If you live in Hilliard—this thriving suburb just west of Columbus—you already know what makes this community special. From the historic charm of Old Hilliard to the scenic Heritage Rail Trail, this is a place where families put down roots. With excellent schools, a median household income of $122,864, and home values climbing into the $420,000-$480,000 range, protecting what you've built here matters more than ever.
Here's the good news: Ohio is one of the most affordable states for insurance. Whether you're insuring your car, your home, or both, you'll pay significantly less than the national average. But "affordable" doesn't mean you should settle for the bare minimum. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about insurance in Hilliard, from understanding state requirements to finding the right local agent who can help you save money without sacrificing protection.
Auto Insurance in Hilliard: What You Need to Know
Ohio law requires every driver to carry liability insurance. The minimum coverage—known as 25/50/25—breaks down like this: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. If you're pulled over, involved in an accident, or getting your vehicle inspected, you'll need to show proof of insurance. It's not optional.
But here's what the law doesn't tell you: those minimum limits won't go far if you cause a serious accident. Medical bills from a single injury can easily exceed $25,000. If you hit someone's $60,000 SUV and total it, your $25,000 property damage coverage leaves you on the hook for the remaining $35,000. That's why most insurance experts recommend at least 100/300/100 coverage. Yes, it costs more—but the difference might be $30-50 a month, which is a lot less painful than paying $35,000 out of pocket.
As of 2025, the average cost for minimum coverage auto insurance in Ohio runs about $362-$468 per year. In Franklin County communities like Hilliard, Columbus, and Dublin, you're typically looking at $42-47 per month. But your actual rate depends on your driving record, age, vehicle, and credit score. A 25-year-old with a speeding ticket will pay far more than a 45-year-old with a clean record.
Home Insurance: Protecting Your Investment
Technically, Ohio doesn't require homeowners insurance. But if you have a mortgage—which most Hilliard homeowners do—your lender absolutely requires it. They're protecting their investment, which happens to be your house. Even if you own your home outright, going without insurance is a massive financial gamble. One house fire, one tornado, one burst pipe during a January freeze, and you could lose everything.
The good news? Ohio homeowners pay some of the lowest insurance rates in the country. The average annual premium in Ohio runs between $1,200 and $2,100 for a policy with $250,000-$300,000 in dwelling coverage—about 30% less than the national average. Ohio's relatively low risk of natural disasters (no hurricanes, minimal tornado activity compared to states like Oklahoma or Kansas) keeps rates manageable.
But here's what you need to watch: with median home prices in Hilliard now reaching $420,000-$480,000, you need to make sure your dwelling coverage actually matches what it would cost to rebuild your home. That's not the same as your home's market value. Market value includes the land, while dwelling coverage is just the structure. If you have a $450,000 home on a $100,000 lot, you probably need around $350,000 in dwelling coverage. Many homeowners are underinsured because they set coverage when they bought the house years ago and never increased it as construction costs rose.
Standard home insurance covers damage from fire, wind, hail, theft, and vandalism. It also includes liability coverage if someone gets hurt on your property. What it doesn't cover: floods and earthquakes. Flooding isn't common in Hilliard, but if you're near the Scioto River or in a low-lying area, flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program is worth considering. Premiums start around $400-700 a year depending on your flood zone.
The Power of Bundling Your Policies
Here's the easiest way to save money on insurance without sacrificing coverage: bundle your auto and home policies with the same insurance company. Most major insurers offer multi-policy discounts of 15-25%. If you're paying $1,800 a year for home insurance and $1,200 for auto, that's $3,000 total. A 20% bundle discount saves you $600 annually—enough to cover a nice weekend getaway or a few months of your streaming subscriptions.
Bundling also simplifies your life. One agent, one renewal date, one place to call when you need to file a claim. If you have renters insurance instead of homeowners, you can still bundle it with your auto policy for similar savings. Even if you add umbrella liability coverage later—which provides an extra $1-2 million in protection for around $200-400 a year—many insurers offer additional discounts when you keep everything under one roof.
Working with Local Agents in Hilliard
Hilliard has over six local insurance agencies, including long-standing firms like Stanley Insurance Group (serving the area since 1985), State Farm agents like Mike McClaskie who've been in Franklin County for decades, and independent agencies that can compare quotes from multiple carriers. The advantage of working with a local agent? They understand Hilliard specifically—they know which neighborhoods see higher claims, which streets have more break-ins, and what coverage gaps local homeowners often miss.
Independent agents are especially valuable because they're not tied to one insurance company. They can shop your coverage among 5-10 different carriers to find the best combination of price and coverage. If you have a DUI on your record or filed multiple claims in recent years, an independent agent knows which carriers will still offer competitive rates. If you're a perfect-record driver with excellent credit, they'll find the insurers offering the deepest discounts.
When you're choosing an agent, ask about their claims process. A great agent isn't just there when you're buying the policy—they're your advocate when you're filing a claim after a car accident or storm damage. How quickly do they respond? Will they help you navigate the paperwork? Do they have a direct line to claims adjusters? These questions matter more than you think when you're standing in your flooded basement at 9pm on a Saturday.
Getting Started: Your Next Steps
If you're shopping for insurance in Hilliard, start by gathering your information: your vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN), your home's age and square footage, current coverage limits if you have existing policies, and details about your driving record. Then reach out to 2-3 local agents and request quotes. Don't just compare the bottom-line price—look at the coverage limits, deductibles, and any gaps.
Ask each agent what discounts you qualify for. Common ones include good driver discounts, multi-policy discounts, homeowner discounts on auto insurance, security system discounts for home insurance, and even discounts for paying your premium in full rather than monthly. Some insurers offer discounts if you've completed defensive driving courses or if you have a college degree.
Finally, review your coverage annually. Your life changes—you buy a new car, finish a basement renovation, your teen starts driving—and your insurance needs to keep up. That annual review with your agent takes 15 minutes and ensures you're not overpaying for coverage you don't need or, worse, underinsured for risks you've added. Living in Hilliard means you've invested in a great community. Make sure your insurance protects that investment.
