How much does car insurance cost in Cleveland?

Compared to many other major cities in the U.S. Cleveland is fairly affordable with average rates of $761 for a six-month policy ($127 per month). But compared to the rest of Ohio, it ranks as the most expensive location to insure your vehicle. According to our 2022 data, USAA is the cheapest car insurance company in Cleveland, with rates at $509 for a six-month policy. State Farm and Auto-Owners both follow closely behind in affordability and are good options for those who aren't eligible for USAA.

Ohio's average rate is only $588 per six-month policy, which is less than $100 per month. Cleveland's rates are also slightly higher than that of the national average, which comes in at $742. Our data shows that 38% of customers in Cleveland feel like they are paying too much for their insurance. Maybe you're one of these folks, or perhaps you're just hoping to understand more about your insurance coverage and what goes into calculating rates. Keep reading to learn more about the details of Cleveland auto insurance including rating factors and the cheapest options for coverage. 

The cheapest car insurance companies in Cleveland

Cleveland car insurance rates by company

Our 2022 data for Cleveland shows that the cheapest auto insurance is through USAA, which has an average rate of $84 per month or $509 for a six-month policy. USAA often has relatively low rates, but remember that it isn't available to everyone, so be sure to check your eligibility if you're interested in a policy.

Another affordable option in Cleveland is State Farm at $91 per month or $544 for a six-month policy. 

Learn more about top-rated car insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Cheapest car insurance companies in Cleveland, OH

Auto insurance premiums by age in Cleveland

Age is one of those key traits that goes into the development of your auto insurance rate. Insurance companies are all about assessing risk, and part of their analysis is looking at certain demographics to see which groups are most risky on the road. Unfortunately, the accident rate for teen drivers is much higher than any other group, which means that drivers between 16 and 19 will be paying significantly more than older, more experienced drivers. Teens in Cleveland can end up spending $2,524 more per year on their car insurance than someone who is 20-24 years old. This is almost a $210-per-month difference!

This can be a real bummer for someone with a new license who's ready to take to the road and can be a financial shock for parents who may be paying for it.  The good news is that these increased costs don't last forever — after a few years of (accident-free) driving experience, the rates will be much more affordable. 

Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Cleveland, OH

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Cleveland

Of all the factors that are taken into consideration when calculating your rate, the level of coverage is the one you have the most flexibility with. Generally, the lesser your coverage the lesser the cost. According to our data, 26% of Cleveland drivers have the state minimum coverage, which can save you money on premiums but can also leave you at risk of being underinsured. Although it meets the state requirement, the minimum coverage isn't always the best option.

Adding collision coverage or comprehensive coverage (commonly known as "full coverage") will increase your rates, but can also offer you much more peace of mind. Comprehensive and collision coverage usually requires a deductible, but this can actually be a good thing! By adjusting your deductible you can actually save some money. For example, if your deductible is $1,000 you'll pay more for your insurance than if you were to raise it to $2,500.

Depending on your personal preferences, extras like roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage are a nice option to help you stay confident behind the wheel. Again, they'll increase your rate slightly, but that could be worth it if you get into trouble on the side of the road. We recommend carrying these additional coverages for extra security and reassurance.

Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Cleveland, OH

Cleveland car insurance rates by credit score

Another key factor in calculating insurance rates is the driver's credit score. This is the case in most states, including Ohio, and there are a few reasons. When data and trends over time are analyzed, they show that drivers with lower credit scores are more likely to file claims, have lapses in coverage and engage in risky driving behavior.

Since these risks are associated with bad credit, it tends to be that the worse your credit, the more you'll pay for car insurance coverage. 

The difference in price can be substantial regardless of the city but in Cleveland drivers with poor credit (300-579) pay 116% more than drivers with excellent credit (800-850). Our data tells that 33% of drivers in Cleveland have an "average (580-679)" credit score. In 2022, GEICO is the cheapest option for Cleveland drivers for this credit range.

Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in Cleveland, OH

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

No one really expects to get into an accident when they leave the house, but at-fault and collision-type accidents do happen, whether we like it or not. These are actually the most common types of insurance claims. They can also raise your rates quite a bit. In 2022, rates in Cleveland after an at-fault accident were increased by anywhere from $157 to $185 per month. The cheapest company after an at-fault accident is State Farm.

Accidents aren't always avoidable, but doing your best to drive safely is the simplest way to save money on auto insurance. A driving record that is accident-free shows insurance companies that you're reliable and low-risk, and you'll be rewarded for safe driving with better rates than drivers with accidents on their records. A speeding ticket may not seem like a big deal, but it can still result in a rate increase that can add up to hundreds per year. More serious incidents like reckless driving charges or DUIs can increase costs dramatically, and will affect your rates for years, depending on the type of violation (typically 3 to 5 years, but sometimes longer).

Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Cleveland, OH

Cleveland car insurance rates by violation

Check out the table below to see which specific violations can affect your rate, and by how much. It might surprise you how much you actually pay over time due to a "minor" violation.

Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Cleveland, OH

Why is car insurance in Cleveland so expensive?

Car insurance never seems to get any cheaper, and some cities can be much more expensive than others. Let's look at why your auto insurance rates can seem extra pricey in Cleveland, even with a clean driving record and zero prior claims. 

Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Cleveland, OH

As we've discussed, there are many factors that go into creating your individual auto insurance rate. Some of these are outside of your control, but there are still things you can do to help keep your insurance prices affordable. The best advice is to start shopping around for auto insurance quotes with multiple companies in order to get the most affordable rate without compromising coverage or service. It's recommended to get new quotes every six months or so, but it's especially important if personal factors (a milestone birthday, improving credit or moving to a new area) have changed.

It might feel awkward to switch insurance companies, especially if you've been a loyal customer for many years. But as your needs change over time, it's good to check in to make sure you're saving as much as you can (and that you're getting the customer service you want). Some companies generally have higher rates than others, even with discounts you may qualify for, so don't be afraid to switch if you find a better option.

Frequently asked questions