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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
Overall | $93 | 4.8 out of 5 | |
Short-term rental owners | $69 | 4.5 out of 5 | |
Coverage options | $104 | 4.5 out of 5 | |
Claims satisfaction | $94 | 4.5 out of 5 | |
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.
Best overall home insurance in Pennsylvania: State Farm
2023 Policygenius award winner
State Farm
4.8
Bundle home & auto
Offers extended replacement cost
Offers flood insurance
Offers earthquake insurance
Wind/hail deductible
Offers wildfire insurance
Why we chose it
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 cons
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 details
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
2023 Policygenius award winner
Erie
4.5
Mobile app
Bundle home & auto
Why we chose it
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 cons
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 details
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
2023 Policygenius award winner
Nationwide
4.5
Bundle home & auto
Mobile app
New homebuyer discount
Offers extended replacement cost
Why we chose it
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 cons
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 details
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
2023 Policygenius award winner
Farmers
4.5
Offers extended replacement cost
Bundle home & auto
Smart home discounts
Why we chose it
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 cons
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 details
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
2023 Policygenius award winner
Allstate
4.5
Bundle home & auto
Smart home discounts
Why we chose it
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 cons
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 details
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% |
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 |
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 |
$771 | |
Westfield Insurance | $809 |
$822 | |
Penn National Insurance | $843 |
$889 | |
Donegal Insurance | $1,065 |
$1,119 | |
$1,130 | |
$1,218 | |
$1,246 | |
$1,376 | |
Selective Insurance | $1,402 |
$1,427 | |
$3,390 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
