Ohio is one of the very least expensive states for auto insurance. The average annual premium for auto insurance in Ohio is $921, over $500 less than the 2011 national average of $1440

Annual Changes

Premiums in Ohio have fallen by 24% in 2011, following a 13% decrease between 2009 and 2010. There is no fixed premium structure in Ohio and insurers which operate there are free to set their own rates. Especially because rates can change during the course of a single year, drivers are advised to check Ohio car insurance rates on our site in order to obtain and maintain the best possible price.

Seasonal Changes

While average premiums were basically stable until the summer, September saw a substantial reduction in rates, which hit a low in October before rising in November and December and then falling again to their lowest level yet in January, 2011. Rate changes in Ohio can be substantial and frequent, so that it is advised to monitor rates in order to get the best prices.

Insurance Requirements

Minimum insurance requirements in Ohio call for personal liability coverage of $12,500 per person/$25,000 limit per accident and a $7,500 property damage liability limit. However, Ohio works under a tort system, where one party must be judged responsible for any accident. That party is then held liable for the entire cost of the accident. Higher limits are therefore recommended to protect assets in the event of a lawsuit. Coverage to protect against damage caused by an uninsured or under-insured driver is available in Ohio and it is usually recommended, especially because the minimum state requirements are so low.

Advice for Getting the Best Deals

Major national and regional insurers issue auto insurance policies in Ohio. Since each company uses different criteria to determine their premiums for each driver, no one company or type of company can be said to offer the lowest rates. Experts recommend obtaining multiple quotes from reliable insurance companies which are rated A or higher by A. M. Best. It is also advised to check the J. D. Power ratings for consumer service related information.

Using our site to monitor rates and periodically obtain new quotes is the best way to get the lowest rates for car insurance in Ohio.