As an Ohio driver, having car insurance is mandatory. But with dozens of companies to choose from, how do you find the best car insurance rates in Dayton? I compared rates from top insurers to uncover the cheapest options and money-saving tips for Dayton drivers
Average Car Insurance Costs in Dayton
Across Ohio, drivers pay about $1008 per year for car insurance one of the lowest statewide averages in the country. Rates in Dayton specifically average $1084 annually for a full coverage policy.
That’s based on a sample profile of a 30 year old driving a 2017 Toyota Camry 10,000 miles per year. Actual rates you’ll be quoted depend on your specific age, vehicle, mileage, driving record, and other factors.
Here’s a look at average yearly premiums from major insurers in Dayton:
- USAA: $701
- GEICO: $807
- State Farm: $826
- Auto-Owners: $842
- Erie: $883
USAA offers the cheapest rates in Dayton by a significant margin. But it’s only available to military members, veterans, and their families. For other drivers, GEICO provides the most affordable option.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Dayton by Driver Profiles
In addition to your personal profile, your driving record also heavily influences quoted premiums. Here’s a look at the cheapest insurers for Dayton drivers with violations or poor credit:
Drivers with Speeding Tickets
- State Farm: $919
- USAA: $941
- Erie: $1039
- Auto-Owners: $1118
- GEICO: $1888
Drivers with DUI Violations
- State Farm: $919
- USAA: $1122
- Erie: $1556
- Auto-Owners: $1696
- GEICO: $1888
Drivers with Poor Credit Scores
- GEICO: $1179
- USAA: $1288
- Nationwide: $1481
- Grange: $1481
- Travelers: $1824
GEICO consistently has the lowest rates for drivers who may be labeled high-risk due to violations or credit challenges.
Average Insurance Rates by ZIP Code
Your neighborhood and ZIP code also impact your Dayton insurance premiums. Rates tend to be lowest in suburban ZIP codes and higher in urban zones:
Lowest Average Rates
- 45458: $1002
- 45435: $1027
- 45420: $1030
Highest Average Rates
- 45404: $1111
- 45469: $1117
- 45479: $1073
Insurers believe accident rates, vandalism, and theft likelihood are higher in certain ZIP codes. Low-risk areas get lower base rates.
Minimum Ohio Car Insurance Requirements
As an Ohio driver, state law requires you to carry:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability
This covers medical bills for others if you cause an accident. You can also opt for higher limits for more protection.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory but highly recommended to protect yourself from uninsured drivers.
How to Get the Cheapest Car Insurance in Dayton
The best way to save on Dayton car insurance is to compare quotes from multiple top insurers. Rates can vary by hundreds of dollars for the same driver.
Here are some other smart tips for reducing your costs:
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Raise deductibles: Choosing higher deductibles of $500, $1000 or $2000 can lead to steep premium discounts.
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Bundle policies: Insure your home or renters policy with the same company for multi-policy discounts.
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Enroll in telematics: Usage-based programs that track driving habits can yield 5-15% discounts for safe drivers.
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Drop unnecessary coverage: If your vehicle is older, consider dropping collision and comprehensive to save more.
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Maintain good credit: Insurers favor drivers with credit scores above 700 for the best rates.
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Ask about discounts: Take free defensive driving courses, set up autopay, insure multiple cars, and inquire about other savings opportunities.
Penalties for Driving Uninsured in Ohio
To avoid fines and penalties, all Dayton drivers must carry proof of insurance in their vehicle at all times. Consequences for lapses in coverage include:
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License suspension until you provide proof of new insurance.
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A reinstatement fee to get your license and registration restored.
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Possible vehicle impoundment.
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A license suspension lasting up to 2 years if you’re caught driving uninsured multiple times.
And if you cause an accident while uninsured, your license could be suspended for up to 2 years on just the first offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is car insurance per month in Dayton?
Average monthly premiums range from $80 to $110 for full coverage. But your specific quote depends on your profile.
What auto insurance is required in Ohio?
You must carry liability limits of 25/50/25 plus proof of coverage. Uninsured motorist protection is optional but recommended.
What happens if you don’t have car insurance in Ohio?
You face fines, license suspension, registration revocation, and vehicle impoundment for driving uninsured. Penalties get harsher for repeat offenses.
Who has the cheapest car insurance for high-risk drivers in Dayton?
GEICO consistently offers the most affordable rates for drivers with violations, accidents, or poor credit in Dayton.
Can I get cheap car insurance with speeding tickets in Dayton?
Yes – insurers like State Farm and GEICO offer competitive rates to high-risk drivers. But expect to pay 20-50% more than drivers with clean records.
How much is car insurance for teenagers in Dayton?
Teen drivers pay the highest rates, averaging $2500-4000 per year for their own policy. Adding them to a parent’s policy is more affordable.
The Bottom Line
Shopping around for car insurance is the key to finding the best rate in Dayton. Be sure to compare quotes from national insurers like GEICO and State Farm as well as regional brands that operate primarily in Ohio.
Look for an insurer that offers a discount matching your profile, provides strong customer service, and has an A-rated financial strength rating from AM Best. This ensures they have the resources to pay out claims.
With a little research, Dayton drivers can secure all the required coverage from a reputable provider while still saving hundreds per year.
Root car insurance is making auto insurance fair by basing your rate primarily on how safe you are behind the wheel and not your demographics.
Dayton is known for being the birthplace of Orville Wright, and many other notable inventors. With the growing number of drivers on the road along with increasing auto repair costs bumping up auto insurance rates in Dayton, itâs especially important for locals to work with an auto insurance company that rewards good driving.
Most traditional insurers base their insurance rates on demographics including your age, gender, marital status, and ZIP code. It makes sense to look for insurance companies in Dayton, Ohio that offer lower rates for safe drivers since your demographics don’t show how dangerous you are as a driver.
Get your car insurance in Dayton, Ohio
Need auto insurance in Dayton, Ohio? The good news is that you can start your car insurance quote in just minutes. Then, complete the test drive (just by driving around like you normally would) to get a quote. The Root app will measure your driving and if you drive safely, you could get a lower rate.Â
Rootâs simple, intuitive mobile app makes it easy to get a quote. And with a Root policy, you can manage coverage, claims, and access important documents all from your phone.