Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Ohio
Athens, Ohio, covers 10 square miles along the Hocking River and is the seat of Athens County. The city is home to Ohio University, which opened in 1804 and has about 21,000 students. The city is rich with history and historical buildings — 88 to be exact — that can be found along Court, Congress, and College Streets. About 25,000 people live in Athens.
Before you check everything off your list for a road trip to the Appalachian Foothills, make sure you’ve also checked off the best car insurance in Ohio. The Buckeye State requires its residents to have car protection to drive legally. Learn more about the average cost of auto coverage, types of discounts, and consequences you face if you risk driving uninsured.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Athens, Ohio?
The average cost of coverage in Athens, Ohio, runs about $22 a month for liability and $93 for a full policy. These numbers are lower than the national monthly average of $48 for liability and $147 for full protection.
Reasons Why Insurance Is So Cheap in Ohio
Why do Ohio residents pay less for auto coverage? Here are a few reasons:
- Ohio has a low rate of natural disasters, which means less risk to insurers for comprehensive claims.
- Ohio ranked number 38 on the list of the Most Expensive States for Healthcare, which means lower costs for insurers when paying out for accident-related injuries.
- There are about 4 million registered cars in Ohio and about 12 million residents, which means there are fewer cars on the road.
While these elements are outside your control, you can take steps to lower your premium, including taking a driving course, installing safety equipment on your car, and joining certain professional organizations, such as fraternities or sororities. Your agent can provide details that fit your specific situation.
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Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Ohio
Rates may vary greatly across a state due to things like the number of drivers on the road and the number of uninsured drivers.
Auto protection in Athens is about the same amount as coverage in other Ohio cities, as shown below:
City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
Athens | $93 | $22 |
Ashtabula | $89 | $26 |
Cambridge | $92 | $22 |
Columbus | $93 | $30 |
Zanesville | $89 | $23 |
Affordable Athens Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code
If your area has higher crime and accident rates, you may pay more for insurance than a city resident in a different zip code.
Athens has just one zip code with the following average rates:
Zip Code | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
45701 | $93 | $22 |
Low-Cost Car Insurance Rates by Age in Athens
Becoming a new driver is a time of excitement but also a time of learning responsibility. Teen drivers are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as not wearing their seat belt, texting while driving, and distracted driving. It’s these behaviors that mean more costly coverage. But your teenage driver can earn lower rates by keeping a clean driving record — and if they do, they should see their rates go down as they age.
Athens residents can expect to pay about the following rates at each age:
Age | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
---|---|---|
Teenagers | $385 | $113 |
20s | $107 | $25 |
30s | $93 | $22 |
40s | $83 | $21 |
50s | $77 | $20 |
60s | $78 | $21 |
70s | $94 | $27 |
* Methodology: We used the following demographic to determine the average monthly premiums for Athens residents: a 30-year-old male carrying the state’s minimum liability requirements and the state’s full coverage requirements. Premiums vary due to factors such as age, deductible amount, liability limits, discount program eligibility, type of car, and more.
Driving Conditions in Athens
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Athens?
There were 966 accidents with nine fatalities in Athens County in 2023. Wearing your seat belt is one way to help avoid serious injury if you are involved in a car crash. The Ohio Traffic Safety Office reports that 61% of people killed in Ohio traffic accidents were not wearing their seat belts.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Athens?
The City of Athens Engineering and Public Works Department has two sections that cover road upkeep:
- The electrical section maintains city streetlights and traffic signals.
- The street maintenance section maintains city streets through street sweeping, yard waste cleanup, signage and parking meter upkeep, paving, and general construction.
The city also completes projects such as the Stimson Avenue Bridge rehabilitation project, for which the city received funds through the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Local Major Bridge Program. Improvements to this bridge over the Hocking River include deck, guardrail, and substructure replacement. New lighting and a pedestrian path will also be installed.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Athens
The minimum liability car insurance required to drive legally in Athens, Ohio, is as follows:
- $25,000 for bodily injury/death of one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury/death of two or more people (per accident)
- $25,000 in property damage for an accident
This policy pays for damage you cause another person, whether vehicle or non-vehicle property damage. If you’d like protection for your own vehicle damage and medical bills, be sure to ask your agent about a full coverage policy, plus personal injury protection (PIP).
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What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Athens, Ohio?
You put yourself and others at risk if you drive without insurance in Ohio. And if you think driving uninsured can save you money, think again. You’ll be subject to the following fees and penalties if you’re caught:
- Driver’s license suspension
- Vehicle registration loss
- Hefty license reinstatement fee
- High-risk coverage for three to five years
- Court costs
If you’re uninsured and crash into someone’s car or property, you’ll be faced with footing the bill for the damage you cause. You may even put yourself at risk of being sued.
Factors Allowed in Athens Car Insurance Rates
Agents factor in your age and zip code when determining your policy rate. Other information your agent will collect includes:
- Profession
- Married or single
- Mileage
- Credit score
- Vehicle age
- Vehicle make and model
If your information changes once you’ve purchased protection, be sure to contact your agent with your updated status. An adjustment such as driving fewer miles may make you eligible for a lower rate.
The policy you choose also plays a part. If you choose a higher deductible, your rate will be lower.
Insurance That Helps You Prepare for the Future
If you’re saving up for your dream home on the Eastside, investing in a good car plan can help. The policy provides protection in case of an unexpected road catastrophe. Without coverage, you could be left with a big fat zero in your bank account. The person you hit could sue you, or your wages could even be garnished to pay for the mishap.
A full policy provides extra protection in cases where liability falls short. It includes:
- Collision: If you cause an accident, this coverage will pay for your vehicle and keep you on the road to work or school.
- Comprehensive (also called Other Than Collision): This covers natural disasters, such as loss from fire, theft, vandalism, or a tree falling on your vehicle.
Full protection includes reimbursement for other expenses like towing, a rental car, and lost wages.
What Are the Best Discounts for Car Insurance in Athens, OH?
There are a number of discounts available for auto coverage. Some examples you might qualify for include:
If you are a student with good grades, ask your agent if you qualify for the good student discount. You might also qualify for an anti-theft discount if your car has certain safety equipment, such as a steering wheel lock or a GPS tracker.
Get an Online Quote for Car Insurance in Athens Today!
Keep those drives down West Union Street worry-free by having the right car protection. We have what you need, whether it’s the minimum liability coverage or a full policy. And it only takes a few minutes.
Get in touch with your local Freeway Insurance agents. They can help you find the cheapest car insurance in Athens. Just fill out a form for a quick online quote, stop by your local office, or call us at (800) 777-5620.