Ohio Car Insurance: Minimums & Average Cost (2026)
Last updated July 24, 2026
Ohio requires drivers to carry at least 25/50/25 liability coverage — $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage — with an average minimum-coverage policy running about $390 a year in 2026. For how Ohio compares to other states, see our car insurance rates by state guide.
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Ohio's 2026 minimum coverage requirements
Ohio minimum liability coverage (25/50/25) — verified 2026-07-24
| Name | Minimum limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability, per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury liability, per accident | $50,000 |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 |
These limits did not change for 2026. Ohio is an at-fault state.
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What minimum coverage actually costs in 2026
Ohio's average minimum-coverage policy runs around $390 a year — among the lower averages of the states in this guide — with Grange Insurance reported as the cheapest individual carrier at roughly $230 a year for minimum coverage. Full coverage in Ohio averages closer to $900-$1,100 a year, reflecting the larger gap between liability-only and full coverage that's typical nationwide (see our liability vs. full coverage guide).
Why Ohio rates run below the national average
Ohio's relatively low average reflects a mix of factors: lower population density outside its major metro areas, a competitive insurance market with many licensed carriers, and moderate litigation costs compared to higher-cost states like New York or California. Rates still vary significantly within the state — Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati carry higher averages than smaller Ohio cities and rural counties.
How to lower your Ohio premium
The same nationwide levers apply in Ohio: raising your deductible, bundling home and auto, and shopping multiple carriers rather than auto-renewing. See our 10 ways to lower your premium guide for the full ranked list, and check military discounts if you're near one of Ohio's several military installations.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Ohio's minimum car insurance requirement in 2026?+
25/50/25 liability coverage: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage. These limits did not change for 2026.
What is the cheapest car insurance in Ohio?+
Grange Insurance has been reported as the cheapest option for minimum coverage in Ohio, at roughly $230 a year, though the cheapest option for any individual driver depends on their specific profile.
How much does full coverage cost in Ohio compared to minimum coverage?+
Minimum coverage averages around $390 a year, while full coverage runs closer to $900-$1,100 a year — a gap consistent with the roughly $1,500 national average difference between liability-only and full coverage.
Is Ohio an at-fault or no-fault state?+
Ohio is an at-fault state. The driver who causes an accident is financially responsible for the other party's injuries and damage through their liability coverage.
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Written by
Insurezly Editorial Team
The Insurezly Editorial Team researches car insurance rates, coverage rules, and state requirements directly from insurer filings, state DOI publications, and NAIC data. Every figure is sourced and dated; we do not accept payment for placement or ratings.
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