The best car insurance in Pennsylvania for 2023

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Laura GunnFreelance contributorLaura Gunn is an insurance expert and writer. As a former English teacher, she made the transition to full-time writing and editing in 2016. Since that time she has written extensively about insurance topics, as well as topics pertaining to education and marketing.Her work has been published in The Millennial Source, News Hunt 360, Realty Today, HNGN, and other publications.&Rachael BrennanSenior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance ExpertRachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.

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Anna SwartzAnna SwartzSenior Managing Editor & Auto Insurance ExpertAnna Swartz is a senior managing editor and auto insurance expert at Policygenius, where she oversees our car insurance coverage. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic.com, as well as an associate writer at The Dodo.

Updated|4 min read

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The cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania is State Farm, at an average of $81 per month for a full-coverage policy. That’s $703 cheaper than the statewide average in Pennsylvania, which is $1,672 per year.

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Besides State Farm, other cheap car insurance companies in Pennsylvania include The Hartford, Erie, Nationwide, and Donegal. Since the cost of insurance varies so much by driver, it’s a good idea to compare rates before getting covered to get the best prices in the Keystone State.

Company

Average monthly cost

Average annual cost

State Farm

$81

$969

The Hartford

$86

$1,026

Erie

$87

$1,048

Nationwide

$88

$1,055

Donegal

$108

$1,293

Methodology & why you can trust our rates

Policygenius has analyzed car insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for every ZIP code in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. For full coverage policies, the following coverage limits were used:

  • Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident

  • Property damage liability: $50,000

  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident

  • Comprehensive: $500 deductible

  • Collision: $500 deductible

In some cases, additional coverages were added where required by state or insurer.

Rates for overall average rate, rates by ZIP code, and cheapest companies determined using averages for single drivers ages 30, 35, and 45. Our sample vehicle was a 2017 Toyota Camry LE driven 10,000 miles/year.

Rates for driving violations and “Poor” credit determined using average rates for a single male 30-year-old driver with a credit score under 578.

Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.

Cheapest car insurance companies in Pennsylvania

State Farm

4.8

Policygenius rating

How we score: Policygenius’ ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our methodology takes multiple factors into account, including pricing, financial ratings, quality of customer service, and other product-specific features.

State Farm logo

As the country’s biggest car insurance company, State Farm makes it easy for drivers to get coverage, make claims, and stay in contact. Also, State Farm is one of the cheapest insurers for most drivers, and tends to have great customer service.

Pros

  • Coverage available in nearly every state (along with in-person offices)

  • Cheap car insurance, including for some high-risk drivers

  • Consistently high customer service ratings

  • Some discounts, especially for good drivers

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer as many coverage options as some competitors

On average, State Farm has the lowest car insurance rates in Pennsylvania. Insurance from State Farm costs $81 per month on average, or $969 per year. We found that State Farm is the only company in Pennsylvania that has an average yearly rate lower than $1,000.

The Hartford

3.7

Policygenius rating

How we score: Policygenius’ ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our methodology takes multiple factors into account, including pricing, financial ratings, quality of customer service, and other product-specific features.

The Hartford logo

The Hartford offers cheap rates for senior drivers through its partnership with AARP. Seniors can also customize their policies with Hartford's coverage add-ons, including gap insurance for financed and leased cars.

Pros

  • Affordable rates for seniors

  • Lots of endorsements

  • Special coverage for household chores if you’re injured in an accident

Cons

  • Offers coverage exclusively to AARP members

The Hartford is the second-cheapest car insurance company in Pennsylvania at an average of  $86 per month or $1,026 a year. That’s $646 cheaper than the statewide average for a full-coverage policy.

Since The Hartford offers car insurance exclusively to AARP members, non-members can’t get coverage unless they’re added to an existing policy.

Erie

4.9

Policygenius rating

How we score: Policygenius’ ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our methodology takes multiple factors into account, including pricing, financial ratings, quality of customer service, and other product-specific features.

Erie logo

Erie is a regional company, but rates stack up well versus larger competitors, and it earns top ratings for claims satisfaction. Erie also offers a range of endorsements and perks, like new car replacement and rate lock.

Pros

  • Cheaper than average rates for drivers with clean records

  • Policies come with pet injury coverage, travel expenses after a disabled vehicle, and accident forgiveness after three years at no extra cost

  • Offers extra endorsements and perks, like new car replacement, rate lock, and vanishing deductible

  • Great reputation for claims satisfaction among customers

Cons

  • Receives more customer complaints about service and settlements than average

Erie is the third-cheapest car insurance company in Pennsylvania. On average, Erie costs $86 per month for a full-coverage policy. That’s $1,026 per year, which is $646 cheaper than the Pennsylvania statewide average for car insurance.

Nationwide

4.3

Policygenius rating

How we score: Policygenius’ ratings are determined by our editorial team. Our methodology takes multiple factors into account, including pricing, financial ratings, quality of customer service, and other product-specific features.

Nationwide logo

Nationwide has cheap average rates (including for younger drivers), along with some coverage add-ons like gap coverage and accident forgiveness. Despite a mixed reputation for claims satisfaction, it's still a top pick of ours for auto insurance.

Pros

  • Cheaper-than-average rates

  • Affordable car insurance for newly licensed drivers

  • Optional perks like vanishing deductible, accident forgiveness

  • Offers SmartMiles, our pick for the best per-mile insurance

  • Has a few discounts drivers can use to get cheaper rates

Cons

  • Ranked below-average for claims satisfaction

On average, Nationwide costs $88 per month for Pennsylvania drivers, or $1,055 a year. We also found that Nationwide also has the cheapest car insurance for Pennsylvania drivers with bad credit.

Donegal

Donegal logo

Donegal offers add ons like accident forgiveness, rental car reimbursement, and roadside assistance coverage, along with special discounts for students and young drivers.

Pros

  • Offers accident forgiveness

  • Has special discounts for students

  • Gets few complaints

Cons

  • Small range of coverage offerings

At an average rate of $108 per month, Donegal is also one of the cheapest car insurance companies in Pennsylvania. That’s $379 cheaper per year than the statewide average in Pennsylvania.

Best car insurance companies in Pennsylvania

The best car insurance company in Pennsylvania going by customer service ratings is USAA. In the most recent J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study, which measures how policyholders feel about their car insurance company’s overall price, value, and claims service, USAA scored the best in the region that includes Pennsylvania.

But since USAA is only available for members of the military and their families, the best-rated car insurance company in Pennsylvania that’s available to most drivers is Erie, which is also one of the cheapest companies in the state.

Rank

Company

Score

1

USAA

881

2

Erie

867

3

Travelers

860

4

State Farm

851

5

NJM

844

Cheapest car insurance companies by age in Pennsylvania

Car insurance companies factor in a person's age when determining rates and coverage. For young drivers, meaning teenagers and young adults, insurance rates are considerably higher than more experienced drivers, because younger drivers are more likely to get into an accident and file a claim.

As a driver ages and gains more experience, insurance rates can decrease. The milestone birthday, at least where insurance is considered, is 25. It’s not a guarantee, but rates can start to lower after age 25.

State Farm has the cheapest car insurance for most age groups in Pennsylvania.

Age

Cheapest company

Average cost

16

The Hartford

$3,036

18

The Hartford

$2,272

21

The Hartford

$1,592

25

State Farm

$1,106

30

State Farm

$993

35

State Farm

$968

45

State Farm

$946

55

State Farm

$891

60

State Farm

$872

65

State Farm

$864

70

State Farm

$905

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Choosing the right car insurance company in Pennsylvania

Choosing an insurance company can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. There are a few factors to consider when selecting a car insurance company. 

  • Cost: Different companies can and do charge different rates for similar coverage. That's why it's important to gather quotes for multiple insurance companies to find the best rate. 

  • Coverage: Insurance policies offer a wide range of coverage options. Make sure the company you choose offers the types of coverage you need.

  • Communication: When you need assistance, having multiple points of contact can make all the difference. 

If you're ready to start shopping, Policygenius can help you compare quotes from top car insurance companies.

Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in Pennsylvania

Past accidents or violations can affect your insurance rates. Insurance companies will analyze your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) when determining your insurance rates. This report will include everything from accidents, DUIs, failure to stop at a red light, and passing illegally. 

Any violations can affect your future insurance rates negatively. As a general rule of thumb though, insurance companies look at issues on your MVR from the past five years. How long a violation stays on your report and how exactly it affects your rates varies between states.

State Farm has the best car insurance rates in Pennsylvania for drivers with violations, like a speeding ticket or a DUI.

Violation

State Farm

The Hartford

Erie

Nationwide

Atlantic States Insurance

At-fault accident

$1,142

$1,469

$1,528

$1,835

$2,051

DUI

$1,059

$1,553

$1,805

$2,836

$3,292

Suspended license

$1,059

$1,367

$1,805

$2,836

$3,292

Open container

$1,059

$1,322

$1,251

$1,620

$1,293

Expired registration

$1,059

$1,322

$1,251

$1,620

$1,293

Driving without lights

$1,059

$1,553

$1,251

$1,620

$1,293

Running a red light

$1,059

$1,322

$1,251

$1,620

$1,293

Following too closely

$1,059

$1,322

$1,251

$1,620

$1,293

Hit and run

$1,059

$1,367

$1,805

$2,836

$3,292

Not-at-fault accident

$993

$1,064

$1,121

$1,102

$1,293

Passing a school bus

$1,059

$1,367

$1,251

$1,620

$1,293

Reckless driving

$1,059

$1,553

$1,251

$2,836

$1,293

Speeding

$1,059

$1,367

$1,251

$1,620

$1,293

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→ Read about cheap car insurance in Pennsylvania for high-risk drivers

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania, and many other states, use credit scores as one factor to determine car insurance rates. In general, drivers with lower credit scores will pay higher insurance rates. 

Nationwide has the cheapest car insurance rates in Pennsylvania for drivers with bad credit.

Company

Rates for drivers with bad credit

Nationwide

$1,487

USAA

$1,588

Atlantic States Insurance

$1,596

State Farm

$2,192

Erie

$2,665

Car insurance costs in Pennsylvania cities

Insurance companies consider factors like population density and crime rates when determining insurance rates for different cities and areas within a state. Here's how the ten biggest cities in Pennsylvania stack up:

  • Philadelphia: $3,096

  • Pittsburgh: $1,669

  • Allentown: $1,728

  • Erie: $1,651

  • Reading: $1,623

  • Scranton: $1,665

  • Bethlehem: $1,598

  • Lancaster: $1,584

  • Harrisburg: $$1,471

  • York: $1,402

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Buying car insurance in Pennsylvania

Every state has different minimum requirements for drivers and their car insurance. Pennsylvania is no different. The required coverages in Pennsylvania are:

  • Medical Benefits: You must have a minimum of $5,000 in medical benefits coverage

  • Bodily Injury Liability: You must have a minimum of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident

  • Property Damage Liability: You must have a minimum of $5,000 per accident

  • Limited or Full Tort: You must choose between limited or full tort coverage. With full tort coverage selection, you have unrestricted rights to sue a negligent driver in an accident. With limited tort, you pay less for coverage but you give up the ability to sue for pain and suffering or other expenses beyond out-of-pocket medical costs.

Pennsylvania is also a "no-fault" state. No-fault means that, in the event of an accident, your insurance company will pay for any medical bills incurred regardless of who caused the accident. Drivers do have the ability to file a third party claim against an at-fault driver, but injuries and damages must exceed the states established threshold. Because it’s a no-fault state, Pennsylvania requires drivers to have $5,000 per person in medical benefit coverage, typically referred to as personal injury protection (PIP).

Where Pennsylvania differs from other no-fault states is that it allows drivers to opt out. Drivers may choose to opt out of the no-fault system when they purchase a car or an insurance policy. 

How to get cheap car insurance in Pennsylvania

Car insurance can be a hefty financial expense, but it does offer drivers peace of mind. Fortunately, there are ways to offset this cost and find cheap auto insurance.

  • Take advantage of bundles and discounts offered by insurance companies

  • Ask for higher deductibles

  • Reduce coverage on older cars

  • Maintain a good credit score or repair low credit

  • Take driver improvement courses

Find car insurance in your city:

Frequently asked questions

Why is car insurance so expensive in Philadelphia?

Insurance companies understand that heavily populated cities present more risks. There are more people in the Philadelphia area, so there are more cars on the road. This increases the potential for accidents or damages and resulting claims.

Is car insurance required in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania, like most states, does require drivers to be insured. Pennsylvania requires all drivers to carry bodily injury and property damage liability coverage, as well as PIP.

How much is car insurance per month in Pennsylvania?

The average cost of car insurance in Pennsylvania is $139 per month, or $1,672 per year.

Who has the cheapest insurance in Pennsylvania?

State Farm has the cheapest average annual car insurance rates in Pennsylvania, at $969 per year.

Authors

Laura Gunn is an insurance expert and writer. As a former English teacher, she made the transition to full-time writing and editing in 2016. Since that time she has written extensively about insurance topics, as well as topics pertaining to education and marketing.

Her work has been published in The Millennial Source, News Hunt 360, Realty Today, HNGN, and other publications.

Rachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.

Editor

Anna Swartz is a senior managing editor and auto insurance expert at Policygenius, where she oversees our car insurance coverage. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic.com, as well as an associate writer at The Dodo.

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