Best Car Insurance For College Students In Ohio 2024
I reviewed and compared quotes from various different companies over nearly 40 hours. After careful consideration, I’ve determined that GEICO provides the most affordable and comprehensive coverage for college students in Ohio.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $600 per year on their car insurance.
For Ohio college students, State Farm was a standout for minimum coverage and top-notch customer service. Progressive, meanwhile, was the best option for those with a record of accidents or violations.
We’ll explore different car insurance companies in this guide, discussing how factors such as location and age can affect the insurance rates for college students in Ohio.
Best Car Insurance For College Students In Ohio, 2024
Compare Car Insurance For College Students In Ohio
| Overall Rating | Best For | JD Power Rating | AM Best Rating | Get A Quote | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm |
|
Minimum Coverage |
842 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| GEICO |
|
Full Coverage |
824 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| Auto-Owners |
|
Customer Service |
837 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| State Farm |
|
Low-Mileage Drivers |
842 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| Progressive |
|
Driving Violations |
853 |
A+ |
Instant Quote |
| GEICO |
|
Affordable Coverage |
824 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
Best Car Insurance For College Students In Ohio 2024
Best Minimum Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅When college students are choosing minimum coverage, they should consider a company known for supporting its policyholders. State Farm stands out with its personalized service and affordable rates for young drivers.
With a speedy claims process and dedicated customer support, State Farm ensures prompt issue resolution. College students in Ohio should expect to pay around $2,521 for a minimum coverage policy with State Farm.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Top industry customer service team
- Budget-friendly rates for most college students
- High policy renewal percentages
- Personalized policy management with a strong presence of local agents ✓
- Fewer customization options compared to other large insurers
- Does not include gap insurance coverage ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅Choosing a minimum coverage policy can cut your insurance expenses, but it may leave you vulnerable in the event of an accident. These inexpensive plans only cover the state-required minimum insurance, potentially leading to out-of-pocket costs for any additional damages or expenses.
For college students, minimum coverage policies are a favorable option because they offer the necessary insurance to drive legally while keeping costs low.
Best Full Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Full coverage insurance is more expensive compared to minimum coverage, so opting for a company like GEICO with affordable rates is important. College students in Ohio usually pay about $3,502 annually for full coverage through GEICO.
GEICO offers more than just economical coverage; it is also a leader in innovation. Their customer-oriented website ensures that policyholders can update their account information swiftly and with ease.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Accident forgiveness available to policyholders
- Usage-based program offers discounts
- Affordable full coverage for college students
- Above-average scores in customer satisfaction ✓
- No add-ons for new car replacement or rideshare insurance
- Bundle discounts are less favorable compared to competitors
- Limited number of local agents available ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅College students who commute regularly or drive frequently for work should opt for full coverage insurance instead of minimum coverage. Full coverage plans offer additional protection, including liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage.
Full coverage provides more extensive protection but at an increased cost. It’s essential to compare the added insurance benefits with the extra monthly expense to make an informed decision.
Best Customer Service
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅As a college student, having questions about auto insurance is typical. Although many companies provide interactive apps and websites, Auto-Owners Insurance offers the unique advantage of connecting you with a live person. The added help from a local agent may be worth the slightly higher premium.
The company’s excellent customer service is complemented by several discount options to cut costs. College students can expect to pay roughly $3,329 each year for coverage.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Emphasizes relationships with live, local agents
- Flexible coverage with access to multiple discounts
- Offers accident forgiveness and a shrinking deductible
- Outstanding customer service experience ✓
- Quotes must be obtained through agents
- Available in only 26 states
- No online access for policy management ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅While many think that exceptional customer service is expensive, this isn’t always true for car insurance in Ohio. Both Auto-Owners Insurance and State Farm receive high marks for customer satisfaction and offer affordable coverage options for college students.
Best Affordable Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅For students in college, affordability is likely the main factor when purchasing their first auto insurance. With GEICO, young drivers receive coverage at an annual cost of approximately $1,144, plus the benefit of a well-known company.
For many years, GEICO has been a top auto insurance provider, consistently offering competitive rates and excellent customer service. The company has also enhanced its digital tools, creating a mobile app and website that make it easy to manage accounts and update information.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Top rates for college students
- Multiple student discounts offered
- Mobile app and website make policy management simple
- Higher-than-average customer satisfaction ✓
- Few local agents available
- No gap or rideshare insurance available ✘
Best For Low-Mileage Drivers
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅College students can reduce their car insurance costs significantly with the help of low-mileage policies and discounts. State Farm offers the most affordable options, with policies generally costing about $2,658 per year.
State Farm’s strong performance in customer service and financial stability makes it a dependable choice for college students in need of their first auto insurance policy.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Offers substantial discounts to low-mileage drivers through a usage-based program.
- Excellent customer service that clients love.
- High renewal and retention rates among policyholders.
- Strong financial ratings from independent agencies such as AM Best. ✓
- Lacks coverage options for rideshare and gap insurance.
- Could be more expensive for drivers with poor credit. ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅If you’re a college student who plans to drive less during the school year, you shouldn’t pay for more insurance than you need. While maintaining the state minimum auto insurance is mandatory, there are budget-friendly policies and discounts available for low-mileage drivers.
Many insurers offer discounts on low-mileage policies if you drive fewer miles each year, with limits typically ranging from 7,500 to 10,000 miles annually, depending on the provider.
Best For Motorists With Driving Violations
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Even though Progressive Insurance didn’t have the most affordable rates for standard coverage, it was the best option for Ohio college students with driving violations. Whether it was a speeding ticket or an accident, Progressive still provided cost-effective coverage.
The yearly cost for auto insurance for most college students with driving violations is approximately $4,697.
Progressive includes rideshare coverage in their additional options, which is beneficial for college students who work part-time for DoorDash or Lyft.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Covers veterinary expenses for your pet if injured in an accident, with collision insurance
- Economical rates for motorists with driving violations
- Provides rideshare coverage as an additional option ✓
- Customer loyalty ratings are slightly below average
- Customer service is generally average ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅Driving violations can significantly raise the cost of monthly insurance, regardless of the driver’s age. College students, who are already seen as high-risk, may experience an even larger rate increase after an accident or ticket.
You can mitigate the damage of a driving violation by working with a company like Progressive, which specializes in insuring drivers who have a history of tickets or accidents.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For College Students In Ohio – By City
| City | Average Annual Cost | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus | $1,560 | $130 |
| Cleveland | $1,692 | $141 |
| Cincinnati | $1,548 | $129 |
| Toledo | $1,620 | $135 |
| Akron | $1,524 | $127 |
Average Rates For 18 Year Old College Students In Ohio
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Auto-Owners | $123 |
| State Farm | $662 |
| GEICO | $186 |
| Allstate | $209 |
| Progressive | $268 |
Average Car Insurance Rates For 19 Year Old College Students In Ohio
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Progressive | $169 |
| State Farm | $572 |
| Travelers | $138 |
| GEICO | $138 |
| Allstate | $148 |
Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 20 Year Old College Students In Ohio
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Travelers | $119 |
| GEICO | $123 |
| State Farm | $500 |
| Allstate | $133 |
| Auto-Owners | $99 |
Average Rates For 21 Year Old College Students In Ohio
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $95 |
| State Farm | $428 |
| Nationwide | $70 |
| Allstate | $112 |
| Progressive | $106 |
Car Insurance Rates For 22 Year Old College Students In Ohio
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $112 |
| State Farm | $129 |
| Auto-Owners | $$91 |
| Allstate | $112 |
| Progressive | $105 |
Average Cost Of Auto Insurance For 23 Year Old College Students In Ohio
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $75 |
| State Farm | $344 |
| Auto-Owners | $78 |
| Farmers | $97 |
| Allstate | $99 |
Average Rates For 24 Year Old College Students In Ohio
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Travelers | $83 |
| State Farm | $311 |
| GEICO | $72 |
| Progressive | $71 |
| Allstate | $94 |
Average Rates For 25 Year Old College Students In Ohio
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $275 |
| Progressive | $78 |
| GEICO | $69 |
| Travelers | $73 |
| Allstate | $90 |
Average Rates On Family Policy vs. Individual Policy
| Insurance Company | Individual Student Policy | Family Policy |
| GEICO | $95 | $67 |
| State Farm | $428 | $357 |
| Nationwide | $70 | $41 |
| Allstate | $112 | $94 |
| Progressive | $106 | $85 |
How Can College Students Save Money On Car Insurance In Ohio
Most college students experience significantly higher car insurance rates than drivers in their mid to late 20s. If you’re unable to stay on a parent or guardian’s policy, you’ll need to seek ways to reduce your monthly premium payment.
The following tips will guide you in finding ways to make car insurance more affordable.
Student Discounts
Student discounts for achieving high grades are well-known, but college students can also enjoy a variety of other discounts, including:
- College student discount for living away from home
- Discount for being a safe driver
- Driver’s education discount
Affiliation Discounts
Campus clubs and organizations offer students a great way to get involved in university activities. They can also provide additional benefits like special discounts. Depending on your insurance provider, participating in a sorority, fraternity, honor society, or alumni association may help lower your monthly car insurance costs.
Security And Safety Improvements
While certain tips are targeted at college students, this one benefits drivers of any age. Auto insurance companies often provide lower premiums if you install safety devices or improve your vehicle’s overall security.
As an example, a car alarm and other anti-theft devices can potentially cut your car insurance costs by up to 5%.
Used vs. New
It’s common for parents to buy new cars for their kids to mark graduation. While newer cars can offer better fuel efficiency, they tend to have higher insurance premiums. This is due to the increased costs of repairing or replacing new vehicles, which insurers factor into their rates.
Common Auto Insurance Claims In Ohio
In Ohio, the four most common types of auto insurance claims are:
- Collision Claims (5.8 per 100 years of vehicle activity)
- Property Damage Claims (3.36 per 100 years of vehicle activity)
- Bodily Injury Claims (0.95 per 100 years of vehicle activity)
- Comprehensive Claims (2.81 per 100 years of vehicle activity)
Do College Students Need Their Own Insurance, or Can They Stay On A Parent’s?
While insurance usually gives clear answers, whether or not you’ll need your own policy as a college student will depend on various considerations. Let’s delve into scenarios where you could stay on your family’s plan versus when you’d need to find your own coverage.
Keeping Students On A Family Car Insurance Policy
Car insurance doesn’t have the same age limit as health insurance, so children can stay on their parent’s policy. As long as they live at home or use their parents’ address while in college, they can maintain coverage on the family’s auto insurance plan.
Purchasing Coverage As A College Student
The key factor that would require a college student to purchase their own insurance is changing their address. When a student has a permanent address that’s different from their parents’, they need to secure a new policy.
Temporary Car Insurance
Temporary coverage might not be available from all car insurance providers, but it’s a fantastic choice for college students who won’t be driving regularly.
Temporary auto insurance in Ohio usually includes six months of coverage, with the option to cancel at the end of the term. This is perfect for college students who don’t need extra coverage while in school and for those studying abroad for a semester.
Try Usage-Based Car Insurance
Like telematics, usage-based car insurance monitors driving behavior, but it also has an additional aspect that college students find especially appealing.
By driving less throughout the year, you can benefit from discounts and lower premiums with usage-based car insurance. These “Pay-Per-Mile” plans are a great way to get affordable coverage if your vehicle is mostly parked in the dorm lot or at home during the school year.
How To Buy Car Insurance As A College Student In Ohio
Finding your first auto insurance policy as a college student can be a stressful process. Fortunately, platforms like Insuranceopedia make it easier and more enjoyable.
While Insuranceopedia enable fast comparison of rates from several insurers, you’ll need to have specific information ready to complete the process. Here’s a detailed overview of the steps to take when purchasing your next auto insurance policy:
Step 1: Collect all the required information like your vehicle info, license numbers, personal details, and driving record.
Step 2: Figure out the coverage you need to meet the legal requirements in Ohio.
Step 3: Decide whether you prefer to buy your insurance online or from a local agent.
Step 4: Shop around by comparing quotes from at least three car insurance carriers.
Step 5: Finalize the purchase and notify your previous car insurance provider about the switch.
How To Get Discounts
For college students, car insurance can be expensive, particularly with a history of tickets or accidents. One way to help reduce the cost is through discounts offered by your insurance carrier.
While each car insurance company has its own discount list, consider the following options before finalizing your plan:
- Paid in full
- Multi-vehicle
- Multi-policy
- Military
- Student away
- Good student
- Safe driver
- Defensive driving
- Low mileage
- Accident-free
Telematics Car Insurance For College Students
As a college student, finding smart ways to save on car insurance in Ohio is essential. Telematics is one of the most effective methods for reducing your monthly premium.
Telematics devices are used by insurance companies to monitor how you drive. Safer driving can lead to better rates and make you more likely to earn discounts as a safe driver.
Our Methodology
To find the best car insurance rates for Ohio college students, we reviewed data from multiple insurance sites, some of which used public filings obtained through Quadrant Information Services. Our team also brought 25 years of combined insurance expertise to assess each company. Even though the rates provided in this guide are accurate, it’s important to note that premiums can fluctuate daily and vary depending on the driver.
Quotes Analyzed
Years Of Industry Experience
Brands Reviewed
Research Hours
FAQs
Who has the best car insurance for college students in Ohio?
Overall, GEICO provides the most affordable car insurance for college students. However, based on your driving history and the coverage you need, Progressive and State Farm are also important options to explore in Ohio.
Do college students need car insurance in Ohio?
All drivers in Ohio need car insurance. College students can choose to remain on their parents’ policy if they are living at home or secure their own coverage when they move out.
Is car insurance more expensive for college students in Ohio?
For younger drivers in Ohio, car insurance tends to be more expensive. College students often benefit from better rates than 16-year-olds but still encounter significantly higher premiums than 25-year-olds.
How can you add a college student to a family policy?
To add a college student to your family plan, reach out to your insurance provider before the student starts college. Insurers generally need the student’s new zip code and to verify that their primary address remains the family home. Out-of-state students might have additional requirements.
Can you stay on your parents’ car insurance if you move out?
While you remain living with your parents, you can stay on their car insurance policy. However, once you officially move out and get a new permanent address, you will need to obtain your own auto insurance.
