ohio (Nov 2024)

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How to find the cheapest car insurance in Columbus, Ohio

Car insurance in Columbus, Ohio averages about $109 a month for minimum liability coverage and about $122 a month for full coverage. This works out to be around 10% less than the national average.

If you’re looking for the easiest way to find cheap car insurance in Columbus, Ohio, use Jerry to quickly compare quotes and buy your next policy. Below are some of the best rates Jerry found for our Columbus customers.

Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Zip Code
Car
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
National General $220 Chris, 37, Columbus, OH 43204 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 Lt 50/100 Yes
Commonwealth Insurance $275 Lottie, 40, Columbus, OH 43235 Dodge Charger Sxt State Minimum Yes
Trexis $282 Lida, 21, Columbus, OH 43229 Volkswagen Jetta Base State Minimum Yes
Progressive $121 Willie, 24, Columbus, OH 43201 Toyota Camry Le State Minimum No
Commonwealth Insurance $52 Bernice, 51, Columbus, OH 43201 Toyota Camry Ce State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Best car insurance companies in Columbus, Ohio

All insurance companies in Columbus, Ohio have their own method for calculating car insurance quotes based on your unique driving profile. That means the most affordable car insurance company may be different for everyone.

But when you’re shopping for car insurance, there’s more to consider than just the cost. You should also look at a company’s ratings for things like claims handling and customer service.

Jerry wanted to make it simple for drivers to compare the best car insurance companies, so we surveyed over 18,000 real policyholders to find out what they do and don’t like about their current insurance provider.

The results were surprising. Big-name insurers like GEICO and State Farm received mixed reviews for insurance costs and customer service, while smaller companies like Aspire Advantage, Erie, and National General consistently scored well with their customers.

Insurance companyOverall ratingPriceClaims experienceCustomer service
Farmers4.74.7N/A4.7
Allstate4.644.34
State Farm4.43.74.84.6
Progressive4.33.63.94.2
Geico3.93.83.84.2

How’d we get these scores?

Jerry’s experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.

Best cheap car insurance quotes in Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio drivers are required to carry at least the minimum amount of liability insurance set by Ohio law. A minimum-liability car insurance policy will be the cheapest auto insurance you can buy—but it’s almost never enough coverage to fully protect you.

If you want your insurance to cover repair or replacement costs for your own vehicle, consider adding full coverage to your policy.

Cheap minimum liability insurance quotes in Columbus, Ohio

To legally drive in Columbus, you’ll need a policy that meets Ohio’s liability car insurance requirements, which are sometimes described as 25/50/25 coverage. This stands for:

Basic liability coverage will pay up to your policy coverage limits for any injuries or property damage that you cause to others while you’re driving.

Do you need more than minimum coverage in Columbus?

It’s almost always a good idea to purchase more liability coverage than the state minimum.

If you total another driver’s car or cause serious injuries to someone, the costs could easily exceed Ohio’s minimum liability requirement. You could be found legally responsible for any medical bills and motor vehicle repairs that exceed your liability limits.

The bottom line: To better protect yourself, consider raising your liability limits to 50/100/50 or 100/300/100—it usually only costs a few extra dollars a month, and if you ever cause a serious accident, you’ll be glad you made the investment.

Cheapest full coverage car insurance quotes in Columbus

Liability insurance will only pay for damages that you cause to another car in an accident. If you want help repairing or replacing your own vehicle, consider investing in a full coverage policy.

Full coverage consists of collision insurance and comprehensive insurance:

  • Collision coverage helps repair or replace your vehicle after an accident
  • Comprehensive coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle after theft, vandalism, natural disasters, or collisions with an animal

Need to know: You may be required to carry full coverage on your vehicle if you have a loan.

Your Columbus, Ohio auto insurance coverage will protect you even more if you purchase uninsured motorist coverage. This is a type of insurance that will protect you against medical bills or vehicle repairs if you get into an accident with a driver who doesn’t have car insurance.

Here is a list of real customers who found affordable car insurance in Ohio with Jerry.

Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
50/100 Yes National General $220 37 43204 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 Lt
State Minimum Yes Commonwealth Insurance $275 40 43235 Dodge Charger Sxt
State Minimum Yes Trexis $282 21 43229 Volkswagen Jetta Base
State Minimum No Progressive $121 24 43201 Toyota Camry Le
State Minimum No Commonwealth Insurance $52 51 43201 Toyota Camry Ce
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Because insurance rates can vary so much from one provider to the next, the best way to find the cheapest car insurance companies in Columbus, Ohio is to compare quotes from at least 3–5 insurers.

Jerry is a unique insurance agency that makes it fast and easy to compare car insurance quotes with our free app. And our team of 100+ licensed insurance agents means you’ll always get top-tier service.

Average cost of auto insurance in Columbus, Ohio

In the process of helping drivers find cheap Columbus car insurance, we found that drivers pay about $109 a month (or $1,310 a year) for minimum liability coverage and around $122 a month (or $1,466 a year) for full coverage insurance.

But while looking at average insurance rates can give you a general idea of what you might pay, there are a lot of factors that go into setting insurance premiums, including your vehicle, claims history, driving record, and more.

Average cost of car insurance in Columbus by zip code

Drivers who park their vehicles in one part of Columbus could pay different rates than drivers who park in another area of the city.

That’s because insurance companies may label certain areas as “high-risk” due to more frequent vehicle thefts or a higher number of insurance claims.

Zip CodeAverage State Minimum Coverage RateAverage Full Coverage Rate
43201$76$137
43202$79$130
43204$85$151
43206$52$139
43207$69$143
43209$81$121
43211$59$179
43213$74$135
43214$73$123
43215$46$143
43219$67$120
43220$118$188
43223$58$130
43224$82$147
43228$71$138
43229$78$137
43230$59$110
43231$61$156
43232$78$157
43235$82$109

Car insurance quotes in Columbus by rating factors

There are a number of factors that can impact the cost of your insurance premium in Columbus, Ohio.

  • Driving record/claims history: Accidents, tickets, and insurance claims on your record will cause your premiums to go up.
  • Age: You’ll likely pay higher insurance rates if you’re under the age of 25.
  • Vehicle: You’ll pay more for full coverage if you drive an expensive vehicle, a high-performance sports car, or a car with higher-than-average theft rates.
  • Where you keep your car: If you live in an area with a higher-than-average rate of insurance claims, you’ll pay more for your car insurance premiums.
  • Driving habits: If you commute for work, you may pay higher car insurance rates than if you only drive your vehicle for leisure.

Cheap car insurance quotes in Columbus after driving violations

One of the biggest factors impacting your Columbus car insurance rates is your Ohio driving record. Your premiums will be higher if you have a history of violations because insurance companies will see you as a high-risk driver.

You may pay increased Columbus, Ohio car insurance premiums for the following violations:

  • Speeding
  • DUIs
  • At fault accident
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving on a suspended license

Cheapest car insurance in Columbus after speeding ticket

If you get a speeding ticket in Columbus, your insurance rates could go up. But with Jerry, you may be able to save on your premiums even after a speeding ticket.

Take a look at rates that drivers with a speeding violation received using the Jerry app:

Speeding Type
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Speeding Violation-Major National General $220 37 43204 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 Lt 50/100 Yes
Speeding Violation-Major Trexis $268 21 43228 Ford Mustang State Minimum No
Speeding Violation-Major Trexis $121 45 43203 Cadillac Xts Luxury State Minimum No
Speeding Violation-Major Dairyland $600 21 43229 Chrysler 200 Limited State Minimum No
Speeding Violation-Major Commonwealth Insurance $83 56 43229 Toyota Venza Le State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Columbus after DUI

A DUI violation is a serious offense. In addition to the legal penalties you’ll face, you can also expect a significant increase in your Ohio car insurance.

It can be hard to find cheap car insurance in Ohio if you have a DUI on your record. But some companies do offer savings for high-risk drivers—compare quotes from a number of insurers to find the most affordable policy options.

The table below shows premiums that drivers with a DUI recently received with Jerry:

Cheapest car insurance in Columbus after an at-fault accident

One of the most important factors affecting car insurance rates is your car accident or claim history.

Ohio is an at-fault state. If you were involved in an at-fault accident in the recent past, your car insurance rates could skyrocket. Jerry has helped many Columbus drivers save on car insurance after accidents.

Accident type
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
At Fault With No Injury Commonwealth Insurance $275 40 43235 Dodge Charger Sxt State Minimum Yes
Not At Fault The General $111 31 43232 Toyota Corolla Base State Minimum No
Not At Fault Gainsco $124 67 43203 Honda Accord Lx State Minimum No
Not At Fault Commonwealth Insurance $63 28 43230 Audi Q5 Premium Plus State Minimum No
At Fault With No Injury Commonwealth Insurance $66 39 43229 Gmc Acadia Slt-1 State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Columbus after other driving violations

Speeding tickets and DUIs aren’t the only violations that can cause your Columbus car insurance rates to go up—you’ll also see higher premiums if your driving history shows a record of offenses like reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, or driving without insurance.

This list shows how Jerry helped drivers save after various driving violations.

Violation
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Car
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Other Minor Trexis $629 20 43232 Kia Sorento Lx State Minimum Yes
Other Minor Trexis $137 22 43230 Kia Optima Ex State Minimum No
Other Minor Progressive $310 24 43201 Nissan Sentra S 100/300 Yes
DUI Bristol West $228 26 43206 Chevrolet Cruze Ls State Minimum No
Other Minor National General $151 33 43235 Kia Telluride Sx State Minimum Yes
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Cheap car insurance quotes in Columbus by age

Less experience behind the wheel means that younger drivers usually pay higher-than-average insurance rates. Drivers under the age of 21 pay the highest rates, with costs leveling out at about age 25. Premiums will typically remain low until a driver reaches their mid-70s

Cheapest car insurance in Columbus for young drivers

On average, teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 pay the highest insurance rates in Ohio.

The best way to keep car insurance costs low for teen drivers is to keep them on their parent’s policy. But don’t skip on coverage—because teens are statistically more likely to get into an accident, it’s a good idea to increase their liability limits, and full coverage is a must-have if they drive a newer car.

Jerry can help young drivers in Ohio find lower than average rates for a variety of coverage levels, as shown in the samples below:

Cheapest car insurance in Columbus for senior drivers

Car insurance rates tend to be lowest for drivers throughout middle age, but they often go up again once drivers hit their mid-70s. Car insurance costs for seniors tend to be higher because drivers in this age group may be more likely to get into accidents, and they’re at an increased risk of serious injuries if they do get into a collision.

But that doesn’t mean senior drivers still can’t save on car insurance. Using Jerry, elder motorists can find their ideal coverage for a cheaper price:

Cheap car insurance quotes in Columbus based on insurance history

When insurers are setting your Columbus auto insurance rates, they’ll check whether your auto insurance policy has been continuously active. Letting your car insurance lapse—even for a short time—will typically cause your insurance premiums to go up.

Jerry can help you manage your policy so it’s easier to avoid a lapse in coverage. If you’re eligible, we’ll send you a reminder when your payment is due, and we can even alert you if your payment is late.

With Jerry, you can save on a new policy even if you’re currently uninsured or you’ve previously had an insurance lapse.

Cheap car insurance quotes in Columbus for drivers with bad credit

Insurance companies have found that drivers with poor credit scores have the highest rate of insurance claims. Because of that, insurers typically raise rates for drivers with a lower insurance-based credit score.

If your car insurance rates are high due to poor credit, taking steps now to achieve a good credit score can help you save even more in the future.

Jerry’s data shows that people with Excellent credit (over 750) pay almost 20% less for car insurance on average than people with lower credit scores.

Cheap car insurance quotes in Columbus for drivers with poor credit

Drivers with poor credit scores are statistically more likely to file claims, which can result in higher rates from insurance providers.

If you’re struggling with bad credit: By taking what steps you can to build good credit over time, you could find even more savings on car insurance in the future.

Our data shows that the average car insurance rate for the highest credit bracket (over 750) is almost 20% higher than the average cost for people with lower credit scores (under 550).

Luckily, drivers with poor credit can lower their rates using Jerry:

Credit Score
Insurance Company
Monthly Quote
Age
Zip Code
Car Make Model Trim
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
<550 National General $220 37 43204 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 Lt 50/100 Yes
550-659 Commonwealth Insurance $275 40 43235 Dodge Charger Sxt State Minimum Yes
550-659 Trexis $282 21 43229 Volkswagen Jetta Base State Minimum Yes
550-659 Commonwealth Insurance $52 51 43201 Toyota Camry Ce State Minimum No
660-750 The General $111 31 43232 Toyota Corolla Base State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Insurance companies in Columbus will consider the car you drive when they’re setting your car insurance premiums. They’ll look at things like the cost to repair or replace your vehicle, how safe the vehicle is to drive, and how frequently that make and model is stolen.

Some of the most popular car models in Columbus include:

  • Ford F-150
  • Chevrolet Equinox
  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Ram 1500
  • Ford Escape

Learn more: How to get car insurance before buying a car


Popular Car
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Age
Zip Code
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Chevrolet Equinox Ltz Progressive $68 65 43207 100/300 Yes
Chevrolet Equinox Lt The General $318 57 43204 State Minimum Yes
Chevrolet Equinox Ls Trexis $413 34 43229 State Minimum Yes
Chevrolet Equinox Lt Commonwealth Insurance $75 35 43224 State Minimum No
Ford Escape Titanium The General $144 27 43232 State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

How to lower car insurance costs in Columbus

1. Shop around and compare quotes

Every insurance company has its own way of calculating premiums based on the ratings factors discussed above. Because of that, you could pay a lot more with one insurance company than another, which is why experts recommend comparing quotes from at least 3–5 insurers before you buy a policy. You should also check for new rates every six months before your policy renews.

That might sound like a lot of work, but with Jerry, it’s fast and easy. We compare rates from over 55 auto insurance companies, and in minutes, you can compare coverage levels and rates right in the app.

2. Hunt for car insurance discounts

Car insurance discounts are an easy way to save on your policy, and every insurance company offers them. Many insurers offer some or all of the following:

  • Good driver discounts. Avoiding tickets and at-fault accidents could help you qualify for a discount from your provider.
  • Telematics discounts. Many companies offer discounts to customers who use telematics to track their driving habits. You might even get a discount just for signing up!
  • Good student discounts. If you’re a full-time student in either high school or college and you have a B average or better, you probably qualify for a discount from your insurance company.
  • Bundling discounts. If you bundle your auto insurance with your homeowners insurance or renters insurance, you could get a discount on both policies.

FAQ

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  • What is the cheapest car insurance in Columbus?
  • What is the best car insurance in Columbus?
  • What is the minimum car insurance in Columbus?
MEET OUR EXPERTS
meet-experts-thumbnail
Amy Bobinger

Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.

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Sarah Gray

Sarah Gray is an insurance writer with nearly a decade of experience in publishing and writing. Sarah specializes in writing articles that educate car owners and buyers on the full scope of car ownership—from shopping for and buying a new car to scrapping one that’s breathed its last and everything in between. Sarah has authored over 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to how to get a salvage title for a totaled car. Prior to joining Jerry, Sarah was a full-time professor of English literature and composition with multiple academic writing publications.

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Josh Damico

As Vice President of Insurance Operations at Jerry, Josh Damico leads teams across product development, operations and carrier relations, integrating Jerry’s smart and fast car insurance customer experience with that of traditional carriers to help customers find savings and coverage. Josh’s nearly 20 years of insurance-industry experience and knowledge generate partnerships with more than 55 name-brand and specialty insurance partners that enable Jerry to serve customers with all types of vehicle and policy needs.

Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. In his most recent role as director of sales, servicing, and underwriting, Josh developed and executed profit and growth strategy for the New England states and New Jersey.

Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College.

Methodology

The Insurance Research Team analyzes insurance products and services to drive insights and help consumers make informed purchase decisions.

Insurance research

We analyzed over 25 million car insurance quotes; conducted the largest insurance shopping survey (over 15,000 customers surveyed and 85 carriers reviewed in the past 18 months).

We surveyed insurance policyholders for their experience with their insurers in the following areas: (1) insurance cost (2) customer service (3) insurance buying experience (4) insurance renewal experience (5) claim experience. In addition, we asked people what they like about their insurers and what areas in which their insurers could improve. The driver characteristics used in calculating average rates for auto insurance include: single driver, single car, currently insured, clean driving record.

For the quotes and sold policies included in this article, please note that personal information has been hidden. Not all customers find savings.

Team

The team consists of licensed insurance agents, insurance industry veterans, and data scientists.

For illustrative purposes only, results may vary

Editorial Note: This article was written by a paid member of Jerry’s editorial team. Statements in this article represent the author’s personal opinions and do not constitute advice or recommendations. You should consult with an insurance professional about your specific circumstances and needs before making any insurance decisions.