Laws and regulations govern car insurance in Ohio. Understanding these laws can help you find the best rate when comparing the pricing and costs of auto insurance in Ohio. Ohio law requires that a driver has a plan that covers bodily injury liability at a minimum of $12,500 for one person and $25,000 for two people. The personal damage liability minimum is $7,500, which covers damage and court costs of another driver. Optional coverage includes an uninsured motorist bodily injury plan in case you get hurt by an uninsured driver.

Insurance premiums vary by geographical location, meaning city drivers may pay more than country drivers. Auto insurance companies in Ohio take these factors under consideration when formulating a premium:

1. The age, sex and marital status of the driver. Teens typically pay more for insurance, as do families with teen drivers.

2. The use of the car affects Ohio auto insurance rates. Commercial vehicles or vehicles used for work may have higher premiums.

3. The driving and credit history of the applicant. Knowing your driving and credit history beforehand can ensure accuracy on the agents part.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare Ohio car insurance online

Most car insurance companies in Ohio offer online insurance quotes. This is one of the quickest ways to shop around for affordable car insurance. The official site of the state of Ohio lists monthly average insurance premiums as of 2003. In the Akron area, married males paid between $394 and $1,500, a single mom with a teenager paid between $666 and $2,700, a teenage driver paid between $950 and $2,800 and a senior driver paid between $350 and $800. Other areas such as Cincinnati and Cleveland list similar rates.

I recommend: Get an quote for Ohio insurance from Allstate Insurance Company. Check out CarInsurance.com for rate quotes and comparisons.

Check credit history before applying for Ohio auto insurance coverage

Some agencies check credit history to determine premiums. By checking your credit history before applying for car insurance, you can ensure that the scores the agency gets are accurate. It's also important to know exactly what your credit report says so you aren't blindsided by a negative report and unable to explain any bad situations arising on your report.

I recommend: Request free credit reports from either AnnualCreditReport.com or FreeCreditReport.com.

Ask Ohio car insurance providers about discount options

Some drivers can get discounts on automotive insurance in Ohio. Not all agencies offer discounts, but going with an agency that does can save a driver between 10% and 20% off premiums. Agencies give discounts for taking safe driving courses, good driving records, anti theft devices installed on the car, student discounts and multi-car discounts.

I recommend: Liberty Mutual Insurance Company is one agency that promises discounts for responsible drivers. American Family Insurance offers a variety of auto insurance discounts, including bundle discounts.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Choosing an insurance company for more than one insurance policy can save money on premiums. For example, creating an auto insurance policy and a life insurance policy with the same agent can save money on premiums.

Car insurance in Ohio, like gas or rent, is expensive yet necessary. It doesn't just protect your car from dents; it protects you and other drivers from both bodily harm and financial ruin. For that reason, Ohio car insurance coverage isn't just something that drivers in the "Buckeye State" should have; it's something they must have.

Ohio auto insurance coverage doesn’t have to break the bank. You may be able to save by shopping around, declining unnecessary coverage and trading high deductibles for lower premiums. Indeed, you can cut costs, but you can't cut corners. If you drive in Ohio, you need auto insurance in Ohio. Here's what kind and how much, according to Ohio state law:

1. When buying auto insurance in Ohio, drivers must purchase bodily injury liability (BIL) and property damage liability (PDL) coverage; collision, comprehensive, personal injury protection (PIP), uninsured motorist bodily injury (UM) and uninsured property damage coverage are recommended, but not required.
2. Auto insurance in Ohio must include BIL coverage of at least $12,500 per person and $25,000 per accident for costs associated with the injury or death of others in a wreck.
3. Auto insurance in Ohio must include PDL coverage of at least $7,500 for damage to another person's property in an accident.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Browse Ohio auto insurance rates online

If you need Ohio auto insurance, online quotes are a good starting point. Available from all major auto insurance companies in Ohio, they offer a fast and convenient way to research and compare premiums.

I recommend: Get comprehensive online quotes from Ohio car insurance providers at websites like InsWeb, Insurance.com, InsuranceUSA and InsuranceFinder, or from companies like Progressive and Esurance, which quote both their own and competitors' rates.

Solicit Ohio car insurance quotes from national providers

Most major car insurance carriers offer auto insurance in Ohio and all provide competitive Ohio auto insurance rates.

I recommend: Among the largest and most popular car insurance companies in Ohio are AIG, Allstate, Chubb, Farmers, GEICO, The Hartford, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. National associations like AAA and AARP are also good sources for affordable auto insurance in Ohio.

Get car insurance in Ohio from local and regional companies

In Ohio, auto insurance rates can vary dramatically; for some of the most affordable, consider locally based providers.

I recommend: For automotive insurance in Ohio, try Ohio-based companies like Ohio Mutual Insurance Group, Wayne Mutual Insurance Company and Safe Auto Insurance Company. Also consider local programs, like the Ohio Automobile Insurance Plan, which is designed for drivers who can't easily find auto insurance in Ohio.

Use an independent agent to find Ohio car insurance bargains

Buying car insurance in Ohio via an independent insurance agent can expose you to new resources, practical advice and special rates.

I recommend: To find an independent agent who can sell you car insurance in Ohio, use the “find an independent agent” feature at the Independent Insurance Agents of Ohio website.

Choose Ohio auto insurance companies that you can trust

Before doing business with Ohio car insurance providers, review their records with consumers to make sure they are reliable, reputable and responsible.

I recommend: If you subscribe to Consumer Reports, you can check up on car insurance companies in Ohio. Another good resource is the Ohio Department of Insurance, which licenses auto insurance companies in Ohio and compiles statistics on complaints against them.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider buying more coverage than is required by state law; minimum Ohio car insurance might not be enough to cover car repairs or medical bills after an accident.
• •  Penalties for drivers who don't have Ohio car insurance include driver's license and license plate suspension, as well as cash fines.
• •  If you're leasing or financing your car, dealerships might require you to have more and better Ohio auto insurance than is required by state law.
• •  Higher deductibles typically mean lower premiums and more monthly savings on auto insurance in Ohio.
• •  In lieu of auto insurance in Ohio, drivers may purchase a $30,000 surety bond to cover their legal and financial responsibilities on the road.