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.
Key takeaways
- Car insurance rates in Pennsylvania vary heavily by location and driver profile.
- Drivers with a clean driving record pay an average of $160 per month for full coverage.
- Philadelphia residents pay the most for car insurance in Pennsylvania, an average of $275 per month for full coverage.
Best car insurance companies in Pennsylvania
Drivers in Pennsylvania pay an average of $160 per month for full coverage car insurance and $90 per month for minimum liability coverage. See how these rates compare across a range of insurers below.
| Provider | FinanceBuzz Star Rating | Estimated monthly full coverage | Estimated monthly minimum liability coverage |
| Erie | $96 | $59 | |
| State Farm | $83 | $50 | |
| Allstate | $145 | $89 | |
| Auto-Owners | $103 | $64 | |
| GEICO | $129 | $79 | |
| Travelers | $125 | $77 |
Erie
Erie Insurance is a regional carrier available in 12 states, including Pennsylvania. It received one of the highest star ratings, while also offering some of the more affordable monthly full coverage at $96. Erie offers traditional and some specialty policies, including personal item coverage and auto glass repair.
- Among the lowest minimum coverage and full coverage rates in the state
- Erie has multiple agents throughout Pennsylvania
- Erie doesn't have as many discounts as other insurance companies
- You may find more coverage options with some competitors
Get rewarded with savings for having a clean driving record.
Car insurance can be so simple. And so affordable.
Enjoy personalized policies, comprehensive coverage & more.
Drivers who switch their auto insurance and save with State Farm save $764 on average!
State Farm
State Farm typically has some of the lowest full coverage auto insurance costs in Pennsylvania at $83, as well as a high star rating score. State Farm also offers more discount options than some competitors, including up to 25% off for new drivers.
- It has agents throughout Pennsylvania
- Multiple discount options
- 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
Allstate's full coverage insurance is generally among the most expensive in Pennsylvania, costing a monthly average of $145. Despite its higher cost, its star rating score, coverage options, and extensive discounts, including its bundling or multi-policy discounts, could make it an attractive option for some people.
- Highest FinanceBuzz star rating tied with GEICO
- It has several agents spread across the state
- You'll likely find lower prices with a competitor
- Allstate only sells insurance in six-month term periods
Get a quote now | Allstate review
Auto-Owners
Auto-Owners Insurance is known for typically offering low average premiums, such as $103 for full coverage, and a broad selection of coverage options, including specialty protections that many insurers don't provide. It largely has a strong customer service reputation, with a network of more than 48,000 local agents, which can provide a more personalized insurance experience.
- Typically one of the cheaper options for PA
- Unique coverage options
- No telematics program for tracking safe driving habits
- No online quote process available
Get a quote now | Auto-Owners review
GEICO
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 a monthly average of $185 for full coverage, compared to the state average of $160. While GEICO is a more expensive carrier on our list of the best car insurance companies compared to some competitors, it could be a good option for some since it insures high-risk drivers and can file required SR22 forms.
- Highest FinanceBuzz star rating tied with Allstate
- It offers multiple discounts, including multi-vehicle and good driver
- GEICO's full coverage premiums are usually higher than some competitor's rates
- Fewer local agents than other big carriers
Get a quote now | GEICO review
Travelers
Travelers Auto Insurance stands out for its wide range of coverage options and extensive discount opportunities. This carrier is especially appealing for Pennsylvania drivers who want customizable policies, but does carry a slightly higher cost at $125 for full coverage.
- Large selection of discounts
- Customizable coverage options
- Typically slightly more expensive coverage rates than other carriers
- Lower FinanceBuzz star ratings score than some competitors
Get a quote now | Travelers 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 $160 per month for full coverage, compared to the national average of $187. Pennsylvania's minimum car insurance costs an average of $90 per month.
Drivers in Philadelphia pay an average of $275 per month, the most in the state, while drivers in Lancaster pay the least, an average of $140 per month.
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.
| City | Avg. monthly full coverage premium |
| Philadelphia | $275 |
| Erie | $148 |
| Scranton | $163 |
| Allentown | $176 |
| Pittsburgh | $153 |
| Lancaster | $140 |
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
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 average of $160 per month for full coverage and $90 for minimum coverage.
Which car insurance companies cover Pennsylvania?
There are hundreds of licensed auto insurance carriers authorized to issue policies in Pennsylvania, though only a small group holds the majority of the market share, such as Allstate, State Farm, GEICO, Nationwide, and regional carrier Erie Insurance.
More about auto insurance in Pennsylvania
Data throughout provided by Insurify.
Average rate: