The Keystone State is known for its role in history (and for Hershey's chocolate factories). But whether you live in Erie or Philadelphia, you can expect to pay higher-than-average rates for car insurance.
The average cost of car insurance in Pennsylvania is $178, compared to the national average of $193. But how much you'll pay for coverage depends on factors such as where you live, your age, credit history, and driving habits.
Key takeaways
- The average cost of car insurance in Pennsylvania is $178 per month for full coverage and $93 per month for state-minimum insurance.
- Teen drivers pay an average of $313 per month for car insurance.
- Seniors (60s) pay an average of $144 per month for full coverage.
How much does car insurance cost in Pennsylvania?
On average, full coverage policies that include collision, comprehensive, and liability insurance cost $178 month year in Pennsylvania. Insurance policies meeting the state's minimum liability requirements cost $93 monthly.
Insurance is slightly less expensive for seniors in Pennsylvania, but teens will pay substantially more for coverage. The average cost of car insurance for teens is $313.
Avg. cost for full coverage | Avg. cost for liability coverage | Cheapest insurance provider |
$178/month | $93/month | Erie |
Avg. full coverage cost for teen drivers | Avg. full coverage cost for seniors (60s) | Avg. full coverage cost for drivers with an accident on their record |
$313/month | $144/month | $226/month |
Average cost of car insurance in Pennsylvania by provider
Several major insurers issue policies in Pennsylvania, including Allstate, Geico, and State Farm. But there are also some regional companies, such as Erie Insurance, that only issue policies in select states and offer affordable rates.
State Farm and Erie had the lowest average premiums for full coverage and state minimum policies in Pennsylvania.
Provider | Full coverage | Minimum liability coverage |
Allstate | $193/month | $87/month |
GEICO | $170/month | $78/month |
Progressive | $173/month | $78/month |
State Farm | $310/month | $137/month |
Nationwide | $218/month | $99/month |
Erie | $131/month | $58/month |
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How does credit score affect car insurance rates in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's laws allow insurers to use drivers' credit histories as a factor to determine car insurance premiums. Generally, the better your credit, the less you'll pay for coverage, so spending time improving your credit can pay off over time.
We found that those with excellent credit — meaning credit scores of 750 or higher — paid hundreds less than those with poor credit.
Credit health | Avg. monthly premium |
Poor (550-649) | $199/month |
Average (650-699) | $184/month |
Good (700-749) | $178/month |
Excellent (750+) | $158/month |
Average car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania drivers should be aware that driving recklessly or under the influence can cause your premiums to skyrocket.
Violation | Avg. monthly premium before violation* | Avg. monthly premium after violation |
At-fault accident | $178/month | $226/month |
DUI | $178/month | $261/month |
Speeding ticket | $178/month | $208/month |
*Assumes clean driving record with good credit
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How does age affect car insurance rates in Pennsylvania?
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Pennsylvania's median age is 40.9, which is higher than the national median. With an older population in the state, it's not surprising that car insurance premiums tend to decrease as you age.
Drivers who are 17 will pay an average of $313 per month for insurance, while those in their 40s will pay just $184 per month for the same coverage.
Age | Avg. monthly premium |
17 | $313/month |
25 | $216/month |
30 | $191/month |
40 | $184/month |
60 | $144/month |
Pennsylvania car insurance rates by city
If you live in a densely populated area, you're more likely to be involved in an accident or be impacted by crime. That's why drivers who live in cities tend to pay much more for car insurance than those who live in suburban or rural areas.
In Pennsylvania, drivers that live in Philadelphia pay the highest average rates at $2,702 per year. The sky-high premiums are because of Philadelphia's crime rate; NeighborhoodScout gave Philadelphia a crime rating index of eight, meaning 92% of cities in the U.S. are safer than Philadelphia.
City | Avg. monthly full-coverage premium |
Philadelphia | $313/month |
Pittsburgh | $173/month |
Allentown | $204/month |
Erie | $167/month |
Scranton | $172/month |
Lancaster | $138/month |
PA's minimum car insurance requirements
Pennsylvania requires all drivers to have liability insurance, but its requirements are lower than the minimums of many other states. In Pennsylvania, drivers must meet the following insurance requirements:
- $15,000 in bodily injury protection for one person
- $30,000 in bodily injury protection for two or more people
- $5,000 in property damage protection
These coverages are relatively low, so many drivers may want to increase the coverage limits and add collision or comprehensive protection.
How to save money on car insurance in Pennsylvania
To lower your premiums for car insurance in Pennsylvania, use these tips:
- Change your deductible: Increasing your deductible — for example, changing it from $500 to $1,000 — will cause your premiums to go down. However, choose a deductible amount you can comfortably afford so you're not struggling to cover the bill after an accident.
- Ask for discounts: Reach out to your insurance agent to find out if you're eligible for any discounts, such as anti-theft device discounts or good student discounts.
- Consider usage-based insurance: Usage-based insurance, also known as pay-per-mile insurance, can help safe drivers save money on their car insurance. In Pennsylvania, several companies offer usage-based insurance, including MetroMile, Erie Insurance, and State Farm.
- Shop for a new insurer: As we mentioned above, car insurance rates vary by company, so you may be able to save money by switching insurers. You can start by checking out our picks for the best car insurance companies.
Methodology
Our analysis was conducted using six different auto insurance marketplaces to determine the average cost of auto insurance in each state. The data we analyzed included coverage premiums from up to 10 different insurance providers. We looked at rates by city, driver profile, and credit score, as well as factored in the impact of driving violations. This data is for comparative purposes only. Your actual quote may be different.
FAQs about car insurance costs in PA
Is car insurance expensive in PA?
Pennsylvania's car insurance is relatively expensive compared to other states. On average, drivers in Pennsylvania pay $178, compared to the national average of $193.
Data throughout provided by Insurify.
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