Chapter 1: Automobile Insurance
1998 Auto Insurance Premiums
In Selected Ohio Cities
 
In 1998 the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) requested insurance companies to quote prices they would charge drivers for automobile insurance. Over 100 companies responded, and their rates were reflected in the survey. The table below shows a comparison of auto insurance premiums for selected metropolitan areas in Ohio. Figures shown should be reviewed as a guide. They do not reflect discounts offered by insurers, which could lower insurance costs. On the other hand, accidents and/or traffic violations could raise the rates quoted.
Rating information used in survey

Insurance Coverage Information: Bodily injury liability-$50,000 per person and $100,000 per occurrence; property damage liability-$50,000 per occurrence; $5,000 per person automobile medical payments; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage-$50,000 per person and $100,000 per occurrence; $250 deductible other than collision coverage (comprehensive); and $250 deductible collision coverage.

Automobile Information: 1997 Ford Taurus (four door, six cylinder), driven to and from work (20 miles round trip), driven 15,000 miles annually.

Driver Information: Adult driver, 35 years of age, married male with no dependents of legal driving age; no accidents or driving violations within the past three years; and a new customer to an insurance company, previously insured by another company.

Pricing Information: Prices were quoted prior to qualifying for any insurance company discounts. Rates shown reflect annual automobile insurance premiums from standard market insurers (nonstandard company rates are not reflected in the figures).

ODI's survey includes additional driver history scenarios, including nonstandard insurers. Contact ODI at 1-800-686-1526, or visit the consumer information area of ODI's website at www.state.oh.us/ins. The premium a company charges for your insurance will probably be different based on your situation.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), auto insurance premiums fell 2.8% in 1998, the first decline since 1973, although average insurance expenditures rose due to the cost of insuring newer vehicles.
1998 One-Year Auto Insurance Premiums
( Rates Effective January 1, 1998)
City Average Low High
Akron $861 $506 $1,540
Athens 696 312 1,404
Cincinnati 775 315 1,492
Cleveland 1,330 527 3,566
Columbus 793 407 1,642
Dayton 749 368 1,480
Shaker Heights 968 355 2,104
Toledo 917 469 1,674
Youngstown 1,194 634 2,590
Small Town/Rural Area 677 296 1,262
Note: Figures shown should be reviewed as a guide only.
Source: Ohio Shopper's Guide to Automobile Insurance, June, 1998, Ohio Department of Insurance