Ohio Home Insurance: Costs, Coverage and How to Save
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Ohio’s housing stock is among the oldest in the country, with one in four homes built before 1950, according to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. That age factor plays a big role in what Ohio homeowners pay for coverage, making it even more valuable to shop around and compare rates.
Bundling your home and car insurance is easy with Jerry. It’s free to compare quotes and we’ll help you buy and switch insurers once you’re ready, all online. Plus, our licensed agents are just a call away if you’d rather talk to a real person.
Based on cheapest quotes shown for all Jerry customers in the last 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Bundle home + car and save up to 40%.
What Ohio homeowners pay right now
Home insurance costs in Ohio vary widely based on your home’s age and rebuild cost, plus your claims history and other factors, like potential exposure to tornadoes and severe storms in your area.
Based on home insurance quotes for Jerry customers in the last 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Jerry can help you find competitive pricing and solid coverage, regardless of those factors. Take a look at some recent examples below of real customers who saved by bundling their home insurance with Jerry:
Recent bundling quotes
Based on Jerry customers who found savings in the past 45 days. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Key takeaway: Home insurance rates in Ohio are shaped by factors like your home’s age, rebuild costs and exposure to severe weather, but shopping around can make a real difference.
Mix and match home and car insurance with Jerry
One of the smartest ways to save on home insurance in Ohio is bundling with your car insurance. Combining home and auto coverage with the same carrier can lead to significant savings. Depending on the insurer, bundling discounts typically range from 5%-25%, but with Jerry they could be as high as 40% off both policies combined.
Here’s what makes Jerry different: You don’t have to use the same insurer for both.
Jerry’s mix-and-match approach lets you pair the best home insurance rate with the best auto insurance rate, even from different carriers. That way, you’re not stuck overpaying on one policy just to get a discount on the other.
Mix and match with Jerry to build your perfect bundle.
Best home insurance in Ohio
There’s no single “best” home insurance company in Ohio. It depends on your home, your budget and what kind of coverage you need. For example, homeowners in older neighborhoods in Cleveland or Columbus may need to factor in their home’s age and plumbing condition, while those in western Ohio might prioritize tornado and wind coverage.
That said, our data shows some clear trends among Ohio homeowners. Here are the most popular home insurance companies Jerry customers pick:
Based on home insurance quotes for Jerry customers in the last 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Why the variety? Ohio homeowners prioritize different things. Some want the lowest premium, many care most about a smooth claims process, and others look for strong digital tools or local agent support. While Ohio law requires insurers to acknowledge claims within 15 days and provide a decision within 21 days, each carrier can handle that process differently.
Also check: The best car insurance in Ohio
Jerry recommends: The easiest way to find the right coverage is to compare home insurance quotes in the Jerry app. We find competitive quotes from top carriers in minutes, so you can find solid coverage at the right price.
Factors that affect home insurance costs in Ohio
From tornado season to aging housing stock, where and what you own in Ohio has a direct impact on what you pay for coverage. Here’s what stands out most and how to stay protected.
🌪️ Tornados
Ohio sits at the edge of Tornado Alley, and the state has recorded over 1,400 tornadoes since 1950, according to NOAA data. Western Ohio counties like Van Wert, Miami and Darke see the highest activity. Standard homeowners policies typically cover tornado and wind damage, but homes in storm-prone areas may face higher premiums.
🌊 Flooding and water damage
Ohio sits at the edge of Tornado Alley, and the state has recorded over 1,400 tornadoes since 1950, according to NOAA data. Western Ohio counties like Van Wert, Miami and Darke see the highest activity. Standard homeowners policies typically cover tornado and wind damage, but homes in storm-prone areas may face higher premiums.
🌪️ Tornados
Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in Ohio, driven by heavy spring rains, snowmelt and the state’s extensive river systems. Standard home insurance does not cover flood damage. Homeowners in flood-prone areas near rivers like the Great Miami, Scioto and Muskingum should consider a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer.
🏠 Aging housing stock
More than two-thirds of Ohio homes were built before 1980, according to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. Older homes often have outdated electrical, plumbing or roofing systems that can increase the risk of fire and water damage. Insurers may charge more for these properties or require inspections before issuing a policy.
❄️ Winter weather and ice damage
Ohio winters bring heavy snow, ice storms and freezing temperatures that can damage roofs, cause pipes to burst and lead to ice dams. Lake-effect snow is especially heavy in northeast Ohio near Cleveland and Ashtabula County. Most homeowners policies cover winter storm damage, but frozen pipe damage may depend on your policy’s terms.
🪨 Hail damage
Hailstorms are common during Ohio’s spring and summer severe weather season and can cause significant damage to roofs, siding and windows. Most standard policies cover hail damage, but homes with older or worn roofs may face higher deductibles or actual cash value payouts rather than full replacement cost.
Key takeaway: Ohio’s mix of tornadoes, flooding, harsh winters and older homes all factor into your rate. Knowing what drives your premium helps you find the right coverage.
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Get the right coverage without overpaying
For Ohio homeowners, the right mix of coverage can save money over time while protecting you when it counts.
Dwelling coverage is the foundation of your home insurance policy. It pays to repair or rebuild your home’s structure if it’s damaged by things like fire, wind, hail, lightning or vandalism.
Your dwelling coverage amount is based on your home’s rebuild cost as calculated by your insurer, not its market value. Jerry can estimate your replacement cost right in the app, so you’ll know you’re covered for the right amount.
Here’s what Ohio homeowners typically pay based on their home’s rebuild value:
$150-299k
dwelling coverage
Typical for smaller homes, condos or older properties.
$300-499k
dwelling coverage
Covers most mid-range homes.
$500-749k
dwelling coverage
Typical for larger or newer homes.
$750k-1M
dwelling coverage
Common for high-value properties.
Key takeaway: Your dwelling coverage should match your home’s rebuild cost, not its market value. Jerry shows you real-time pricing at every level so you can find the right balance.
Learn more: What does home insurance cover?
4 ways to save on home insurance
Bundling your home policy with the cheapest car insurance in Ohio is one of the most effective ways to lower your premium, but it’s not the only one. Ohio homeowners have several options to reduce costs without cutting coverage. Here are four worth looking into.
Jerry Agent Tip 1: Compare quotes from multiple insurers
Every insurer prices coverage differently, which means the same home insurance policy can cost hundreds more depending on who you’re with. Ohio’s insurance market is competitive, with many national and regional carriers operating in the state. Comparing quotes side-by-side with Jerry is the fastest way to find a better rate.
Recent quotes
Why it matters: Location matters when it comes to pricing a premium, and two homeowners in Ohio with similar homes can still pay very different rates. Jerry shows you quotes side-by-side to help you find coverage that fits both your home and budget.
Jerry Agent Tip 2: Stack discounts for a cheaper rate
From paying in full to getting security system credits, most homeowners qualify for at least a few discounts, and stacking discounts could result in some serious savings off your base rate. But insurers don’t always apply all of them, which is why Jerry automatically finds the discounts you qualify for.
Besides bundling, here are some common Ohio home insurance discounts:
🔒 Security system discount
Installing safety devices like alarms, smart home systems and deadbolts can qualify you for a lower rate. Many carriers offer protective device discounts of up to 15% when you combine security systems like advanced burglar protection and automatic water leak valves.
🆕 New home discount
Newer homes are less likely to have costly claims, and insurers reward that. Depending on the carrier, homes built within the last 10 to 15 years may qualify for savings of up to 15% for the first year you’re with an insurance company.
🔧 Home renovation discount
With so many older homes in Ohio, this one is especially relevant. Updated your electrical, plumbing or heating systems? Some carriers offer discounts when these systems have been replaced within the last 10 to 15 years, since modern systems reduce the risk of fire and water damage.
🎓 Claims-free discount
The longer you go without filing a claim, the more you save. Most insurers offer this discount after three or more claims-free years, with some offering savings of up to 20%.
🏡 Roof and protective device credits
If you’ve recently replaced your roof or installed impact-resistant shingles, many Ohio carriers will offer you a discount. Given the state’s exposure to hail and severe storms, a newer roof can make a meaningful difference in your premium.
💳 Pay-in-full discount
Paying your full annual premium upfront instead of in monthly installments can earn you a discount with many carriers, typically between 5-10%.
⏳ Loyalty discount
Staying with the same insurer year after year can build increasing savings. Some carriers start rewarding loyalty after just one year, with discounts growing the longer you stay. But still, it never hurts to shop around when your policy is up for renewal.
📋 Quote-in-advance discount
Shopping early can pay off. Some insurers offer a discount of up to 15% when you get a quote before your previous policy expires.
🚭 Non-smoker discount
Since smoking increases the risk of house fires, some carriers offer lower rates to non-smoking households.
Key takeaway: Most homeowners qualify for multiple discounts, from bundling and security systems to claims-free credits. But insurers don’t always apply them automatically. Jerry can help you find all discounts you’re eligible for to maximize your savings.
Jerry Agent Tip 3: Pick the right deductible
Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in, and it has a direct impact on your premium. According to the Insurance Information Institute, raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can reduce your premium by 10 to 25%, depending on your location, insurer and home’s replacement cost.
A higher deductible means a lower premium, but more out of pocket if you file a claim. To find the right balance:
- Check what you can afford out of pocket. If a $2,000 expense after a storm would be manageable, a higher deductible could save you hundreds a year. If it would strain your budget, stick with a lower one.
- Consider how often you’d actually file a claim. Most homeowners only file a claim once every 8 to 10 years, so the premium savings can add up long before you ever pay that deductible.
The Jerry difference: Jerry lets you compare quotes for different deductible amounts to see how it affects your home insurance costs.
Jerry Agent Tip 4: Improve your credit score
In Ohio, insurers can use credit-based insurance scores to help set your premium. Homeowners with good or excellent credit often save hundreds compared to those with fair or poor credit. Improving your credit isn’t an overnight fix, but even gradual improvements could lead to a lower rate at your next renewal.
To boost your credit score, focus on paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances below 30% of your limit and avoiding new credit applications before shopping for insurance. Building your credit score could take some time, but most people see meaningful improvement within 3 to 6 months of consistent on-time payments and lower balances.
If your credit isn’t where you want it to be, don’t worry. Some insurers weigh credit less heavily than others, and Jerry can show you which carriers offer the best rates for your situation.
Key takeaway: The better your credit score, the lower your premium typically will be. But regardless of your credit history, shopping around with Jerry can help you find a competitive rate.
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FAQ
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💰 How much is homeowners insurance in Ohio?
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🏠 Is home insurance required in Ohio?
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🌪️ Does Ohio home insurance cover tornado damage?
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🌊 Does home insurance in Ohio cover flooding?
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🔑 What is the Ohio Fair Plan?
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❄️ Are frozen pipes covered by home insurance in Ohio?
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📉 How can I lower my home insurance cost in Ohio?
Ben Moore is a writer and editor at Jerry and an auto insurance expert. He previously worked as a writer, editor and content strategist on NerdWallet’s auto insurance team for five years. His work has been published in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, Nasdaq and Yahoo News. He also served as a NerdWallet spokesperson, with appearances on local broadcast television and quotes in Martha Stewart and Real Simple magazine.
Ben has an extensive background in digital marketing, working on affiliate and programmatic advertising campaigns for brands like Cabela’s, H&R Block and Sears. He holds a bachelors degree in marketing from Olivet Nazarene University.