4.8out of 3,000+ reviews
Updated November 29, 2022
Pennsylvania is the 23rd most-expensive state for car insurance, with an average cost of $217 per month, according to our data. The state average is lower than the national average of $233 per month and is slightly higher than the average rate of $214 per month in both Arkansas and Kansas. If you’re in the market for a cheap policy in the Keystone State, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare quotes to find cheap car insurance. Pennsylvania is the birthplace of both the Jeep and the superhighway.[1]
Quick Facts
The average cost of car insurance in Pennsylvania is $217/mo.
Travelers is the cheapest top provider in Pennsylvania, with average rates of $115/mo.
The easiest way to cut car insurance costs is to compare quotes online.
Table of contents
- Best cheap car insurance in Pennsylvania: Travelers
- Minimum car insurance requirements in Pennsylvania
- Tips for getting cheap car insurance in Pennsylvania
- Liability-only vs. full-coverage insurance in Pennsylvania
- How your driving history affects Pennsylvania car insurance rates
- How credit scores affect Pennsylvania car insurance quotes
- How your city affects Pennsylvania insurance quotes
- How your age affects Pennsylvania car insurance rates
- Pennsylvania car insurance FAQs
- Insurify Insights
Best cheap car insurance in Pennsylvania: Travelers
Travelers
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Pennsylvania
A variety of car insurance companies offer cheap auto insurance in Pennsylvania. The cheapest average monthly quote of $96 comes from Mile Auto, and Kemper Preferred provides an average rate of $104 per month. Other providers with great deals on car insurance include Travelers and Nationwide, with average monthly quotes of $115 and $126 respectively. Here’s a look at the best cheap car insurance options in the state.
Car Insurance Company | Insurify Composite Score | Average Monthly Quote |
---|---|---|
Travelers | 80 | $115 |
Nationwide | 89 | $126 |
State Farm | 88 | $140 |
National General | 58 | $160 |
American Family | 89 | $198 |
Liberty Mutual | 82 | $207 |
Mile Auto | N/A | $96 |
Kemper Preferred | N/A | $104 |
Foremost Signature | N/A | $156 |
Erie | 85 | $163 |
State Auto | 76 | $168 |
Clearcover | 97 | $168 |
Safeco | 86 | $179 |
Verti | N/A | $185 |
Direct Auto | N/A | $187 |
Plymouth Rock | N/A | $190 |
Midvale Home & Auto | N/A | $192 |
SafeAuto | N/A | $219 |
GEICO | 88 | $225 |
Progressive | N/A | $225 |
Dairyland | N/A | $233 |
Bristol West | N/A | $235 |
Allstate | 85 | $252 |
The General | N/A | $283 |
USAA | 96 | $296 |
Farmers | 85 | $312 |
CSAA | N/A | $521 |
Amica | N/A | $620 |
Learn More: Best Car Insurance Companies
Insurify Composite Score (ICS)
To calculate the Insurify Composite Score, a proprietary rating, Insurify data scientists weigh multiple factors that reflect the quality, reliability, and health of an insurance company.
Inputs to the score include J.D. Power ratings, Consumer Reports customer satisfaction surveys and customer complaints, mobile app reviews, user-generated company reviews, and financial strength ratings from A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch.
Minimum car insurance requirements in Pennsylvania
All motor vehicles operated or parked on Pennsylvania roadways are required to be insured. Proof of insurance must be carried in your car at all times and must be available when:
Requested by law enforcement
Renewing vehicle registration
The vehicle is involved in a car accident
The minimum liability insurance requirements for private passenger vehicles in Pennsylvania[2] are:
$15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for bodily injury: As a major part of your liability insurance, bodily injury coverage covers medical bills for people other than the policyholder who are injured during an accident. Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, meaning both parties’ insurance providers will pay for expenses, regardless of which party caused the accident.
$5,000 per accident for property damage: If it’s determined that an insured driver is at fault for an accident, this coverage pays for repairs to the property of the other involved parties. Additionally, property damage coverage can cover legal costs if the insured driver is involved in a lawsuit following the accident.
$5,000 per accident for medical benefits: Medical benefits, similar to PIP coverage, will cover the policyholder for medical payments they incur in the event of an accident. Depending on your plan, you may also receive non-medical benefits, compensating you for lost wages, household expenses, and even funeral costs.
Pennsylvania DMV information
Pennsylvania’s Driver and Vehicle Services (PennDOT) can help you get a driver’s license or renew the one you currently have. It’s also the place to renew your title and registration. You can complete many services online or stop into a PennDOT Driver License Center in your area. It’s a good idea to schedule an appointment before you visit any center in person.[3]
Public transportation in Pennsylvania
You can find public transportation options in every county in Pennsylvania. Fixed-route transit services are available in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, 21 small urban areas, and 22 rural areas. Plus, there are 44 systems with shared-ride services and 13 intercity bus routes.[4] In addition, Pennsylvania offers Keystone Corridor Amtrak service, which runs from Harrisburg to New York.
Compare Car Insurance Quotes Instantly
Tips for getting cheap car insurance in Pennsylvania
If you’re searching for cheap car insurance in Pennsylvania, using an online car insurance comparison tool can help you compare quotes from multiple insurers at once. You’ll be able to cater your search for a policy that’s ideal for your budget and needs.
Here are some other tips that could help you pay less for coverage:
Bundle your homeowners or renters insurance with your car insurance.
Seek discounts, such as good driver or good student discounts.
Increase your deductible.
Maintain a good credit score.
Liability-only vs. full-coverage insurance in Pennsylvania
If you live in Pennsylvania, you can opt to carry liability-only auto insurance, which pays for expenses related to injuries and damage to the other party’s car if you cause an accident. Each state sets its own minimums for how much liability insurance it requires drivers to carry. Liability-only insurance can make sense if:
You have a low-value vehicle.
You can afford to repair or replace your car out of your own pocket.
Getting the cheapest insurance possible is your top priority.
For a higher level of protection, you can choose full-coverage insurance, which includes basic liability plus collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage pays for damages to your car, even if you’re at fault for an accident. Comprehensive pays for damages caused by events out of your control, like vandalism, weather, and animals. Auto lenders and leasing companies typically require drivers to carry full coverage on a car they’ve financed.
You may also opt for full coverage if:
You have a high-value vehicle.
You wouldn’t be able to afford to repair or replace your car out of pocket.
Your car’s actual cash value (the payout you’d likely get if your car is totaled) exceeds your annual premium to carry full coverage.
Here’s a look at the cheapest auto insurance in Pennsylvania by policy type.
Car Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Liability | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage |
---|---|---|
American Family | $117 | $198 |
Liberty Mutual | $135 | $207 |
Nationwide | $81 | $126 |
State Farm | $83 | $140 |
Travelers | $67 | $115 |
Allstate | $149 | $253 |
Amica | $366 | $620 |
Bristol West | $165 | $235 |
Clearcover | $113 | $168 |
CSAA | $380 | $521 |
Dairyland | $99 | $233 |
Direct Auto | $146 | $187 |
Erie | $96 | $163 |
Farmers | $185 | $312 |
Foremost Signature | $55 | $156 |
GEICO | $133 | $225 |
Kemper Preferred | $54 | $104 |
Midvale Home & Auto | $130 | $192 |
Mile Auto | $86 | $96 |
National General | $105 | $160 |
Plymouth Rock | $139 | $190 |
Progressive | $133 | $225 |
SafeAuto | $92 | $219 |
Safeco | $106 | $179 |
State Auto | $61 | $168 |
The General | $189 | $283 |
USAA | $175 | $296 |
Verti | $156 | $185 |
How your driving history affects Pennsylvania car insurance rates
Your driving history is the factor that most influences your car insurance costs. Good drivers — whose records are free of serious traffic violations like speeding tickets or reckless driving — tend to get the best car insurance rates in Pennsylvania. But infractions like driving under the influence or at-fault accidents can significantly increase insurance costs.
Here’s a look at average monthly quotes for the cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania based on driving and accident history.
See More: High-Risk Car Insurance Pennsylvania
Car Insurance Company | Clean Record | At-Fault Accident | With a DUI | Speeding Ticket |
---|---|---|---|---|
Farmers | $151 | $222 | $171 | $170 |
Liberty Mutual | $205 | $220 | $304 | $226 |
Nationwide | $131 | $56 | N/A | $97 |
Travelers | $112 | $112 | N/A | $131 |
USAA | $129 | $190 | $146 | $146 |
Allstate | $234 | $344 | $265 | $264 |
American Family | $183 | $270 | $208 | $207 |
Amica | $573 | N/A | $650 | $647 |
Bristol West | $225 | $259 | $277 | $290 |
Clearcover | $176 | $130 | N/A | $158 |
CSAA | $521 | N/A | N/A | $544 |
Dairyland | $226 | $269 | $242 | $247 |
Direct Auto | $171 | $233 | $252 | $214 |
Erie | $457 | N/A | $518 | $516 |
Foremost Signature | $145 | $176 | $168 | $197 |
GEICO | $289 | $425 | $328 | $326 |
Kemper Preferred | $99 | $112 | $55 | $129 |
Midvale Home & Auto | $179 | $244 | $206 | $233 |
Mile Auto | $96 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
National General | $155 | $173 | $178 | $161 |
Plymouth Rock | $187 | $179 | $313 | $241 |
Progressive | $208 | $306 | $236 | $235 |
SafeAuto | $207 | $272 | $231 | $267 |
Safeco | $170 | $210 | $119 | $196 |
State Auto | $146 | $226 | N/A | $188 |
State Farm | $208 | $306 | $236 | $235 |
The General | $277 | $291 | $264 | $302 |
Verti | $189 | $193 | N/A | $105 |
See More: Best Cheap Car Insurance After a DUI
SR-22 insurance in Pennsylvania
An SR-22 is a form that shows you meet the minimum car insurance requirements in your state. While some states require SR-22 after serious traffic violations like reckless driving and DUIs, Pennsylvania does not. Even though you won’t need an SR-22, you must invest in liability insurance in order to drive legally. Be prepared to pay a higher premium when you do so.
How credit scores affect Pennsylvania car insurance quotes
Pennsylvania is one of the many states that use credit scores when determining car insurance rates. Generally, people with excellent or good credit scores can qualify for lower car insurance premiums than people with average or poor credit scores.
Credit Tier | Average Monthly Quote |
---|---|
Excellent | $181 |
Good | $214 |
Average | $234 |
Poor | $362 |
See More: Car Insurance Quotes for Bad Credit
How your city affects Pennsylvania insurance quotes
The city you live in may influence what you pay for auto insurance in Pennsylvania. If you’re a resident of a larger, urban city like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, you can expect higher premiums than drivers in rural cities. The table below shows the average car insurance rates for the most populous cities in Pennsylvania.
City | Average Monthly Quote |
---|---|
Abington | $182 |
Allentown | $194 |
Altoona | $205 |
Bethlehem | $152 |
Easton | $163 |
Erie | $176 |
Harrisburg | $173 |
Haverford | $378 |
Lancaster | $136 |
Philadelphia | $305 |
Pittsburgh | $162 |
Reading | $168 |
Scranton | $172 |
State College | $152 |
Wilkes-Barre | $207 |
York | $157 |
How your age affects Pennsylvania car insurance rates
Because insurers generally equate age with experience level, your age will significantly affect how much you pay for car insurance. New drivers, who tend to be teens or people in their early 20s, typically pay more for insurance than drivers 25 and older.
The following table gives a high-level view of how age can affect insurance rates.
Quotes for younger drivers
Multiple other factors influence how much drivers in each age group will pay for car insurance. Some will increase rates for one age group more than another, while others will impact all age groups evenly.
The following table compares how different insurance factors affect average monthly rates for drivers younger than 30. Teenagers and drivers under 25 tend to pay the highest car insurance rates by age group in the state, but companies like Travelers, Mile Auto, and State Auto offer affordable premiums.
Car Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage | With an Accident | With a DUI |
---|---|---|---|---|
Liberty Mutual | $189 | $268 | $259 | $545 |
Progressive | $179 | $276 | $321 | $529 |
Travelers | $77 | $139 | $135 | $273 |
Bristol West | $237 | $307 | $316 | $607 |
Clearcover | $135 | $208 | $162 | $446 |
CSAA | $496 | $697 | $567 | $1,455 |
Dairyland | $138 | $291 | $310 | $577 |
Direct Auto | $196 | $242 | $290 | $450 |
Foremost Signature | N/A | $214 | $251 | $406 |
Kemper Preferred | $72 | $127 | $130 | $251 |
Midvale Home & Auto | $193 | $240 | $263 | $452 |
Mile Auto | $112 | $140 | N/A | $279 |
National General | $146 | $205 | $189 | $410 |
Nationwide | N/A | $182 | N/A | N/A |
Plymouth Rock | $189 | $249 | $220 | $509 |
SafeAuto | $125 | $274 | $312 | $521 |
Safeco | $153 | $232 | $231 | $470 |
State Auto | $90 | $199 | $278 | $336 |
The General | $249 | $353 | $353 | $704 |
Verti | N/A | $186 | N/A | N/A |
Quotes for middle-aged drivers
The following table compares how different insurance factors affect average monthly rates for drivers between 30 and 59. Middle-aged drivers in Pennsylvania pay average monthly rates ranging between $152 and $199, with drivers in their 50s generally paying the least. The cheapest options for full-coverage insurance come from Mile Auto, Kemper Preferred, and Travelers.
Car Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage | With an Accident | With a DUI |
---|---|---|---|---|
Liberty Mutual | $102 | $171 | $183 | $332 |
Nationwide | $73 | $126 | N/A | $257 |
Travelers | $67 | $109 | $113 | $215 |
Bristol West | $117 | $189 | $215 | $358 |
Clearcover | $99 | $140 | $128 | $287 |
CSAA | $309 | $459 | $521 | $876 |
Dairyland | $71 | $192 | $221 | $366 |
Direct Auto | $113 | $149 | $190 | $271 |
Foremost Signature | $44 | $127 | N/A | $245 |
Kemper Preferred | $47 | $97 | $107 | $183 |
Midvale Home & Auto | $105 | $165 | $189 | $312 |
Mile Auto | $67 | $85 | N/A | $169 |
National General | $76 | $129 | $162 | $243 |
Plymouth Rock | $105 | $152 | $157 | $291 |
Progressive | $103 | $179 | $248 | $308 |
SafeAuto | $66 | $183 | $215 | $342 |
Safeco | $84 | $152 | $182 | $285 |
State Auto | $52 | $160 | $224 | $285 |
The General | $144 | $233 | $253 | $452 |
Verti | N/A | $174 | N/A | N/A |
Quotes for senior drivers
The following table compares how different insurance factors affect average monthly rates for drivers 59 and older. Senior drivers with a DUI on their record should look to Mile Auto, Travelers, and National General for the lowest monthly premiums. Generally, Pennsylvania drivers in this age range pay the lowest rates by age group in the state with average monthly rates between $132 and $147.
Car Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage | With an Accident | With a DUI |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dairyland | $66 | $177 | $196 | $344 |
Liberty Mutual | $81 | $130 | $144 | $249 |
Travelers | $58 | $85 | $78 | $171 |
Bristol West | $100 | $155 | $164 | $306 |
Clearcover | $99 | $121 | $102 | $251 |
CSAA | $324 | $294 | N/A | $571 |
Direct Auto | $96 | $117 | $138 | $222 |
Foremost Signature | $64 | $129 | N/A | $251 |
Kemper Preferred | $53 | $96 | N/A | $185 |
Midvale Home & Auto | $96 | $132 | $144 | $259 |
Mile Auto | $48 | $74 | N/A | $147 |
National General | $67 | $96 | N/A | $191 |
Nationwide | N/A | $107 | N/A | $225 |
Plymouth Rock | $95 | $122 | $102 | $255 |
Progressive | $88 | $114 | N/A | $233 |
SafeAuto | $73 | $166 | $157 | $334 |
Safeco | $80 | $121 | $153 | $219 |
State Auto | $61 | $127 | N/A | $237 |
The General | $137 | $207 | $205 | $416 |
Pennsylvania car insurance FAQs
Travelers offers the cheapest auto insurance in Pennsylvania from a top insurer by market share, alongside Nationwide and National General. Smaller auto providers like Mile Auto and Kemper Preferred provide even cheaper auto insurance policies in Pennsylvania, depending on your driving record, credit history, vehicle type, age, and more.
Drivers access average monthly quotes of $115 with Travelers, $126 with Nationwide, $160 with National General, $96 with Mile Auto, and $104 with Kemper Preferred. All the options mentioned fall well below the state’s average monthly rate of $217. Ultimately, premiums will vary on a driver-by-driver basis.
If you live in a heavily populated city in Pennsylvania, like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, your risk of getting into accidents is higher due to more drivers on the road. Therefore, you can expect to pay more for an auto policy. Other factors that can raise your premiums in the Keystone State are higher car repair and healthcare costs, which force providers to pay out more on claims.
Around 16% of drivers in Pennsylvania have a recent driving incident on their record, making it the 19th-safest state for driving in the country. When compared to other states, Pennsylvania ranks fairly well for percentage of people with speeding tickets and moving violations but comes 21st in number of DUIs and 22nd in number of accidents.
Based on proprietary data from Insurify, the average cost of car insurance in Pennsylvania is $217 per month, which is lower than the national average of $233 per month. Pennsylvania is the 29th-cheapest state for auto insurance. Its rates are more expensive than those in neighboring states like Ohio and West Virginia.
Costs fluctuate often in Pennsylvania and other states, so it’s smart to shop around and compare quotes on a regular basis. For example, between July 2021 and July 2022, average rates in Pennsylvania increased by 4.78%. As insurance companies continue to react to industry conditions and supply chain changes, some providers might change their premiums.
A number of highly rated, reputable auto insurance companies offer affordable premiums in Pennsylvania. A few examples of affordable car insurance companies with high Insurify Composite Scores (ICS) include Travelers, Nationwide, and Liberty Mutual. Our ICS ratings are calculated based on financial strength, industry rankings, and customer satisfaction.
Of the auto insurers mentioned, Nationwide earned the highest ICS of 89 and offers drivers low rates of $126 per month. The company has an A+ rating from both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. Liberty Mutual has the next-best ICS of 82, a monthly average quote of $207, and an A rating from A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. Travelers offers drivers quotes of $115 per month.
In Pennsylvania, drivers must purchase medical benefits coverage, which is similar to personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Specifically, drivers need coverage of $5,000 per accident. This coverage type is also known as first-party medical benefits coverage. This insurance covers medical costs, lost wages, funeral costs, and more following a car accident.
Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, which means the insurance providers of each driver involved will pay for expenses regardless of who caused the accident.
Yes, Pennsylvania requires auto insurance. The minimum liability-only coverage you must purchase to drive legally in the state is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident in bodily injury, $5,000 per accident in property damage, and $5,000 per accident for medical benefits coverage, which is similar to personal injury protection (PIP).[5] Bodily injury and property damage liability cover costs for non-policyholders that you’re responsible for, including medical bills, property and vehicle repairs, or replacement. Property damage liability can also cover legal fees if you’re sued for your involvement in the accident. Medical benefits covers your medical payments and lost wage compensation after an accident.
Car insurance follows the car in the Keystone State, not the driver. If you let a friend or family member drive your car, for example, they’ll be protected by your auto policy in the event of an accident. They may also use their own coverage, however, if yours doesn’t cover the entire amount of the damages.
Specifics may vary by auto insurance provider, but any applicable insurance coverage of yours should apply regardless of who was driving the vehicle, unless the driver is unlicensed. That would cause you to run into some issues receiving coverage for the vehicle. And the unlicensed driver will face financial and legal consequences.
Full-coverage car insurance in Pennsylvania goes beyond the minimum required liability insurance. It also includes collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision insurance covers your vehicle repairs if you get into an accident or drive into an object. Comprehensive insurance pays for your repairs after natural disasters, vandalism, or animal damage to your vehicle.
Not every driver needs full-coverage car insurance. Many find sufficient coverage with minimum liability coverage and some additional elements of coverage. Drivers with particularly expensive or new vehicles should invest in full-coverage insurance to avoid troublesome costs following an accident or other incident. Drivers with old, worn-down vehicles may not want full coverage.
Insurify Insights
How Pennsylvania Drivers Measure Up
While most drivers know that car insurance quotes are determined in part by your personal driving history, many may be unaware that rates are also impacted by the average risk of the drivers around you as well. Check out Insurify's latest analysis of driving records in Pennsylvania below:
Methodology
Drawing from an internal database of over 4 million car insurance applications, the research team at Insurify analyzes patterns in car ownership and driver behavior - including how Pennsylvania drivers measure up to their fellow motorists across the United States in areas including speeding, DUIs, and more.
Insurify Insights publishes data-driven articles, trend analyses, and national rankings each week on all factors related to cars and those who drive them.
Honda Accord
Most Popular Car in Pennsylvania
#45
State with the Most Speeding Tickets Rank
#34
State with the Moving Violations Rank
#31
State with the Most DUIs Rank
#39
State with the most Suspended Licenses
While car accidents are a sadly unavoidable feature of time spent on the road, rates of accidents do vary from city to city and from state to state. Pennsylvania is the #23 state in the country for drivers with an at-fault accident on their driving record.
- Rank among states: #23
- Percent of drivers in Pennsylvania with an accident: 8.7%
While driving while intoxicated is never acceptable, it’s a more common offense than many assume. Pennsylvania is the #31 state in the country for drivers with a prior drunk driving conviction.
- Rank among states: #31
- Percent of drivers in Pennsylvania with a DUI: 1.2%
Reckless driving refers to a specific traffic violation: when drivers willfully act dangerously in spite of the risks they’re imposing on both themselves and others. Pennsylvania is the #29 state in the country for drivers with a reckless driving offense on record.
- Rank among states: #29
- Percent of drivers in Pennsylvania with a reckless driving offense: 1.2%
The Insurify team classifies rude drivers as those who commit one or more of the following driving offenses: failure to yield or failure to stop, improper backing, passing where prohibited, tailgating, street racing, or hit-and-run. Pennsylvania is the #28 state in the country for drivers with a rude driving violation on record.
- Rank among states: #28
- Percent of drivers in Pennsylvania with a rude driving violation: 1.4%
Exceeding the speed limit can endanger others and have a serious impact on your insurance costs. Pennsylvania is the #45 state in the country for drivers with a speeding ticket on record.
- Rank among states: #45
- Percent of drivers in Pennsylvania with a speeding ticket: 6.3%
Failing to yield the right of way isn’t just frustrating for other drivers; it’s dangerous, too. Pennsylvania is the #25 state in the country for drivers with a failure to yield violation on record.
- Rank among states: #25
- Percent of drivers in Pennsylvania with a failure to yield violation: 0.1%
Insurify Insights
Insurify's team of data scientists and content specialists presents Insurify Insights, a series of automotive, home, and health studies focusing on the topics that impact us all. through expert analysis of over 4 million car insurance applications and an array of top data sources, the Insurify Insights team produces new data-driven articles, trend analyses, regional superlatives, and national rankings every week. See Insurify Insights as featured in Forbes, Fox News, USA Today, NPR, and more.
Compare Car Insurance Quotes Instantly
Data scientists at Insurify analyzed more than 40 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partner providers across the United States to compile the car insurance quotes, statistics, and data visualizations displayed on this page. The car insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers' vehicles, driving records, and demographic information. Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Service's database of auto insurance rates. With these insights, Insurify is able to offer drivers insight into how companies price their car insurance premiums.
Sources
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. "State Symbols." Accessed November 29, 2022
- Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles. "State Minimum Car Insurance Requirements ." Accessed November 29, 2022
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. "PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services." Accessed November 29, 2022
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. "Public Transit Options." Accessed November 29, 2022
- Insurance Information Institute. "Automobile Financial Responsibility Laws By State." Accessed November 29, 2022