The best car insurance in Pennsylvania
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The cost and minimum requirements for car insurance can and do vary from state-to-state. Insurance costs can even vary based on your ZIP code within a state. The average cost of full coverage car insurance across Pennsylvania is $1,476. Even at that price, however, there are ways to lower the cost of insurance and find cheaper rates, especially if you live in a city with higher-than-average prices.
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Key Takeaways
Erie has the lowest average rate in Pennsylvania at $1,018
Pennsylvania requires a minimum of $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage and $5,000 in personal damage liability coverage
The average cost of full coverage car insurance in Philadelphia is $3,168
Cheapest car insurance companies in Pennsylvania
Insurance rates vary. Not only do they vary based on location or insurance company, but they vary person-to-person. In the simplest terms, the rate a driver pays for car insurance depends on the amount of risk they pose to the insurance company.
There are a number of factors insurance companies analyze when calculating your rates. Everything from age, driving history, residential location, and credit history can affect your car insurance rates.
Company
Average cost
JD Power Rating
Erie
$1,018
880
State Farm
$1,037
881
Nationwide
$1,078
876
The Hartford
$1,194
888
GEICO
$1,232
871
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.
Age
Cheapest company
Average cost
16
GEICO
$3,378
18
GEICO
$2,488
21
GEICO
$1,637
25
State Farm
$1,185
30
State Farm
$1,063
35
Erie
$1,030
45
Erie
$935
55
Erie
$923
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.
Violation
Erie
State Farm
Nationwide
The Hartford
GEICO
At-fault Accident
$1,167
$1,247
$1,885
$1,702
$2,229
DUI
$1,687
$1,155
$2,920
$1,811
$2,543
Driving with a suspended license
$1,687
$1,155
$2,920
$1,584
$1,906
Driving with an open container
$1,167
$1,155
$1,662
$1,533
$2,543
Driving with expired registration
$1,167
$1,155
$1,662
$1,533
$1,757
Driving without Lights
$1,167
$1,155
$1,662
$1,811
$1,872
Failure to show documents
$1,167
$1,155
$1,662
$1,533
$1,757
Failure to stop at a red light
$1,167
$1,155
$1,662
$1,533
$1,872
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.
Company
Rates for drivers with bad credit
Nationwide
$1,523
USAA
$1,529
Atlantic States Insurance
$1,565
State Farm
$2,269
Allstate
$2,384
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: $3,168
Pittsburg: $2,040
Allentown: $2,088
Erie: $1,920
Reading: $2,016
Scranton: $1,692
Bethlehem: $1,836
Lancaster: $1,788
Harrisburg: $1,812
York: $1,776
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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
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.
Who offers the cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit?
Nationwide offers the lowest rates for drivers with bad credit in Pennsylvania. The average cost is $1,523. The final rate will depend on a number of other factors in addition to credit score.
Will my rates drop every year after I turn 25?
Insurance rates can drop after age 25, but it depends on a few other factors. Things like driving history, type and value of car, and even ZIP code will all be considered when calculating your insurance rates.
Methodology
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: 50/100
Property damage liability: $50,000
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: 50/100
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.
Laura Gunn
Freelance contributor