Best homeowners insurance in Pittsburgh, PA for 2023

We looked at average costs, coverages availability, and customer satisfaction ratings to find the best homeowners insurance companies in Pittsburgh.

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Jessica OlivoFreelance contributorJessica Olivo is a writer living in Connecticut. She specializes in web and blog content in a variety of topics such as parenting, business, and culture, as well as serialized and short fiction.After working in publishing and book publicity for many years, she transitioned to freelance writing full time.

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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Reviewed 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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Situated in the crosshairs of both the Ohio and Allegheny Rivers, Pittsburgh’s propensity for flooding is likely to get worse in the coming decades. Despite this fact,  homeowners insurance in the city is relatively inexpensive when compared to the rest of the country. 

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Pittsburgh is $1,241 per year or $103 a month. This is around 5% lower than the statewide average of $1,303 per year, and about 34% lower than the national average of $1,899. 

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However, cost isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing a home insurance company. Not sure what to look for? Policygenius can help you figure out your coverage needs and compare quotes from multiple top companies in Pittsburgh.  

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 homeowners insurance companies in Pittsburgh

Of the companies we evaluated, Allstate has the lowest rate with an average yearly cost of $621. While cost is an important factor when shopping for insurance, it also helps to choose a company known for their quality customer service. State Farm, Allstate, Travelers, and Nationwide all received high scores in customer and claim satisfaction with J.D. Power.

Policygenius analyzed thousands of quotes from the 5 largest Pittsburgh insurers to find the average cost of homeowners insurance with each company in 2022. We then looked at 2021 J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores and compared that with the coverage needs of Pittsburgh residents to find the best homeowners insurance in Pittsburgh.

Company

Average yearly cost

J.D. Power Rating

State Farm

$1,084

835

Erie

$782

--

Allstate

$621

829

Travelers

$4,255

800

Nationwide

$1,153

812

State Farm

State Farm logo

There's a reason State Farm is one of the top-rated insurance companies in the U.S. — its customer satisfaction ratings are through the roof, it offers a slew of coverage add-ons for full protection, and makes filing claims through its mobile app a breeze.

Pros

  • Top-tier coverage add-ons, including equipment breakdown, water backup, and service line coverage

  • Get up to $1 million in personal liability coverage

  • Score discounts for bundling, installing security devices, and choosing a high deductible

  • File and track claims online, over the phone, in person, or through its mobile app

  • High customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings

Cons

  • No discounts for first-time homebuyers or going a year without a claim

Why State Farm tops our best list

State Farm offers quality service, especially for first time homebuyers. Their app is easy to use and provides flexibility for customers, and their website is a great resource for tips on buying a new home, breaking down coverage included in your policy, and advice on everything from using a real estate agent to what to expect from a home inspection. 

How to get a quote

Online through State Farm

Erie

Erie logo

With some of the best customer service ratings in the industry, Erie offers comprehensive coverage even with its most basic policy — including guaranteed replacement cost coverage and protection for lost items.

Pros

  • Score up to a 25% discount when you bundle your home and auto insurance

  • Guaranteed replacement cost coverage is included in the base policy

  • Theft coverage includes lost or misplaced items — a rare perk we don't see often

  • Multiple policy add-ons available, including water backup and service line coverage

  • Among the best customer service ratings in the industry

Cons

  • Can't file claims online — must speak to an Erie agent on the phone

Why Erie tops our best list

Erie offers additional options that are not often available from other companies. This includes coverage for lost or misplaced items, documents such as passports and deeds, and gift cards to establishments that are permanently closed.

How to get a quote

Online through Erie

Allstate

Allstate's mix of exceptional customer satisfaction ratings, personalized coverage options, and numerous discount opportunities make it one of the most popular homeowners insurance companies on the market.

Pros

  • Several coverage add-ons, including ones for roof surfaces, water backup, green improvements, and mold protection

  • 8+ discounts, including autopay, bundling, zero claims, and new homebuyer

  • Get up to 25% off your premiums when you bundle home and auto insurance

  • File and track claims online or through its mobile app

Cons

  • Lower-than-average claim satisfaction and digital experience ratings from J.D. Power

Why Allstate tops our best list

While Allstate already offers the lowest rates in Pittsburgh, customers can save even more with their bundling discount. By purchasing both home and auto coverage, you can save up to an additional 25% off your policy. Allstate also offers discounts for paying your bills on time, setting up automatic payments, securing your home with protective devices, and more.

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Allstate

Travelers

Travelers logo

With over 165 years of experience and impeccable financial ratings, Travelers is one of the most trusted home insurance companies in the business. It offers personalized coverage and a slew of policy add-ons to ensure you have exactly the right protection.

Pros

  • 4 customizable policy packages with several available add-ons, like extended replacement cost and water backup coverage

  • Offers eco-friendly green home coverage and discounts

  • Protect expensive family heirlooms and appliances with equipment breakdown, guaranteed replacement cost, and personal articles coverage

  • File claims online — plus, Travelers has special catastrophe centers for claims after a natural disaster

Cons

  • Below-average customer service and claims satisfaction ratings

Why Travelers tops our best list

Since identity theft and fraud can completely dismantle your life, Travelers can provide the tools to put it back together. Identity theft coverage pays for up to $25,000 in expenses including attorney fees, lost wages, replacing ID’s, and more. They will also cover the cost of a fraud specialist. 

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Travelers

Nationwide

Nationwide logo

Nationwide offers flexible home insurance policy options for every home type and income level. And we love its slew of discounts for everything from having a newish roof to living in a gated community.

Pros

  • Offers lots of coverage add-ons, including flood and earthquake insurance

  • Option to rebuild roof with stronger, safer materials after a covered loss

  • Score discounts for living in a gated community, making home renovations, having a newer roof, and more

  • Seamlessly submit claims online or through its mobile app

  • Above-average claims satisfaction rating

Cons

  • Below-average customer satisfaction ratings

  • Water backup coverage is more expensive than with other insurers

Why Nationwide tops our best list

Nationwide offers flood coverage to ensure their customers are fully protected. Homeowners located in Pittsburgh’s flood zones may be required by your mortgage lender to purchase flood insurance. With Nationwide, you can have both policies with the same company.

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Nationwide

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Cheapest homeowners insurance companies by ZIP code in Pittsburgh

Looking at average home insurance costs for 15 of the most popular companies in Pittsburgh, we found that the cheapest home insurance in the city can be found in the 15243 ZIP code (Pittsburgh) with Allstate. The average Allstate rate in this area is $516 per year — 58% less than the city average of $1,241 per year. 

Allstate’s rates are the cheapest in almost every ZIP code in the city except for the 15226 ZIP code, where Erie has the lowest average rate of $633 per year. 

ZIP code

Company

Average yearly cost

15201

Allstate

$584

15203

Allstate

$604

15204

Allstate

$657

15205

Allstate

$657

15206

Allstate

$657

15207

Allstate

$793

15208

Allstate

$581

15209

Allstate

$560

15210

Allstate

$616

15211

Allstate

$659

15212

Allstate

$636

15213

Allstate

$604

15214

Allstate

$588

15216

Allstate

$582

15217

Allstate

$630

15219

Allstate

$657

15220

Allstate

$566

15222

Allstate

$636

15224

Allstate

$560

15225

Allstate

$638

15226

Erie

$633

15228

Allstate

$561

15229

Allstate

$588

15232

Allstate

$657

15233

Allstate

$636

15235

Allstate

$707

15237

Allstate

$564

15243

Allstate

$516

15260

Allstate

$604

15261

Allstate

$604

15272

Allstate

$604

15275

Allstate

$638

15276

Allstate

$638

15282

Allstate

$638

15289

Allstate

$638

15290

Allstate

$638

15295

Allstate

$638

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The most affordable areas for homeowners insurance in Pittsburgh

With an average home insurance rate of $1,073 per year, the 15237 ZIP code (Pittsburgh), is the most affordable area for home insurance in Pittsburgh. Homes in this area are moderately valued, which will make them less expensive to insure than high-value homes. 

ZIP code

Average yearly cost

15237

$1,073

15228

$1,109

15243

$1,123

15229

$1,133

15209

$1,137

The most expensive areas for homeowners insurance in Pittsburgh

With an average home insurance rate of $1,565 the 15272 ZIP code (Central Business District) is the most expensive area for home insurance in Pittsburgh. This area is bordered by both the Ohio and Allegheny Rivers, which may make it prone to flooding.

ZIP code

Average yearly cost

15272

$1,565

15290

$1,558

15282

$1,542

15289

$1,536

15295

$1,520

Shopping for homeowners insurance in Pittsburgh

There are several factors to consider when shopping for homeowners insurance in Pittsburgh. By knowing how much coverage you require and what you can afford to pay for your premium and your deductible, you can find a policy that matches what you need for a price you can afford. 

In this section, we break down the average annual home insurance rates in Pittsburgh for different coverage and deductible levels, as well as the cheapest and most expensive home insurance companies in the state for individuals with a poor credit score, dog owners, and pool owners. Once you’re ready to shop, a Policygenius expert can help you navigate your coverage needs and help you find the best deal on homeowners insurance in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh home insurance costs by coverage amounts

Dwelling coverage pays the cost of repairs or to rebuild your home after a covered loss. This amount should be based on your home’s replacement value, which is the price to rebuild your entire home including the cost of materials and labor. 

The cost of your policy goes up with the more dwelling coverage you require. In Pittsburgh, a policy with $100,000 in coverage will cost an average of $613 while a policy with $500,000 in coverage costs $1,972.

Dwelling coverage amount

Average yearly cost

$100,000

$613

$200,000

$926

$300,000

$1,241

$400,000

$1,568

$500,000

$1,972

Liability coverage protects you in case someone is injured, or someone’s property is damaged, and you are found to be responsible. To ensure you don’t have to pay for the injured party’s bills out of pocket, your coverage should be based on the total value of your assets including your home, vehicles, investments, and cash. 

While, in general, the cost of your policy goes up with the more coverage you need, the table below demonstrates how that is not always the case.  In Pittsburgh, a policy with $300,000 in liability coverage costs more than the lower levels of coverage, but it also costs $283 more than a policy with $400,000 in coverage. When comparing quotes, it’s important to see how much liability insurance you can get for the smallest impact on your premium. 

Liability coverage amount

Average yearly cost

$100,000

$1,224

$200,000

$956

$300,000

$1,241

$400,000

$958

$500,000

$1,335

Pittsburgh home insurance costs by deductible amount

The deductible on your home insurance policy is the amount you pay for each claim you file before your insurance kicks in to cover the balance. While a higher deductible can save you money on your premium, multiple claims could mean paying your deductible several times. If your home is frequently damaged from storms, consider a lower deductible to reduce out-of-pocket costs. 

As seen in the table below, Pittsburgh residents can save around $147 on home insurance by choosing a $2,000 deductible over the $500 option.

Deductible amount

Average yearly cost

$500

$1,386

$1,000

$1,241

$2,000

$1,239

Home insurance discounts in Pittsburgh

Most insurance companies offer discounts on your policy for safeguarding your home. By adding a burglar alarm, smoke detector, or deadbolt lock, you could see savings on your premium, just for making your home safer. When your home is more secure, you are less likely to file an insurance claim, which makes insurers happy, too. 

While you won’t get a huge discount if your house has one of the following features and nothing else, they can add up if you have several protective devices in your home. Here is the average annual rate and average discount percentage for homes in Pittsburgh with deadbolts, smoke alarms, or burglar alarms. 

Discount

Average yearly cost

Dead bolt

$1,239

Smoke alarm

$1,238

Burglar alarm

$1,208

Home insurance companies in Pittsburgh for dog owners

Insurance companies will often charge owners of certain dog breeds higher rates since these breeds are more likely to be responsible for a liability claim. 

With an average rate of $621 per year, Allstate has the cheapest home insurance rates in Pittsburgh for a home with a dangerous dog breed, while Travelers’ average yearly premium of $4,255 is the highest. 

Company

Average yearly cost

Allstate

$621

Erie

$782

State Farm

$1,084

Nationwide

$1,153

Travelers

$4,255

Home insurance companies in Pittsburgh for poor credit

Insurance companies use your credit score to determine how risky you are to insure. Since customers with low credit scores are more often to file claims and miss payments, they will likely see higher insurance rates.

With an average rate of $1,153 per year, Nationwide has the cheapest home insurance rates in Pittsburgh for a homeowner with poor credit, while Travelers' average yearly premium of $10,592 is the highest. 

Company

Average yearly cost

Nationwide

$1,153

Erie

$1,970

State Farm

$1,984

Allstate

$2,302

Travelers

$10,592

Home insurance companies in Pittsburgh for pool owners

Owning a poolcould result in higher insurance rates. Some insurers charge more for houses with pools since there is an increased chance of injuries and liability claims. Not all insurers factor pools as heavily into determining your rate, however, so be sure to shop around.

With an average rate of $621 per year, Allstate has the cheapest home insurance rates for Pittsburgh homes that have a swimming pool, while Travelers’ average yearly premium of $4,681 is the most expensive.

Company

Average yearly cost

Allstate

$621

Erie

$887

State Farm

$1,084

Nationwide

$1,153

Travelers

$4,681

How to buy homeowners insurance in Pittsburgh

While there are many options for affordable homeowners insurance policies in Pittsburgh, finding the right policy for you may involve shopping around and comparing quotes. Here are some steps to help you get started:

  1. Reach out to a licensed Policygenius agent. A Policygenius expert can help to answer your questions, determine how much coverage you need, go over your options regarding your deductible, and more–all at no cost to you.

  2. Ask about the Pennsylvania FAIR plan. If you have been turned down for insurance due to high risk factors, the Pennsylvania FAIR plan could help you buy the insurance you need to protect your home.

  3. Figure out how much you can afford to pay for your deductible. Since the cost of your policy will go up when you choose a lower deductible, weigh the option of a lower premium versus the out of pocket expense of multiple deductibles. A Policygenius agent can help determine the best deductible for your needs. 

  4. Compare quotes from a Policygenius agent. Not all insurance companies calculate their rates using the same factors, so a Policygenius agent can help you compare quotes to see what rates you can get based on your needs.

  5. Choose your policy, sign it, and pay your first premium. Once you find the insurance policy that’s the best fit for you, a Policygenius agent can prepare the paperwork and cancel your old policy. All you have to do is sign and make your first payment. 

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Frequently asked questions

How much is homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania?

The statewide average for homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania is $1,303. The average cost of homeowners insurance in Pittsburgh is $1,241 per year or $103 a month.

Is homeowners insurance required in Pennsylvania?

While homeowners insurance is not legally required in the state of Pennsylvania, most mortgage lenders mandate it for borrowers.

Do home insurance claims increase premiums?

Yes, once you make a claim, your insurance company believes it is likely you will make another. You can save money on insurance by paying for smaller issues out of pocket.

Author

Jessica Olivo is a writer living in Connecticut. She specializes in web and blog content in a variety of topics such as parenting, business, and culture, as well as serialized and short fiction.

After working in publishing and book publicity for many years, she transitioned to freelance writing full time.

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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