If you’re looking for cheap renters insurance in Ohio, consider looking at quotes from Buckeye Insurance, Ohio Mutual and Frankenmuth Mutual. In our evaluation, these companies offer the cheapest renters insurance in Ohio for a typical coverage amount of $15,000, among the companies we analyzed.

Here are average Ohio renters insurance costs for three levels of coverage.

Average Ohio Renters Insurance Costs

Company Average annual cost for $15,000 in personal property coverage Average annual cost for $30,000 in personal property coverage Average annual cost for $50,000 in personal property coverage
Buckeye Insurance
$100
$100
$102
Ohio Mutual
$100
$106
$140
Frankenmuth Mutual
$102
$110
$127
Grange Mutual
$104
$114
$128
Motorists Mutual
$105
$133
$163
$115
$156
$211
State Auto
$126
$166
$225
Westfield
$129
$147
$170
Cincinnati
$132
$196
$284
$136
$172
$218
Hastings Mutual
$139
$184
$244
$152
$193
$244
$158
$218
$305
$165
$209
$265
Celina Insurance
$180
$276
$398
State average
$148
$189
$249

Source: Quadrant Information Services. Rates include $100,000 in liability insurance.
*USAA auto insurance is available only to members of the military, veterans and their families.

More: Best renters insurance

What Does Renters Insurance Cover?

Let’s look at three main renters insurance coverage types to see how they work together to protect you and your belongings. If you’re eligible for a claim, your insurance company will pay out up to the limits in your policy.

  • Personal property coverage pays to repair or replace personal items ranging from jewelry, pots and pans and electronics when damaged by an event specified in your policy, such as fire, or stolen.
  • Liability insurance pays for accidental injuries and property damage you cause to others. It also pays for legal expenses if you get sued because of an accident, such as a guest who slips and falls in your apartment.
  • Additional living expenses (ALE) coverage will pay for hotel bills and meals in restaurants if your rental unit is damaged by an event listed in your policy, for instance an explosion or fire. ALE can also cover other expenses, such as pet boarding costs.

Looking for additional liability protection? An umbrella insurance policy may be the answer. Umbrella insurance offers extra liability coverage on top of what you’d get with your renters insurance policy.

For example, if a neighbor is injured while visiting your apartment, you may face medical costs higher than your renters insurance liability limits. An umbrella policy would kick in and cover the excess costs.

When Can You Be Evicted in Ohio?

Your landlord can evict you for the following reasons:

  • Failure to pay rent
  • Violating the terms of your lease
  • Your lease agreement has expired
  • Refusal to allow your landlord reasonable access to your apartment
  • Failure to comply with 30-day written notice to fix health and safety violations
  • You file a complaint to a government agency about housing violations that were actually caused by you or your guests
  • Your landlord complies with housing laws which require alteration or demolition of the building

If your landlord wants to proceed with eviction, they must give you written notice to leave the rental unit at least three days before your landlord can begin court action. The notice must be sent by registered mail or left at your residence.

If you do not leave, your landlord must file a “Forcible Entry and Detainer Notice” at municipal court. You will receive a court summons five days before your court hearing, where a judge will decide your case.

Rules on Security Deposits in Ohio

A security deposit in Ohio is typically equal to one month’s rent, but your landlord may request any amount for a security deposit. If your security deposit is greater than one month’s rent and you stay in the unit for longer than six months, you are entitled to 5% interest per year for the amount of the deposit that is greater than one month’s rent.

For example, if your rent is $900 per month and your security deposit is $1,000, you would be entitled to 5% interest on $100, which equals $5 per year.

Before moving out, you should give proper notice and a forwarding address to your landlord. After you move, you have the right to your security deposit minus any damages to your apartment or any unpaid rent. Your landlord must return the security deposit within 30 days of you moving out. If the security deposit is not the full amount, your landlord must provide an itemized statement of damages or any past due rent.

If your landlord fails to return your security deposit and statement within 30 days, you may sue for up to twice the amount of what your landlord should have paid to you, plus your legal fees and costs.

Rules on Rent Increases in Ohio

Your landlord cannot raise your rent during your lease, unless your lease specifically has a provision that allows for a rent increase.

If you do not have a lease, your landlord may raise your rent for any amount, provided you are notified at least 30 days in advance of your next rent payment due date.

When Can a Landlord Enter Your Apartment?

Your landlord must give at least 24 hours notice before entering your apartment, except in emergency situations. Your landlord can enter your apartment for several reasons, including:

  • Routine inspections
  • Emergency situations
  • Repairs and maintenance
  • To show your rental unit to a prospective tenant or buyer

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