Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania
We analyzed rates from major insurers to find the most affordable options for Pennsylvania drivers. Rates shown are average annual premiums for a 35-year-old driver with a clean record and good credit.
Full Coverage Rates
| Rank | Company | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEICO | $1,320 | $110 | -28% |
| 2 | Erie Insurance | $1,380 | $115 | -25% |
| 3 | USAA* | $1,440 | $120 | -21% |
| 4 | State Farm | $1,620 | $135 | -11% |
| 5 | Progressive | $1,740 | $145 | -5% |
| 6 | Nationwide | $1,860 | $155 | +2% |
| 7 | Allstate | $2,040 | $170 | +11% |
| 8 | Liberty Mutual | $2,160 | $180 | +18% |
| 9 | Travelers | $2,280 | $190 | +25% |
| 10 | Farmers | $2,400 | $200 | +31% |
*USAA is available only to military members, veterans, and their families. Rates are approximate averages and may vary by location and individual factors.
Liability-Only (Minimum Coverage) Rates
| Rank | Company | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEICO | $396 | $33 |
| 2 | Erie Insurance | $420 | $35 |
| 3 | USAA* | $432 | $36 |
| 4 | State Farm | $480 | $40 |
| 5 | Progressive | $516 | $43 |
*Liability-only coverage meets Pennsylvania's minimum 15/30/5 requirements but does not cover damage to your own vehicle.
Average Auto Insurance Rates by Pennsylvania City
Car insurance rates in Pennsylvania vary dramatically by location. Philadelphia has significantly higher rates than the rest of the state due to traffic density, theft rates, and accident frequency.
| City | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium | vs. State Avg | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $2,940 | $245 | +61% | High theft, dense traffic, uninsured drivers |
| Reading | $2,100 | $175 | +15% | Higher accident rates, urban density |
| Pittsburgh | $1,920 | $160 | +5% | Urban center, moderate traffic |
| Allentown | $1,860 | $155 | +2% | Lehigh Valley metro area |
| Bethlehem | $1,800 | $150 | -2% | Lehigh Valley, moderate risk |
| Harrisburg | $1,740 | $145 | -5% | State capital, moderate traffic |
| Scranton | $1,680 | $140 | -8% | Lower population density |
| York | $1,680 | $140 | -8% | South-central PA, lower risk area |
| Lancaster | $1,620 | $135 | -11% | Rural surroundings, lower theft |
| Erie | $1,500 | $125 | -18% | Lower density, Erie Insurance HQ |
*Rates shown are for full coverage. Your actual rate depends on your specific ZIP code, driving record, and other factors.
Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Rates by Age
Age is one of the biggest factors affecting car insurance rates. Teen drivers pay the most, while rates typically drop significantly after age 25 and reach their lowest point around age 50-60.
| Driver Profile | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Teen Driver (16-17)
Added to parent's policy
|
$4,940 | $412 | +170% |
|
Teen Driver (18-19)
Own policy
|
$4,410 | $368 | +141% |
|
Young Adult (20-24)
Clean record
|
$2,780 | $232 | +52% |
|
Adult (25-34)
Clean record
|
$1,920 | $160 | +5% |
|
Adult (35-44)
Clean record
|
$1,780 | $148 | -3% |
|
Middle-Aged (45-54)
Clean record
|
$1,630 | $136 | -11% |
|
Older Adult (55-64)
Clean record
|
$1,540 | $128 | -16% |
|
Senior (65-74)
Clean record
|
$1,680 | $140 | -8% |
|
Senior (75+)
Clean record
|
$1,870 | $156 | +2% |
Tip for Young Drivers
If you're under 25, staying on a parent's policy is usually the cheapest option. You can also reduce rates by maintaining good grades (good student discount), completing a driver's education course, and choosing a safe, modest vehicle rather than a sports car.
How Driving Violations Affect Your Pennsylvania Rate
Traffic violations and accidents can significantly increase your insurance premiums. Here's how much you can expect to pay after common incidents.
Speeding Ticket
| Before ticket: | $1,830/yr |
| After ticket: | $2,196/yr |
| Extra cost: | +$366/yr |
At-Fault Accident
| Before accident: | $1,830/yr |
| After accident: | $2,599/yr |
| Extra cost: | +$769/yr |
DUI Conviction
| Before DUI: | $1,830/yr |
| After DUI: | $3,257/yr |
| Extra cost: | +$1,427/yr |
How Long Do Violations Affect Your Rate?
Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Requirements
Pennsylvania is a "choice no-fault" state, meaning you can choose between full tort and limited tort options. Here are the legal requirements and what your choices mean for your coverage.
Full Tort vs. Limited Tort: Your Choice
Full Tort: You retain full rights to sue for pain and suffering after any accident where you're not at fault. Adds approximately $100-200/year to your premium. Best for drivers who want maximum legal protection.
Limited Tort: You can only sue for pain and suffering if you sustain a "serious injury" (death, permanent disfigurement, or serious impairment of body function). Saves approximately 15-20% on your premium. Best for budget-conscious drivers willing to accept limited legal options.
Pennsylvania Minimum Coverage (15/30/5)
Per Person
Per Accident
Per Accident
| Coverage Type | State Minimum | Recommended | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | $15,000/$30,000 | $100,000/$300,000 | Medical costs easily exceed $15K. Higher limits protect your assets from lawsuits. |
| Property Damage | $5,000 | $50,000+ | Average new car costs $48K. $5K won't cover most vehicle repairs. |
| Medical Benefits (First Party) | $5,000 | $25,000+ | PA requires first-party medical coverage. Higher limits help with serious injuries. |
| Uninsured Motorist | $15,000/$30,000 | $100,000/$300,000 | About 8% of PA drivers are uninsured. Protects you if they hit you. |
| Collision | Not required | $500 deductible | Covers your car regardless of fault. Essential for newer vehicles. |
| Comprehensive | Not required | $500 deductible | Covers theft, vandalism, weather. Important in Philadelphia and urban areas. |
Why Pennsylvania's Minimums Are Risky
Pennsylvania's 15/30/5 minimums are among the lowest in the nation. A serious accident could easily result in $100,000+ in medical bills and property damage. If your liability limits don't cover the full cost, you could be personally sued for the difference. Most experts recommend at least 100/300/50 coverage for adequate protection.
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Pennsylvania offers various types of auto insurance coverage. Understanding what each covers helps you make informed decisions.
Liability Coverage
RequiredWhat it covers: Bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in an accident where you're at fault.
Pennsylvania minimum: 15/30/5 (but this is dangerously low)
Who needs it: Every driver in Pennsylvania—it's the law. If you cause an accident that exceeds your liability limits, you can be personally sued for the difference.
Cost impact: Liability-only coverage costs around $33-50/month. Higher limits add $10-25/month but provide much better protection.
First-Party Medical Benefits
RequiredWhat it covers: Medical expenses for you and your passengers regardless of who caused the accident. This is Pennsylvania's no-fault coverage.
Minimum required: $5,000 per person
Why it matters: Unlike traditional liability coverage, first-party benefits pay your medical bills immediately without waiting to determine fault.
Cost impact: Higher limits ($25,000-$100,000) add $5-20/month and provide important protection for serious injuries.
Collision Coverage
RecommendedWhat it covers: Damage to your own vehicle from collisions with other cars, objects, or rollovers, regardless of fault.
Deductible options: Typically $250, $500, or $1,000. Higher deductible = lower premium.
Who needs it: Anyone with a car loan or lease (usually required by lender), or anyone who couldn't afford to replace their car out of pocket.
Cost impact: Adds $25-65/month depending on your vehicle value and deductible choice.
Comprehensive Coverage
RecommendedWhat it covers: Non-collision damage including theft, vandalism, fire, floods, falling objects, animal strikes, and weather damage.
Why it matters in Pennsylvania: Philadelphia has high vehicle theft rates. Winter weather can cause damage from ice, snow, and salt. Deer strikes are common in rural areas.
Who needs it: Highly recommended if you park on the street, live in Philadelphia or urban areas, or have a vehicle worth more than a few thousand dollars.
Cost impact: Adds $12-35/month. Often required along with collision if you have a car loan.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)
RecommendedWhat it covers: Your injuries and damages when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay for your losses.
Pennsylvania requirement: Must be offered by insurers. Minimum is 15/30 if you accept it.
Who needs it: Strongly recommended for all Pennsylvania drivers. About 8% of PA drivers are uninsured, with higher rates in Philadelphia.
Cost impact: Adds $8-20/month and is one of the most valuable coverages you can add.
Gap Insurance
OptionalWhat it covers: The difference between what you owe on your car loan and what your car is worth if it's totaled.
Example: You owe $25,000 on your loan, but your car is only worth $20,000. If totaled, gap insurance covers the $5,000 difference.
Who needs it: Anyone who put less than 20% down, has a loan longer than 4 years, or leases their vehicle.
Cost impact: Usually $20-40/year when added to your policy (much cheaper than dealer-sold gap insurance).
How to Save on Pennsylvania Auto Insurance
Pennsylvania has unique insurance options that can work in your favor. Here are proven strategies to lower your premiums.
Choose Limited Tort
If you're comfortable with restricted lawsuit rights, choosing limited tort can save you 15-20% on your premium. Just understand you can only sue for pain and suffering if you have a "serious injury."
Improve Your Credit Score
Unlike California, Pennsylvania insurers CAN use credit scores to set rates. Improving your credit from fair to good could save you 20-30% on your premium. Pay bills on time and reduce debt.
Good Student Discount
Students under 25 with a B average or better typically save 10-25% on their premium. Just provide a report card or transcript when getting your quote.
Defensive Driving Course
Completing a PennDOT-approved defensive driving course can earn you a 5-10% discount and may remove points from your record. Courses cost $20-50 online and can save much more.
Bundle Your Policies
Combining auto with home or renters insurance typically saves 5-25%. This can mean $150-400 in annual savings while simplifying your coverage.
Consider Erie Insurance
Erie Insurance is headquartered in Pennsylvania and often offers competitive rates for PA drivers. They're known for excellent customer service and offer unique discounts for the region.
Low-Mileage and Pay-Per-Mile Options
If you work from home or drive less than 10,000 miles per year, you could save significantly with usage-based or pay-per-mile insurance. Companies like Metromile, Mile Auto, and programs like Progressive's Snapshot reward low-mileage drivers.
Typical savings: 10-30% for drivers under 7,500 miles/year.
Best Auto Insurance Companies in Pennsylvania
Based on rates, customer satisfaction, and coverage options, these are the top insurers for Pennsylvania drivers.
Best for Price
GEICO
Consistently offers the lowest rates in Pennsylvania. Best for drivers who want a straightforward policy and prefer managing everything online or through their app.
PA Headquartered
Erie Insurance
Headquartered in Erie, PA, this regional carrier consistently ranks highest in customer satisfaction. Known for competitive rates, excellent claims service, and local agent network.
Best for Bundling
State Farm
Largest insurer in Pennsylvania with thousands of local agents. Ideal for those who prefer in-person service, bundling options, and a company with strong financial stability.
Best for High-Risk
Progressive
Great option for drivers with accidents or violations on their record. Offers Snapshot usage-based insurance and the Name Your Price tool for budget-conscious shoppers.
What Pennsylvania Drivers Are Saying
"I was paying nearly $300 a month for auto insurance in Philadelphia. I used Credit Haven to compare quotes and found a policy with better coverage for $195. Switching to full tort also gave me peace of mind knowing I have complete legal protection if something happens."
"I switched to Erie Insurance after comparing quotes and couldn't be happier. As a Pittsburgh native, I appreciate having a local company. Their rates were $40/month less than my previous insurer, and the customer service has been excellent when I needed to file a claim."
"Living in Lancaster County, I drive a lot of rural roads and had two deer strikes in three years. Comprehensive coverage saved me thousands both times. Comparing quotes here helped me find a policy with a low comp deductible at an affordable price."
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does car insurance cost in Pennsylvania?
The average cost of full coverage car insurance in Pennsylvania is approximately $1,830 per year ($153/month), which is about 9% lower than the national average. However, rates vary significantly based on your city (Philadelphia is much higher), age, driving record, credit score, and the coverage you choose. Liability-only coverage averages around $450/year.
What is the difference between full tort and limited tort?
Full tort preserves your right to sue for pain and suffering after any accident where you're not at fault. Limited tort restricts this right—you can only sue for pain and suffering if you sustain a "serious injury" (death, permanent disfigurement, or serious impairment of body function). Limited tort is 15-20% cheaper but limits your legal options. Full tort costs more but provides complete protection.
Why is Philadelphia auto insurance so expensive?
Philadelphia has the highest auto insurance rates in Pennsylvania (often 60%+ above the state average) due to several factors: high population density and traffic congestion, elevated vehicle theft rates, higher rates of uninsured drivers, more frequent accidents, and expensive vehicle repair costs. Some Philadelphia ZIP codes have rates double the state average.
Can insurers in Pennsylvania use my credit score?
Yes. Unlike California, Pennsylvania allows insurers to use credit-based insurance scores when setting rates. Studies show drivers with poor credit may pay 50-100% more than those with excellent credit. Improving your credit score is one of the most effective ways to lower your Pennsylvania auto insurance premium.
What is Pennsylvania's minimum car insurance requirement?
Pennsylvania requires 15/30/5 liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. You must also carry $5,000 in first-party medical benefits. These are among the lowest minimums in the nation and experts strongly recommend higher limits (at least 100/300/50) to adequately protect your assets.
What happens if I drive without insurance in Pennsylvania?
Driving without insurance in Pennsylvania is a serious offense. Penalties include: 3-month license suspension for first offense (one year for subsequent), $300 restoration fee, vehicle registration suspension, and requirement to file SR-22 proof of insurance. If you cause an accident while uninsured, you'll be personally liable for all damages and could face a lawsuit.
Should I choose full tort or limited tort?
It depends on your priorities. Choose full tort if: you want maximum legal protection, you have significant assets to protect, or you're willing to pay more for peace of mind. Choose limited tort if: saving money is your priority, you understand the limitations, or you have good health insurance to cover medical expenses. Most insurance experts recommend full tort for better protection.
Why is Erie Insurance so popular in Pennsylvania?
Erie Insurance is headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, and has a strong regional presence. They consistently rank at the top for customer satisfaction (J.D. Power scores around 882/1000), offer competitive rates for PA drivers, have an extensive local agent network, and provide excellent claims service. Many Pennsylvania residents prefer a local company that understands the region.
How can I lower my Pennsylvania car insurance rate?
Key strategies include: comparing quotes from multiple insurers (rates can vary by 40%+), improving your credit score, choosing limited tort (saves 15-20%), bundling auto with home/renters insurance, completing a defensive driving course, maintaining a clean driving record, choosing a higher deductible, and asking about all available discounts (good student, anti-theft, multi-car, low mileage).
How often should I shop for new car insurance quotes?
Experts recommend comparing quotes at least once a year, ideally 2-3 weeks before your policy renews. You should also shop after major life changes like moving, getting married, buying a new car, adding a teen driver, improving your credit score, or when violations fall off your record (typically after 3 years). Insurance rates change frequently.
Is it free to compare quotes on Credit Haven?
Yes, comparing quotes through Credit Haven is 100% free with no obligation. We help you see your options from multiple Pennsylvania insurers so you can make an informed decision about your coverage. We don't sell insurance directly—we connect you with licensed providers who can offer you personalized quotes.
Ready to Find Cheaper Pennsylvania Car Insurance?
Enter your ZIP code to compare personalized quotes from top Pennsylvania insurers. It only takes a few minutes and could save you hundreds.