Best Homeowners Insurance in Ohio

In this article: Best Homeowners Insurance Providers | Factors That Affect Cost | Common Causes of Claims | Conclusion | FAQs | Methodology
Homeowners know how valuable their home is, whether it’s a new house full of potential or one full of treasured memories. As a result, Buckeye State residents are searching for the best homeowners insurance in Ohio to protect their homes, fulfill mortgage conditions and prevent high out-of-pocket costs.
To give you peace of mind about a purchase, the Home Media reviews team has created a list of the top homeowners insurance providers for Ohioans based on plans, benefits, coverage, discounts, customer reviews and third-party ratings. Read on for our five highly rated options for coverage.
5 Best Homeowners Insurance Providers in Ohio
After in-depth research, we at the Home Media reviews team found that the following are Ohio’s best homeowners insurance providers:

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average cost of homeowners insurance in Ohio is $874 per year, about 30% lower than the national average annual premium of $1,249.
Homeowners insurance rates vary based on your location, square footage and other factors. To get your personalized quote, use our free tool below.

Lemonade Home Insurance

Our rating: 91.75
AM Best rating: N/A
J.D. Power rating: N/A

Lemonade has a shorter history in the homeowners insurance field than any other provider on this list, but its digital-first approach to customer service and claims process powered by artificial intelligence (AI) made it a standout choice. The company states on its website that it aims to pay out straightforward claims almost instantly.
To customize your coverage, the company offers multiple endorsements and bundling discounts, including pet insurance. While it does not yet hold a J.D. Power rating for its homeowners insurance policies, Lemonade did place first in the 2021 U.S. Home Insurance study for its high-quality renters insurance.
It’s important to note that Lemonade is facing a class-action lawsuit over its alleged storage of biometric data. However, we still confidently recommend Lemonade for its simplified user experience, giveback program and affordable coverage.
Pros and Cons of Lemonade Home Insurance
+ AI-driven sign-up and claims process can take just a few minutes, with no need to speak directly with an agent unless desired
+ Consistently lower rates than competitors makes Lemonade an affordable choice
+ Annual charitable giveback program donates up to 40% of unclaimed premiums to charities that customers choose
– Has no local agent network, which can be a drawback for those who prefer in-person assistance
– Customers usually need to shoot a video explaining the situation

Discounts: The company offers discounts for safety features such as fire alarms and extinguishers, smoke alarms, deadbolts, sprinkler systems, storm shutters, burglar alarms or home security systems. Lemonade also applies discounts for customers who choose an annual payment option or bundle home insurance with a Lemonade pet insurance policy.
Endorsements: Lemonade offers add-on coverage options for extra protection for significant others who live in the home, swimming pool liability, water backup, oil tanks, jewelry, fine art, musical instruments, bikes and cameras.
Get your personalized homeowners insurance quote from Lemonade.
To learn more: Lemonade home insurance review

Allstate Home Insurance

Our rating: 96.75
AM Best rating*: A+
J.D. Power rating: 829/1,000

Allstate has a positive reputation with industry leaders, receiving high ratings for its financial strength and customer service. The company also stands out for offering environmentally friendly discounts for sustainable homes.
Allstate’s website also offers educational tools, such as a Common and Costly Claims tool to learn the most expensive and frequent homeowner headaches in your ZIP code and a Rent vs. Own tool to compare potential living expenses.
Allstate’s Claim Rateguard keeps your premium from increasing even if you need to file a claim, increasing your peace of mind in a home emergency. However, when we secret-shopped the company, we found that it allows less flexibility to customize coverage amounts than competitors. Despite this caveat, it remains an excellent choice with impressive overall coverage and reputation.
*AM Best ratings are accurate as of June 2022.
Pros and Cons of Allstate Home Insurance
+ Tool to appraise personal property value to purchase the right amount of coverage
+ Network of local agents across the United States for personalized support
+ Many discounts available to reduce policy prices
– Fewer policy customization options than many competitors on this list
– Lower-than-average customer satisfaction on auto policies may be a poor fit for customers looking to bundle

Discounts: Allstate offers up to 25% off for homeowners insurance bundled with an auto insurance policy, a Responsible Payment Discount, a claim-free discount when switching to Allstate, an Easy Pay Plan discount, an early signing discount, a recent home buyer discount and a protective device discount.
Endorsement: Allstate gives customers additional coverage choices for yard and garden, water backup, scheduled personal property, musical instruments, sports equipment, flood insurance, identity theft restoration, business property, green improvement restoration, electronic data recovery, manufactured/mobile homes and personal umbrella insurance.
Get your personalized home insurance quote from Allstate.
To learn more: Allstate home insurance review

Travelers Home Insurance

Our rating: 94
AM Best rating: A++
J.D. Power rating: 800/1,000

Travelers has the highest possible A++ rating for financial strength from AM Best and offers an impressive selection of discounts for policyholders. In business since 1853, the company has a long-standing presence in the industry and offers multiple insurance products, with coverage for items from weddings to motorcycles.
The Travelers customer service center can handle policy questions, billing inquiries and claims 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For those who prefer a digital format, the company also offers an app that includes an option to contact your agent directly.
One unique discount provided by Travelers is its Decreasing Deductible rider, which lowers a policy’s deductible by $100 each time it is renewed, regardless of the prior year’s claim history.
Pros and Cons of Travelers Home Insurance
+ More than 160 years in business, the longest of any provider on this list
+ Offers a free online tool called OpenHouse that provides you with the repair and update history for your home
+ Filing a claim won’t affect eligibility for the $100 Decreasing Deductible benefit
– Does not offer policies for mobile or manufactured homes
– Quotes process typically requires a call to an agent rather than an online

Discounts: Beyond the $100 annual Decreasing Deductible benefit for loyal customers, Travelers offers loss-free, green-home, home buyer, protective device and multi-policy discounts to customers.
Endorsements: Travelers offers extra coverage for additional replacement cost protection, water backup, jewelry and valuable items, identity fraud, sump pump discharge or overflow, personal articles, special personal property coverage and green homes.
Get your personalized home insurance quote from Travelers.
To learn more: Travelers insurance review

State Farm Home insurance

Our rating: 96.25
AM Best rating: A++
J.D. Power rating: 835/1,000

Holding an impressive A++ AM Best rating for its financial stability and likelihood of claims payouts, it’s no surprise that State Farm is another home insurance industry leader. It is also the No. 1 writer of home insurance policies in 2021.
Allstate also offers a substantial benefit in its Increased Dwelling Coverage option for homes that are insured up to their estimated replacement cost. This perk costs nothing to add to a qualifying policy and will automatically extend your replacement coverage by as much as 20%.
State Farm provides personalized service for first-time home buyers when buying a policy or filing claims with an agent, tools to assess your property value, and bundling discounts. It also includes protection for jewelry, furs, firearms and silverware standard with your policy. Other providers usually offer these as add-ons.
Pros and Cons of State Farm Insurance
+ Standard policy includes coverage for business property and personal items such as jewelry, unlike competitors
+ Lower customer complaint ratio than many providers on this list
+ Loss assessment related to homeowners association (HOA) fines is covered, which is not included in most competitor policies
– Mobile and manufactured homeowners must speak directly to a State Farm agent for a quote
– Fewer discounts than other providers on this list

Discounts: In Ohio, discounts are offered for home security systems, multi-policy and impact-resistant roofing products.
Endorsements: State Farm’s add-on coverage options include home systems, identity theft protection, floods, water backup and HOA fines. Allstate also offers endorsements for earthquakes in some states.
To get your personalized home insurance quote, call State Farm at 1-360-262-2561.
To learn more: State Farm insurance review

Geico Home Insurance

Our rating: 90.75
AM Best: A++
J.D. Power rating: N/A

Though Geico may be better-known for its auto insurance policies, the array of optional coverage available for homes will impress homeowners looking for comprehensive protection. Many current car insurance customers find this a convenient bundling option to insure their home and vehicle with a single provider.
The company has an A++ from AM Best, thanks to its reliable financial status and customer satisfaction rates. On the other hand, Geico partners with other underwriters rather than writing its own policies, unlike its competitors on this list. When applying for a quote, Geico will match you with the best provider for your individual needs.
Pros and Cons of Geico Home Insurance
+ Gives shoppers quotes from reputable companies to match them with the best choice
+ Offers a live virtual assistant for questions and issues on the website
+ Interactive contact page on Geico’s site guides customers to the best contact method
– Limited number of discounts available
– Price range is dependent on the insurance provider Geico matches you with, which means that policy costs can vary widely

Discounts: Geico offers policy bundling, fire extinguisher, smoke detector and home security discounts.
Endorsements: Geico’s optional add-ons include coverage for identity theft protection, fine jewelry, business pursuits, water backup, home computers, HOA loss assessment, replacement cost coverage and sump pump overflow. However, endorsements may vary from one underwriter to the next.

What Factors Affect Home Insurance Rates in Ohio?
Multiple aspects influence your Ohio homeowners insurance rates. Here are some of the factors we see affect home insurance quotes and premiums:

Home security features: Home insurance companies often provide discounts for homes with features to protect against theft, vandalism and emergencies. For example, homes with burglar systems, sprinklers, fire alarms or deadbolts will often have lower premiums. Insurers see these homes as better protected and less likely to file a claim in the future.
Remodeling: As most homeowners know, updating your home can affect its estimated value and increase its replacement cost value. When updating or remodeling portions of your home, it’s important to communicate with your provider to ensure your policy accurately reflects your house’s current value.
Dog breed: Four-legged family members are valuable parts of your home, but homeowners insurance providers don’t accept all dogs. Some dog breeds that are seen as aggressive — particularly Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers and pit bulls — can increase premiums or disqualify households from insurance coverage.
Policy structure: The coverage limits, add-on options and deductibles you choose can influence the premiums you pay. A higher deductible can reduce monthly costs but also means you’ll pay more out of pocket if you need to file a homeowners insurance claim. Conversely, choosing higher coverage limits and adding endorsements can raise your premium.
Claims history: Because insurers see a history of previous claims as an indicator of future claims and costs, most providers will raise your insurance rates if you’ve filed a claim in the recent past. Conversely, a claims-free insurance history may result in a discount on your policy.
Credit score: Similarly to other financial products, a higher credit score will likely lower your monthly premium, while a lower credit score may raise it. Insurance companies often see a good credit score as a sign that you’re likely to make consistent payments in the future. Scores in the high 600s or above are considered good credit, with a score above 740 typically receiving the best rates on many financial products, including homeowners insurance.
Address: Different areas of each state have different potential liabilities, including flooding, pests, crime rates and other possible expenses. Your home’s location will be a factor in determining the cost of your homeowners insurance policy.
Replacement cost: Replacement cost value, or RCV, is a higher level of coverage that replaces your home with material similar to those with which it was constructed. It differs from actual cost value, or ACV, which factors in the cost of the materials and items in your home after depreciation. While choosing RCV coverage is a precaution that can save money in an emergency, this heightened coverage often raises monthly or annual premiums.
Age: The quality and materials of items such as building materials, plumbing and electrical wiring have improved over the years. While this is good news for owners of a newer home, those insuring an older property may have trouble finding replacement materials, which may prove expensive or difficult to source. What’s more, everyday wear and tear and structural issues often accompany aging homes. Both of these factors make older houses more costly to insure.
Condition: Questions during the quote process about the fixtures within your home or its roof quality will be used to help determine your rate. A damaged or old roof will be costly to repair, causing a significant rise in price.
Discounts: If you’re eligible, applying discounts to your policy can reduce your price each month or year. As you shop for homeowners insurance, look for the providers on this list who offer discounts you can claim.

Common Causes of Home Insurance Claims in Ohio
According to the III, Ohio home insurance is the eighth-least expensive in the United States. Nevertheless, homeowners can face unexpected costs. Here are the most common causes of home insurance claims in Ohio:

Ice dams. Ice can build up unseen on a home’s roof in the winter after heavy snowfall. Over time, this can create roof leaks. Ohio winters can also lead to frozen and burst pipes, creating even more water damage throughout the house.
Property damage from wind, hail or fallen limbs. During heavy storms and significant winds, branches from trees, hail or heavy gusts can damage roofs and trees around Ohio homes, leading to expensive repairs.
Theft and burglary. Stolen personal property or damage to the home can be common causes of homeowners insurance claims in metropolitan areas such as Columbus, Cincinnati or Cleveland. Thankfully, a policy can help repair or replace damaged or purloined items.

Allstate’s Common and Costly Claims tool reveals that damage from fire and smoke are some of the most expensive claims across the Buckeye State, despite not being the most common ones homeowners face. This expense is yet another reason to install protective devices to detect fires.
The Bottom Line: Which Homeowners Insurance Provider in Ohio Is Best for You?
After hours of research and analysis on the best insurance options in Ohio, we determined that Lemonade offers the best overall coverage for Buckeye homeowners, with fast claims payouts and digital customer service. Allstate is another excellent choice due to its high customer satisfaction ratings and comprehensive coverage.
Meanwhile, new homeowners may benefit from State Farm’s informative tools and tips. Each provider listed here has its own unique benefits and came out as a frontrunner in our research, and we’d recommend any of these companies for quality service.
Due to the variety of choices available, our team always recommends getting at least three quotes from these top providers to find the best rates and coverage for your needs.
Get instant quotes from insurers by entering your ZIP code in this tool or calling 1-855-948-5219.

Frequently Asked Questions About OH Homeowners Insurance

Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Home Insurance Companies
Our team surveyed dozens of home insurance providers and created a scoring system to judge each company’s quality and service. We reach out for sample quotes, both over the phone and on the internet, to simulate an authentic customer experience. Here are the factors that account for our provider reviews:

Coverage (20%): We analyze each provider’s coverage options, policy endorsements and coverage limits to determine quality of coverage.
Customer service (15%): We also evaluate each company’s customer service options such as live chat, a customer support phone line and access to agents.
Technology (15%): Similarly, we score providers based on their digital resources, such as a mobile app, online comparison tools and quote process.
Reputation (15%): We gauge reputation by evaluating consumer reviews and third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings.
Additional benefits (15%): Additionally, we weighed each company’s added benefits, including discounts and policy endorsements.
Cost (20%): Last, we compare cost data for homes across the nation to assess how competitively priced each provider is.

Companies with the best customer service exhibit 24/7 availability, educational resources on their website, useful digital tools and a seamless claims-filing process. Providers that offer extensive discount options, endorsements, customizable coverage options and unique features score significantly higher than those that don’t, putting them toward the top of our recommendations to readers.
AM Best disclaimer