INSURANCE - CAR INSURANCE

Best Car Insurance in Pennsylvania for 2024

Updated Feb. 3, 2024
Fact checked
Erie has the lowest minimum cost car insurance in Pennsylvania.

Compare car insurance rates in Virginia

See if you qualify for a lower rate in less than 2 minutes

By clicking the button below I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Check Rates

FAST, EASY & FREE

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

With abundant historic sites and stunning natural beauty, Pennsylvania has much to explore by car. But before deciding to hit the road in the Keystone State, the cost of car insurance may make some people do a double take.

In this article

Key takeaways

  • The best car insurance in Pennsylvania for customer satisfaction is Erie, which costs $1,180 yearly for comprehensive coverage.
  • Drivers with a clean driving record pay an average of $145 per month for full coverage.
  • Philadelphia residents pay the most for car insurance in Pennsylvania, an average of $2,702 per year.

Best car insurance companies in Pennsylvania

Drivers in Pennsylvania pay an average of $1,747 a year for full coverage car insurance and $691 annually for minimum liability coverage.

State Farm had the lowest full coverage insurance. It averages $1,171 yearly, but Erie Insurance had the lowest minimum coverage, averaging $441 yearly. 

Progressive had the highest annual full and minimum coverage options, costing an average of $2,084 and $908, respectively.

Provider J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating Estimated annual full coverage Estimated annual minimum liability coverage
Erie 863/1,000 $1,180/year $441/year
State Farm 843/1,000 $1,171/year $482/year
Allstate 825/1,000 $1,778/year $801/year
Nationwide 820/1,000 $1,386/year $705/year
GEICO 818/1,000 $1,474/year $499/year
Progressive 814/1,000 $2,084/year $908/year

Compare car insurance rates in Virginia

By clicking the button below I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Check Rates

Erie: Highest customer satisfaction

Erie Insurance is a regional carrier available in 12 states, including Pennsylvania. It earned the highest customer satisfaction rating in the state and had the most affordable minimum liability coverage. Erie offers traditional and some specialty policies, including personal item coverage and auto glass repair.

Pros
  •  Lowest minimum coverage and second lowest full coverage in the state
  •  Erie has multiple agents throughout Pennsylvania
Cons
  •  Erie doesn’t have as many discounts as other insurance companies
  •  You may find more coverage options with some competitors

Get a quote now | Erie review

State Farm: Most affordable coverage

State Farm has the lowest full coverage auto insurance costs in Pennsylvania and the second-highest customer satisfaction score. While it had a higher minimum insurance coverage than competitor Erie, it was only by a small margin. State Farm also offers more discount options than some competitors, including up to 25% off for new drivers.

Pros
  •  It has agents throughout Pennsylvania
  •  State Farm earned 843 out of 1,000 in customer satisfaction
Cons
  •  State Farm does not offer some specialty coverages, such as traditional gap insurance
  •  High-risk drivers may find better pricing with a competitor

Get a quote now | State Farm review

Allstate: Best for multi-driver discounts

Allstate’s full coverage insurance is the second most expensive in Pennsylvania, costing a yearly average of $1,778. It also had the second-highest price for minimum car insurance, averaging $801 a year. Despite its higher cost, its coverage options and extensive discounts, including its bundling or multi-policy discounts, could make it a good option for some people.

Pros
  •  Allstate has many policy options, including accident forgiveness and gap coverage
  •  It has several agents spread across the state
Cons
  •  You’ll likely find lower prices with a competitor
  •  It earned only average customer service ratings in Pennsylvania

Get a quote now | Allstate review

Nationwide: Best for coverage options

Nationwide’s full coverage insurance is the third most expensive in Pennsylvania, and its minimum insurance averages $705 annually, well above some competitors. Despite the higher prices, it may be a good choice for some because of its multiple coverage options. Nationwide offers standard policies but has many specialty options, including gap coverage, accident forgiveness, and a vanishing deductible.

Pros
  •  Nationwide has relatively low prices on full coverage insurance
  •  It offers customer loyalty benefits, including key fob replacement
Cons
  •  Nationwide had more expensive minimum coverage than some competitors
  •  It had a below-average customer satisfaction rating

Get a quote now | Nationwide review

GEICO: Best for high-risk drivers

People with DUIs, speeding tickets, or at-fault accidents on their records generally pay more than average for car insurance. High-risk drivers in Pennsylvania pay an annual average of $2,357 for full coverage, compared to the state average of $1,747. While GEICO was a more expensive carrier on our list of the best car insurance companies compared to some competitors, it may be a good option since it insures high-risk drivers and can file required SR22 forms.

Pros
  •  GEICO has multiple policy options, like mechanical breakdown insurance for new cars
  •  It offers multiple discounts, including multi-vehicle and good driver
Cons
  •  GEICO’s full coverage insurance is more expensive than that of some competitors
  •  It has the second-lowest customer satisfaction score on our list

Get a quote now | GEICO review

Pennsylvania auto insurance requirements

Drivers in Pennsylvania must maintain the following minimum amounts of insurance to drive legally:

  • $15,000 for the injury or death of one person in an accident
  • $30,000 for the injury or death of more than one person in an accident
  • $5,000 for damage to the property of another person

These rates are relatively low compared to other states, and drivers may want higher coverage limits to ensure they’re adequately protected after an accident.

How to choose a car insurance provider in Pennsylvania

If you’re researching a new car insurance provider in Pennsylvania, consider the following to help you get the right coverage:

  • Ask for recommendations: Ask friends and family for recommendations and check review websites like the Better Business Bureau to see what existing customers say. Take some complaints with a grain of salt, but be wary of companies with multiple complaints for the same issue.
  • Check if a company can pay claims: Before starting a policy, check the company’s ability to pay claims on a website like Standard & Poor’s or AM Best. It’s also wise to check with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to confirm a company is licensed in the state and doesn’t have excessive complaints.
  • Compare quotes: Get quotes from at least three companies and ensure the policy amounts, coverage options, and discounts are similar for an accurate comparison. It’s also wise to confirm the policy types and amounts match your current insurance so you don’t accidentally step down your coverage.

How much does car insurance cost in Pennsylvania?

The average cost of car insurance in Pennsylvania is $1,747 a year for full coverage, compared to the national average of $1,582. Pennsylvania’s minimum car insurance costs an average of $691.

Drivers in Philadelphia pay an average of $2,702 annually, the most in the state, while drivers in Lancaster pay the least, an average of $1,500 yearly.

Pennsylvania car insurance rates by city

Many factors, including age, driving record, and credit history, can affect your insurance rates. Your city’s crime rate can also contribute to higher insurance rates since higher crime rates tend to lead to more insurance claims.

Philadelphia, for example, is the largest city in the state and earned an 8 out of 100 on the NeighborhoodScout crime index. This means Philadelphia is only safer than 8% of other U.S. neighborhoods. Philadelphia residents pay an average of $2,702 a year for full coverage car insurance. 

Comparatively, residents in Scranton, which earned a 27 out of 100 on the crime index, only pay an average of $1,691 annually for full coverage.

City Avg. annual full-coverage premium
Philadelphia$2,702/year
Erie $1,692/year
Scranton $1,691/year
Allentown $1,642/year
Pittsburgh $1,605/year
Lancaster $1,500/year

Methodology

Our analysis was conducted using six different auto insurance marketplaces to determine the best 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 Pennsylvania

What are the minimum car insurance coverage requirements in Pennsylvania?

The minimum insurance requirements in Pennsylvania are $15,000 for the injury or death of one person in an accident and $30,000 for the injury or death of more than one person in an accident. Drivers must also carry $5,000 for damage to another person's property.

How much does car insurance cost in Pennsylvania?

Car insurance in Pennsylvania costs an annual average of $1,747 for full coverage and $691 for minimum coverage.

Which car insurance companies cover Pennsylvania?

Many nationally recognized insurance companies cover Pennsylvania, including Allstate, State Farm, GEICO, Nationwide, and regional carrier Erie Insurance. 

What is the cheapest car insurance company in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania's cheapest full coverage car insurance is from State Farm, which averages $1,171 annually. Erie Insurance has the cheapest minimum insurance, which costs an average of $441 per year. 

  • You could save up to $600 with some companies
  • Compare dozens of providers in under 5 minutes
  • Fast, free and easy way to shop for insurance
  • Quickly find the perfect rate for you

Author Details

Kate Daugherty Kate Daugherty is a professional writer with a passion for providing others the head start they deserve on their financial journeys. Largely self-taught, Kate relied on books, blogs, and trial-and-error to learn how to budget and save for the future, all while working to pay back about $15,000 in student loans.