Ohio Auto Insurance [Rates + Cheap Coverage Guide]

The Buckeye State is home to many major east-west highways and was an important link in America’s early road system. In fact, in 1913, one of its routes became part of the Lincoln Highway, the first road across the country that connected New York City to San Francisco.

That road, later known as U.S. Route 30, together with the Historic National Road, U.S. Route 40, and others, helped the state prosper in the early 20th century.

Nowadays, some of us travel the “infobahn” just as often as we do on the road. As you might have seen or experienced along the way, your auto insurance coverage options can vary from company to company.

Doing a car insurance company research can be intimidating. You may feel you’ll need to do a lot of work and much is at stake to get the coverage you need and want.  It doesn’t have to be tough. We’ve put everything you need to know in this comprehensive guide to auto insurance to help you reach an informed decision.

We’ll cover insurance rates, companies, state laws, and other facts.  Let’s get started.

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Ohio Insurance Coverage and Rates

You may be looking for the best auto insurance at the best rates. Perhaps you want to find out more about your options for liability and other insurance coverage. It can be hard to get all that information — and more — in one place.

Look no further. It’s all here. We’ll help you understand what you get and what you pay for, including the different types of auto insurance coverage available and the best companies to buy insurance from in Ohio.

Are you ready to scroll?

Ohio Minimum Insurance Coverage

Ohio is a “fault” accident state, which means drivers are financially responsible for any crashes they cause.

Auto insurance is a common form of financial responsibility. Liability insurance pays everyone owed money for property damage and/or injuries from a car accident that you or anyone under your policy has caused – drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, etc.

Ohio drivers must carry liability insurance or proof of financial responsibility; the state requires liability insurance at these minimum coverage amounts:

• $25,000 – for injury or death per person in an accident you caused
• $50,000 – to cover total injuries or the death per accident in a crash you caused
• $25,000 – for property damage in an accident you caused

In Ohio, anyone who suffers an injury or damage from an auto accident can usually file a claim in one of three ways:

• with his or her insurance company, assuming the loss is covered under the policy; the insurance company will likely pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer
• a third-party claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier
• a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault driver

Your liability coverage will kick in if any family member is driving your vehicle, or if you’ve allowed someone else to use it. It will also likely cover you if you get into an accident in a rental car.

Don’t forget to carry your insurance I.D. card in your vehicle with you in case you must show it to a law enforcement officer.

And remember that if you’re found at fault for a car accident and the injured drivers’ and/or passengers’ losses exceed the limits of your auto insurance policy – even if you’ve met the state minimums for car insurance in Ohio – you could be responsible for the difference.

So, to protect yourself in case this happens, it makes sense to buy more than the minimum coverage required.

Forms of Financial Responsibility

If you choose not to buy auto insurance in Ohio, you can show proof of financial responsibility through the following means:

• Surety bond – you can buy this bond from an authorized company for $30,000; you or another person can sign it
• Money or government bonds for $30,000 on deposit with the Ohio Treasurer of State
• Real estate equity bond – you must have at least $60,000 worth in your name with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
• BMV certificate of self-insurance available only to people or companies who own at least 26 or more vehicles

Ohio law requires you to show proof of financial responsibility in the following situations:

• when a police officer issues a traffic ticket
• at all vehicle inspection stops
• at traffic court appearances
• when the Ohio Registrar of the BMV does random checks
• motor vehicle crashes that cause property damage of more than $400 or personal injury or death

Next, we’ll look at how much the average Ohioan spends on auto insurance to help you determine how much you can afford.

Premiums as a Percentage of Income

In 2014, the annual per capita disposable personal income (DPI) in Ohio, after taxes were paid, was $37,490.

The average annual cost of auto insurance in Ohio is $767, which is two percent of the average DPI and about two-hundred dollars less than nearby states; this number remained steady from 2012 to 2014.

The cost is also much less than the national average of $1,311.

Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates in OH (Liability, Collision, Comprehensive

The above data is from NAIC. The national average auto insurance payment is $1,311.  You can expect auto insurance rates in Ohio to be significantly higher for 2019 and on.

Remember: though having the required insurance is essential, you should also buy more coverage to protect yourself and others in case you’re in an accident. Ohio also made our list of the best states for full coverage auto insurance, so the cost of Ohio coverages is already cheap than average.

Next, read below for information about auto insurance loss ratios.

Additional Liability Coverage

A loss ratio compares how much a company spends on claims to how much money they take in on premiums. A loss ratio of 60 percent indicates the company paid $60 on claims out of every $100 earned in premiums.

Ohio drivers can buy uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or MedPay to protect themselves, especially if the other driver’s insurance won’t cover their losses for medical bills and repair or replacement of their vehicles.

Ohio ranked 22nd in the nation in 2015 for uninsured or underinsured drivers.

How much risk you’re willing to take when you drive is up to you, whether you want to get the minimum or buy more coverage to protect yourself and your loved ones from extra costs and potential lawsuits from damaging accidents.

The experts at the Wall Street Journal advise drivers who buy liability insurance make sure that they increase the limits to 100/300/50.

Do you know what’s crazy? In 2015, 13 percent of drivers in the U.S. and 12 percent of Ohio motorists were uninsured despite the potential penalties.

Add-ons, Endorsements, Riders

We know getting the complete coverage you need for an is your goal.

Some Ohio drivers want to add certain types of coverage to their insurance policies to further protect themselves. These “add-ons” aren’t required.

Allstate’s Drivewise is a form of usage-based insurance available in Ohio as is DriveSense through Esurance (an Allstate company), and IntelliDrive by Travelers. These programs, especially if you drive fewer than 15,000 miles per year, can provide decent auto insurance discounts.

 

You can add many more powerful but cheap extras to your policy.

Optional coverage includes:

• Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP)
• Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP)
• Rental Reimbursement
• Emergency Roadside Assistance
• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
• Non-Owner Auto Insurance
• Modified Auto Insurance Coverage
• Classic Auto Insurance

Average Auto Insurance Rates by Age & Gender in OH

We partnered with Quadrant to collect the data below. As you’ll see, your gender can affect your auto insurance rates. Although age is almost always the prevailing factor when it comes to paying more or less for auto insurance.

Regardless of your age, gender, or marital status, it pays to find the best rates.

Ohio Insurance Rates by City and ZIP Code

Let’s check out the average annual premiums for each insurance carrier by ZIP code to determine how they compare to the statewide average cost of premiums, $2,829.17:

Columbus, Ohio has the most expensive ZIP code rate.

As you can see, the rates vary depending on the location.

Youngstown City has the most expensive rates. Let’s see which cities have the cheapest rates.

Best Ohio Insurance Companies

With the many auto insurance companies and coverage options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Don’t worry. We’ve compiled data to help you make the right decision: company ratings and reviews, credit histories, and complaint ratios.

Everything you need is here. So, let’s get going.

Financial Ratings

AM Best assigns financial ratings to insurance companies. A good score means they’re likely to stay solvent and be able to pay customers’ claims. Check out these financial ratings for the ten largest auto insurance providers in Ohio.

Customer Satisfaction Ratings

The J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study measured several factors in customer satisfaction: interaction, policy offerings and information, price, the billing process, and claims. You’ll notice that Auto-Owners Insurance, COUNTRY Financial, Cincinnati Insurance, and Erie Insurance are among the top four companies that earned five of their “power circles.”

Ohio Companies with the Most and Least Complaints

When a consumer is unhappy with an insurer, they can file a complaint. This feedback is part of a company’s complaint ratio, which is the number of complaints a company receives per one million dollars of business.

If you’re unhappy with an insurer in Ohio, you can file a complaint.

Ohio Auto Insurance Rates by Company

These are the best rates compared to the state average for top Ohio auto insurance companies.

Cheapest Companies in Ohio

 Ohio Rates by Carrier and Commute

 Ohio Rates by Carrier and Coverage Level

 Ohio Credit History Rates

Auto insurance companies will usually examine your credit score to determine the rates they will offer you. Drivers who have good credit will often get better rates.

The average Ohioan has a credit score of 678, they have around three credit cards in their name, and a balance of $5,843. The credit score is close to the 2017 national credit score of 675.

Your credit score is crucial in determining your auto insurance rates.

Next, let’s see how violations affect insurance rates.

 Ohio Rates by Carrier and Driving Record

Here you’ll find the top carriers’ rates in Ohio for certain driving penalties:

The difference between a clean record and one with a penalty can be almost as much as $1,000, so it’s best to drive safely and take care behind the wheel to keep your rates low.

Largest Auto Insurance Companies in Ohio

This chart shows which auto insurance companies have the largest market share in the Buckeye State.

Number of Insurers in Ohio

Ohio has a total of 138 domestic property and casualty insurers and 851 “foreign” insurers. Domestic insurance is formed under Ohio law, but foreign insurance is created under the laws of any state.

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Ohio Laws

Laws help keep people safe, and those who break them can face penalties. A little knowledge of them is a good thing. It’s wise to take time to understand them to avoid fines and points on your record.

From windshield coverage to negligent driving laws, it’s all in the details.

So, to stay legal, keep reading to learn more.

Auto Insurance Laws

As we mentioned earlier, Ohio requires drivers to carry liability insurance or proof of financial responsibility. Don’t leave home without it.

You’ll find more interesting information about Ohio auto insurance laws below.

How State Laws for Auto Insurance Are Determined

State insurance commissioners administer laws and regulations, and they have considerable influence on auto insurance. Each state determines the type of tort law and threshold that applies, the type and amount of liability insurance required, and how they approve insurer rates and forms.

Each state has also enacted different car seat belt requirements, drunk driving laws, and maximum speed limits.

Insurance companies in the Buckeye State are subject to the regulations the Ohio Department of Insurance sets, which must meet the fair competition standards of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Windshield Coverage

Aftermarket replacement parts are allowed in Ohio, but the consumer can refuse to use them and will pay the difference in the quote. Consumers also have the right to choose their repair vendor.

Even when you choose your vendor, however, be aware that your insurance company may still cover only specific types of parts.

Damage can occur to your windshield at any time, so updating your coverage now when the benefits are more favorable is a great idea.

Generally, a comprehensive insurance policy includes benefits for repair work or even a full vehicle replacement if someone steals your car or if collisions, fire, weather, and other incidents damage your vehicle.  This type of insurance often has full glass replacement benefits, but not all comprehensive policies do.

Simply having comprehensive auto insurance, however, doesn’t mean that you have full glass coverage. The best way to learn about the coverage you purchased is to read through the terms of your policy.

With a zero-deductible full glass coverage option on your policy, your insurance company pays for the cost of the repair or replacement work up to the limits of your coverage, and you won’t need to pay a deductible. However, if the coverage limit is less than the replacement cost, you will have to fund the difference.

Ohio doesn’t legally require auto insurance companies to offer zero-deductible auto insurance, so you’ll need to check your coverage to see if you have it.

If you have a deductible for full glass coverage, you should compare the amount against the quotes that you receive for glass repair or replacement. You also should analyze your coverage limits.

The bottom line? These details can help you determine if it’s worth filing a claim.

 High-Risk Insurance

“High risk” drivers in Ohio must complete an SR-22 form to prove they have current and adequate insurance coverage. SR-22 insurance is a financial responsibility bond paid in exchange for a minimum limit liability policy. The driver’s insurance agent or broker will file this form, but usually, only companies that specialize in non-standard auto insurance provide this service.

High-risk insurance offers greater protection in case of an accident.  To qualify, drivers must:

• Have a valid driver’s license.
• Have a vehicle registered in Ohio within 15 days of the application, or be a member of the U.S. military.
• Show proof of an attempt to get auto insurance in the state within 60 days before the application.
• Have no history of unpaid automobile insurance premiums.

SR-22 insurance can be expensive, so it’s best to avoid insurance violations to keep your premiums low.

Another option is the Ohio Automobile Insurance Plan (OAIP), an organization of insurance companies that helps drivers who can’t buy insurance because of their driving history or status as first-time drivers. As the OAIP states, they often charge the highest rates in Ohio and are a “last resort” for licensed drivers who otherwise can’t get auto insurance.

Low-Cost Insurance

Ohio doesn’t currently offer a government-sponsored insurance program for low-income drivers. The best way to lower your rates is to keep a clean driving record. But, there are still many other ways to cut costs.

Ask your provider about the following potential discounts:

• good driver discount
• good student discount
• anti-theft device discount
• multi-car discount
• homeowner’s discount
• usage-based driving discount

Looking to save even more?  Be sure to shop around for the most cost-effective rates.

Automobile Insurance Fraud in Ohio

Insurance fraud is the second-largest economic crime in America. As a result of fraud, insurance companies raise premium rates dramatically and pass them on to consumers.

There are two classifications of fraud: hard and soft.

• Hard Fraud – A purposefully fabricated claim or accident
• Soft Fraud – A misrepresentation of information to the insurance company

Soft fraud is more common than hard fraud. Twenty to 40 percent of consumers admitted to lying to their insurer about one of the following:

• Number of annual miles driven
• Number of drivers in the household
• How the vehicle would be used

The Ohio Department of Insurance’s Fraud Unit, a criminal justice agency, investigates complaints of suspected insurance fraud.  If they find evidence of a crime, they refer the matter to the appropriate local, state, or federal prosecutor for potential criminal charges.

According to Ohio’s Revised Code, every insurer must adopt an anti-fraud program and specify in a written plan the procedures it will follow when it’s notified of suspected fraud. The insurer doesn’t have to file the plan with the Department of Insurance.

If an insurer, as defined in section 3999.4 of the Ohio Revised Code, has a reasonable belief that someone is committing insurance fraud, the insurer shall notify the Department of Insurance.

In 2017, The Department’s Fraud and Enforcement Division received more than 5,730 allegations of agent misconduct and insurance fraud from insurance companies, consumers, government agencies, and law enforcement entities.

As a result, the department opened 1,364 investigations, identified 470 potential law violations, and took administrative and/or criminal action against 272 people.

Any way you slice it, insurance fraud is a crime. Any willful misrepresentation of facts is known as “rate evasion” and is a $16 billion annual expense to auto insurers.

If you suspect insurance fraud or have been a victim of it, contact the Ohio Department of Insurance.

Statute of Limitations

Ohio’s statute of limitations for filing a claim is two years for personal injury and property damage.  Regardless of the time allowed, it’s better to file a complaint earlier rather than later because crucial evidence can deteriorate over time.

Ohio Vehicle Licensing Laws

Residents can renew their registrations and drivers’ licenses and update their addresses at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Ohio drivers can now choose whether they get a standard license or a Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-compliant license. This news report goes over the recent changes to state driver’s licenses and the documentation required to get them:

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

As we mentioned above, Ohio drivers must show proof of financial responsibility or proof of insurance.  Drivers who fail to do so face the following penalties:

• driver’s license suspension until they meet reinstatement requirements for the first offense (payment of the reinstatement fee and filing of an SR-22 or bond); one year on the second offense and two years for additional crimes
• license plate and vehicle registration suspension
• license reinstatement fees of $100 (first offense), $300 for a second offense within five years, and $600 for a third violation in five years
• a $50 penalty for failure to surrender their driver’s license, license plates, or a registration in the required time period
• a $100 penalty for non-compliance with Ohio’s random verification program
• the requirement to file and maintain financial responsibility auto insurance (SR-22 or bond) for three years on a first offense and five years on a second and subsequent crime; if the violator cancels or doesn’t renew coverage within the monitoring period, the BMV will be notified
• vehicle immobilization and confiscation of plates for 30 to 60 days for violating a financial responsibility suspension; upon third and subsequent offenses, the vehicle may be forfeited and sold and the vehicle owner won’t be allowed to register a motor vehicle in Ohio for five years

 Teen Driver Laws

Ohio teens can start driving with a learner’s permit at age 15 years and six months. License applicants younger than 18 must go through driver education. Applicants who are 18 and older and who have failed the road test must complete an abbreviated driver training course.

Ohio state law bans drivers under age 18 from using handheld devices; the law prohibits everyone from texting while driving.

 Older Driver License Renewal

• Like the general population, older Ohio drivers must renew their licenses every four years.
• The Ohio BMV requires proof of adequate vision at every renewal.
• The BMV doesn’t currently allow license holders to renew online or through the mail.

 New Resident Licensing

All new residents must get an Ohio driver’s license within 30 days of moving to the Buckeye State. They must bring the following to the Ohio BMV:

• their vehicle’s original title or memorandum of title; if the title has two owners and one can’t be present, applicants will need to sign and have notarized two powers of attorney (one for the title and one for the registration), or an Authorization to Register (available from the BMV), which doesn’t require notarization
• a vehicle loan contract (if applicable)
• a current out-of-state driver’s license
• proof of residency (bank statement, utility bill, a pay stub with an Ohio address) and Social Security number
• evidence of citizenship or legal presence (birth certificate, U.S passport, etc.)
• proof of driver’s education and a co-signer (parent or guardian), if under 18
• evidence of legal name, if it’s not consistent on the documents presented (a marriage certificate, a certified copy of a divorce decree or legal name change)

 License Renewal Procedures

Ohio drivers must renew their licenses every four years. The Ohio BMV requires proof of adequate vision at every renewal.  The BMV doesn’t currently allow license holders to renew online or through the mail.

Negligent Driving

Reckless driving, the disregard for the safety of people or property that causes injury or harm, is a form of negligence.  Victims have a right to file a civil claim and seek compensation from the at-fault party. It’s based on the concept that everyone has a responsibility not to harm others.

Ohio comparative negligence laws let you and another driver share the cost of damages from an accident in proportion to your share of negligence. You can recover your losses, minus the percentage you caused through your negligence if it’s judged to be 50 percent or less. If you’re more than 50 percent negligent, you may not recover any losses from the other driver.

You don’t have to be moving to be considered negligent, either. A car that blocks a stop sign or a driver who stops at an intersection can cause an accident.

The insurance company investigates an accident. In determining negligence, a police report and additional considerations, including what a reasonable and prudent person would have done in the situation, are as important as a violation of motor vehicle laws.

If you disagree about your share of negligence, the case may have to go to court. An alternative is to file a claim with your insurance company under your auto coverage, which should speed up your vehicle repairs, and your insurer can take over negotiations with the other person.

If you become involved in a lawsuit, Ohio joint and several liability law states that when there is more than one defendant involved in a case, the plaintiff can collect all or most of the damages from any one of the defendants. Several defendants can be drawn into a lawsuit, and the one with the most insurance coverage may end up paying for the entire damages.

Rules of the Road

Ohio uses a point system to monitor traffic violations, and too many points on your record can make getting the best auto insurance rates difficult.

Make sure that you’re obeying the law with these basics of Ohio’s rules of the road.

 Fault vs. No-Fault

As we mentioned earlier, Ohio is a “fault” accident state and comparative negligence laws determine who is at fault for a crash.  It’s important to keep this information in mind in case of an accident.

 Seat Belt and Car Seat Laws

In Ohio, children ages three and younger or who weigh less than 40 pounds must be in a child restraint; those ages four through seven years who weigh 40 pounds or more and who are shorter than 57 inches must be in a child restraint or a booster seat.

Car seat laws in Ohio don’t state a preference for rear-facing car seats for children.

Child safety seat laws in Ohio require Children ages 8-14 in all seats can wear adult safety belts. Car seat and seat belt violations in Ohio for children ages 4-14 are considered secondary offenses, which means that another violation, such as running a red light, is required to enforce the law.

Everyone 15 years and older who sits in the front seat must wear a safety belt. The fine for not wearing one while seated there is $30 per driver and $20 per passenger, and it’s a secondary offense.

The maximum base fine for failing to seat children properly is $75, and an officer can pull a driver over for this offense.

Cargo areas in pick up trucks: riding in the cargo area of a pickup truck is not allowed in Ohio if the tailgate is unlatched or for people under age 16 if the vehicle is moving at more than 25 mph. Restrictions don’t apply to those 16 and older, for people age 15 and younger if the truck is going more than 25 mph, or if the person is seated and belted “in an OEM” position.

These laws don’t apply to covered cargo areas.

 Keep Right and Move Over Laws

Ohio law requires drivers approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights, including road service and waste collection vehicles traveling in the same direction, to move to the closest lane, if safe and possible to do so, or to slow to a speed safe for the conditions.

This news segment covers Ohio “move over” laws and how officers enforce them:

 Speed Limits

No one wants to get a speeding ticket. Get familiar with Ohio speed limits to avoid potential fines.

Please note that these are only the maximum speed limits for each road type – they can vary from roadway to roadway, so pay attention to signs.

 Ridesharing

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft mandate that all their drivers carry personal auto insurance policies that align or exceed the minimum coverages state law requires.

If you’re thinking of ridesharing, make sure to ask your provider if they offer ridesharing insurance. In Ohio, those companies include Allstate, State Farm, Erie, Geico, Farmers, and USAA.

 Automation on the Road

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS),

Automation is the use of a machine or technology to do a task or function a human once performed. In driving, automation involves using radar, camera, and other sensors to get information about a vehicle’s surroundings, which computer programs use to do all or part of the driving.

Ohio state laws allow testing of automated vehicles on public roads. Operators must have licenses and liability insurance but they don’t have to occupy the vehicles.

Safety Laws

Traffic laws are meant to keep everyone safe.

Read on to learn more about the “do’s” and “don’ts” of Ohio safety laws.

 DUI Laws

The Blood-Alcohol Content (BAC) limit in Ohio is 0.08 percent, and the high BAC limit is 0.17 percent.

The BAC in the table above is among drivers with a known alcohol test result.

 Drug-Impaired Driving Laws

Ohio doesn’t just ban driving while under the influence of marijuana — it’s also illegal to drive with any amount over two nanograms per milliliter of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana that causes a “high,” or its metabolites, in the blood.

Under the per se law for DUI of marijuana, prosecutors don’t have to show that your driving was impaired. An officer can charge a driver with marijuana DUI if they detect marijuana use according to any one of the following per se limits:

• two nanograms (ng) or milliliters (ml) of THC in the blood; ten ng/ml in urine
• fifty ng/ml of THC metabolites in the blood or 35 ng/ml in urine
• the driver shows signs of impairment due to the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both  and  a marijuana metabolite concentration five ng/ml in the blood or 15 ng/ml in urine

An officer can charge anyone with a drug DUI even if they’re not impaired while driving because the metabolites, or residue from the drug, can stay in the body for days, weeks, and possibly even months later.

This news report details the recent increase in drugged driving incidents and where they occurred; other common drugs involved included cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, and heroin:

 Distracted Driving Laws

Since the smartphone became popular, distracted driving has become as dangerous as driving under the influence of substances.

Ohio state law bans texting for all drivers, however, unless they’re under 18, they can use handheld devices, with the exception that if a driver commits a moving violation while distracted and the distracting activity contributes to the offense, an officer can fine the person $100 in addition to other applicable penalties.

This news report goes over this recent change in the law:

And remember: in Ohio, an officer can pull over drivers under 18 just for using their cell phones.  For all other drivers, another violation is required before they can face penalties for texting while driving.

Ohio Can’t-Miss Facts

There are lots of statistics about vehicle thefts, crashes, and other unfortunate dangers of the road. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Vehicle Theft in Ohio

These are the top stolen vehicles:

 Vehicle Theft by City

These are the numbers of auto theft for each town and city in Ohio.

Dangers on the Road in Ohio

Below you’ll find data on how weather and light conditions factored in car crash deaths.

Fatal Crashes by Weather and Light Conditions

Most of the crashes occurred in daylight under normal conditions, when more drivers tend to be on the road.

Road Dangers in Ohio

Here are some sobering facts to keep in mind about driving-related fatalities in Ohio.

 Fatalities (All Crashes) by County

 Fatality Rates Rural vs. Urban

 Fatalities by Person Type

 Fatalities by Crash Type

Five-Year Trend for the Top 10 Counties

 Fatalities Involving Speeding by County

 Fatalities in Crashes Involving an Alcohol-Impaired Driver (BAC = .08+) by County

 Teen Drinking and Driving

In 2016, 84 Ohioans under age 18 were arrested for drinking and driving, which amounted to roughly 32 arrests per million people. The state ranks 43rd overall for the number of underage DUI arrests.

The percentage of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities per 100,000 of the population in 2016 for those under 21 in Ohio was 0.9, which was lower than the national average of 1.2.

EMS Response Times

Transportation

These are some interesting details about car ownership and commute time in Ohio.

 Car Ownership

As the chart above shows, Ohioans own an average of two cars.

 Commute Time

At 22.4 minutes, Ohio drivers face a shorter commute than the national average of 25.3 minutes. Only about two percent of Ohioans have a “super commute” of 90 minutes or more.

 Commuter Transportation

Most drivers drove alone in their commutes, more than carpooling or taking public transportation.

According to INRIX, four Ohio cities are among the most traffic-congested: Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo.

• Columbus and Cleveland: nationally, they both ranked 32nd on the list of most traffic-congested cities; in each city, drivers averaged 62 hours in congested traffic in 2018. At peak congestion times, the average driving speed slows to 32 miles per hour. Off-peak, speeds average 46 mph, and when traffic flows best, at 48 mph. Congestion costs $869 per driver.
• Cincinnati: Ohio’s second most congested city ranked 36th nationwide, with an average of 60 hours of congested driving time; At peak congestion, the average driving speed slows to 29 miles per hour. Off-peak, speeds average 38 mph, and when traffic flows best, at 44 mph.  This congestion costs $834 per driver.
• Toledo: the city ranked 59th nationwide; the average time spent in congested traffic per driver was 36 hours in 2018.  In peak congestion, the average driving speed slows to 28 miles per hour. Off-peak, speeds average 33 mph, and when traffic flows best, at 37 mph. Congestion there costs $507 per driver.

Now that you’ve learned something about Ohio’s traffic statistics, insurance offerings, and state laws, you’re ready to start comparing auto insurance. Enter your ZIP code today to save money!