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Cheap Car Insurance in Columbus, Ohio

Illustration of van driving by Freeway Insurance headquarters

Columbus is one of Ohio’s most fascinating cities. Nicknamed the “Arch City,” it is well known for its craft beer spirit, home to the Columbus Distillery Trail, and a thriving nightlife scene. It does very well for foodies, too, with the North Market and Budd Dairy hosting dozens of vendors and local retailers. Prefer to shop? The mega mall of Easton has more than 200 shops, restaurants, and entertainment spots. It has been rated as one of the top retail destinations in the country.

Some of the area’s most popular attractions include the Ohio Statehouse, Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Center of Science and Industry, Scioto Mile, and the Columbus Museum of Art.

All Columbus drivers are required to carry insurance. Find out everything you need to know about auto insurance in Ohio, including average monthly rates paid by zip code, types of discounts available, and penalties for failing to show proof of insurance at a traffic stop.

Quick Facts

  • The capital of Ohio is Columbus.
  • Famous Columbus-born celebrities are children’s author R.L. Stine and chef Guy Fieri.
  • Since 1933, White Castle is based in Columbus.
  • The world’s oldest captive gorilla, Colo, lives at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
  • Eight US presidents were born in Ohio.
  • Nearly 50% of US residents live within 600 miles of Columbus.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Columbus, Ohio?

Drivers looking for the cheapest car insurance in Columbus will find the state-required minimum auto insurance averages $40 per month. This amount varies quite a bit between zip codes, however, and is reserved for those with excellent driving records. You’ll find that drivers in zip codes that have a high volume of accidents and vehicle crime will pay more than drivers who live somewhere where there’s much less congestion and a decrease in car theft and vandalism.

In Ohio overall, drivers pay on average $28 per month for the state-required minimum liability car insurance. Nationally, the average is $47.

For those who prefer more protection or are required to carry full coverage car insurance by their lender, the average monthly rate in Columbus is $105. That compares to the state overall at $100 and the national average at $140 per month.

Full coverage includes a trident of protections: liability, comprehensive car insurance and collision auto insurance.

How much do drivers pay in cities across Ohio? See the breakdown below for average monthly auto insurance premiums.

City Full Coverage Insurance Liability Insurance Coverage
Columbus $105 $40
Cincinnati $98 $45
Cleveland $118 $41
Dayton $98 $41

Affordable Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code in Columbus, OH

Auto policy premiums can vary depending on the zip code where you live. One zip code could have a younger demographic and higher claims volume than other zip codes with more mature drivers and less claims. Large, denser cities have a higher average monthly rate than sparsely populated towns and rural areas.

See the breakdown below for Columbus’s monthly average auto insurance premiums by zip code.

Zip Code Full Coverage Insurance Liability Insurance Coverage
43004 $103 $38
43016 $102 $39
43017 $105 $39
43026 $106 $39
43035 $103 $39
43054 $105 $39
43068 $108 $40
43081 $105 $40
43085 $105 $40
43107 $101 $34
43110 $107 $40
43119 $106 $40
43201 $116 $42
43202 $114 $42
43203 $120 $42
43204 $115 $41
43205 $117 $42
43206 $116 $41
43207 $116 $41
43209 $114 $42
43210 $113 $41
43211 $124 $43
43212 $109 $40
43213 $112 $42
43214 $112 $41
43215 $114 $41
43216 $127 $46
43217 $107 $39
43219 $121 $43
43220 $110 $40
43221 $108 $40
43222 $117 $43
43223 $115 $42
43224 $127 $46
43227 $117 $43
43228 $110 $41
43229 $116 $43
43230 $107 $40
43231 $114 $43
43232 $113 $42
43234 $127 $46
43235 $108 $40
43240 $108 $40
45106 $101 $35

Low-Cost Car Insurance Rates by Age in Columbus, Ohio

It is not surprising younger drivers can spend as much as quadruple the rate of drivers in their 30s and 40s due to a short/inconsistent driving record and a collective tendency to be high-risk drivers, with more accidents.

See the breakdown below for monthly average auto insurance premiums by age in Columbus.

Age Full Coverage Insurance Liability Insurance Coverage
Teenagers $433 $175
20s $155 $58
30s $105 $40
40s $100 $39
50s $92 $36
60s $95 $38
70s $115 $47

Unless otherwise specified, we use the following methodology to arrive at our average cost: male, age 30, lowest possible legal coverage allowed by Ohio. Your rates will be determined by several factors, including your age, your gender and the amount of coverage you want to purchase.

Get a Quote for Car Insurance in Ohio Today!

Driving Conditions in Columbus, Ohio

How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Columbus, OH?

In 2019, Columbus had 77 road traffic accidents, resulting in 85 fatalities. A total of 166 people were involved, including 32 pedestrians.

How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Columbus?

The city of Columbus’ Public Service personnel works toward design and construction projects for road infrastructure and bridges in the area. In addition, traffic management manages everything from traffic signal reviews to intersection enhancements for consistent vehicle flow.

For more information on Columbus’ Traffic Management program, visit Columbus’ – Traffic Management.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Columbus, Ohio

The minimum liability auto insurance coverage levels in Ohio are as follows:

All drivers must maintain this minimum level of liability coverage. However, we highly recommend a full coverage policy over a state minimum policy. A low deductible and high liability limits will mean higher rates.

What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Columbus, OH?

It is not advisable to drive without insurance in Ohio.

All first-time offenders will see a driver’s license and vehicle registration suspension until you show proof of insurance, on top of a $590 compliant fee, a $100 reinstatement fee, and a $10 registrar service fee. Worst of all, you will be forced to file an SR-22 form for a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years.

Second and subsequent offenders will see even higher fees, including restoration fees up to $660 to reinstate your registration and license plates. Depending on the scenario, your vehicle may even be impounded and sold.

Remember, the state minimum liability coverage all drivers in Ohio must carry is $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage.

Factors Allowed in Columbus Car Insurance Rates

Age, gender, and zip code of residence are some factors used to determine car insurance rates for millions of drivers.

Other factors affecting Columbus car insurance rates include:

  • Amount of deductible
  • Liability limits
  • Driving record
  • Employment
  • Level of education
  • Marital status

Knowing what affects your premiums is critical. Your age and driving record are two of the most critical. You cannot do much about your age, but you can practice safe driving at all times if you want to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Ohio.

Discounts for Car Insurance in Columbus, Ohio

All drivers in Columbus can save some money on their insurance premiums by taking advantage of car insurance discounts. Almost everybody but the most serious high-risk drivers are eligible for some discount, even if that’s a new customer discount or a loyalty discount.

To find out what insurance discounts you may qualify for, check with your insurance agent. Some discounts include:



Get an Online Quote for Low-Cost Car Insurance in Columbus Today!

Corner of the Scioto River and Columbus Ohio at night

All Columbus drivers can benefit from Freeway Insurance’s affordable auto insurance policies. We have you covered whether you are looking for the state minimum required coverage or a full coverage policy.

To get started, request a free online car insurance quote, visit a Columbus office near you, or call us at 800-777-5620 for a free, no-obligation quote by one of our friendly agents.