The Best Car Insurance Providers in Akron, OH

Finding the right car insurance in Akron, Ohio can be a headache. With so many providers offering different rates and coverage options, how do you know which company is truly the best fit for you? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the most affordable and reliable car insurance in Akron.

How Much is Car Insurance in Akron?

The average cost of minimum liability car insurance in Akron is $566 per year, which is just below the national average of $582. However, your particular rate will depend on several factors like your age, driving history, and the type of vehicle you drive. Full coverage car insurance costs around $1,568 per year on average.

Here are the average annual car insurance rates in Akron based on different driver profiles:

• Minimum liability for a 30-year-old driver – $504
• Full coverage for a 30-year-old driver – $1,392
• Minimum liability for a 50-year-old driver – $468
• Full coverage for a 50-year-old driver – $1,248
• Minimum liability for drivers with a DUI – $1,628
• Minimum liability for young drivers under 25 – $2,040

Getting quotes from multiple providers is the best way to find the lowest rate. Rates can vary dramatically, so it pays to shop around.

What Factors Influence Car Insurance Costs in Akron?

Car insurance companies calculate your premium based on the level of risk they anticipate you presenting as a policyholder. Here are some of the biggest factors that affect your auto insurance rates in Akron:

• Driving Record: Getting tickets, being deemed at-fault in accidents, and especially DUIs will greatly increase your rates. Having a clean record saves you money.

• Age: Young drivers under 25 and elderly drivers over 70 tend to pay the highest rates due to perceived risk. Middle-aged drivers get the best rates.

• Vehicle Type: Insuring a sports car, luxury vehicle or SUV costs more than insuring an economy sedan.

• Credit History: Ohio allows auto insurance companies to use your credit-based insurance score when determining your rates. Good credit leads to lower premiums.

• Coverage Level: Opting for minimum liability coverage costs less than comprehensive or collision coverage. Higher deductibles also reduce monthly premiums.

• Commute Distance: The more miles you drive to work daily, the higher your rates will be.

• Marital Status: Married drivers tend to pay less than single drivers.

• Gender: Statistics show young male drivers pay more on average than females due to higher risk. The gap closes with age.

• Multi-policy Discounts: Bundling home and auto policies with one provider earns multi-line discounts.

5 Best Car Insurance Providers in Akron

Now that you know what impacts car insurance costs in Akron, let’s review the top recommended insurers in the city based on customer satisfaction, coverage options and affordability:

1. State Farm

With nearly 18% market share in Ohio, State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the state. Consumer Reports named it one of the top choices nationally for car insurance based on customer satisfaction.

Pros

• A++ financial strength rating from AM Best
• 70+ local agents in the Akron area
• Many discounts like safe driver, defensive driving course, and good student
• Competitive rates and a number of coverage options
• Strong claims servicing reputation

Cons

• Prices tend to be higher for high-risk drivers
• Statistics show higher than average consumer complaints in Ohio

2. GEICO

As the second largest auto insurer nationwide, GEICO offers low rates and extensive coverage. GEICO insures over 10 million vehicles across the U.S.

Pros

• A++ financial strength rating
• Low rates, especially for drivers with clean records
• Discount for federal employees
• Well-rated mobile app and claims service
• Numerous discounts like anti-theft device and anti-lock brakes

Cons

• No brick and mortar offices for local customer service
• Mixed customer service reviews

3. Allstate

This national company is the 6th largest auto insurer in the U.S. Allstate offers comprehensive coverage and many specialized policy options.

Pros

• 80+ local agents in the Akron area
• Bundling discounts with renters and life insurance policies
• Accident forgiveness protection
• Ride for hire coverage for Uber/Lyft drivers
• High marks for financial strength

Cons

• Rates run higher than some competitors for minimum coverage
• Increase rates dramatically after an accident or violation

4. Progressive

Known for innovative offerings like usage-based insurance and immediate response claims service, Progressive holds close to 10% of Ohio’s auto insurance market share.

Pros

• A+ financial strength rating
• Snapshot program rewards safe driving
• Name your price tool provides customized rate quotes
• App and online tools make managing your policy convenient
• Solid choice for high risk drivers

Cons

• Mixed claims satisfaction rating
• Fewer agent locations compared to other national brands

5. Nationwide

The country’s 7th largest auto insurer, Nationwide has a strong presence in Ohio with over 100 local agents in Akron.

Pros

• A+ rating from AM Best
• Competitive rates and standard discounts
• Good Student and On Your Side Safe Driving discounts
• Vanishing deductible reward for claims-free driving
• Excellent financial strength

Cons

• Rates run high for drivers with accidents or violations
• Lower J.D. Power claims satisfaction rating

How to Get the Best Car Insurance Rates in Akron

Follow these tips to make sure you’re getting the lowest possible car insurance rate in Akron:

• Compare quotes from at least 5-6 different insurance providers. Rates can vary a lot between insurers.

• Ask about all available discounts to maximize your savings. Things like anti-theft devices, safety features, good student status, and defensive driving courses can reduce your premium.

• Opt for higher deductibles like $500, $750 or $1000 to lower your monthly payment. Just make sure you have savings to cover the out-of-pocket costs in the event of a claim.

• Maintain good credit and check for errors on your credit report that may negatively impact your score.

• Avoid coverage gaps by paying your premiums on time. Lapses in insurance lead to much higher rates.

• Bundle policies with the same provider for home and auto discounts.

• Consider usage-based insurance like Progressive’s Snapshot if you drive under 10,000 miles annually.

• Ask about discounts for paying your 6-month or annual premium in full upfront.

• Remove any drivers from your policy who don’t need to be insured on your vehicle.

• Drive safely to avoid accidents, traffic violations and maintain clean driving record discounts.

Getting quotes regularly and comparing rates from the major insurers operating in your area is the best strategy to find the cheapest car insurance rates for your situation. Akron drivers can potentially save hundreds per year by shopping around.

Is Minimum Liability Enough in Akron?

Ohio requires all drivers to carry liability coverage in at least these minimum amounts:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person
• $50,000 bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 property damage

However, experts strongly recommend buying more than just basic liability unless you have very few assets to protect. Minimum coverage levels are largely inadequate, especially if you cause an accident that involves severe injuries to another party or damage to an expensive vehicle.

Additional recommended coverages in Akron include:

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Protects you if you’re hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Roughly 1 in 8 Ohio drivers are uninsured.

• Comprehensive: Covers damage to your vehicle from non-collision risks like theft, vandalism, fire, hail, floods and animal strikes. Required if you have a car loan.

• Collision: Covers repairs to your vehicle if you’re deemed at-fault in an accident, regardless of who hits who. Also usually required by auto lenders.

• Medical Payments: Provides extra coverage for medical bills incurred after an accident, regardless of who’s at fault. Helps fill gaps from high health plan deductibles and co-pays.

• Personal Injury Protection: Required coverage in some states that provides additional medical, lost wage and death benefits to policyholders after an accident. Not mandatory in Ohio but can be added for extra protection.

Purchasing higher limits for liability, UM/UIM and medical payments is also smart financial protection. If you have significant assets or earning potential, umbrella insurance can provide additional peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

**How much is car insurance for a 16 year old