Best car insurance in Pennsylvania (2024)

The cheapest car insurance company in Pennsylvania is State Farm, followed by The Hartford, Erie, Nationwide, and Donegal — though rates will depend on your driving record and other factors.

Headshot of Andrew Hurst
Headshot of Rachael Brennan

By

Andrew HurstSenior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance ExpertAndrew Hurst is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. His work has also been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, ValuePenguin, and Property Casualty 360.&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.

Edited by

Anna SwartzAnna SwartzSenior Managing EditorAnna Swartz is a senior managing editor who specializes in home, auto, renters, and disability insurance at Policygenius. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic and a writer at The Dodo. Her work has also appeared in Salon, HuffPost, MSN, AOL, and Heeb.

Updated|4 min read

Policygenius content follows strict guidelines for editorial accuracy and integrity. Learn about our editorial standards and how we make money.

The cheapest car insurance company 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 ($1,672 per year).

Ready to shop car insurance?

The other cheapest 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 find the best prices for your needs.

Average cost per month

State Farm

$81

The Hartford

$86

Erie

$87

Nationwide

$88

Donegal

$108

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

State Farm logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.8

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A++

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Coverage for rideshare drivers

Good student discount

Mobile app

Usage-based discount

Offers classic car insurance

Offers motorcycle insurance

Why we chose itchevron icon

State Farm is a top car insurance company in Pennsylvania thanks to its cheap rates and high customer service ratings. State Farm may even be an affordable option for drivers with spotty records.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Available in almost every state

  • Low rates for teens and drivers with accidents

  • High customer satisfaction ratings

Cons

  • Limited coverage options

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose State Farm:

State Farm is one of the best and cheapest car insurance companies in Pennsylvania thanks to its affordable rates, even with a spotty driving record.

One of the things we like most about State Farm is its high customer service scores. It aso receives fewer complaints than is average for the industry, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

How does the cost of car insurance from State Farm compare to the average in Pennsylvania?

The average cost of State Farm car insurance in Pennsylvania is $81 a month or $969 per year, which is 42% cheaper than the statewide average.

The Hartford

The Hartford & AARP home insurance logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starEmpty gray star

4.0

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

NA

Mobile app

New homebuyer discount

Smart home discounts

Usage-based discount

Offers new car replacement

Why we chose itchevron icon

The Hartford is a top company for senior drivers in Pennsylvania looking for low rates. You also can customize your policy with add-ons, including gap insurance.

Pros and conschevron icon

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

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose The Hartford:

The Hartford is one of the best car insurance companies in Pennsylvania if you’re a senior-age driver and an AARP member. The Hartford works exclusively with AARP, but you can still add your children or partner to your policy if they’re not members.

You can add car insurance endorsements, including gap insurance (which may be required if you lease or finance your car), accident forgiveness, new car replacement, and a disappearing deductible option.

How does the cost of car insurance from The Hartford compare to average in Pennsylvania?

The average cost of car insurance from The Hartford in Pennsylvania is $86 a month or $1,026 per year, which is 39% cheaper than the statewide average.

Erie

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.9

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Mobile app

Offers new car replacement

Good student discount

Accident forgiveness

Bundle home & auto

Offers classic car insurance

Coverage for rideshare drivers

Usage-based discount

Offers gap coverage

Offers motorcycle insurance

Why we chose itchevron icon

Erie’s cheap rates and claims satisfaction stack up well against larger competitors in Pennsylvania. Erie also offers a range of endorsements and perks, like new car replacement coverage and rate lock.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Low car insurance rates

  • Lots of useful add-ons, like new car replacement

  • Accident forgiveness automatically included after three years

Cons

  • Not available in every state

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Erie:

Erie’s low average rates make it one of the best companies for finding affordable car insurance in Pennsylvania. Erie also offers a handful of discounts, plus exclusive discounts if you’re 21 years old or younger, or if there’s a young driver on your policy.

Another thing we like about Erie is its range of car insurance coverage options. You can add gap insurance, new car replacement, personal belongings coverage, and more to your Erie policy. You can also qualify for accident forgiveness at no extra cost.

How does the cost of car insurance from Erie compare to average in Pennsylvania?

The average cost of car insurance from Erie in Pennsylvania is $87 a month or $1,048 per year, which is 37% cheaper than the statewide average.

Nationwide

Nationwide logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starEmpty gray star

4.2

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Coverage for rideshare drivers

Mobile app

Good student discount

Offers flood insurance

Offers motorcycle insurance

Usage-based discount

Offers gap coverage

Why we chose itchevron icon

Nationwide has cheap average rates in Pennsylvania (including for young drivers), along with some coverage options you won’t find everywhere, like gap coverage and accident forgiveness.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Low rates

  • Few customer complaints

  • Annual coverage review

Cons

  • Not available in Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana or Massachusetts

  • Lower-than-average claims satisfaction ratings

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Nationwide: 

Nationwide is another of the cheapest options for car insurance in Pennsylvania. We like Nationwide’s low rates for families with young drivers, and its pay-per-mile program (Smartmiles) which can help you save money if you don’t drive much.

You can also choose from option coverage add-ons like gap insurance, accident forgiveness, and a vanishing deductible.

How does the cost of car insurance from Nationwide compare to average in Pennsylvania?

The average cost of car insurance from Nationwide in Pennsylvania is $88 a month or $1,055 per year, which is 37% cheaper than the statewide average.

Donegal

Logo of Donegal insurance company

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange starEmpty gray star

3.8

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

NA

Good student discount

Mobile app

Accident forgiveness

Why we chose itchevron icon

Donegal has affordable car insurance in Pennsylvania and it offers a few great add-ons. Donegal also offers a few special discounts for students and young drivers.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Offers accident forgiveness

  • Has special discounts for students

  • Gets few complaints

Cons

  • Small range of coverage options

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Donegal:

Donegal is one of the cheaper options for car insurance in Pennsylvania. Rates are often lower than average, and Donegal may still be affordable even if you don’t have a clean record or you have poor credit.

Donegal doesn’t offer many ways to customize your car insurance, but it does offer accident forgiveness and basic add-ons like rental reimbursement and roadside assistance.

How does the cost of car insurance from Donegal compare to average in Pennsylvania?

The average cost of car insurance from Donegal in Pennsylvania is $108 a month or $1,293 per year, which is 23% cheaper than the statewide average.

Best car insurance companies in Pennsylvania

The best car insurance company in Pennsylvania is USAA. It scored the highest in the region 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. [1]

Since USAA is only available for members of the military and their families, that makes Erie the top-rated car insurance company in Pennsylvania that’s available to most drivers.

Company

Score

1

USAA

877

2

Erie

863

3

The Hartford

840

4

NJM

834

5

CSAA

827

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

Collapse table

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

On average, State Farm has the best car insurance rates in Pennsylvania for drivers with violations, like a speeding ticket or a DUI. Any past accidents and driving violations on your record can make your rates more expensive, but your rates will return to average after a few years of safe driving.

A bar graph showing the cheapest car insurance companies in Pennsylvania, where State Farm is the cheapest.

Violation

State Farm

The Hartford

Erie

Nationwide

Atlantic States Insurance

At-fault accident

$1,142

$1,469

$1,528

$1,835

$2,051

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

Collapse table

Cheapest car insurance after an accident in Pennsylvania

The cheapest car insurance after an accident in Pennsylvania is State Farm, where your average rates after an accident are $95 a month or $1,142 a year. If you’re in a not-at-fault accident, your rates won’t go up as much.

Rates for drivers with an at-fault accident

State Farm

$1,142

The Hartford

$1,469

Erie

$1,528

Nationwide

$1,835

Donegal

$2,051

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI in Pennsylvania

Drivers in Pennsylvania should expect to see a significant increase in their rates if they get a DUI or DWI. The average annual cost for car insurance in Pennsylvania is $1,672 per year, but drivers with a DUI on their record will pay much more, with an average rate of $3,163 per year, which is 89% higher than the rates for drivers with a clean driving history.

But rates can vary significantly by company, even for drivers with a DUI. Our research shows that the companies in Pennsylvania with the lowest rates for drivers with a DUI are State Farm, The Hartford, and Erie.

Rates for drivers with DUIs

State Farm

$1,059

The Hartford

$1,553

Erie

$1,805

Nationwide

$2,836

Atlantic States Insurance

$3,292

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket in Pennsylvania

A speeding ticket or other moving violation can also cause your car insurance rates to go up in Pennsylvania, where the average cost of insurance for a driver with a speeding ticket is $2,169 per year.

Our research shows that State Farm, Erie, and Atlantic States Insurance offer the lowest rates for drivers with a speeding ticket in Pennsylvania.

Rates for drivers with speeding tickets

State Farm

$1,059

Erie

$1,251

Atlantic States Insurance

$1,293

The Hartford

$1,367

Nationwide

$1,620

→ 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.

Rates for drivers with bad credit

Nationwide

$1,487

USAA

$1,588

Atlantic States Insurance

$1,596

State Farm

$2,192

Erie

$2,665

Cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania by city

The cost of car insurance in your area can be affected by local factors like crime rates, population density, the number of car accidents, and other things specific to your city. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies in the 10 most populated cities in Pennsylvania.

Largest cities

Cheapest company

Average yearly rate for the cheapest company

Overall citywide average

Philadelphia

State Farm

$1,752

$3,096

Pittsburgh

State Farm

$997

$1,669

Allentown

Erie

$1,012

$1,728

Reading

Erie

$979

$1,623

Erie

Erie

$1,041

$1,651

Upper Darby

The Hartford

$1,454

$2,469

Scranton

Nationwide

$969

$1,665

Bensalem

The Hartford

$1,278

$2,138

Abington

State Farm

$1,197

$2,002

Bethlehem

State Farm

$971

$1,598

Collapse table

Ready to shop car insurance?

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.

References

dropdown arrow

Policygenius uses external sources, including government data, industry studies, and reputable news organizations to supplement proprietary marketplace data and internal expertise. Learn more about how we use and vet external sources as part of oureditorial standards.

  1. J.D. Power

    . "

    Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds

    ." Accessed September 23, 2023.

Authors

Andrew Hurst is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. His work has also been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, ValuePenguin, and Property Casualty 360.

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 who specializes in home, auto, renters, and disability insurance at Policygenius. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic and a writer at The Dodo. Her work has also appeared in Salon, HuffPost, MSN, AOL, and Heeb.

Questions about this page? Email us at .