Cheapest Car Insurance For College Students In Ohio 2025

Ohio ranks among the top 10 worst states for teen and college drivers. Although drivers aged 24 and younger make up only 5% of all licensed drivers, they accounted for 31% of car accidents and 13% of motor vehicle fatalities in 2022.

These risks are spread across the state but are especially concentrated in areas like Hamilton County, home to major institutions such as the University of Cincinnati. With accident rates disproportionately high among younger drivers, insurers charge college students significantly more for coverage.

As a result, students attending school in Ohio should expect higher premiums compared to older drivers. Still, there are ways to reduce costs. By maintaining good grades, completing defensive driving courses, staying on a parent’s policy, or exploring usage‑based insurance programs, Ohio college students can find strategies to save money while staying protected on the road.

Best Car Insurance Companies For College Students In Ohio

When selecting car insurance for college students in Ohio, you need to consider your priorities and pick a policy that matches your needs, whether that is low rates or comprehensive coverage.

Use the table below to see our picks for the best auto insurers for students in Ohio.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Cheapest Liability-Only Car Insurance For College Students In Ohio

Minimum coverage policies are often an effective way to decrease overall costs, but can leave you vulnerable in an accident. These low-cost plans will only cover the state minimum insurance needed to operate a vehicle, which means paying expenses out of pocket.

Minimum coverage policies are great options for college students as they provide the insurance needed to drive legally while keeping costs low.

As you can see from the table below, GEICO is the cheapest average option at $648 per year.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance For College Students In Ohio

College students who commute to campus or routinely drive for work should consider a full coverage policy over minimum coverage. These plans offer additional protection, often including liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage.

While the full coverage policies offer more protection, they come at a higher cost. It’s essential to weigh the benefits of the additional insurance against the extra monthly cost.

USAA is the cheapest full coverage car insurance policy for students in Ohio, at an average annual rate of $3,000.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Cheapest Car Insurance For College Students With Low-Mileage In Ohio

If you’re a college student who doesn’t plan on driving much throughout the school year, there’s no reason to pay for insurance you don’t need. While you’ll still need to maintain the state minimum auto insurance, most low-mileage policies offer discounted rates if you stay below a certain number of miles yearly.

The limit will vary between insurance companies but is usually around 7,500 to 10,000 miles annually.

Use the table below to view the cheapest low-mileage rates for college drivers in Ohio.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Cheapest Car Insurance For College Students With Driving Violations In Ohio

Driving violations can significantly increase the amount a driver pays for monthly coverage, regardless of age. College students will likely experience an even more significant rate increase after an accident or ticket due to their already high-risk rating.

One way to mitigate the damage of a driving violation is to work with a company like Erie that specializes in insuring motorists with a history of tickets or accidents.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For College Students In Ohio – By City

Where you live in Ohio can have a significant impact on your car insurance premiums.

Use the table below to view average rates for different cities in Ohio.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 18-Year-Old College Students In Ohio

Auto-Owners offers the cheapest rates for 18-year-old college drivers in Ohio, at an average monthly cost of $123.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 19-Year-Old College Students In Ohio

GEICO provides the cheapest policy for 19-year-old college students in Ohio, averaging $138 per month.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 20-Year-Old College Students In Ohio

The cheapest auto insurance rates for a 20-year-old college driver can be found with Auto-Owners, averaging $99 per month.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 21-Year-Old College Students In Ohio

The most affordable college student car insurance policy for a 21-year-old can be found at Nationwide, with an average monthly cost of $70.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 22-Year-Old College Students In Ohio

22-year-old student car insurance can be found from $91 per month, with an Auto-Owners auto policy.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 23-Year-Old College Students In Ohio

23-year-old college drivers can find affordable insurance from GEICO at an average monthly cost of $75.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 24-Year-Old College Students In Ohio

The cheapest car insurance policy for a 24-year-old college student is $71 per month, which can be found with Progressive.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance For 25-Year-Old College Students In Ohio

GEICO offers the cheapest auto policies for 25-year-old college students in Ohio at $69 per month.

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance On Family Policy Vs. Individual Policy

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.

How Can College Students Save Money On Car Insurance In Ohio

Car insurance premiums in Ohio are often higher for college students due to limited driving experience and increased risks such as distracted driving, late-night travel, and weekend driving. If staying on a parent’s policy isn’t an option, there are several strategies to help reduce costs.

Student-Specific Discounts

Ohio insurers reward students who demonstrate responsibility both on and off the road. Common discounts include:

• Good student discount for maintaining strong grades
• Driver education discount for completing approved safety courses
• Distant student discount if you attend college far from home and leave your car behind
• Safe driving technology discounts for using monitoring devices that track driving habits

Affiliation Discounts

Membership in campus organizations can unlock savings. Many insurers offer discounts for:

• Sororities and fraternities
• Honor societies
• Alumni associations and credit unions

For example, GEICO and Nationwide provide discounts for members of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and certain alumni groups.

Vehicle Security And Safety Improvements

Installing safety and security features can significantly reduce premiums:

• Anti-theft devices and alarms: Savings between 5%–25% depending on the insurer
• Airbags and anti-lock brakes: Often rewarded with additional discounts

Vehicle Choice: Make, Model, And Age

The type of car you drive in Ohio directly impacts your insurance costs:

• Sports cars and heavy-duty engines: Higher premiums due to accident risk
• New or electric vehicles: More expensive to insure because of costly repairs and replacements
• Used vehicles: Generally cheaper to insure, making them a more budget-friendly option for college students

How To Buy Car Insurance As A College Student In Ohio

For Ohio college students, purchasing car insurance for the first time can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, online platforms like Insuranceopedia make the process easier by allowing you to compare multiple quotes side by side. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide to help you through it.

Step 1: Gather Your Information

Before requesting quotes, collect the details insurers will need:

• Vehicle information (VIN, make, and model)
• Driver’s license number
• Driving history
• Personal details for all policyholders

Step 2: Understand Ohio’s Coverage Requirements

Ohio law requires minimum liability coverage, but you’ll also want to consider your budget and risk tolerance. Decide whether to stick with the minimums or add optional protections such as:

• Collision coverage (repairs after an accident)
• Comprehensive coverage (non-collision damage like theft or weather)
• Extras like rental car reimbursement or towing services

Step 3: Set Your Budget

Determine how much you can afford in premiums and deductibles. Higher deductibles lower monthly payments but require more savings in case of an accident.

Step 4: Compare Multiple Quotes

Experts recommend reviewing at least three quotes side by side. Online platforms allow you to enter your information once and instantly see how different companies stack up, including discounts for students.

Step 5: Purchase Your Policy

Once you’ve chosen the best plan, complete the purchase online, over the phone, or through a local agent. Pay your first premium to activate coverage.

Step 6: Transition Smoothly

If you’re switching providers, notify your old insurer to avoid billing overlaps. Once your new policy is active, you’ll receive your insurance card—keep it in your vehicle at all times to comply with Ohio law.

Do College Students Need Their Own Insurance, Or Can They Stay On A Parent’s?

In Ohio, whether a college student needs their own car insurance or can remain on a parent’s plan depends on residence, vehicle ownership, and family circumstances.

Staying On A Parent’s Policy

Students can remain covered under a parent’s policy in several situations:

• Living at home: If your parents’ home is your permanent residence and your car is kept there.
• Temporary move for college: Even if you live in a dorm or off-campus housing during the semester, you can stay on their policy if you return home during breaks and keep your parents’ address as your permanent residence.
• Driving a parent’s vehicle: If the car belongs to your parents and you live at home, you remain fully covered under their plan.

When Students Need Their Own Policy

You’ll need to purchase your own insurance if:

• You move into your own residence and keep your vehicle there full-time.
• The vehicle is titled solely in your name.

Special Circumstances

• Divorced parents: If you split time between both households, you’ll need to be listed on each parent’s policy to ensure coverage.

Ohio Car Insurance Laws to Know

Ohio requires all drivers to maintain a minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. However, many experts suggest doubling all three of these coverage limits to offer maximum financial protection, especially for college students who may have limited budgets to cover out-of-pocket expenses following an accident.

Your proof of insurance must be kept with your vehicle at all times and shown at the scene of accidents, during traffic stops, or upon vehicle inspections.

If you do not have proof of your insurance or you do not have insurance coverage, this results in a license suspension of up to 90 days, a fine of up to $500, and a requirement for SR-22 insurance.

In the state of Ohio, no one else is allowed to drive your vehicle if you do not have insurance, including yourself.

Ohio is a fault state, and that means whoever causes the accident is considered at fault and therefore entirely responsible for the expenses of the other person.

Compare College Student Rates To Other U.S. States

* These figures are estimates based on general market trends, and they may differ from your actual rate.