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.
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
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
Read our full State Farm car insurance review
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 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 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 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
Read our full Nationwide car insurance review
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 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 |
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 |
→ 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
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.
