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J.J. Starr is an insurance and personal finance expert who has been writing for Compare.com since 2022. Her work has been published across the web, appearing on sites such as Insurify.
Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J. was a registered banker and life insurance consultant, holding a Series 6, FINRA, and life insurance license. She also earned a master’s degree in writing from New York University.
J.J. has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
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Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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Pennsylvania is among the most expensive states in the country for auto insurance and one of 12 “no-fault” states. That means you need to file a claim with your own insurance for your injuries after an accident, even if it wasn’t your fault.
Combine that with the commonwealth’s relatively high population density — the ninth densest in the U.S. — and you have a recipe for high auto insurance rates.
Pennsylvania drivers pay an average of $129 per month for car insurance, according to Compare.com data. But don’t worry — you still have plenty of ways to save on your monthly car insurance bill.
We’ll cover everything you need to know about Pennsylvania car insurance in the guide below — including state requirements, how to save, which companies have the cheapest rates, and our picks for the commonwealth’s best insurers.
National General is the cheapest car insurance company in Pennsylvania, with an average monthly rate of $69.
Pennsylvania drivers pay $97 per month for liability insurance and $162 for full coverage.
State-minimum coverage limits are low in Pennsylvania, so you should consider purchasing additional coverage.
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Car insurance rates can vary widely depending on where you live. In fact, even neighboring states can have drastically different average rates.
With that in mind, let’s look at how Pennsylvania stacks up to the rest of the U.S. as a whole.
State  | Average Monthly Liability Premium | Average Monthly Full-Coverage Premium | Average Monthly Premium for All Policies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $97 | $162 | $129 |
| National average | $108 | $190 | $149 |
On average, drivers in Pennsylvania pay $97 per month for liability insurance and $162 or full coverage, according to Compare.com data. But keep in mind that car insurance costs vary from driver to driver, and insurers base rates on a variety of factors, including age, driving record, and where you live.
We’ll go into more detail on how rates vary between these driver types later in this article.
Compare personalized quotes from Pennsylvania’s top insurers.
Our research found that the average rate for car insurance in Pennsylvania is $129 per month. But there are always ways to save money, starting with getting quotes from the cheapest companies in the state. Let’s take a look at which insurers are offering the cheapest rates in Pennsylvania, along with their average monthly premiums, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| National General | $69 |
| State Farm | $70 |
| Erie | $81 |
| Progressive | $86 |
| Auto-Owners | $87 |
| Safeco | $98 |
| Direct Auto | $102 |
| Foremost | $105 |
| Travelers | $106 |
| Root | $113 |
| GEICO | $114 |
| Bristol West | $119 |
| Allstate | $123 |
| CSAA | $124 |
| Dairyland | $134 |
| Nationwide | $139 |
| USAA | $143 |
| GAINSCO | $164 |
| Chubb | $165 |
| Liberty Mutual | $173 |
| State Auto | $192 |
National General offers the lowest rates in Pennsylvania, at $69 per month. But remember, these are broad averages — the cheapest insurer for you will depend on your unique driver profile.
In the next section, we’ll explore the cheapest insurers across different demographics.
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No single insurance company will be the best option for everyone, and price is only one part of the equation when choosing a new insurance company. And with literally hundreds of car insurance companies out there, it can be difficult to determine which company checks all of your specific boxes.
That’s why we’ve used our countless hours of research to break down the best insurers in Pennsylvania for several of the most common driver types. The following companies were chosen based on a combination of average rates in Pennsylvania, available discounts, customer ratings and reviews, and coverages offered.
Among the cheapest rates
Plenty of available discounts
Below-average claims satisfaction
Few local agents
GEICO is among the state leaders when it comes to the cheapest average rates, but where the insurance giant really shines is when we break things down by coverage type. Drivers who need the robust protection a full-coverage policy provides tend to find some of the best rates from GEICO, regardless of their age or driving record.
But those substantial savings still come at a price. GEICO’s direct-to-consumer business model means the company has very few local agents, and the company sometimes struggles when it comes to customer service. In fact, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) found that GEICO has 88% more customer complaints than expected.
Affordable rates
Customizable coverage options
SR-22 coverage available
Limited mobile app features
Erie stands out as one of the most affordable insurers in Pennsylvania for basic liability coverage. The company has high satisfaction with customer service and claims handling. It’s a great option if you need complex or specialty coverage. Still, Erie’s few self-service options and limited online features mean it may not be the best option for every driver, regardless of price.
Among the cheapest average rates
Plenty of discounts available
Limited coverages available
Below-average customer satisfaction
Unfortunately, drivers with less-than-perfect driving records pay some of the highest average rates of any group. Even just a single speeding ticket increases average rates by around 37% nationwide, according to our analysis, and an at-fault accident or DUI can cause your rates to nearly double.
Still, savvy shoppers can limit the blow of costly rate hikes by checking out State Farm. As the country’s largest auto insurance company by market share, State Farm has the resources to help drivers with spotty records still find affordable coverage.
The insurance behemoth boasts some of the cheapest average rates for drivers with a recent ticket, but it’s an especially great option for drivers with a DUI on their record.
Compare personalized quotes from Pennsylvania’s cheapest companies.
The coverage level you choose affects your rates. Basic liability coverage at the state-minimum limits is the cheapest policy available. This coverage ensures you’re not financially responsible for other people’s injuries and property damage if you cause an accident, but it won’t cover your own expenses (such as vehicle repair costs).
Let’s take a look at which companies offer the cheapest state-minimum liability coverage in Pennsylvania, according to Compare.com data.
Remember that these minimum-liability policies offer only basic protection. If you want more protection, consider full coverage. Next, we’ll break down which companies offer the best rates for full coverage.
Full-coverage policies meet state-minimum liability requirements and cover your vehicle from both collision and non-collision damage. If you have a car loan or a vehicle worth more than $5,000, you’ll generally need a full-coverage policy (your lender will likely require it).
But which companies have the cheapest full-coverage policies in Pennsylvania? Let’s take a look, according to Compare.com data.
Many factors, such as your age and driving history, affect your rates, so you want to find the best company for your unique needs. Let’s take a closer look at how age and driving record influence premiums and the cheapest companies for each.
Your age has a huge effect on your car insurance rates. Young drivers pay more due to inexperience and a higher risk of car accidents, while middle-aged drivers typically get the lowest rates because of their experience and lower risk. But drivers older than 70 may eventually face higher rates due to declining abilities.
The table below also shows the cheapest insurer by age in Pennsylvania and its corresponding average monthly premium.
Age Group | Statewide Average Monthly Premium | Cheapest Insurer | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teens | $257 | State Farm | $137 |
| 40s | $135 | National General | $64 |
| 60s | $111 | National General | $53 |
Teens pay the highest monthly premiums of any age group in Pennsylvania. Car insurance for young drivers is expensive because their inexperience and penchant for risk-taking contribute to higher accident rates.
Pennsylvania teens pay an average of $257 per month for car insurance, but they can find cheaper coverage with the right insurer. State Farm is the cheapest average car insurance in Pennsylvania for teens, at $137 per month, according to Compare.com data.
As drivers approach retirement age, they usually see their auto insurance rates decrease (all else being equal). And, for older drivers who drive less often, rates can be even lower.
The average Pennsylvania senior in their 60s pays around $111 per month for car insurance. Fortunately, there are cheaper options.
We found that National General is the cheapest car insurer for senior drivers in Pennsylvania, with average rates of $53 per month.
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Your driving history is probably the most important factor in determining your car insurance rate. After all, how you’ve driven in the past can say a lot about how you’ll drive in the future.
People who’ve caused an accident or been caught speeding or driving under the influence pay more for car insurance than drivers with clean records.
Driving Record | Statewide Average Monthly Premium | Cheapest Insurer | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean record | $129 | National General | $69 |
| Speeding ticket | $173 | National General | $88 |
| At-fault accident | $151 | National General | $83 |
| DUI | $208 | National General | $106 |
A speeding ticket can raise your rates by 27%, according to Compare.com data. Tickets can also stay on your record indefinitely in Pennsylvania — though most insurers only look back three years into your record.
Pennsylvania drivers pay an average of $173 per month for car insurance after a ticket. National General is the cheapest option for these drivers, according to our research. Drivers who choose the insurer pay $88 per month on average.
The average driver sees their rates increase by 37% after an at-fault accident, according to Compare.com data. But some drivers still find cheap rates.
Pennsylvania drivers pay an average rate of $151 per month after an accident. Our research found that Pennsylvania drivers with an accident on their record pay the cheapest rates with National General, at $83 per month.
DUIs can double your car insurance rates — average rates rise by 50% after a DUI, according to Compare.com data. Increases are (luckily) less severe in Pennsylvania, and the consequences for a first DUI offense are relatively light compared to other states (six months of probation and a $300 fine).
Drivers in Pennsylvania with a DUI pay a monthly average rate of about $208. But National General is the cheapest auto insurer in Pennsylvania for drivers with a DUI, according to Compare.com data. Drivers who choose the insurer pay $106 per month on average after a DUI.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation requires drivers to have liability coverage of at least:
$15,000 of bodily injury protection per person
$30,000 of bodily injury protection per incident
$5,000 of property damage liability protection
$5,000 in medical benefits coverage
These minimums are fairly low compared to other states, so you might want to consider (and at least get a quote for) higher liability limits.
You can also opt into $5,000 of first-party benefit coverage (or more, depending on the insurer) — the state’s version of no-fault insurance. Pennsylvania currently doesn’t require uninsured and underinsured motorist protection, though it (and our staff experts) recommend it.
Pennsylvania is a “hybrid no-fault” state, which means it gives drivers the option to choose between no-fault insurance and at-fault coverage (known as “full-tort” in the industry).
No-fault car insurance systems limit the ability to sue for damages after an accident, as your insurance company covers your medical costs no matter who is at fault. On the other hand, full-tort insurance allows you to sue at-fault parties for compensation without restrictions.
Looking specifically at price, no-fault policies are generally cheaper than full-tort.
Pennsylvania has less severe penalties for driving without insurance relative to nearby states. You’ll need to pay a civil penalty of $300 or face a three-month registration suspension, as well as registration restoration fees. In some cases, your license could be suspended and you could be forced to pay an additional fine to reinstate it.
If authorities catch you driving without insurance more than once in a 12-month period, you’ll have to serve a three-month registration suspension.
An SR-22 form isn’t a type of car insurance but a document that serves as proof of financial responsibility (aka proof of insurance). Some states require one for drivers convicted of certain moving violations. Though common (38 states have SR-22 laws or similar on the books), Pennsylvania is one of 12 states that doesn’t require SR-22s.
Even so, drivers with DUIs, reckless driving, and other tickets that typically require SR-22 insurance can pay double (or more) for car insurance.
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The average driver has access to plenty of ways to save money on car insurance. Here are five ways we think will have the greatest effect on your rate.
Demonstrate low risk: Obeying traffic rules, driving defensively, paying insurance premiums on time, and maintaining continuous insurance all demonstrate low risk — no matter your age or location.
Use discounts: Most insurance companies offer discount opportunities, with some offering more favorable terms depending on what you qualify for. You can combine discounts for even greater benefits, so be sure to review your eligible discounts each time your policy renews.
Adjust your policy terms: Review your policy and consider if your coverage types and limits fit your needs. You can raise deductibles or eliminate unnecessary gap insurance (and don’t be afraid to reach out to an agent for guidance).
Downsize your vehicle: People who drive older, less expensive vehicles tend to pay less because they can often opt for a liability-only policy. And even when comprehensive and collision coverage is necessary, those premiums are lower because the car costs less to repair or replace.
Make time to compare rates: Rates change constantly, and the cheapest option today may not be the cheapest option tomorrow. It’s a good idea to get quotes and compare rates every six months or so before your policy renewal. Using a price comparison site can make this task quick and easy.
Compare personalized quotes from the cheapest insurers in California.
You may still have some questions about Pennsylvania’s unique insurance rules and coverage costs. Here are the questions most commonly asked by drivers like you about PA car insurance.
Our research found that National General is the cheapest insurer in Pennsylvania, at $69 per month.
Car insurance in Pennsylvania is $129 per month, on average — putting rates in the state slightly above the national average, according to Compare.com data.
But rates vary by location, with many areas seeing lower average rates than others. Liability-only policies average $97 per month, while full-coverage policies cost about $162 per month.
The cheapest city for auto insurance in Pennsylvania is State College, which has an average liability premium of $69 per month, according to Compare.com data.
To meet state-minimum car insurance requirements in Pennsylvania, you’ll need at least $15,000/$30,000 of bodily injury liability, $5,000 of property damage liability coverage, and $5,000 in medical benefits coverage. Pennsylvania also strongly encourages drivers to purchase similar amounts of uninsured and underinsured motorist protection, though you can decline it.
If authorities catch you driving without car insurance in Pennsylvania, you’ll most likely have to choose between paying a $300 fine or accepting a three-month suspension of your vehicle registration. You’ll also have to pay restoration fees (and provide proof of insurance) in order to regain your registration.
Sources:
Census.gov, “City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2022,” accessed November 6, 2024.
PennDOT, “Insurance Law Overview and Frequently Asked Questions,” accessed November 6, 2024.
PennDOT, “Insurance Overview,” accessed November 6, 2024.
J.D. Power, “2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,” accessed November 6, 2024.
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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J.J. Starr is an insurance and personal finance expert who has been writing for Compare.com since 2022. Her work has been published across the web, appearing on sites such as Insurify.
Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J. was a registered banker and life insurance consultant, holding a Series 6, FINRA, and life insurance license. She also earned a master’s degree in writing from New York University.
J.J. has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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