Affordable Ohio car insurance that puts you first
Root rewards Ohio drivers with lower rates, makes managing insurance simple, and gives you flexibility to choose auto insurance coverage that fits your needs.
Better auto insurance rates
Drivers who switch can save up to $1,300 a year on car insurance with Root. Get your personalized Ohio auto insurance quote. It’s easy to see if you could save.
Customizable coverage options
Choose the coverage options and limits that work for you, your car, and your budget. Available coverages vary by state, and you can adjust your policy as your needs change.
Manage your policy in the app
Access your Ohio auto insurance policy, view your insurance cards, and file a claim in as little as 3 minutes right from Root’s convenient mobile app.
Driving in the Buckeye State
Ohio has a highway for just about every direction. Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati form the big-city triangle, but Toledo, Dayton, Akron, and communities throughout the state add plenty more routes.
Three-city connection: I-71 runs from Cleveland through Columbus to Cincinnati, while I-70 carries drivers east-west through the capital.
Around the state: I-75 connects Cincinnati, Dayton, and Toledo, while I-77 runs through Akron toward eastern and southeastern Ohio.
See what’s ahead: OHGO provides real-time traffic, road-condition, and construction information from ODOT.
From Cleveland to Columbus and beyond: Explore Ohio car insurance from Root.
Ohio's minimum auto insurance requirements
To legally operate a vehicle in Ohio, you must carry Liability insurance for both bodily injury and property damage.
The minimum coverage amounts for liability car insurance required for drivers in Ohio are [1]:
Bodily injury liability
$25,000 per person
$50,000 per accident
Property damage liability
$25,000 per accident
Types of Ohio auto insurance we offer
Explore our Ohio car insurance coverage options available below. You can update your policy anytime in the Root app.
Liability coverage
Liability coverage pays for another person’s injuries or property damage when you’re responsible for an accident.
Collision coverage
Get your car repaired or replaced after a collision with another vehicle or object regardless of who was at fault. Add optional rental coverage.
Comprehensive coverage
Protect your car from damage beyond collisions, including theft, vandalism, severe weather, fire, and falling objects.
MedPay coverage
MedPay insurance helps cover eligible medical expenses like hospital or ambulance bills if you or your passengers are injured in an accident.
Uninsured motorist coverage
Stay protected if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or enough coverage to pay for eligible injuries or damages.
Roadside assistance coverage
Roadside assistance gets you back on the road when you're stranded, with services like towing, jump-starts, and tire changes.
What is the average cost of car insurance in Ohio?
The average Ohio driver pays $1,783 per year for full coverage car insurance [2].
Root customers looking to purchase Ohio car insurance could save up to $1,300 a year.
Get a quote in under 5 minutes.
Ohio Auto Insurance FAQs
What is the minimum car insurance required in Ohio?
To legally operate a vehicle in Ohio, you must carry liability insurance.
To avoid serious expenses in the event of a major accident, you should consider coverage that protects:
You and your passengers (MedPay coverage)
Your vehicle (collision and comprehensive)
However, liability insurance is the only coverage you are legally required to select when purchasing auto insurance in Ohio.
Is it legal to drive without insurance in Ohio?
No, you cannot legally drive without auto insurance in Ohio. State law requires every driver and vehicle owner to maintain continuous liability insurance and carry proof of it inside the vehicle. If you’re found driving without insurance, your driver’s license or vehicle registration could be suspended.
Do you need insurance to register a vehicle in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio requires vehicles to be insured in order to be registered, and you’ll need to keep that coverage in place for as long as the vehicle is registered. Letting your insurance lapse on a registered vehicle can lead to penalties, including suspension of your registration.
How do I lower my car insurance rate in Ohio?
The easiest ways to save on your Ohio car insurance premium are to drive safely, compare car insurance quotes, and review your coverage and deductible to find opportunities to save. With Root, you can get a personalized car insurance quote in minutes and explore coverage options that fit your needs and budget in the Buckeye State.
Is Ohio a no-fault car insurance state?
No, Ohio is not a no-fault state. It is an at-fault (or fault-based) state for car accidents. The driver who causes the crash is responsible for paying for medical bills, car repairs, and other damages through their insurance.
Is auto collision insurance required in Ohio?
Ohio law does not require drivers to carry collision coverage. The state only requires minimum liability insurance. Still, when comparing auto insurance quotes, consider adding collision protection to help pay for repairs to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who caused it.
Is uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage required in Ohio?
No, Ohio drivers are not required to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Like all auto insurance companies, Root offers optional UMPD and UM / UIM coverage in Ohio to help pay for injuries or vehicle damage when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. However, you can choose whether or not to purchase it as part of your policy. We make it easy to choose your coverage in our app.
Does Root offer full coverage car insurance in Ohio?
There’s actually no such thing as “full coverage” in the auto insurance industry, but the term usually refers to combining liability (Bodily Injury and Property Damage), collision, and comprehensive. Root offers all of these coverages in Ohio, along with optional coverages like Rental and a Rideshare & Delivery Endorsement.
Who needs SR-22 insurance in Ohio?
High-risk Ohio drivers may be ordered by a court or the Ohio BMV to provide an SR-22 after serious violations such as DUI, DWI, or driving without insurance.
An SR-22 is not insurance, but a certificate your auto insurer files to prove you carry the state-required minimum coverage. For high-risk drivers, failing to maintain it can result in license suspension.
Does Ohio have a hands-free driving law?
Yes, Ohio has a hands-free driving law. Since April 4, 2023, it's been illegal in Ohio to hold or use a phone or other electronic device while driving, though hands-free use and emergency calls are allowed. Tickets can go on your driving record and potentially increase your insurance rate. Staying focused behind the wheel helps you avoid distractions, traffic violations, and unnecessary expenses.
Helpful resources for Ohio drivers
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
The Ohio BMV issues driver's licenses and ID cards, manages vehicle titles and registrations, and maintains driving records.
Ohio Department of Insurance
The Ohio Department of Insurance regulates insurance in the state and helps consumers with insurance questions and complaints.
Ohio Department of Transportation
Start saving on car insurance
Get a quote and get on the road in less than 5 minutes with Root. It’s practical, simple, and fast car insurance for drivers who have more important stuff to do.
References
Ohio Department of Insurance. Automobile Insurance Guide.
Insure.com. Annual average rates were compiled in 2026.