Cheapest car insurance for high-risk drivers in Ohio

Which company has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio for a bad driving record?

Erie Insurance, Travelers, Auto-Owners are the cheapest options. Erie Insurance has the lowest annual rate at $1,561 per year.

Having accidents, DUIs or traffic tickets on your driving record, will make you pay more for insurance. Most tickets will affect your rates for three to five years. A DUI can affect your rates for up to 10 years and can stay on your record for life.

Company	Average annual premium for clean record	Annual premium for high-risk driver
Erie Insurance	$1,132	$1,561
Travelers	$1,336	$2,090
Auto-Owners	$1,109	$2,104
Progressive	$1,626	$2,460
Allstate	$1,942	$2,624
GEICO	$1,373	$2,868
Farmers	$1,794	$3,351
USAA	$994	$1,414

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How much is high-risk car insurance in Ohio?

In Ohio, the average cost of high-risk car insurance is $2,368 per year. However, you may secure coverage from Erie Insurance for as low as $1,561 annually. Even with a problematic driving record or poor credit score, affordable policies are available.

Several factors can classify you as a high-risk driver, but some raise your premiums more than others. For example, receiving multiple speeding tickets or getting one for speeding in a school zone will boost your rates more than a single basic speeding ticket.

Keep reading as we break down the factors that make you a high-risk driver and what you can expect to pay for car insurance.

Average annual car insurance rate for At-fault bodily injury accident in Ohio, OH is $2,416

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Company	Annual premium for clean record	Annual premium after violation
Erie Insurance	$1,132	$1,395
USAA	$994	$1,520
Auto-Owners	$1,109	$1,608
Travelers	$1,336	$2,045
GEICO	$1,373	$2,796
Progressive	$1,626	$2,844
Allstate	$1,942	$3,074
Farmers	$1,794	$3,525

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Average annual rate

PEOPLE ASK:

Who is considered a high-risk driver in Ohio?

Each insurance company has its own rules for deciding who is a high-risk driver. But usually, things like a DUI, several tickets or accidents, or serious violations like reckless driving will put you in the high-risk category.

What company offers the cheapest car insurance in Ohio after a DUI?

Although many insurance companies provide coverage after a DUI, Erie Insurance offers the most affordable rate at $1,814 a year.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious traffic violation that damages your driving record. It can raise auto insurance premiums for nearly 10 years, on top of fines and other penalties. Multiple DUIs drive rates even higher, but consistent safe driving over time can gradually lead to lower premiums.

The table below compares average car insurance premiums in Ohio for drivers with a clean record versus those with a DUI.

Company	Average annual premium for clean record	Annual premium for a DUI
Erie Insurance	$1,132	$1,814
Progressive	$1,626	$2,032
Travelers	$1,336	$2,128
Auto-Owners	$1,109	$2,222
Allstate	$1,942	$2,661
GEICO	$1,373	$3,326
Farmers	$1,794	$3,643
USAA	$994	$1,498

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Cheapest car insurance in Ohio with multiple tickets

For drivers with multiple tickets, Erie Insurance offers the lowest premiums, averaging $1,231 per year or $103 per month.

A single ticket can raise your car insurance premiums, but multiple tickets will push them even higher. Repeatedly violating speed limits and other traffic laws signals risky behavior, increasing the likelihood that insurers will have to pay claims.

This table shows drivers in Ohio how much having multiple tickets can raise their insurance premiums.

Company	Average annual premium for clean record	Annual premium with a speeding ticket
Erie Insurance	$1,132	$1,231
Auto-Owners	$1,109	$1,465
Travelers	$1,336	$2,037
Progressive	$1,626	$2,392
Allstate	$1,942	$2,407
GEICO	$1,373	$2,817
Farmers	$1,794	$2,910
USAA	$994	$1,254

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Key insight

Two minor tickets can sometimes cost you more on insurance in the end than one major violation.

Which company offers the cheapest insurance for reckless driving in Ohio?

Erie Insurance has the cheapest rates for drivers with reckless driving convictions at $1,231 a year.

If you engage in hazardous driving behaviors that endanger others, you may be charged with reckless driving. A reckless driving conviction will increase your car insurance rates.

The table below shows car insurance rates for drivers with a clean record vs. drivers with a reckless driving conviction.

Company	Average annual premium for clean record	Annual premium for reckless driving
Erie Insurance	$1,132	$1,231
Travelers	$1,336	$2,128
Auto-Owners	$1,109	$2,222
Allstate	$1,942	$2,661
Progressive	$1,626	$2,849
GEICO	$1,373	$3,326
Farmers	$1,794	$3,808
USAA	$994	$1,353

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Key insight

A reckless driving conviction can limit your car insurance options and significantly raise rates, so shopping around is critical.

Company has the cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in Ohio?

The cheapest Ohio insurer for bad credit is GEICO, with rates averaging $2,105 annually or $175 monthly. Fortunately, drivers with bad credit can still find affordable auto insurance.

Although unrelated to your performance behind the wheel, your credit score also impacts car insurance rates and can put you in the high-risk category. To an insurance company, high-risk means more likely to file a claimAn insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company for coverage after your car is damaged or you have an accident. You can file a claim online, by phone, or in writing., and statistically, drivers with a low credit score fit that description.

Check out the table below to see how your credit score affects Ohio car insurance.

Company	Annual premium for good credit	Annual premium for bad credit
GEICO	$1,373	$2,105
Travelers	$1,336	$2,175
Erie Insurance	$1,132	$2,624
Progressive	$1,626	$2,702
Auto-Owners	$1,109	$3,144
Allstate	$1,942	$3,199
Farmers	$1,794	$3,927
USAA	$994	$1,870

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What company has the cheapest car insurance in Ohio after an accident?

Erie Insurance has the lowest rates after an accident at $1,395 a year. Auto-Owners also has affordable rates at $1,608 a year.

Drivers with accidents on their driving records see higher rates than drivers who avoid crashes. While car insurance increases after one accident, multiple accidents significantly increase rates.

This table compares rates for drivers with a clean driving record, one at-fault accident, and multiple accidents.

Company	Average annual premium for clean record	Annual premium for one at-fault accident	Annual premium for multiple accident
Erie Insurance	$1,132	$1,395	$1,745
Auto-Owners	$1,109	$1,608	$1,972
Travelers	$1,336	$1,989	$2,604
GEICO	$1,373	$2,796	$4,415
Progressive	$1,626	$2,844	$3,985
Allstate	$1,942	$3,074	$3,930
Farmers	$1,794	$3,410	$5,809
USAA	$994	$1,520	$2,713

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Key insight

Accident forgiveness programs can prevent rate increases, but eligibility varies by insurer, and often only minor accidents qualify.

Which city has the cheapest car insurance for high-risk drivers in Ohio?

In Ohio, the lowest car insurance rates are found in Tiffin, averaging $2,012 annually. On the other hand, Cleveland has the highest rates at $2,728 a year.

Where you live in Ohio matters, too. If you're in an area with heavy traffic or a high rate of vehicle theft, your premiums will rise to reflect the increased likelihood of claims.

City	Average annual premium for clean record	Annual premium for high-risk driver
Tiffin	$1,216	$2,012
Upper Sandusky	$1,251	$2,061
Elyria	$1,284	$2,154
Defiance	$1,315	$2,165
Marion	$1,328	$2,183
Mason	$1,372	$2,288
Warren	$1,410	$2,356
Dayton	$1,476	$2,468
Columbus	$1,597	$2,676
Cincinnati	$1,608	$2,691
Cleveland	$1,643	$2,728

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How can high-risk drivers lower their car insurance rates in Ohio?

Finding affordable car insurance in Ohio is possible, even with a bad driving record. Ways to lower car insurance rates include:

Where you live in Ohio also affects car insurance rates. For example, if you live in a high-traffic or high-theft area, rates will increase because your vehicle is more likely to be damaged or stolen.

Carefully consider filing claims. Paying for minor damage out of pocket may be cheaper than filing an insurance claim and increasing rates for years.
Avoid costly infractions. Drive carefully to avoid adding traffic infractions to your record. Tickets only affect insurance rates for a few years, which will decrease if more tickets aren't added.
Improve your credit score. Raising your credit score lowers car insurance rates. Make on-time payments and consider credit usage to improve your rating.
Take a defensive driving course. Many insurance companies offer a discount for doing so, and some states remove driver's license points for successfully completing the class.
Shop around for coverage. Every car insurance company weighs factors differently and offers different rates. Compare quotes to find the cheapest rates.

PEOPLE ASK:

How long are you considered a high-risk driver in Ohio?

Three years is common, but how long you are considered a high-risk driver in California depends on the insurance company's guidelines. The state determines how long a violation stays on your record, but the insurance company determines how long you're charged for that violation.

What are Ohio's insurance requirements for high-risk drivers?

If you're a high-risk driver in Ohio, you may need to file an SR-22. Your insurer submits this form to confirm you carry the state's minimum required coverage. The court will specify how long you must maintain the SR-22.

An SR-22 is not a type of insurance; it's simply a form. You don't need special coverage, but your premiums may be higher since you're classified as high risk. Additionally, not all insurance companies offer policies for high risk drivers or handle SR-22 filings.

Methodology

170+

insurance companies analyzed

34,000+

ZIP codes examined

$53M

insurance quotes analyzed

National and state average rates are based on three coverage levels: state minimum, 50/100/50 liability-only, and full coverage with 100/300/100 liability and $500 deductibles.

All base rate averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on: