We looked at average costs, customer service ratings, and policy options from multiple top insurers to find the best and cheapest home insurance companies in Ohio.
By
Andrew HurstAndrew HurstSenior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance ExpertAndrew Hurst is a senior editor at Policygenius who has spent his entire career writing about life, disability, home, auto, and health insurance. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, and Property Casualty 360.
Edited by
Pat HowardPat HowardManaging Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertPat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and managing editor at Policygenius. Pat has written extensively about the home insurance industry and his insights as a subject matter expert have appeared in several top tier publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Reuters. Pat has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.
Expert reviewedExpert reviewedThis article has been reviewed by a member of ourFinancial Review Council to ensure all sources, statistics, and claims meet the highest standard for accurate and unbiased advice.Learn more about oureditorial review process.
What to do if you’ve been impacted by 2024 tornadoes
Over 100 tornadoes swept through several states in April and May 2024, including parts of Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Homeowners impacted by these tornadoes may need to file a claim with their insurance company for damage caused by the storms. Policygenius has several resources available to help guide homeowners through the claims process. Homeowners looking for a new insurance policy can reach out to our expert home insurance agents to compare quotes from multiple companies.
Known as “The Heart of it All,” Ohio has plenty to attract homeowners to the Buckeye State. Ohio’s proximity to Tornado Alley and the chance that major storms and flood events could affect residents make quality home insurance a must.
But despite having all four seasons and considerable tornado risk in the southwest section of the state, the average cost of homeowners insurance in Ohio is relatively cheap at $1,236 per year. This is 30% lower than the national average of $1,754 per year.
Compare home insurance rates in Ohio
But there are other factors you should consider when choosing an insurer. Not sure what to look for? Policygenius can help you figure out your coverage needs and compare quotes from multiple top companies in Ohio.
UPDATE: Home insurance premiums up 22% in Ohio
Home insurance premiums in Ohio increased 22% from May 2022 to May 2023, according to our latest analysis of internal policyholder data. This is due to a mix of labor shortages and severe natural disasters that have caused insurance companies to increase rates and establish stricter underwriting rules to offset the risks.
Compare the best homeowners insurance companies in Ohio
We found that the best homeowners insurance companies in Ohio are State Farm, Nationwide, Erie, CincinnatiInsurance, and Farmers.
Policygenius decided on the best insurance company after analyzing thousands of quotes Ohio insurers. We then looked at 2021 J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores and compared that with the coverage needs of Ohio residents to find the best homeowners insurance in Ohio.
Policygenius has analyzed home insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services in March 2022 for ZIP codes in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., for a 40-year-old female homeowner with no claim history, good credit, a $1,000 deductible, and the following coverage limits:
Dwelling: $300,000
Other structures: $30,000
Personal property: $150,000
Loss of use: $60,000
Liability: $300,000
Medical: $1,000
All rates based on the above coverage limits except where otherwise noted.
Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.
Compare home insurance rates in Ohio
2024 Policygenius award winner
State Farm
Policygenius rating
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.8
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A++
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Bundle home & auto
Offers extended replacement cost
Offers flood insurance
Offers earthquake insurance
Wind/hail deductible
Offers wildfire insurance
Why we chose it
State Farm is the best home insurance company in Ohio thanks to its large selection of policy options, high customer service marks, and industry-best financial stability ratings.
Pros and cons
Pros
Top-tier coverage add-ons, including extended replacement cost coverage
High customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings
Offers large discounts when you bundle your home and auto insurance
Cons
No discounts for first-time homebuyers
More expensive than average in Ohio
More details
Why we chose State Farm
According to our research, State Farm is the best home insurance company in Ohio. We like that State Farm lets you get extended replacement cost coverage for your home, replacement cost coverage for your personal property, water backup protection, and more.
State Farm also has high ratings from policyholders, according to J.D. Power’s 2022 customer satisfaction, claims, and digital experience surveys. On top of that, State Farm has received the highest rating possible from A.M. Best for financial strength and stability.
State Farm's home insurance costs a little more than Ohio's statewide average. Although the company doesn't offer as many discounts as other insurers, you could get a large discount if you're planning to bundle home and auto insurance with State Farm.
How do State Farm home insurance rates compare to the Ohio average?
The average cost of home insurance from State Farm in Ohio is $1,324 per year, which is 7% higher than the statewide average.
How to get a quote
Online through State Farm or by contacting your local State Farm agent.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.5
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A+
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Bundle home & auto
Mobile app
New homebuyer discount
Offers extended replacement cost
Why we chose it
Nationwide is one of the best home insurance companies in Ohio, especially for residents who want top rated customer service. Besides a top customer experience, Nationwide also offers a range of add-ons that you can use to personalize your coverage.
Pros and cons
Pros
Highly rated for claims satisfaction by J.D. Power
Receives fewer complaints than average
Multiple high-quality coverage options
Cons
Below-average digital experience ratings
Rates are higher than average in Ohio
More details
Why we chose Nationwide
Nationwide is one of the best home insurance companies in Ohio for its great customer service. Nationwide ranks fifth on J.D. Power's Property Claims Satisfaction Study from 2022 and receives far fewer complaints than other insurers, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
We also like Nationwide's many coverage options. These include guaranteed and extended replacement cost coverages, better roof replacement, new belongings coverage, water backup protection, and equipment breakdown coverage.
Nationwide's rates are more expensive than average in Ohio, but you could lower your premiums with the company's discounts. These include discounts for bundling, renovating your home, buying a new home, and others.
How do Nationwide home insurance rates compare to the Ohio average?
The average cost of Nationwide home insurance in Ohio is $1,493 per year, which is 21% more expensive than the annual statewide average.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.5
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A+
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Mobile app
Bundle home & auto
Why we chose it
Erie's wide range of coverage options, industry-best customer service ratings, and affordable rates make it one of the best home insurance companies in the state of Ohio.
Pros and cons
Pros
Guaranteed replacement cost comes standard on Erie policies
Excellent customer service and claims satisfaction ratings
Cheaper rates than average in Ohio
Cons
Offers only a few discounts
More details
Why we chose Erie
Erie is one of the best homeowners insurance companies in Ohio for residents who want to add more protection to a basic policy, get top-rated customer service, and pay cheaper-than-average premiums.
Home insurance policies from Erie come standard with guaranteed replacement cost coverage — which you often have to pay extra for at other companies. A basic policy also covers lost and misplaced items, jewelry, and gift cards to closed businesses.
Erie also offers a range of add-ons that you can purchase, like short-term rental coverage, equipment breakdown coverage, water backup protection, underground service line coverage, and more.
In Ohio, Erie's home insurance rates are much cheaper than average. In fact, it's one of the cheapest companies in the state.
How do Erie home insurance rates compare to the average in Ohio?
The average cost of Erie home insurance in Ohio is $1,031 per year, which is 17% cheaper than the annual statewide average.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.8
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A+
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Bundle home & auto
Mobile app
Good student discount
New homebuyer discount
Offers classic car insurance
Offers earthquake insurance
Offers extended replacement cost
Offers gap coverage
Offers wildfire insurance
Why we chose it
Cincinnati Insurance is one of the best home insurance companies in Ohio, but only if your home is worth more than $750,000. If you have a high-value home, Cincinnati Insurance is a great choice for its range of coverage offerings and affordable rates.
Pros and cons
Pros
Earns 5-star ratings for customer service, financial stability, and coverage options
Offers a lot of valuable add-ons, including extended replacement cost coverage
Much cheaper rates than average in Ohio
Cons
Best coverage only available to higher-value homes
No online quote tool
More details
Why we chose Cincinnati Insurance
Cincinnati Insurance is one of the top home insurance companies in Ohio for its Executive Select Plan. If your house is worth at least $750,000, you may qualify for extended replacement cost coverage for your home, replacement cost coverage for your personal property, water backup protection, identity theft coverage, and more.
We also like Cincinnati Insurance's cheap rates. On average, Cincinnati Insurance is one of the cheapest insurance companies in Ohio. The company also offers a few discounts, like a bundling and new home discount, that could lower your rates even more.
How do Cincinnati Insurance rates compare to the Ohio average?
We found that the cost of home insurance from Cincinnati Insurance is $958 per year, which is 22%cheaper than Ohio's statewide average.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.5
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Offers extended replacement cost
Bundle home & auto
Smart home discounts
Why we chose it
Farmers is one of the best home insurance companies in Ohio for those who want to add coverage to their policies. Farmers also has a range of discounts and high claims satisfaction scores.
Pros and cons
Pros
Optional extended or guaranteed replacement cost dwelling coverage
Receives few complaints from policyholders and has a high claims satisfaction score
Lots of available discounts
Cons
Below-average scores on J.D. Power’s overall customer satisfaction and digital experience surveys
More expensive than average in Ohio
More details
Why we chose Farmers
Farmers is one of the best home insurance companies in Ohio, especially if you want to add coverage to a basic policy. Optional coverages from Farmers include guaranteed or extended replacement cost coverage, water backup protection, and a personal articles floater.
Farmers also earned a high score in J.D. Power’s 2022 claims satisfaction study (though it scored below average on J.D. Power’s overall customer satisfaction and digital experience surveys). Plus, Farmers receives fewer complaints than average, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Farmers is one of the best companies for bundling home and auto coverage (you could save up to 18% on your premiums by bundling). The company also offers more than a dozen other discounts, many of which are easy for most homeowners to qualify for.
How do Farmers home insurance rates compare to the average in Ohio?
The average cost of Farmers home insurance in Ohio is $1,581 per year, which is 28% more expensive than the state's average annual premium.
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Ohio is $1,329 per year, or $111 a month, for an insurance policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage. This means insurance in Ohio is $518 cheaper than the national average per year.
Ohio homeowners insurance rates by city
We calculated the cost of home insurance in Ohio's largest cities and found that Parma is the cheapest big city for homeowners insurance in the state, while Dayton is the most expensive.
Here’s a look at the average cost of home insurance in the 20 largest cities in Ohio.
City
Average monthly cost
Average annual cost
Difference from state average (%)
Columbus
$106
$1,266
2%
Cleveland
$103
$1,239
0%
Cincinnati
$103
$1,240
0%
Toledo
$110
$1,316
6%
Akron
$99
$1,191
-4%
Dayton
$117
$1,407
14%
Parma
$91
$1,090
-12%
Canton
$97
$1,160
-6%
Lorain
$96
$1,157
-6%
Hamilton
$109
$1,309
6%
Youngstown
$103
$1,241
0%
Springfield
$103
$1,231
0%
Kettering
$109
$1,305
6%
Elyria
$95
$1,143
-8%
Middletown
$111
$1,329
8%
Newark
$98
$1,178
-5%
Cuyahoga Falls
$101
$1,211
-2%
Lakewood
$94
$1,133
-8%
Dublin
$94
$1,122
-9%
Euclid
$97
$1,169
-5%
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Ohio homeowners insurance rates by coverage amount
The table below highlights the average annual premium in Ohio for five different levels of dwelling coverage, which is the part of your policy that covers structural damage to your home.
Generally speaking, more dwelling coverage means higher homeowners insurance rates, as shown in the table below.
Dwelling coverage limit
Average annual cost
$100,000
$664
$200,000
$950
$300,000
$1,236
$400,000
$1,536
$500,000
$1,867
Compare home insurance rates in Ohio
Cheapest homeowners insurance companies in Ohio
Based on our analysis of home insurance rates in every Ohio ZIP code, we found that WestfieldInsurance, OhioMutual, CincinnatiInsurance, Erie, and Auto-Owners have the cheapest average home insurance rates in the Buckeye State.
In addition to these insurers, USAA and WesternReserve have average home insurance rates below Ohio's average of $1,236 per year.
Cheapest Ohio homeowners insurance if you have poor credit
Your credit score can affect what you pay for home insurance. If you have a poor credit score, your insurer will likely see you as a risk for frequent home insurance claims and, as a result, you may have to pay more in premiums.
Not all insurance companies factor a poor credit score as heavily into your rate, however, and it’s still possible to get cheap insurance with bad credit.
With an average rate of $1,114 per year, Ohio Mutual has the cheapest home insurance rates in Ohio for a homeowner with poor credit.
Company
Average annual cost
Ohio Mutual Insurance
$1,114
Cincinnati Insurance
$1,266
Westfield Insurance
$1,292
Western Reserve
$1,520
USAA
$1,717
Progressive
$1,963
Grange Insurance
$1,966
Nationwide
$1,981
Allstate
$2,162
State Farm
$2,234
Erie
$2,655
Encova Insurance
$2,899
Farmers
$3,551
Auto-Owners Insurance
$10,048
Travelers
$16,446
Collapse table
Cheapest Ohio homeowners insurance if you have an older home
Older homes can be costly to insure, as they're more prone to structural damage than a newer build, and they're often constructed with materials and features that are more expensive to replace.
With an average annual premium of $957, Ohio Mutual offers the cheapest home insurance rates in Ohio for a home over 100 years old.
Company
Average annual cost
Ohio Mutual Insurance
$957
Cincinnati Insurance
$1,071
Erie
$1,107
Auto-Owners Insurance
$1,140
Western Reserve
$1,146
Westfield Insurance
$1,198
USAA
$1,258
Allstate
$1,266
State Farm
$1,319
Grange Insurance
$1,350
Nationwide
$1,518
Progressive
$1,538
Farmers
$1,559
Encova Insurance
$1,751
Travelers
$6,472
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Cheapest Ohio homeowners insurance if you have a history of claims
Claims history is one of the most important factors insurers use when determining home insurance premiums. If you have multiple claims on your record, you'll typically pay more for home insurance, as insurers will consider you more likely to file future claims than a homeowner with a spotless claims history.
With an average annual premium of $1,132, Auto-Owners offers the cheapest home insurance rates in Ohio for someone that's filed three claims within a five-year period.
Company
Average annual cost
Auto-Owners Insurance
$1,132
Ohio Mutual Insurance
$1,172
Westfield Insurance
$1,374
State Farm
$1,498
Grange Insurance
$1,678
Western Reserve
$1,735
Progressive
$1,872
Erie
$1,904
USAA
$2,166
Cincinnati Insurance
$2,192
Allstate
$2,328
Encova Insurance
$2,465
Nationwide
$2,598
Farmers
$2,616
Travelers
$6,978
Collapse table
Coverage options in Ohio
When looking at how much each insurance company charges for different coverage levels and risks, you should also be aware of what your policy does and doesn’t cover.
Before you buy homeowners insurance in Ohio, you should be sure you're protected against the state's severe weather and flooding.
Tornado insurance
You should make sure that your home is fully protected from tornadoes. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, tornadoes in Ohio caused nearly $629 million in property damage from 2013 to 2022. [1]
While most home insurance policies do cover tornado damage (and the damage from hail that can follow severe storms), you should make sure that you'll be able to fully rebuild by adding replacement cost coverage to your policy.
Flood insurance
Many parts of Ohio sit near a lake or a river, like the Ohio River. Any type of water can pose a flood risk to homeowners in Ohio. Despite this risk, homeowners insurance policies don't cover damage from floods.
If you live in a low-lying part of Ohio or near a body of water, you should consider getting flood insurance. A few companies offer flood insurance endorsements or even separate flood insurance policies, but most companies offer coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Compare home insurance rates in Ohio
Frequently asked questions
How does a home insurance deductible work?
Your homeowners insurance deductible works like your medical insurance deductible in that you have to pay a set amount before your insurance covers the cost. If your deductible is $500 and your claim is for $3,000, you will need to pay the first $500 of your claim and then your insurer will cover the remaining $2,500. Unlike your medical insurance, however, you have to pay your deductible on every claim you make.
Who offers the best home insurance in Ohio?
We think that State Farm, Nationwide, Erie, Cincinnati Insurance, and Farmers offer the best homeowners insurance in Ohio. But the best policy for you is the one that covers all of your insurance needs and offers the service and tools you value most.
Why does the average cost of home insurance vary so much in Ohio?
Ohio has a mix of large cities with high crime rates and smaller towns and villages with fewer risk factors. This is why you can get a $251 policy from State Farm in the village of Fultonham, but the cheapest average rate in Cleveland is $1,004 with Erie.
What is the average cost of home insurance in Ohio?
The average annual policy in Ohio costs $1,236 per year. While this is below the national average, you can still find cheaper rates by shopping around and comparing quotes.
References
Policygenius uses external sources, including government data, industry studies, and reputable news organizations to supplement proprietary marketplace data and internal expertise. Learn more about how we use and vet external sources as part of oureditorial standards.
Andrew Hurst is a senior editor at Policygenius who has spent his entire career writing about life, disability, home, auto, and health insurance. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, and Property Casualty 360.
Pat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and managing editor at Policygenius. Pat has written extensively about the home insurance industry and his insights as a subject matter expert have appeared in several top tier publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Reuters. Pat has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.