Columbus was the most OVI, seat belt, and distracted driving arrests in Ohio in 2019. To protect themselves and others in an accident, Columbus drivers must have car insurance.
Columbus drivers pay $1,265 per year for full coverage insurance and $398 per year for minimal coverage insurance. We found a few insurance companies in Columbus that offer affordable coverage, as well as good customer service, discounts, and coverage options.
Columbus’s best car insurance companies
Many Columbus insurance companies receive high marks for their affordability, coverage options, discounts and customer satisfaction. Below is a list of the top Columbus car insurance companies:
| Insurance company | J.D. J.D. | Minimum coverage: Average annual premium | For full coverage, the average annual premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | 851 / 100 | $321 | $877 |
| Erie | 846 / 100 | $280 | $1,073 |
| USAA | 897 / 100 | $261 | $880 |
| Auto-Owners | 845 / 100 | $374 | $1,163 |
| Westfield | 836 / 100 | $425 | $1,438 |
Geico
Geico, which offers full coverage insurance for as low as $877 per annum, is Columbus’s cheapest car insurance company. Geico has limited car insurance coverage options, but it is the best option for drivers looking for the lowest possible price. Geico also offers discounts for military personnel, federal employees, and employee/membership group members.
Erie
Erie is known for its extensive coverage options and generous discounts. Each full coverage policy includes standard insurance as well as pet coverage, locksmith services and roadside assistance. Erie also offers discounts to lower drivers’ premiums. Every new policy comes with a rate lock guarantee as well as a free disappearing-deductible program.
USAA
USAA is often regarded as the best insurance provider in America. However, coverage is not available to Columbus drivers who are military personnel or active duty. USAA is highly rated for its customer service, claim handling and comprehensive coverage. They also offer a wide range of discounts. The company claims that drivers can save on average $707 each year by switching to USAA from other insurers.
Auto-Owners
If you are looking for outstanding customer service in Columbus, Auto-Owners is the place to go. According to the NAIC Customer Complaint Index, this company has below-average customer satisfaction. It lacks many digital features, such as online quotes and claims. Auto-Owners offers affordable rates, great discounts, and some endorsements to provide additional protection.
Westfield
Westfield Insurance Company is based in Ohio. Although the rates are higher, J.D. rates Westfield as an Ohio-based insurance company. Power has below-average complaints, as per the NAIC company complaint index. Columbus drivers have access to Westfield for excellent customer service and many endorsement policies. To get a quote, make a claim or make minor changes to their policy, drivers must work with an agent.
Columbus has the lowest car insurance
Columbus drivers pay more for car insurance that the average Ohio driver. Average full coverage insurance policies in Ohio cost $1,119 annually and average minimum coverage policies $321. A cheap car insurance company can offer drivers a lower rate than the average.
| Insurance company | Minimum coverage: Average annual premium | For full coverage, the average annual premium |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $261 | $880 |
| Erie | $280 | $1,073 |
| Geico | $321 | $877 |
| State Farm | $335 | $1,011 |
| Progressive | $351 | $1,084 |
The table below shows the lowest rates for Columbus providers. Each company has its strengths and weaknesses. USAA, for instance, has the lowest liability-only policy, but it is not available to military drivers. State Farm and Geico have lower rates but limited coverage. Progressive is the best choice for those looking for comprehensive coverage.
Each of these five companies has excellent financial strength ratings with an AM Best score of A+. Their J.D. However, their Power ratings can vary. USAA, Geico, Erie, and USAA are all rated above the average in the North Central region. State Farm and Progressive, however, are below average. All five companies also have more complaints than average in the NAIC Company Complaint Index.
Columbus insurance requirements
All Columbus drivers who have a vehicle that is registered in Ohio are required to have car insurance. The minimum insurance requirements for Columbus include 25/50/25 personal insurance. This includes:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage per individual
- $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage
Minimum coverage insurance is the cheapest type of insurance in Columbus. Insurance companies recommend that drivers buy more coverage than is necessary. Drivers who cause an accident that exceeds their policy’s limits must pay out of pocket the difference.
Columbus drivers are required to have full coverage insurance, especially if they drive a leased or financed vehicle. Because it lowers the risk, many lenders require that drivers have full coverage insurance up to the end of their loan.
Columbus: Get car insurance at a discount
Many Columbus drivers can take advantage of discounts in order to receive a lower car insurance premium. These are the top Columbus car insurance discounts:
Student who is a good student: Students who have good grades or maintain a minimum GPA in school can often get a discount on their insurance policies.
- No claims: Drivers with no accidents or insurance claims in the last several years are often eligible for a discount.
- Full payment: Drivers that pay their annual premium in full and upfront can save money on their insurance policies.
- Safety features: Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have safety features such as anti-lock brakes and anti-theft systems.
- Homeowner – Homeowners are often eligible for a discount on their insurance, especially if they have a home and auto policy with the same provider.
Questions frequently asked
Which is the best auto insurance company?
Every driver will have their own opinion about the best auto insurance company. It all depends on where the driver lives, their budget, how much coverage they require, and what kind of coverage they need. The Hartford, Nationwide, Progressive, Amica and Nationwide are some of the most highly rated insurance companies.
What is the cost of Columbus car insurance?
Columbus drivers pay $1,265 annually for full coverage insurance. Columbus drivers pay $398 annually for minimum coverage insurance. Keep in mind, however, that each driver will pay a different rate depending on their credit score, age and claims history.
What amount of Columbus car insurance do you need?
Columbus drivers must have at least 25/50/25 personal insurance coverage. For more protection in an accident at-fault, many drivers opt to buy full coverage insurance.