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.
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 |
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
Read our full State Farm home insurance review
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
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
Read our full Erie home insurance review here
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
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
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
Read our full Travelers home insurance review here
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 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
Read our full Nationwide home insurance review here
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
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 |
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
