Best homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania (2024)

We looked at average costs, customer service ratings, and policy options from multiple top insurers to find the best and cheapest home insurance companies in Pennsylvania.

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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.

Edited by

Pat HowardPat HowardManaging Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertPat Howard is a managing editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where he specializes in homeowners insurance. His work and expertise has been featured in MarketWatch, Real Simple, Fox Business, VentureBeat, This Old House, Investopedia, Fatherly, Lifehacker, Better Homes & Garden, Property Casualty 360, and elsewhere.
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Michael Reynolds, CSRIC®, AIF®, CFT-I™Michael Reynolds, CSRIC®, AIF®, CFT-I™Financial AdvisorMichael Reynolds, CSRIC®, AIF®, CFT-I™, is a financial advisor, principal and founder of Elevation Financial, host of the weekly personal finance podcast Wealth Redefined®, and a member of the Financial Review Council at Policygenius.

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Pennsylvania’s four-season weather and proximity to the coast means that homeowners can expect everything from winter storms to coastal weather events, all of which can cause significant damage to homes. 

Despite the varying weather-related risks, the average cost of homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania is $1,101 per year or $92 a month. This is around 37% cheaper than the national average.

Home

UPDATE: Home insurance premiums up 19% in Pennsylvania

Home insurance premiums in Pennsylvania increased 19% from May 2022 to May 2023, according to our latest analysis of internal policyholder data. This is due to a mix of rising construction costs, labor shortages, and severe natural disasters that have caused insurance companies to increase rates and establish stricter underwriting rules to offset the risks.

You can find all of the details in our Policygenius Home Insurance Pricing Report

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Compare the best homeowners insurance companies in Pennsylvania

Based on Policygenius' analysis of the most widely available insurance companies in the state, State Farm, Erie, Nationwide, Farmers, and Allstate are Pennsylvania's best homeowners insurance companies.

Company

Best for...

Average monthly cost

Policygenius rating

State Farm

Overall

$93

4.8 out of 5

Erie

Short-term rental owners

$69

4.5 out of 5

Nationwide

Coverage options

$104

4.5 out of 5

Farmers

Claims satisfaction

$94

4.5 out of 5

Allstate

Cheap coverage

$64

4.4 out of 5

Methodology & why you can trust our rates

Policygenius has analyzed home insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services in March 2022 for ZIP codes in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., for a 40-year-old female homeowner with no claim history, good credit, a $1,000 deductible, and the following coverage limits:

  • Dwelling: $300,000

  • Other structures: $30,000

  • Personal property: $150,000

  • Loss of use: $60,000

  • Liability: $300,000

  • Medical: $1,000

All rates based on the above coverage limits except where otherwise noted.

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

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Best overall home insurance in Pennsylvania: State Farm

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2024 Policygenius award winner

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

Offers extended replacement cost

Offers flood insurance

Offers earthquake insurance

Wind/hail deductible

Offers wildfire insurance

Why we chose itchevron icon

State Farm is the top overall home insurance company in Pennsylvania thanks to its large selection of policy options for most home types, high customer service marks, and industry-best financial stability ratings.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • High customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings

  • Top-tier coverage add-ons, including extended replacement cost coverage

  • Offers large discounts when you bundle your home and auto insurance

Cons

  • 20% more complaints filed with the NAIC than other companies of its size

  • No discounts for first-time homebuyers

More detailschevron icon

Why State Farm is the best overall company in Pennsylvania

While the cost of home insurance from State Farm is about average in Pennsylvania, we still think it's the best overall company in the state.

We like State Farm's robust coverage options, including extended replacement cost coverage, water backup protection, appliance coverage, inflation guard, and others.

State Farm is also known for its dependable customer service — from shopping and setting up your policy, to making changes to your coverage, to filing a claim.

Plus, while many competitors don't have the financial strength to pay out claims after several natural disasters in the same year, State Farm isn't one of them. It earns the highest rating possible from A.M. Best for financial strength and stability — only six insurance companies out of nearly 70 we reviewed hold this title.

How do State Farm home insurance rates compare to the Pennsylvania average?

The average cost of State Farm home insurance in Pennsylvania is $1,119 per year, which is just 2% higher than the average annual premium in Pennsylvania of $1,101 per year.

How to get a quote

Online through State Farm or by contacting your local State Farm agent.

Best home insurance for short-term rental owners: Erie

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2024 Policygenius award winner

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

4.5

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

Bundle home & auto

Why we chose itchevron icon

Erie's wide range of coverage options, industry-best customer service ratings, and affordable rates make it one of the best home insurance options in the country.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Cheap rates

  • Guaranteed replacement cost comes standard on Erie policies

  • Excellent customer service and claims satisfaction ratings

Cons

  • Only available in 12 states

  • Just three available discounts

  • Can’t get quotes or file claims online

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Erie

Home insurance policies from Erie come standard with guaranteed replacement cost coverage — which you often have to pay extra for at other companies. A basic policy also covers lost and misplaced items, jewelry, and gift cards to closed businesses.

Erie also offers a range of add-ons that you can purchase, like short-term rental coverage, equipment breakdown coverage, water backup protection, underground service line coverage, and more.

How do Erie home insurance rates compare to the average in Pennsylvania?

The average cost of Erie home insurance in Pennsylvania is $822 per year, which is 25% cheaper than the average annual premium in Pennsylvania of $1,101 per year.

How to get a quote

Online through Erie

Best home insurance for coverage options: Nationwide

award icon

2024 Policygenius award winner

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 starHalf orange star

4.5

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

Mobile app

New homebuyer discount

Offers extended replacement cost

Why we chose itchevron icon

Nationwide's home insurance features an extensive range of comprehensive coverage and policy options. It also received high marks for claims satisfaction with J.D. Power, which means you can rely on Nationwide when it matters most.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Multiple high-quality coverage options

  • Highly rated for claims satisfaction with J.D. Power

Cons

  • Below-average customer satisfaction and digital experience ratings

  • Rates are more expensive than average

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Nationwide

Nationwide offers a large selection of coverage add-ons. Some of these include guaranteed and extended replacement cost coverage, better roof replacement, new belongings coverage, water backup protection, and equipment breakdown coverage.

Nationwide has also received high ratings from J.D. Power for its claims satisfaction, and it ranks fifth on J.D. Power's Property Claims Satisfaction Study from 2022. The company also receives far fewer complaints than other insurers, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

How do Nationwide home insurance rates compare to the Pennsylvania average?

The average cost of Nationwide home insurance in Pennsylvania is $1,246 per year, which is around 13% higher than the annual statewide average of $1,101.

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Nationwide

Best home insurance for claims satisfaction: Farmers

award icon

2024 Policygenius award winner

Farmers

Farmers 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 starHalf orange star

4.5

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 ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Offers extended replacement cost

Bundle home & auto

Smart home discounts

Why we chose itchevron icon

Farmers is one of the best home insurance companies in Pennsylvania for combining high claims satisfaction scores with a range of coverage add-ons and discounts.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • High claims satisfaction score

  • Receives few complaints from policyholders

  • Optional extended or guaranteed replacement cost dwelling coverage

Cons

  • Below-average scores on J.D. Power’s overall customer satisfaction and digital experience surveys

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Farmers

Farmers earned a high score in J.D. Power’s 2022 claims satisfaction study (though it was below-average on J.D. Power’s overall customer satisfaction and digital experience surveys). Farmers also receives fewer complaints than average, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

You can add some impressive coverages to a basic Farmers home insurance policy, like guaranteed or extended replacement cost coverage, water backup protection, and a personal articles floater.

Depending on where you live, you could save up to 45% on your auto insurance and up to 34% on your home insurance when you bundle policies with Farmers, according to the company website.

Even more, Farmers has up to 16 additional discounts and money-saving policy perks. For context, Farmers competitors offer an average of around seven discounts total.

How do Farmers home insurance rates compare to the average in Pennsylvania?

The average cost of Farmers home insurance in Pennsylvania is $1,130 per year, which is just 3% more expensive than the average annual premium of $1,101 per year.

How to get a quote

Online through Farmers

Best home insurance for cheap rates: Allstate

award icon

2024 Policygenius award winner

Allstate

Allstate 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

4.5

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

Smart home discounts

Why we chose itchevron icon

Whether you’re looking for basic or comprehensive home insurance coverage, Allstate is a standout option. Airbnb hosts may also like Allstate thanks to HostAdvantage — its affordable short-term rental coverage that can be easily added to any policy.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Offers some of the lowest rates in the state

  • Large list of discounts

  • A+ credit rating with A.M. Best

Cons

  • Beginning to pull back coverage in high-risk areas

  • Customer experience scores with J.D. Power are below the segment average

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Allstate

Allstate's lower-than-average premiums, high customer satisfaction ratings, and excellent coverage options make it one of the top choices for homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania.

Allstate also offers a few discounts that will be easy for many people to qualify for, like discounts for setting up automatic payments, bundling policies, and signing up for coverage before your current policy expires.

How do Allstate home insurance rates compare to the Pennsylvania average?

The average annual cost of an Allstate home insurance policy in Pennsylvania is $771 per year, 30% cheaper than the statewide average of $1,101 per year.

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Allstate, or by contacting a local Allstate agent.

How much is homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania?

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania is $1,101 per year, or $92 a month, for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage.

What you pay for home insurance in Pennsylvania depends on factors like your home's age, construction style, claims history, your credit, and where you live.

Pennsylvania homeowners insurance rates by city

We calculated the cost of home insurance in Pennsylvania's largest cities and found that Lancaster is the cheapest big city for homeowners insurance in the state. Philadelphia is the most expensive.

Here’s a look at the average cost of home insurance in the 20 largest cities in Pennsylvania.

City

Average monthly cost

Average annual cost

Difference from state average (%)

Philadelphia

$138

$1,654

50%

Pittsburgh

$95

$1,138

3%

Allentown

$88

$1,051

-5%

Reading

$90

$1,075

-2%

Erie

$95

$1,144

4%

Bethlehem

$91

$1,089

-1%

Scranton

$92

$1,109

1%

Lancaster

$83

$997

-9%

Harrisburg

$84

$1,008

-8%

York

$86

$1,033

-6%

Wilkes-Barre

$91

$1,089

-1%

Altoona

$96

$1,152

5%

Chester

$111

$1,333

21%

Bethel Park

$90

$1,080

-2%

Easton

$88

$1,052

-4%

Hazleton

$94

$1,132

3%

Monroeville

$89

$1,073

-3%

Williamsport

$94

$1,123

2%

Lebanon

$90

$1,083

-2%

New Castle

$90

$1,082

-2%

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Pennsylvania homeowners insurance rates by coverage amount

The table below highlights the average annual premium in Pennsylvania for five different levels of dwelling coverage, which is the part of your policy that covers structural damage to your home.

Generally speaking, more dwelling coverage means higher homeowners insurance rates, as shown in the table below.

Dwelling coverage limit

Average annual cost

$100,000

$536

$200,000

$819

$300,000

$1,101

$400,000

$1,395

$500,000

$1,741

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Cheapest homeowners insurance companies in Pennsylvania

Our analysis of home insurance quotes across every Pennsylvania ZIP code found that Cumberland Mutual, Allstate, Westfield Insurance, and Erie have the cheapest average home insurance in Pennsylvania.

The most expensive home insurance company in the state is Travelers, with an average rate of $3,390 per year.

Company

Average annual cost

Cumberland Mutual

$493

Allstate

$771

Westfield Insurance

$809

Erie

$822

Penn National Insurance

$843

USAA

$889

Donegal Insurance

$1,065

State Farm

$1,119

Farmers

$1,130

Progressive

$1,218

Nationwide

$1,246

Chubb

$1,376

Selective Insurance

$1,402

Pure Insurance

$1,427

Travelers

$3,390

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Cheapest Pennsylvania homeowners insurance if you have poor credit

Late or missed payments on credit cards, cars, and other loans can lead to higher insurance rates. Insurance companies consider a poor credit score to be an indicator of risky behavior and an increased risk of filing an insurance claim, so many charge higher rates as a result. 

With an average rate of $792 per year, Cumberland Mutual has the cheapest home insurance rates in Pennsylvania for a homeowner with poor credit.

Company

Average annual cost

Cumberland Mutual

$792

Donegal Insurance

$1,065

Penn National Insurance

$1,155

Nationwide

$1,246

Selective Insurance

$1,402

Westfield Insurance

$1,468

USAA

$1,564

Progressive

$1,688

Pure Insurance

$1,713

State Farm

$2,047

Erie

$2,185

Farmers

$2,364

Allstate

$3,045

Chubb

$3,540

Travelers

$12,297

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Cheapest Pennsylvania homeowners insurance if you have an older home

It can be costly to insure older homes since they're more prone to structural damage than newer homes. They're also often constructed with materials and features that would be more expensive to replace after a claim.

With an average annual premium of $493, Cumberland Mutual offers the cheapest home insurance rates for a home over 100 years old in Pennsylvania.

Company

Average annual cost

Cumberland Mutual

$493

Allstate

$773

Westfield Insurance

$824

Penn National Insurance

$855

Erie

$884

USAA

$924

Farmers

$1,096

State Farm

$1,116

Donegal Insurance

$1,167

Progressive

$1,221

Nationwide

$1,246

Chubb

$1,376

Pure Insurance

$1,428

Selective Insurance

$1,482

Travelers

$4,842

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Cheapest Pennsylvania homeowners insurance if you have a history of claims

Having a history of claims is one of the most likely reasons why your rates would be expensive. With multiple claims on your record, insurers will consider you more likely to file future claims than a homeowner with a spotless claims history.

With an average annual premium of $886, Cumberland Mutual offers the cheapest home insurance rates in Pennsylvania for a homeowner that's filed three claims within a five-year period, while Travelers is the most expensive.

Company

Average annual cost

Cumberland Mutual

$886

Westfield Insurance

$955

USAA

$1,214

State Farm

$1,274

Allstate

$1,464

Farmers

$1,582

Erie

$1,683

Donegal Insurance

$1,825

Penn National Insurance

$1,844

Chubb

$2,395

Pure Insurance

$2,408

Selective Insurance

$2,672

Nationwide

$2,963

Progressive

$3,479

Travelers

$5,257

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Coverage options in Pennsylvania

When looking at how much each insurance company charges for different coverage levels and risks, you should also be aware of what your policy does and doesn’t cover.

Before you buy homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania, you should be sure you're protected against flooding.

Flood insurance

If you live in one of Pennsylvania's low-lying areas, you'll want to consider flood insurance. Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage, and while only 7% of the homes in Pennsylvania have flood insurance, about 13% of the state's homes face a severe risk of flooding.

In addition to comparing home insurance quotes, Pennsylvania homeowners can also compare private flood insurance rates with Policygenius, or choose a policy through a government entity like the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

How to buy homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania

Homeowners in Pennsylvania have many options when it comes to home insurance. But how do you know which company to choose? We’ve rounded up our top five favorite tips in the list below to help you find the best solution that works for your home insurance needs.

  1. Reach out to a licensed Policygenius agent. Our team of insurance experts will guide you to affordable quotes from top companies — at no cost or obligation to you. 

  2. Ask if you should purchase flood or hurricane coverage. With four-season weather, homeowners in Pennsylvania should talk to a Policygenius agent about adding additional coverage for floods, winter storms, and even hurricanes, due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

  3. Figure out how high of a deductible you can afford.A higher deductible means you’ll pay less upfront for your insurance, but a larger chunk when it's time to file a claim. A Policygenius agent can help you pick out a deductible that works within your budget.

  4. Compare quotes from a Policygenius agent.Once you’ve identified your coverage needs, limits, and deductibles, a Policygenius agent will send over quotes from top companies. 

  5. Sign the policy, and pay your first premium. After you’ve settled on the company that works best for you, Policygenius will do all of the paperwork for you. All you need to do is sign on the dotted line and pay your first premium. It’s that easy!

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Frequently asked questions

What is the average home insurance cost in Pennsylvania?

The average cost of home insurance in Pennsylvania is $92 a month for $300,000 in dwelling coverage. That’s about $1,101 per year.

Is it mandatory to have home insurance in Pennsylvania?

While not legally required to have home insurance in Pennsylvania, many mortgage lenders require you to purchase home insurance before extending a home loan. Lenders have a financial interest in the property until you pay off the loan, so they want to ensure it’s fully protected against any loss.

How can I lower the cost of my home insurance in Pennsylvania?

The quickest way to lower the cost of your home insurance is by comparing quotes. Once you’ve reviewed your options, ask about any discounts available to you, and pick the policy that works best for you.

Why do some insurance companies charge higher rates to customers with a dangerous dog breed?

Insurance companies consider certain dog breeds as aggressive and more likely to cause injury to someone, resulting in more insurance claims. Resultantly, an increased risk means higher home insurance rates for those with certain breeds.

Author

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.

Editor

Pat Howard is a managing editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where he specializes in homeowners insurance. His work and expertise has been featured in MarketWatch, Real Simple, Fox Business, VentureBeat, This Old House, Investopedia, Fatherly, Lifehacker, Better Homes & Garden, Property Casualty 360, and elsewhere.

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